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PLAZA – “Origami”

UK band PLAZA bring to light the musical result of a suppressed teen angst in their single “Origami.” They start strong with sparse instrumentation and soft vocal lines, then hurdle into distortion-heavy guitars and grungy vocals. They know the formula and they’re sticking to it. It’s gloomy and it’s pleading; it’s harsh and it’s angular, a full spectrum of emotion in one dynamic rock song. “Origami” is all about looking for an escape in the face of rapidly approaching adulthood, made clear from the first guitar strum to the last drum hit. Have a listen to “take [yourself] away from it all” and look out for more PLAZA this April. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303132738″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Snowball II – “Anais & Me”

L.A.’s Snowball II brings back the glory of the 90’s with their latest single “Anais & Me.” This full-fledged pursuit of indie rock bears marks of the garage and punk of yesteryear, bringing us back to rock in all of its pre-millennium splendor. Band leader/producer Jackson Wargo takes DIY to a whole new level, without giving any indication of an indie production. The track features hypnotic rhythm guitars and a punchy bass line, all tied together with jam-based vocals. A time-honored tale of boy meets girl, boy tries to win over girl through song about having her figured out. Take a trip down memory lane with “Anais & Me” and stick around for Flashes of Quincy out mid-February this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/298700333″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

joan – “Take Me On”

Indie-pop duo joan may be newbies in the game, but they are off to a strong start with the release of their premiere single “Take Me On.” The melding of eighties instrumentals with 90’s funk gives joan an old-school feel, with a dash of modern electronic influence. Co-produced and mixed by Tim Pagnotta, the track definitely draws parallels to hit-makers like Walk the Moon and Saint Motel. It takes on the classic theme of exciting love and makes it a party; two of music’s favorite things. Jump on the wagon soon, joan is bound to make a name among the big dogs and it’s only a matter of time. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304166099″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Dahmers – “Night Crawler”

The spooky new single “Night Crawler” off The Dahmers upcoming album is a haunting conglomerate of grungy garage punk and indie rock for headbangers and horror-film fanatics. The band livens up lo-fi with tension-heavy themes and spunky guitar lines, along with some strategically placed clap tracks and screams. Despite the dark theme, this track unbeatably energetic and all-around exciting to listen to. Presumably taking the namesake of the famed serial killer-cannibal extraordinaire, The Dahmers are setting themselves up for a lengthy career of lighthearted horror punk. If you just can’t get enough, be sure to check out their album In the Dead of Night out March 24th on Lövely Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301806380″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ansible – “Rest Of Our Lives”

80’s pop inspired twosome Ansible bring a nostalgia for the past with a neo-synthpop flare in their latest single “Rest Of Our Lives.” The track invokes a theme right out of a 1980’s romcom, shouldering the last-stitch effort at a failing relationship before giving it up entirely. They craft their sound through a measured mix of lulling vocals, pulsing synth, and a pinch of distortion. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Tears For Fears and Genesis (post Peter Gabriel,) Ansible take their own spin on the genre, if only a few decades behind. This track may have retro influences but still manages to bring in an inventive and contemporary sound. Join the time warp and take a listen to “Rest Of Our Lives” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/281019783″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ruby Bones – “Heart of Darkness”

“Heart of Darkness” by New Jersey/Brooklyn’s Ruby Bones is all energy, all the time. As a frantic shot in the dark combatting aging’s cruel hand, the three-piece outfit garners their indie-rock sentiments to form the invigorating jam session that is this track. It acts as a reminder to hold on to your youthful vigor, because with settling comes bitterness and resentment. The band takes a quintessential alt-rock chorus and amps it up a few notches with rapid drum fills and roving guitar lines. Expect a debut full-length album fueled with vivacity later this spring. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287083261″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bad Wave – “Daniel”

The L.A. based duo Bad Wave recently released their futuristic take on indie pop in their single “Daniel.” The song’s theme surrounds songwriter Tucker Tota’s inventive premonitions for the future of his nephew while Patrick Hart’s production bring the electronic flare. The lyrics paint a picture of the inevitable robotic apocalypse, leaving Daniel the last man standing. Despite the subject matter, the track carries a hint of nostalgia over the passage of time, mixed with the results of post-teen angst. The crooned vocals take on a quasi-lullaby feel, while bubbly synths and bright drum beats keep the energy level high. At this point Bad Wave seems to be cranking out material like there’s no tomorrow; check out “Daniel” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/298163948″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mia Koo – “See You Online”

Music Industry guru Mia Koo is taking her turn as pop artist extraordinaire on her new single “See You Online.” With almost 15 years of experience wearing a variety of hats in the industry, Koo has indeed mastered the formula for a five-star pop hit. “See You Online” is the song of choice when gearing up to go out for a night on the town – just try not to drunk text your ex this time. Through a tempered mix of rousing vocal lines, a thumping bass and rhythm guitars, she creates the next party jam-meets-love song that’s bound to be filling up your speakers soon. Check out the track and look for Mia’s upcoming album Paragon, out Spring 2017 on Shining Star Records.

Army of Bones – “Don’t Be Long”

Delve into the rockier side of the UK’s indie scene with Brighton’s Army of Bones. Their latest single, “Don’t Be Long,” introduces the hype surrounding their upcoming album. This track does a great job in layering and expanding on an initial melody, through a sprinkling of guitar interjections and revamped vocal lines. It has all the heaviness of a rock song, while still being exceptionally easy on the ears. With a chorus Matt Bellamy (of Muse) would be proud of, “Don’t Be Long” hones in on the science behind the music, crafting the right formula for a passion-fueled and anthemic rock song. It’s neat and tidy, while managing to take you on a journey that’s wholly moving. Save the date for Army of Bones’ March 3rd album release featuring “Don’t Be Long.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300914323″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

MELT – “Rewind”

MELT’S newest single “Rewind” off the band’s new album is the current earworm for emo enthusiasts and lo-fi lovers alike. The New Jersey-based foursome tells the tried and true tale of youthful restlessness coupled with nostalgia over lost love. Through waves of hazy, layered vocals, singer Dylan White laments the best of times over a bedrock of powerful guitar arpeggios and a steady drumbeat. This song has all the makings of the soundtrack to a good Friday night existential crisis. If you’re hungry for more, the full album Riffer drops today via Danger Collective Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292590871″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey