Latest Posts

BIRDWAR – “Tiny Door”

February 12, 2024

Portland Oregon based four piece, BIRDWAR, brings us their first single “Tiny Door” off of their upcoming full length due out this summer. The band describes their sound as a “Dinosaur Jr. meets Elliot Smith” and is certainly accurate in all of the best ways. Much like Dinosaur Jr., the guitars are the strongest suit in “Tiny Door” with plenty of layers and that gruff grunge fuzz that pervades throughout. Singer Matthew Holland’s voice is harmonious and measured; deftly weaving between the bass and guitars but still with plenty of emotion. Fans of the aforementioned bands or perhaps Pixies or Yuck will obviously find a lot to enjoy here – as will casual grunge/post grunge fans. You can hear “Tiny Door” on Apple Music or Spotify, as well as their as yet-unnamed album later this year.

Club 8 – “Just Like Heaven”

February 8, 2024

A duo based out of Sweden, Club 8 brings us their newest track “Just Like Heaven” – a follow-up to 2023’s “Sunny“ (that we covered here). Not to be confused with The Cure’s seminal hit sharing the same name, this is a slow jam more so in the realm of bedroom pop and we’re loving it. Formed in 1995, Karolina Komstedt and Johan Angergård have made their rounds through indie pop, bossa nova, and dancier tunes (with a hiatus or two thrown in). Komstedt’s voice is given plenty of room to spread it’s wings throughout the track with subdued guitar and drums – not unlike a dream-pop reimagining of The White Stripes. I’ll be honest and say that I’ve never heard of this band before today, but this really scratched an itch for something that’s pure and not overproduced. It also goes to show you that you can follow your[...]

meija x JAWNY – “Magic”

February 8, 2024

LA based Jamie Sierota, aka meija (“it’s pronounced “meija” per his social media) drops his latest “Magic” with fellow artist JAWNY. The track itself is absolutely one of the chillest tracks I’ve heard so far this year – driven by guitar and a simple-yet-effective drum beat that keeps the lo-fi groove going. You’ll also find a fun synth effect that shows up every few stanzas along with a bumpin’ bass riff. As per meija, “Magic” is very much a biographical one; the entire first verse a quick summation of the last ten years of his life. He goes on to say: “At its core, it’s a song about trying to find the beauty in the everyday. Even in my hardest times, there’s always been something good.” Between the grooviness, effects, and meija’s vocals, the way this song was put together gave me Talking Heads vibes (“Once in a Lifetime,” to be more[...]

SAVAK – “Will Get Fooled Again”

February 5, 2024

“Will Get Fooled Again” is the latest single from SAVAK‘s upcoming March 1 album Flavors of Paradise. We wrote about this Brooklyn group back in January here and obviously haven’t changed our mind much. The track itself is packed with a ton of sound; I heard dark and moody synths; pounding drums; rollicking guitar; and thudding bass masterfully mixed together into something inexplicably catchy. Fans of Pinback, The Dismemberment Plan, or REM would find a lot to enjoy here – very guitar forward indie rock. The song itself speaks to a quote attributed to The Who about “never getting fooled again” and addresses the insecurity and inevitability that we probably will. More on that (and some interesting facts about seahorses) below: “Despite the complexity of our interconnections, maybe there’s something we can learn from the simple and beautiful behaviors of seahorses (mentioned in the last verse). They go through a long and[...]

JEEN – “Pour Your Heart”

February 5, 2024

“Pour Your Heart” is the newest single off of JEEN‘s newest album, Gold Control. Based out of Toronto, she has been on an absolute warpath with this being her fourth album within the past ten years. Practically being neighbors and having some real bangers, it should come as no surprise we’ve written about her a few times –including the lead single off Gold Control, “So What.” We enjoyed her then and the continue to do so. My initial comparison to Bully or boygenius stands true – with “Pour Your Heart” JEEN leans into the grunge-tinged vibe that has slowly been gaining in popularity again. This is a well-crafted track showcasing JEEN’s vocal range and some awesome layering of guitars that veers into delightful dream pop territory. Be sure to check out “So What” and the rest of Gold Control on Spotify or Soundcloud.

Bathe Alone – “Blame Me”

February 2, 2024

“Blame Me” is the newest from Atlantan musician Bailey Crone along with producer Damon Moon, performing under the moniker Bathe Alone. Starting off as a delightful synth riff that permeates the rest of the track, “Blame Me” showcases Crone’s mellifluous vocals, drawing comparisons to The xx or M83. The pop beat is infinitely catchy and you’ll soon find yourself bopping and singing along. Synth and drum machines have certainly made a comeback from the 80’s and it really seems like they’re here to stay, so be sure to strap in. The rest of the EP is equally catchy and well worth checking out, especially the second track “Call Me Back.” Just when you think you’ve gotten Bathe Alone pegged you get a hot new take that’s truly exciting to unpack. If you enjoy “Blame Me” be sure to check out 2023’s double LP Fall With The Lights Down (we did here[...]

Extra Space – “Toothpaste”

January 31, 2024

Brooklyn based duo Extra Space brings us their latest with “Toothpaste.” Made up of Joey Puleio and Chris Kyle, who started playing together in 2023, they’ve been working toward an as-yet-to-be-released album Green Season. “Toothpaste”  is a fun, meandering piece that leans toward sparkly indie folk territory with hints of math rock twinkling sprinkled throughout. Country-adjacent guitars guide us through the brunt here, with the vocals sounding distinctly Oberst-esque – certainly not a terrible comparison. I couldn’t find much else on Extra Space, but definitely keep your eyes peeled. Folksy indie is definitely in vogue lately, but based on what I’ve heard so far, these guys seem to know what they’re doing musically and could certainly go the distance. In the meantime check out the twangy “Toothpaste” (and “Pace”) over on Soundcloud or Spotify.

James Wyatt Crosby – “Same Dream Every Night”

January 31, 2024

“Same Dream Every Night” is the latest single off of James Wyatt Crosby‘s January 26 album, Happy Memories. We’ve previously covered a different song off of this album, “Ashamed” and liked what we heard back in October (and that hasn’t changed with his latest). A piano focused track, “Same Dream Every Night” is a perfect intro song for Happy Memories with a gradual crescendo throughout – building and adding in tasty drums, guitar and bass. JWC’s vocals are ethereal on their own, but with an added effect, they real turn into a dreamy motif. Falling somewhere betwixt dream pop and chillwave (with a dash of electronica), you’ll find a lot to enjoy here if you’re a fan of LCD Soundsystem, Men I Trust, or Spoon. You can hear “Same Dream Every Night” over on Spotify and you can let us know your thoughts on the track over on our socials.

Ballsy – “Joe Millionaire”

January 27, 2024

Montreal native and musician/producer Isabelle Banos has an impressive resume so far with credits for music on several shows (Orange is the New Black, The Sex Lives of College Girls) as well as some commercials and the upcoming Sony Spider-Man spin-off Madam Web. Ballsy is her latest project, with a smattering of singles due in 2024 and her latest, “Joe Millionaire.” A vibrant composition showcasing her synth work and vocal skills, “Millionaire” is a great way to kick off the new year and to introduce yourself to Banos’ music if you’re unfamiliar. With lyrics that touch on our climate emergency, the somber mantra of the song is offset by its otherwise crunchy and upbeat disposition. Fans of fellow Canadians Metric would find a lot to enjoy here, or, if you like the rowdy tunes from Yeah Yeah Yeahs or The Linda Lindas. You can hear “Joe Millionaire” over on Spotify, along[...]

Memorial – “Corduroy”

January 27, 2024

Released January 26, “Corduroy” is the latest single from Jack and Ollie – the two halves of indie folk duo Memorial. A long distance affair in England, they’ve put out a steady stream of music since 2021 with the last being 2022’s self-titled album. “Corduroy” is a light track but chock full of sound; I heard piano, a brief string melody with a steady drum beat and strumming acoustic guitar. The lyrics are tinged with malaise and it hit me in the right spot, and I think it will with you too! Fans of Big Thief and their ilk, as well as Elliott Smith (rip) would find a lot to enjoy here. While numbers aren’t everything, nearly 100k monthly listeners is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Be sure to check out “Corduroy” wherever you find your music, but here’s the Spotify and Apple Music links for good measure. FriendsOfMemorial ·[...]

Naive Nature – “The Weight of the World”

January 22, 2024

The rare duo act in a sea of quartets and three pieces, Naive Nature is vocalist and guitarist Jackson Vincent with Jim Lorino (of Scoopsi) on drums. “The Weight of the World,” released January 19, is their debut single and it’s quite the noisy banger. I’m always hesitant when I see only two members for bands, for lack of sound or boring arrangement, but I’m usually proven wrong (as I was here). Leaning heavily into shoegaze and post-emo guitar flavors (if that’s a thing), “TWotW” lays into fuzzy distortion and and Vincent’s pitch perfect vocals waxing poetic about a friendship sputtering out and ultimately ending on bad terms. Fans of heart on your sleeve (or stomped on the pavement) emo of yesteryear (or today) would find a lot to enjoy with this track; same goes for fans of The Airborne Toxic Event, The Dirty Nil, and Placebo. For now, check[...]

Lunison – “Name 3 Songs”

January 22, 2024

Lunison is a three piece from Philadelphia made up of two Matts and a Greg, with the name being a portmanteau of lunacy and unison. “Name 3 Songs” is their latest track – a rockin’ play on the over asked gatekeeper vibe of “Oh, u like X band?” With a guitar riff you can’t help but sway your hips to with one hand in your pocket, “3 Songs” is infectiously catchy and well worth a listen to indie pop and garage rock aficionados. Fans of the of Spoon, Geese, or New Pornographers would find appreciation with Lunison’s pop hooks, as well as the dry wit that permeates through their songs. You can hear “Name 3 Songs” on Soundcloud, Apple Music, or Spotify. We’ve also included the YouTube music video below (yes, it’s an actual music video too).

JEEN – “So What”

January 20, 2024

Toronto-based musician JEEN brings us her latest, “So What,” released January 17 in anticipation of her February 2 album Gold Control. It’s a rollicking alt-rock track showcasing her warm vocals and a swirly, almost shoegazy blending of punchy sounds. It’s an interesting change from her previous effort we wrote about, 2021’s “Maybe I’ll Be Gone,” (which we also enjoyed). It shows growth into a more subtle approach to pop writing, whereas “Maybe…” leaned into the equally effective (as Nick put it) “rip-roaring guitars and a melancholy mood.” Fans of Bully, boygenius, or HAIM looking for a different take on pop would find enjoyment with JEEN. She doesn’t pigeonhole herself to one specific genre and isn’t afraid to try different sounds, so you’re sure to find more to enjoy (unless you literally only like *one* particular sound). Be sure to check out “So What” on Spotify or the handy dandy YouTube[...]

Hipsy Gap – “Uno”

January 17, 2024

Brooklyn-based five piece, Hipsy Gap‘s latest single is “Uno,” and for us at the blog it’s a certifiable banger. Oozing with guitar feedback and what I can only describe as “NY hutzpah,” Hipsy Gap sound like they’re ready to take over the world. There’s a particularly impressive guitar solo toward the end of the track that evokes 90’s era Smashing Pumpkins that I couldn’t get enough of. As per the band, the chord progression is an ode to “Only Shallow” from My Bloody Valentine, firmly cementing this as a 90’s shoegaze love letter, but of the fresh assortment and certainly not dated. Be sure to check out “Uno” over on Spotify, or the YouTube link embedded below and let us know if you want more shoegaze or shoegaze-adjacent tracks reviewed here!

Thea Dora – “Collected”

January 17, 2024

Danish musician and producer Thea Dora brings a fun indie pop gem with her debut single, “Collected,” released January 12. Evoking a sense of wonder and whimsy between the drum machines and her absolute dream of a voice, you’ll feel comfortable boppin’ along to this with headphones or on the dance floor. The closest comparison I can think of is Grimes, but fans of hyperpop or light electronica will find a lot to enjoy here. Speaking to the track, Dora had this to say: “I wanted to make something that was immediate, and made me want to dance and sing along. ‘Collected’ is in many ways an ode to letting people in and stop overthinking.” She surely hits on all marks, and you can hear it on Spotify or Soundcloud. Be sure to let us know if you’d like to hear more like Thea Dora! Thea Dora · Collected