Capitol Records’ latest rising star Emilia Ali heightens the senses in her track “Thick Thighs.” This steamy cut of light electro-pop is all waves of synth, hi-hat intricacies, and vaporous vocal lines. Emilia sets the mood as downright sultry and is running with it via her lyricism and instrumentation. This track comes off her recently released EP Dreamland. Slip into the vibey goodness that is “Thick Thighs” below and catch the extended version of the EP here.
For a first stab at the LA indie rock scene, Launder knows how to make waves with his debut single “Fade.” John Cudlip’s musical handiwork is fully at play here, with the help of some notable names like DIIV’s Zachary Cole Smith on guitar and Soko’s supplemental vocals, with Day Wave’s Jackson Phillips producing the track. The resulting cream of the crop lo-fi is just murky enough to sink into, while maintaining a well-defined, shimmery finish. No sign of new project growing pains here. If this single is just the tip of the iceberg, we can only imagine the impression the full EP will leave. Keep an eye out for Launder’s upcoming release Pink Cloud, due out in early March.
Brooklyn indie pop act Tallbird toes the line between saccharine and crass in “Scary Stories.” The track highlights producer Danny Sullivan’s affinity for bombastic electronics, while still structuring dynamic peaks and valleys around the candied vocal stylings of Rhee. There’s a bit of a rugged, DIY feel to the sound that plays up the song’s complexity and down-to-earth vibe. “Scary Stories” centers on the idea of growth, and learning to open up as a form of letting go. Altogether, a cleansing experience both lyrically and sonically. Find more of Tallbird’s soundsettings on his recently released self titled EP.
Budding singer/songwriter Niko Rose’s strength seems to lie in the details, especially in his track “On the Wall.” What starts off as another rolling lo-fi-driven number quickly becomes a song to sit with for hours, just to fully take it all in. Aside from the syrupy vocals and pulsing drum kit, this song’s piece de resistance lies in its playful guitar melismas and layered cloudy interjections. Together, it brings on an instant calm that you’ll be reluctant to let go of. This track finds its place among the rest of Niko Rose’s debut full length album, The Puppy Project, promising further hazy croons to get you through the day. Get the full effect with his glitchy VHS-inspired video for “On the Wall” below.
Dreamy Delaware outfit Fiancé head up the release of their EP with their spacey single, “wing.” Strung together by reverb-laden vocal lines, the track weaves its way in and out of fuzzy guitar distortion and smooth ambient haze. It’s the kind of seeping shoegaze that pulls you in gradually until you’ve lost all sense of time and space. The band’s tertiary release sheds their initial bedroom pop lifeblood for a more refined, smoggy rock sound. Whatever they’re doing, it’s working for us. See for yourself below, and keep an eye out for Fiancé’s upcoming EP Feverdream.
Indie rock trio Your Receipt are currently riding the high of their recent EP release, with their single “Visions” coming in at the forefront. The track is off to a subdued start with a soothing guitar and bass pairing, gradually building in intensity until the bridge where rampant percussion and melodic bass lines take hold. Despite the song’s buoyant sound, the lyrics mull over an internal struggle between mind, body, and the bystanders caught in the crossfire. As the first track ever written as a band, they’ve drawn up a solid foundation to build off of. Check out Your Receipt’s musical debut below, and get ahold of the rest of the Sleepless EP here.
Lynchburg, Virginia trio Great Health dip their toes into the alt-rock scene with their blazing debut track “Stitches.” The band may just be getting started, but they seem to have cracked the code for the archetypal energizing track to get the blood pumping and the head bobbing. Their expert mix of weighty guitar lines, dominating vocals, and intricate drum fills contradict the group’s relative adolescence, and pave the way for a night spent on repeat. If this is any indication of what’s to come from Great Health, we’re eager to see what they get up to next. Until then, sink your teeth into “Stitches” below.
London’s latest breezy alt-pop sensation Amaroun hits another one out of the park with her new track “Made A Fire.” Songwriter and producer Jay Brown operates under her nomme de plume as a source for self-identification and catharsis. This particular track explores an undeniable connection that runs bone deep, taking hold in all of the best ways. This is Brown’s way of shouting it from the rooftops, except her version involves rolling guitar strains, rich piano melodies, and clarion vocal harmonies. The result is as freeing as it is exhilarating. With hefty collaborations in the books and a joint EP with the likes of Slow Club, Carmody, LA Salami and Francobollo set for release in the coming months, this won’t be the last you hear of Amaroun.
If wholesome indie pop is your tactic of choice, look no further than Alfred Hall’s latest track “Pearl Diver.” The Norwegian duo know their way around a synthesizer, pooling streams of crystalline and fuzzy melodies amidst the fray of sunny guitar tracks and intrinsic percussion. They’ve amassed quite a following since their 2009 outset, and it’s easy to see why. Their patent brand of synthpop is pure, unrefined radiance that’s hard to get enough of. Take “Pearl Diver” for a spin below, and get more acquainted with the guys in Alfred Hall here.
Norwegian fuzz rockers Great News hit hard with their latest single, “Told.” Stitching together a synth-driven vitality á la 80’s electropop with a foundation of garage rock grit, the band draws up a coming-of-age anthem for the dreamers of the world. It’s their self-proclaimed magnum opus for sticking it to the man and answering to no one, while shredding in the process. The trio hits their stride with ardent guitar lines, sweeping layers of synth, and frontman Even Kjelby’s magnetic vocals. This track could be just the lyrical pep talk you’ve been looking for. Tune into “Told” below, and check out more from Great News’ discography here.
UK band The Golden Age of TV are back with yet another rousing single, this one aptly titled “Beast.” This track conjures images of a Florence & the Machine/St. Vincent sonic lovechild, highlighting frontwoman Bea Fletcher’s powerhouse vocals and adding a bit of bite with some guitar-laden distortion. It centers on the idea of struggling to overcome fear in its most primal form. There’s an underlying force that gradually bursts into the forefront towards the end of the track, all the while accenting the band’s technical abilities and driving ambition. This isn’t your lazy Sunday indie rock – this is just under four minutes of pure adrenaline. Conquer your demons with “Beast” below, and catch The Golden Age of TV’s other releases here.
In the age of Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, it’s looking like the boys club of rap is getting shaken up by some of the genre’s leading ladies. Among the fray is Tamara Bubble with her latest track, “Laundry.” Mulling over topics that run the gamut, from sexuality to ingrained gender roles, Bubble brings a unique flare and wit to her lyricism. There’s a distinct confidence to her vocal delivery that sets this rapper apart, letting the production take the backseat while her vocals turn heads in the forefront. “Laundry” comes off Tamara Bubble’s latest album, Your Favorite Rapper Is A Girl, available where all things are streamed.
Miami-based indie rock project Bed Scene is generating a buzz with his recent single “Day in a Dream.” The brainchild of Berklee College of Music grad Nick Aponte, Bed Scene’s sound spans the generations, tying in bits and pieces of old school rock, psychedelia, and 60’s pop domination. Much like our favorite mom jeans, these things always have a way of coming back around, and Aponte knows how to keep a pulse on music’s trends and timelessness. The result is a dreamy and introspective track to write home about. If “Day in a Dream” has your interest piqued, be sure to check out Bed Scene’s brand new self-titled EP, with four more tacks of guitar and synth-driven reverie.
Vancouver’s budding electronic songsmith NPK2 tests the waters with his debut single “Always Running.” The track funnels ambient vocals, carbonated synth lines, and sizzling percussion into the fray, soaring and descending through dynamic peaks and valleys. The resulting cinematic soundscape is both moving and invigorating, providing the ideal backing track for a spirited night out or a productive day in. Plug in to “Always Running” below, and keep an eye out for more NPK2 where that came from.
Italian four-piece Late Guest at the Party send a new dose of bubbly electronica our way with their single “I Don’t Know Your Face.” The group has thoroughly evolved from their 2012 outset, switching continents, bandmates, and sounds to get them to their current penchant for celebratory electro-pop numbers. The change-ups have clearly worked in their favor, getting the band one step closer to curating dance tracks to fuel the masses with each passing single release. “Don’t Know Your Face” marks the fifth single in their updated house-inspired direction, with lyrics by Secret Weapons’ Danny Rocco. Dive in to the track below, and sample some more LGATP tracks here.