Latest Posts

Oberhofer – “Dreamt I Was Gonna Be Your Man”

Enticing synthpop act Oberhofer harness the best of pop through the decades with their latest release, “Dreamt I Was Gonna Be Your Man.” The L.A. troupe channels 80s pop domination in the video for the track, playing with hyperbolic storytelling and analog-style video recording. Frontman Brad Oberhofer’s sound hints towards his Brooklyn-DIY beginnings while testing the limits of timeless pop domination and lasting melodic hooks. This track signals a new beginning for the band, with promise of new releases following their current stint in the studio. Test the waters with “Dreamt I Was Gonna Be Your Man” below.

Soy Milk Boy – “Where’s the Leak, Ma’am?”

Nashville’s Soy Milk Boy drum up a bit of grungy indie rock in their track “Where’s the Leak, Ma’am?” For fans of Speedy Ortiz, Lady Lamb, or Hop Along, this punk driven four-piece play with a cocktail of distortion and clarity that makes for a heady mix. This track mulls over classic themes of fleeting youth and feeling lost in a way that’s both engaging and universally relatable. Alongside the band’s other recent single, we can expect a full length album from Soy Milk Boy in the not-so distant future. Until then, brood along to “Where’s the Leak, Ma’am?” below.

Silent Forum – “Robot”

Deemed Wales’ most promising band, Silent Forum provide a cinematic take on broody indie rock with their latest track, “Robot.” Produced by R.E.M’s Charlie Francis, the band melds thrumming guitar lines and emphatic vocals with an unwavering beat. The video for the track takes on playfully psychedelic imagery, with the dauntingness of normalcy personified in an ever-present paper mache head. With the glimmer of classic Brit-pop intricacies and their tenacious energy, this band is likely to find a bright future ahead of them. Experience it in full with “Robot” below.

Luboku – “Closer”

Luboku puts his own dreamy electropop spin on a Ne-Yo classic in his new single, “Closer.” The Melbourne native has racked up numerous producer credits and touring bills since his 2014 outset, with nods from notable media outlets across Europe and North America. Luboku’s momentum has seemingly peaked this past year, with a slew of singles making waves. This track itself is a drowsy electro-dance number that brings a new flavor to the original 2008 hit. Give the tune a spin below, and find more from the budding producer here.

The Nursery – “Human Race”

Toronto trio The Nursery sprinkle plenty of alt-rock gusto into the video for their track “Human Race.” A hint of 80’s synth pop influence weaves its way throughout song’s harmonic structure, taking shape in the video’s retro, analog TV projection. There’s an earthiness to their sound that cements the array of styles together, combining post-punk grit with celestial dream pop. Their cited influencers, ranging from The Cure to Queen, hint towards an appreciation for time-tested melodies and instrumental soundscapes. Mull over The Nursery’s classic themes of angst and apprehension in the video below.

The Phone Booth – “Swim in Oceans”

Santa Barbara quartet The Phone Booth turn to songwriting to work through grief in their upcoming album, Roman. The band’s latest single preceding the release is “Swim in Oceans,” a cacophony of fuzz guitar and muddled vocals that gives nods to their west coast garageband roots and punk-inspired angst. The album itself is an homage to a dear friend that lost their battle with cancer, working through moments of frustration, candor, and loss. The track’s distortion-ridden production and arduous instrumentation hit like a ton of bricks, met in contrast with moments of clarity where the vocals take center stage. Keep an eye out for the upcoming full length, which promises to be an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Get the first taste with “Swim in Oceans” below.

OSQAR – “Let Me Be Your Weekend”

Burgeoning New Zealand electropop act OSQAR comes out swinging with his club-inspired, soon-to-be hit, “Let Me Be Your Weekend.” It’s got all the makings of an electronic bop; a little wistfulness, laid back endurance, and wavy synths to set the tone. In the scope of modern relationships, this track covers all bases, getting a bit nostalgic in the verses while keeping things upbeat with each return of the chorus. This is OSQAR’s second single to date, with what seems to be a bright future ahead of the 20-year-old artist. Keep tabs on this guy – this won’t be the last we hear of him.

Mink’s Miracle Medicine – “Pyramid Theories”

West Virginia duo Mink’s Miracle Medicine strum up some homespun melodies steeped in emotion in their new single “Pyramid Theories.” Melissa Wright’s poignant vocals conjure imagery that stands the tests of time, hammered home with steady percussion and gentle guitar strains. Their folksy twang-meets-grungy rock sound is captivating, showcased as both an impassioned cry and artistic storytelling. This single is the title track to the duo’s recent album, drawing influence from their stranded stint in Pittsburgh, after the band’s van broke down in the midst of their tour. Find more stirring tunes like this one on the full album here.

Family Hahas – “OK Year”

Zippy indie rock duo Family Hahas bring a lighthearted sense of nostalgia to their music that’s undeniably infectious. This is especially true of their latest single, “OK Year.” Clarion vocals and burgeoning synth lines maintain the song’s zest, opening up with intrinsic percussion, cementing bass grooves, and paired vocal harmonies. This is easy listening at its finest, while still mulling over themes of loneliness and feeling generally unsettled. Despite this, there’s a distinct note of optimism that shines through in the track’s snapshot-worthy imagery that will keep you coming back for more. Find other sweetly wistful tunes from Family Hahas here.

The Six Sevens – “San Francisco”

Santa Barbara slacker rock outfit The Six Sevens hit the nail on the head of the quarter life crisis in their single “San Francisco.” The quintet’s jangly guitar lines and bleary drum fills help paint the picture of parental disappointment and being young, broke, and restless. With that grungy and wholesome sound that conjures comparisons to The Front Bottoms or Sorority Noise, there’s a down to earth relatability to this track that will have you hitting replay time and time again. “San Francisco” is fresh off The Six Seven’s latest album, Watch Your Head. Get the full picture with this album and more on the band’s bandcamp page.

Bengal Lancers – “Memory Loss”

Indie rock four-piece Bengal Lancers contribute to a vital dialogue in their latest single, “Memory Loss.” The band mulls over the impact of mental health on oneself and others from a stance that’s both earnest and relatable. The listening experience itself is cathartic, letting go of past frustrations and anxieties by way of running guitar lines, potent vocals, and dynamic drum work. This approach to an oftentimes sensitive topic is exactly the kind of understanding and accessibility that’s needed to move society in the right direction. Find similarly impactful themes in Bengal Lancer’s other work here.

Erostratus – “No Show”

New York City trio Erostratus take a page out of the psych-rock book in their track “No Show.” Frontman Ben Workman takes an aerial-view look at his experiences and personal connections, piecing them together with clear-cut imagery and anecdotes. The song’s structure takes on a similarly piecemeal feel, connecting disjointed time signatures with modulating keys in a heavy fog of distortion. Its ever-evolving sound allows for an engaging listening experience from start to finish. If “No Show” is right up your alley, stay tuned for Erostratus’ debut album, which promises similarly introspective themes set to a dimly lit New York City backdrop.

Adeline Hotel – “Lightning”

The homespun, jangly wonders of Adeline Hotel are certainly not lost on their latest single, “Lightning.” Dan Knishkowy and Co turn up the rugged side of their sound, ruled by spiraling guitar lines, tinny percussion, and a light haze of distortion to smooth it all over. This track is a step away from the projects broodier songs, letting instrumentation shine while the vocals act as the glue that fits everything together seamlessly. It has a homey feel  to it that immediately puts the listener at ease. Luckily, there’s opportunity for more where that came from on the band’s upcoming album Away Together, set for release October 26. Countdown the days with “Lightning” below.

TOLEDO – “Hot Stuff”

Indie rock duo TOLEDO draw up a creamy, dreamy hit with their latest single, “Hot Stuff.” Their combination of bubbling electronica, meandering guitar lines, and lofty falsetto provides the all makings for a sunny fall soundtrack. The band broods over the passage of time and the inevitability of change in a way that keeps their lighthearted disposition in tact. With a sound that hits somewhere between Day Wave and The Shins, there’s an addictive quality to this track that seems to boil down to some good old fashioned ascending melodies and engaging instrumentals. “Hot Stuff” comes to us as the prelude to TOLEDO’s upcoming debut EP, due out February 2019. Until then, catch more from the duo here.

Mantell – “Lulu”

Melbourne, Australia foursome Mantell grind out some gritty surf rock with the leading track off their recently released EP, “Lulu.” This song takes the breeziness and serenity that we’ve come to expect from coastal-region bands and cranks it up a few industrial notches. The lead-foot distortion, methodic guitar strains, buzzing synths, and unrelenting drum work hammer their point home, urging us to grab hold of our youth while it’s still within reach. A complete DIY project between four long-time friends makes the sound all the more sweet, earning the band well-won radio play and packed gigs at Melbourne’s best and brightest. If “Lulu” has you hooked, be sure to check out the rest of Mantell’s EP Thirty Two here.