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Ethica – “Alarm”

December 11, 2017

Russian dream pop quartet Ethica supplies a juicy guitar-driven jam with their latest single, “Alarm.” This track brings an edge to the typical indie shoegaze ethos, meeting silky smooth vocals with gritty guitar lines and pounding bass. They play up the contrast well, keeping things refreshing with subtle layers of synth and guitar countermelodies. The result is as much a sympathetic journey on the ears as it is a fiery release. We’re talking distortion-heavy instrumentals a la Muse, matched with the unwavering dreaminess of Alvvays‘ Molly Rankin’s vocal textures. Ethica is traversing new musical terrain, and we’re hungry for more of it. Be sure to look for the band’s upcoming EP set for release next year.

Esai – “Groove”

December 11, 2017

Hip hop wonder kid Esai spits full on fire in his single “Groove.” In just under 2 minutes, the 17-year-old rap aficionado manages to paint a full picture with clever lyricism delivered at the speed of light with perfect clarity. Citing influence from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, Esai takes the full storytelling potential and poetic abilities of the genre and runs with them. The track is set to a low-key, jazz inspired loop with high hat beats, setting the mood while his vocals whirl past. With four mixtapes and three albums under his belt, there’s no shortage of Asai material to sink your teeth into. Check out his latest self titled album for more witty and impactful tracks like this one.

Been Stellar – “Midwestern Holiday”

December 9, 2017

Michigan five-piece Been Stellar conjure up wintery images a la Home Alone in their latest single “Midwestern Holiday.” Stitching together elements of indie rock, lo-fi, and garage rock, the band knows how to make an impact by way of distorted group vocals and interwoven guitar lines, just in time for the most wonderful time of the year. What starts out as a subdued, almost listless long distance serenade, gradually transitions to an energetic and angsty ode to growing pains and lost love. It’s lends itself as a reminder that coming home for the holidays can be both a blessing and a curse. Check out the single below, and find more from Been Stellar here for additional jangly tracks to carry you through the season.

Joe Russell-Brown – “Post-Youth Depression”

December 9, 2017

Lo-fi songster Joe Russell-Brown makes producing a breezy hit sound easy in his title-track single, “Post-Youth Depression.” The 19-year-old may be new to the bedroom pop scene, but he’s already captured the seeming effortlessness of the lethargic vocals and twangy guitar melodies synonymous with DIY greats like (Sandy) Alex G and early Porches. Russell-Brown explores a fondly nostalgic lyricism well beyond his years, smiling back at those simpler days that were hard to appreciate until now. His knack for piecing together instrumental components into a tightly bound, united sound is what takes this track a step further towards a refined and carefully crafted single, worthy of radio play. Is Joe Russell-Brown the next Day Wave? Only time will tell. In the meantime, get hooked on his recently released EP under the same name.

Naive Set – “So Far So Gone”

November 28, 2017

Guitar pop enthusiasts Naive Set have a reputation for crafting some no nonsense, feel-good jams, and their latest single “So Far So Gone” certainly lives up to the hype. Right off the bat, the band’s penchant for counter-melodic guitar lines shines through, keeping things neat and polished with clean guitar interplay, roving bass lines, and driving drum work. There’s a hint of nostalgia to Naive Set’s sound, drawing parallels to 1960’s classic pop/rock crossover, with a hint of surf rock twang. It’s both refreshing and addicting, honing in on a clear cut delivery that prioritizes nimble and raw instrumentation over flashy bells and whistles. If “So Far So Gone” has you hooked, find more wholesome goodness from the band here.

Enerate – “Transit Lounge”

November 27, 2017

Synthpop quartet Enerate head up the release of their latest EP via a vibey new single, “Transit Lounge.” With the promise of a fresh start far away, the track conjures up the kind of serenity synonymous with watching specs of civilization slink past from your place in the clouds. Set to a sound on par with The xx and Oh Wonder, “Transit Lounge” supplies earworm melodies with a lyrical depth that hits home. The track plays up the band’s dynamic delivery with lilting synth lines, buzzing bass, crisp percussion, and well paired vocals, capturing the bubbly, charged energy that wanderlust for new adventures and a clean slate allows. Get psyched up for change with the song below, and take in the full picture with Enerate’s new EP Good Times Airlines.

Mushy Callahan – “Deep Meadow”

November 26, 2017

There’s something really endearing about a family that makes music together. In the case of Mushy Callahan, a quartet of Canadian brothers is just about as endearing as it gets. The band’s latest track, “Deep Meadow,” provides a fresh perspective on indie rock as the third single off their upcoming EP. The song draws in commanding guitar strains, whispery backing vocals, and unrelenting percussion, setting the stage for twangy lead vocals to weave their way into the forefront. The effect is both technically impressive and energetically invigorating. Since their 2011 outset, the band has generated buzz across Canada and the UK with numerous festival placements, tours, an EP, and an album release under their belts. Take “Deep Meadow” for a spin below, and be on the lookout for the January 18th release of Mushy Callahan’s next EP for more compelling, homegrown rock to fuel the masses.

Tia Gostelow – “Hunger”

November 21, 2017

Australian songstress Tia Gostelow brews up some more of her trademark folksy indie rock in her recently released track, “Hunger.” Joining swelling instrumentals with soulful vocal strains, Gostelow knows how to make an impact that lasts. “Hunger” highlights her musical dexterity and skill, taking advantage of soaring melodies to highlight her silky falsetto, followed by a return to the verse with commanding, bright resonance. Affectionately known as “Fleetwood Mac crossed with Björk,” Tia has a sound that’s both comfortingly reminiscent and uniquely her own. “Hunger” is the latest of a series of singles, with rumors of a debut EP on the horizon that’s bound to be a hit. Trust us, this is a release you’ll want to keep tabs on.

Tommie King – “Dead Up”

November 20, 2017

Hip hop newcomer Tommie King provides a swift followup to his praised debut single with his latest track, “Dead Up.” King explores a new sound with dulcet backing vocals, cavernous bass beats, and crafty vocal interplay. “Dead Up” has a laid-back feel that’s just as unrelenting and brimming with life as any, approaching the tempo with stamina and a melodic emphasis. For such a young project, he still manages to lay down the eloquent delivery and polished production of a seasoned artist. This track, along with his first single “Diamonds,” is set for release on Tommie King’s upcoming album Axiom.

Kill Tuco – “Drift Catcher”

November 20, 2017

Hawaiian indie rockers Kill Tuco prove they can jam with the best of them in their track “Drift Catcher.” Starting off strong with a 30-second guitar-bound intro, the band sweeps some pop punk angst into their mix of light distortion, commanding bass lines, and thick layers of guitars. It’s a bright burst of energy from start to finish, kept afloat with unrelenting drum fills and some spunky group shouts. “Drift Catcher” comes straight from Kill Tuco’s debut EP Kill Tuco And The Sorcerer’s Fellowship Of The Return Of The Jedi.

Rose Tiger – “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)”

November 17, 2017

Rose Tiger delves into his personal brand of DIY new wave, set to the glitter and pastel of the video for his single “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)” Vetting a reverence for 1980’s British electropop, 90’s synthwave, and vintage anime soundscapes, Wendy Killmann as Rose Tiger explores the glory of electronica past, while embracing an independent, DIY ethos. The track could easily be at home on the soundtrack of an old Molly Ringwald classic, painting with color via cavernous synth lines, pointillistic guitar support, and bubbling electronic elements. The video itself blurs the distinction between realism and whimsy, taking full advantage of all of the creative opportunities provided by a green screen. Get the full immersive experience with “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)” below.

FEVA – “Blind”

November 13, 2017

Newcastle indie rock four-piece FEVA are off to a fierce start with the release of their debut single, “Blind.” Despite their recent outset, the band has already generated a buzz around the UK with nods from Huw Stephens of BBC Radio 1 and notable festival placements. For fans of Young The Giant and Cold War Kids, “Blind” provides all of that rock-driven bite and then some by way of rapid bass lines, robust guitar parts, and lithe percussion to keep up with frontman Sam Reynolds’ fervid wails. With such great hype so early in their career, it’s safe to say FEVA is looking at a bright future ahead. Take “Blind” for a spin and see for yourself.

Marti West – “Feels Like Home”

November 13, 2017

Folk singer-songwriter Marti West binds together nature, emotion, and ethereal melodies in his latest track “Feels Like Home.” The English troubadour relaid his roots in Göteborg, Sweden, where his rustically layered ballads began to take shape. “Feels Like Home” conjures comparisons to the songs of Elliot Smith or Sufjan Stevens, as whispery vocal harmonies and nimble acoustic guitar lines stand at the forefront, while the aural ambience wraps the listener in. As the second of his recent gossamer singles, West provides the quintessential arrangement for a night in, snug and safe from the wintery cold. Keep warm with “Feels Like Home” below.

NightPulse – “Delirious”

November 12, 2017

NightPulse draws the femme fatale archetype into the modern nightlife scene in the video for her track “Delirious.” A sultry slice of electropop, Lena Zawaidah as NightPulse sheds her inhibitions on the dance floor, set to brassy synths and a sizzling beat. As her debut single, “Delirious” brings the heat while being nonchalant about it, like dancing her cares away has become routine at this point. For a brand new project, NightPulse seems up to the challenge of conquering the dancey pop hit, and “Delirious” is a big step in the right direction. Check out the track below and give in to the groove if you know what’s good for you.

Dutch Party – “Now And Later”

November 12, 2017

L.A. alt pop band Dutch Party blend a soft spot for analog with enduring, beachy melodies in their single “Now And Later.” Bubbly guitar lines and a running bass breathe life into the track, while frontman Ken Franklin’s gravelly vocals smooth over all edges. Citing inspiration from David Bowie and The Beatles, Dutch Party set their sights high with influences anywhere from Motown, to Brit-rock, to subtle notes of 80’s synthpop. Their zinging pop ambition, mixed with a love of lo-fi and true DIY spirit led to the coining of the band’s signature “high flying lo-fi” sound. “Now And Later” comes straight from the band’s upcoming sophomore EP, Combat Pop, to be released this fall. Check out the music video for the track below.