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Ladyfriend – “Cool”

February 6, 2017

Los Angeles duo Ladyfriend dive into the future of indie-pop with their track “Cool.” This song is the alluring new kid in school that wears a leather jacket and cuts class. It’s dreamy to the highest degree with soft, reverb-drenched vocals, sweet harmony clusters, and a background of churning synths. Singer Erik croons “Cool but not ‘cause you want to / Cool but not ‘cause you care,” defining the quintessential theme of this track. It achieves captivating vocals and engaging instrumentals with seemingly no effort. Take a listen below, it will probably be the ‘coolest’ thing you do all day. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302361704″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Stoop Kids – “Tahoe”

February 6, 2017

Stoop Kids are back at it again with their own brand of slacker rock, highlighting a touch of psychedelica in the band’s new track “Tahoe.” Penned after the coffee-and-cigarette-fueled odyssey that was their first extended tour, this song encapsulates life on the road and the sense of unrest that comes with it. It starts off as funk inspired easy-listening, adding some edge little by little, culminating to the song’s gritty finale. This five-piece has made quite a name for itself, all on it’s own accord. Expect to see more from these guys in the not-so-distant future. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303145168″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rina Mushonga – “Atalanta”

February 5, 2017

Rina Mushonga brings soul to electropop with her latest single “Atalanta.” The song is an ode the Greek mythological icon for female strength; Atalanta. It holds on to elements of synth-pop, but takes it a bit deeper with robust vocals and and earthy synth/bass strumming work. Mushonga knows how to create an impact with a heavy-hitting chorus and infectious hooks, and the production by Brett Shaw (Florence & The Machine, Rufus Wainwright) reflects that strikingly well. This is the first of a number of singles to be released in anticipation of her second album, due late 2017. There are so many elements effectively at play here, all that’s left is to lose yourself in it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304262813″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Static Masks – “Aware Wolf”

February 5, 2017

A mildly schizophrenic blend of melodic pop and heavy-to-progressive rock, Static Masks take their understanding of alternative rock and make it a journey for the ears with their new single “Aware Wolf.” It starts off light with various guitar themes afloat, later cranking it up a few degrees with distorted strumming, to finally conclude with a musically introspective ending. This song is engaging up to the very last note, which isn’t always easy to find in today’s pop strata. If any of this has piqued your interest (and it should,) make sure to check out the band’s debut album Late Bloomer to be released March 24th this year.

PATHS – “Neoprene”

February 5, 2017

Burgeoning one-woman synth-pop act PATHS is breaking into the alternative electropop scene with the release of her single “Neoprene.” Drawing influence from Jamie XX, St. Vincent, and HAIM, PATHS merges soothing vocals with upbeat synth clusters and strident percussive elements. The result is a carefully stratified soundscape that manages to be both aurally stimulating and easy on the ears. Expect to hear more from newcomer PATHS soon, as she takes on her live debut February 16th at Output in Belfast, Northern Ireland. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303346895″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ainsley Farrell – “Lady Long Hair”

February 5, 2017

Through folky twangs and subdued vocals, singer-songwriter Ainsley Farrell surmises the mysterious nature of dreams in “Lady Long Hair.” Drawing influence from powerhouse female vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Big Mama Thornton, Farrell marries the blues with her brand of folk-infused indie pop. Known for drawing inspiration from her dreams and personal inquisitions, Farrell tells the tale of Lady Long Hair; a weathered yet misunderstood women who often appears in her dreams. She tells a story while attempting to interpret it herself, and the result is a dynamic and wistful four-minute devotement that’s beautifully unsettling. Take in Ainsley Farrell’s subconscious musings below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302310598″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Saturday Drive – “Heart Stop”

February 4, 2017

Saturday Drive brings a touch of 90’s garage rock back to life in their song “Heart Stop.” If you’re a fan of Counting Crows mixed with the punk infusions of Go Radio, you’ll feel right at home with this track. The New Jersey natives meld jam guitars with unique mixture of pop-punk-meets-folk vocals, bringing nothing but good vibes to this upbeat tune. The song simultaneously acts as a pep talk and a cry for help, which Is addressed as a dialogue between two people in the track’s video. The video itself plays upon themes of contrast with the use of color, featuring two characters interacting while the band performs the soundtrack on the scene’s TV set. It’s playful, with distinct sincerity. Get the full visual experience below.

Lunch Ladies – “Pick Yourself Up”

February 4, 2017

Dreamy indie-pop quartet Lunch Ladies sends some words of motivation your way with their track “Pick Yourself Up.” It’s a toss up between the sun-drenched guitar riffs and the ethereally harmonized vocals as to which aspect of the song is most impressive, so we’ll settle for a tie. This track is essentially a reality check, but the endearingly scolding kind a mother gives her toddler the first time they scrape their knee. Letting you know reality is harsh, but don’t let that get to you. Dig into “Pick Yourself Up”, and stay tuned for the debut album Down on Sunset Strip, due March 10th via Good Eye Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304063879″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Glassio – “Search and Destroy”

February 4, 2017

Soul-infused “Search & Destroy” is the latest brand of electropop from New York duo Glassio. The song is a politically-charged response, encapsulating feelings of uncertainty and unease by channeling an upbeat gospel chorus into a reshaped Iggy Pop war anthem. It dismisses hate by romanticizing it. Through a unique mix of electronic soundscapes and soothingly haunting vocals, this track has a way of swallowing you whole, ultimately emerging more at peace than before. Dive into some wholesome discontent with Glassio below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302905706″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Robat – “Seeds”

February 4, 2017

Minneapolis five-piece Robat has spearheaded the release of their debut album with the single “Seeds.” This is some DIY indie rock at its finest, featuring mellow vocals, dialoging guitars, and snappy percussion. Singer Alex Wright intones “lost but on the loose / sunflower seeds and evergreens / fractions of our youth,” effectively striking a chord with all the sad kids struggling with the sense of stagnation that comes with aging – we’ve all been there. It’s a heartfelt outcry to hold onto recklessness and naivety, while soothing all your cares away. If you like what you hear, be sure to catch more of Robat’s latest album, Tiny. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301330891″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

L.A. Spring – “Heart and Soul”

February 3, 2017

L.A. Spring brings out a rousing ode to the loved and lost venues of London in their single “Heart and Soul.” A sore subject for many Londoners, this song encapsulates the anger surrounding these closures and what that will mean for the arts. The band uses an iron-clad method of vibrant synth and a groove-laden bass line to express their despondency, with a desire to return to roots that are quickly disappearing. This song is a call to arms disguised as the next soft rock jam. All it takes is one listen. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305161408″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Steakhouse Orchestra – “Interpolace”

February 2, 2017

“Interpolace” off of Steakhouse Orchestra’s new album Post-Shag is all funk with just a hint of distortion and spacey-electronica in all the right places. The vocals seep in gradually, creating the illusion of an approaching storm, while instrumentals churn on and build off each other other below. It starts off safe and endearing, intensifying to a feisty finale full of grit. This track is all the more impressive considering the band produced the whole album with no edits, sticking to a sense of musical authenticity we haven’t seen in a while. Check out Post-Shag for the full effect. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296127338″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sulene – “What We Had”

January 30, 2017

South African-New York artist Sulene has created an infectiously relatable hit with “What We Had,” the precursor to her upcoming album. Sulene’s self-deemed “nostalgia pop” brings to life a forlorn reminiscence of the past through snapshot imagery and the catchiest of hooks. Her smooth vocals may be the only indication of melancholy as they hover over upbeat drum lines and snappy synths, landing somewhere between a party anthem and a soulful lament. Sulene has no shortage of music biz experience in working with Nate Ruess, Betty Who, and Candy Hearts, along with her own work, and she seems to pay homage to all past relationships built through this track. This is the kind of song to put on when you’re not sure what to listen to, as you will undoubtedly find something in it that you needed to hear. Keep an eye out for Sulene’s upcoming album Strange, out later[...]

Rosie Carney – “Awake Me”

January 30, 2017

In a cocoon of soft acoustic ambience, Rosie Carney sets the scene for the personal profession that is her single “Awake Me.” Carney brings some subtle folky twangs to her singer-songwriter style, relaying an honest and down to earth feel, as she sings “I’ve been a fool for more than half of my life / I’ve tried to hide.” Her knack for lyricism belies her years, while she paints a vivid picture with soft-spoken imagery. Rosie Carney has all the makings of the next Joni Mitchell-meets-Julien Baker; be sure to sink into “Awake Me” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304098610″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rees Finley – “The Band Broke Up”

January 28, 2017

For those of us feeling stuck in a rut, Rees Finley has been there, and has crafted an ode to the downtrodden in his latest track “The Band Broke Up.” Through a chronicle of relatable personal anecdotes, Finley serenades us into catharsis. The song features an endearing whistle track to keep it light, along with various classic pop elements that make this song infectious. This one-man band is proof of the light at the end of the tunnel that is one of life’s many low points, and he lays it all out on the table for everyone to see. This is easy listening at its finest – so plug in and remember, it only gets better from here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303331148″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]