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Two Islands – “Still Life”

October 19, 2017

UK indie pop heartthrobs Two Islands provide even more proof that 80’s synth pop never has and hopefully never will die with their latest single “Still Life.” The band aims to pay homage to their native Liverpool’s iconic songwriting history, while bringing their own modern flare into the mix. From the first downbeat, “Still Life” is bubbling over with pure, unadulterated energy, utilizing elastic guitar lines, shiny synths, and stirring vocals to channel their bona fide new-and-improved pop nostalgia sound. With this track being their second single to date, Two Islands has certainly slipped past the growing pains stage, right to the spirited pop earworms that will certainly carry them far. Hop on the bandwagon early and jam to “Still Life” below.

Blaketheman1000 – “Vegan”

October 18, 2017

If you’re trying to fill a homespun bedroom pop void in the vein of Frankie Cosmos or (SANDY) Alex G, look no further than the cleverly tongue-in-cheek songs of Blaketheman1000. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter recently released an EP with highlight track “Vegan” taking the animal product-free cake. The song playfully mulls over miscommunication and youthful eagerness by way of glimmering synth tracks, mellow guitar lines, and some good-natured beatboxing. The vocal interplay, featuring Katy Kirby, is arguably the track’s winsome focal point, honing in on happy-go-lucky novelty a la Michael Cera and Ellen Page singing The Moldy Peaches’ “Anyone Else But You” at the end of Juno. For more endearing veritableness check out Blaketheman1000’s Tokyo EP.

Motion Trap – “The Movement”

October 18, 2017

Denver duo Motion Trap’s latest single “The Movement” sets up an electronic soundscape that radiates nothing but good vibes. With the help of pulsing synths, sharp percussion, and breezy, layered vocal lines, the track has an ethereal quality to it, while still supplying enough energy to ignite a synth pop-fueled revolution. Motion Trap has come a long way since their 2012 inception, where after various collaborations and band member changeovers, their penchant for electrifying disco dance tracks has never waned. “The Movement” comes from the duo’s recently released album Heavenly Bodies, featuring other juicy tracks like “Molecule” and “Youth Blood.”

MC Bravado – “Try-Polar”

October 10, 2017

Hip-hop mogul MC Bravado opens up a dialogue on mental health and coping mechanisms with the video for his track “Try-Polar.” Marrying a rapid-fire vocal delivery with haunting guitar motifs and vintage R&B beats, he invites the listener to explore another person’s point of view and a struggle that is not always the easiest to perceive. The track comes from MC Bravado’s second album “Hip-Hop*” which was released this past March via Soulspazm. Experience the world through MC Bravado’s eyes with “Try-Polar” below.

Loud Forest – “Wake Up”

October 10, 2017

With the bright idealism of a kinetic sunrise, Los Angeles duo Loud Forest forge their latest indie pop heart-wrencher, “Wake Up.” The song muses over a lover that is always just beyond reach, where dreams and reality blur, indistinguishable. Despite the elusive dreaminess, the track calls for a return to the real world as running drum lines, paired vocals, and buoyant guitar chords hint towards an optimistic outcome. Rachel and Bernard Chadwick have been long-time partners in music and life, playing together under various aliases for over a decade. “Wake Up” is Loud Forest’s second single out this year, following up their self-titled album released in May 2016.

Sure Sure – “Hands Up Head Down”

October 10, 2017

LA band Sure Sure once again provide the perfect indie rock soundtrack that you never knew you needed with this latest single, “Hands Up Head Down.” The track goes in an eerie direction with the help of rhythmic distortion guitars, fuzzy vocals, crawling synths, and an ominous bass line. It dances precariously on the line between a ‘cooler than you’ party anthem and a socially anxious manifestation. With a forecast of more single releases and a touring debut this winter with Hippo Campus, we’re likely to hear a lot more from Sure Sure in the coming months. For now, take a walk on the dark side with “Hands Up Head Down” below.

Handkerchief Thief – “Salted Skin”

October 8, 2017

Melbourne’s latest singer/songwriter aficionado Handkerchief Thief sends shivers through the airwaves with his debut track “Salted Skin.” Brimming with underlying intensity, the single centers on the restlessness and deep sense of longing derived from separation. Through a heady mix of finespun falsetto, deft guitar lines, and kinetic drum tracks, the song acts as quicksand, slowly sinking you deeper with each instrumental track added and each vocal part layered. Handkerchief Thief seems to fit right in among other stirring indie-folk influencers like Bon Iver, Daughter, and The Paper Kites, paving the way for a full emotional journey within the song’s 4-minute frame. This is the first track off of Handkerchief Thief’s upcoming debut EP, Hunting For Hummingbirds, set to released later this year.

Piers James – “Samurai”

October 8, 2017

U.K artist Piers James takes lucid dreaming to a new, commanding level with the video for his track “Samurai.” The video plays on the stealth and ferocity of the warrior, incorporating James’ own aesthetic ideals to bring to life the narrative of his subconscious. Featuring a well-blended mix of grime, hip-hop, and even a bit of reggae, Piers James maintains a fervid flow over a bed of jangly percussion, jazz-inspired bass lines, and eccentric electronics. Over the course of a few months, he has built a reputation for his thought-provoking lyrics and inspiring messages throughout the U.K. With recognition on BBC Radio 1 and Spotify playlist curation, the future is looking bright for Piers James. Take in the striking visuals of “Samurai” below.

The Artful Force – “What Would You Do For Me”

October 4, 2017

Australian producer/musician Mike Dotch aka The Artful Force recently presented his latest low-key banger, “What Would You Do For Me.” With a heady mix of rhythmic piano, sparkling synths, and a buoyant bass line, this song captures the uplifting spirit of nudisco with a splash of 80’s synthpop flare. Each instrumental track has its time to shine as it creeps out of the groove-driven texture, all while the vocals loop back into a ceaseless mantra. Get a hypnotic dose of electropop with “What Would You Do For Me” below, and find more house-inspired dance tracks from The Artful Force here.

Daniel Pope – “Terrible King”

October 3, 2017

Brooding indie-folk artist Daniel Pope takes a page out of Iron & Wine/Sufjan Stevens’ book with his song “Terrible King.” Filtering in blanketing vocals and nimble guitar lines, this track smoothes out the edges while experimenting with unique chord progressions and cavernous vocal harmonies. Despite not having a multitude of instrumental tracks, “Terrible King” still manages to capture a full sound that’s both tender and moving. The track comes straight from his recent EP entitled Sad Zoo, the second album release for Daniel Pope. Test the waters with “Terrible King” below.

Max García Conover – “fire on i-295”

October 3, 2017

Singer-songwriter Max García Conover’s latest album was penned in true acoustic-folk fashion – while traveling across the US via vintage motorhome. With a goal to pen one song a week, his album motorhome was born, and with it his lead single “fire on i-295.” There’s a distinctly homey feel to the track, almost as if reminiscing over an old story with a close friend. He opens the door and invites you in, urging you to stay a while. It’s warm and it’s comforting, filled with anecdotes that act as much to set the scene as to bare his soul. With compelling phrases like “I’m gonna love you till my body burns,” García Conover’s lyricism has a way of surfacing to the forefront just when it’s most affecting. On the album, he states “motorhome is an autobiographical album about longing — for revelation, for a place to call home on our[...]

Simen Mitlid – “St. Hanshaugen”

October 2, 2017

Oslo’s indie-folk troubadour Simen Mitlid features his delicately crafted single “St. Hanshaugen,” fresh off his recently released album, Everything is the Same. Channeling the instrospective acousticism of Sufjan Stevens and Broken Social Scene, Mitlid ties in subdued vocal layering with growing instrumentals and tender technicality. The track is equal parts soothing and invigorating, drawing in the breath of life with the building anticipation of a massive crescendo. Take in Simen Mitlid’s serene crooning in “St. Hanshaugen” below, and indulge more fully with the entire album here.

Fellow Bohemian – “Get Away”

October 2, 2017

L.A. five-piece Fellow Bohemian draw up breezy indie rock at its finest with their track “Get Away.” The single hits its stride with the help of ethereal vocals, sun-soaked guitar lines, an energetic bass line, and intricate drum work. It’s the kind of track that comes off as genuinely carefree without trying too hard, where underlying dance rhythms meet weightless and hazy instrumentation. This type of textured sonic experience is what Fellow Bohemian have come to be known for, rivaled only by their spirited live shows. “Get Away” comes from the band’s recently released EP, Calm & Modern, aptly named from key traits of their sound. Catch the single below, and be sure to check out the full EP if you’re hungry for more.

Redwood Skyline – “The River”

September 22, 2017

San Francisco-based band Redwood Skyline recently released their powerhouse of a second single, “The River.” Drawing in the best of folk, rock, and pop, the four-piece cite an array of influences from The Avett Brothers to Modest Mouse. “The River” highlights twangy vocals, sharp guitar lines, and rolling percussion in a way that’s both homey and striking. This track is all about contrasts, meeting gravelly and crystal-clear vocals, and light distortion with walking basslines. Tune in to “The River” below, and keep an eye out for more from Redwood Skyline.

Freedom Fry – “Party Down”

September 22, 2017

Los Angeles’ own Freedom Fry are keeping the ball rolling with another track off their recently released EP, “Party Down.” Taking cues from the indie pop greats like Passion Pit and Grouplove, the duo set the vibe with bright rhythm guitar, glowing synth lines, and energizing vocals. It’s a surrounding experience, touching all bases with expert track layering and engaging interplay among both vocalists. “Party Down” is the kind of track that’s hard to get enough of, and luckily there’s more where this came from with Strange Attraction, out now and available everywhere.