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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

Loose Buttons – “I Saw Jon Hamm At The Beach”

January 15, 2024

NY based indie rockers Loose Buttons brings us a new track, “I Saw Jon Hamm at the Beach” released January 11. Based on an actual story of seeing Jon Hamm swimming, in what could easily turn into an extended phallic joke, instead turns into a surprisingly introspective track. Speaking to the fortuitous sighting, front man Eric Nizgretsky had this to say: “It was one of those idyllic beach days — the sky blue, the air just right. And then, out of the corner of my eye, the man himself Jon Hamm. There he was, a perfect ‘symbol of the ideal man’ who, in reality, was just simply another beachgoer, casually playing kadima and sharing the day with his loved ones. As a huge fan of his work, seeing him out there, just being a regular dude, felt wonderfully refreshing. The whole experience debunked the ‘leading man’ facade I’ve often attributed[...]

Kai Bosch – “Tulips”

January 15, 2024

“Tulips” is the newest from London based Kai Bosch, and at just 21 years old, he’s already done quite well for himself. With a high production value featuring Bosch’s vocals with drum machine and effects mixed in, the whole track feels like a swirling dream. Falling in under the alt pop umbrella, “Tulips” is simmering banger tinged with sadness – having been written towards the end of a relationship. Specifically speaking to that, Bosch had this to say: “The song was inspired by the idea of flower pressings and how you can preserve the colour and beauty of something that is still dead nonetheless – and how I wish I could do that to the relationship I had with my ex.” Having been produced by Charlie Andrew of Alt-J, fans of that group will find some common interest. Followers of fellow UK group Foals would also find a lot to[...]

Day Video – “Needles and Pins”

November 17, 2023

Day Video is a solo project from David Yeend of Atlanta, Georgia and “Needles and Pins” is his latest track off of his extended play the Day Video EP. A soulful indie rock song with an infectious guitar lick, the lyrics a play awkward part of a relationship when you fuck up and are stuck walking on… wait for it… pins and needles (or needles and pins). Formed during the worst parts of the pandemic for many and finally seeing a proper release, this project is Yeend’s way of telling his own stories separate from his other project, the equally impressive (non-solo) Hearts on Speed. Mainly showcasing Yeend’s vocals, “Needles and Pins” keeps it simple with a steady backing drum beat and a warm guitar tone with an occasional background solo guitar. Fans of Pinback, Buck Meek’s less folksy tracks, or boygenius’ pop sensibilities would find a lot to enjoy here,[...]

Fan Girl – “American Cowboy Song”

November 14, 2023

Australian-based indie rock outfit Fan Girl brings us their latest track “American Cowboy Song,” and it’s a rollicking banger, to be sure. Coming in just over 2:30, it’s a perfect sandwich of blistering guitar glued betwixt (comparatively) a subdued intro and a boisterous outro. The drums, lead guitar, and synth form the crux of the aforementioned “blistering” portion of the song, giving me pleasant reminders of bands like Tired Lion, or, Jet and The Hives at their rawkiest. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say: “The song started as a silly, glitchy beat that we saw something in, and decided to flesh out and overcomplicate. In true Fan Girl spirit, we turned it into something more colourful, obnoxious and cheeky.” You can find “American Cowboy Song” on Spotify along with the equally catchy “MCF” – although a complete changeup from the zany controlled chaos of the former. If Spotify[...]

Razor Braids – “She”

November 14, 2023

Brooklyn-based Razor Blades brings us their newest track, “She,” and it’s a fun garage rock tinged banger. A vocal-forward track with non-stop (fuzzy and clean) guitar riffs, singer Hollye Bynum sings about meeting that special someone and how positively uplifting that can be. Queer, female, and non-binary identifying members gracing the lineup make this a well rounded group, able to bring their voices to a chronically underserved listenership – as well as just rocking the f*ck out for all. Fans of Alanis Morrissette, Pom Pom Squad, or The Cranberries would find a lot to enjoy here, along with anyone who enjoys a well executed garage rock romp. “She” is available on Soundcloud or Spotify, as well as a fabulously done music video embedded below. Be sure to check out their equally impressive backlog of songs as well! Razor Braids · She

Juno Dunes – “Dissolve”

November 8, 2023

New Orleans *maybe* solo act Juno Dunes, so-called “Louisiana beach music (or tropical shoe-gaze),” is the latest spin on the genre you didn’t know you needed to hear. “Dissolve” is their latest and it immediately brought my blood pressure down by twenty points and truly brought some much needed relaxation to my evening. Bringing the calm tones of bands like Real Estate or Goth Babe, you’re immediately transported by the warm guitar and laid back drum fills that feel like they’re fading into a sunset. Brought to life by Connor James Reever and a backing band, you’ll find nothing but chill vibes here with his whisper singsong voice. For us yanks in the north in November, you’ll appreciate the feeling Reever brings to our frosty lawns and hearts. Give “Dissolve” a listen over on Spotify or Sound Cloud, especially if you’ve had to scrape frost off of your windshield at any point[...]

PEPTALK – “Long Haul”

November 8, 2023

Australia-based three piece PEPTALK brings us their latest track “Long Haul” and it’s a delightful pop jam, showcasing the band’s sugary songwriting credentials. Having collaborated with artists the world over, most notably with fellow countryman LDRU, they are here to kick ass and are undoubtedly succeeding. Running a gamut of melodies and excellent lyrical pop with some great beats, it’s impossible not to find yourself to feel the vibe from this upbeat, coming-of-age banger. Citing artists such as Remi Wolf and HAIM as influences, you can start to get an idea of their vibe but it’s best experienced straight from the source. Give “Long Haul” a spin over on Spotify or Sound Cloud and be sure to check out the rest of their impressive catalogue if you (undoubtedly) like what you hear! PEPTALK · Long Haul

LOR – “The Same Shit”

November 8, 2023

LOR is the project of Taylor Harrison, who, if not for a LinkedIn profile, has me convinced he’s a deep dark electronic being singing songs of a dystopian future (think Blade Runner vibes). “The Same Shit” is his latest track and the squelchy indietronica matches up with the spooky fall vibes and the aforementioned Blade Runner aesthetic. Speaking to the track, LOR had this to say: “I went back to my indie electronic roots with this one – I imagined the vibe of the murky alleys of a dystopian world in the midst of rebellion… I tried to paint a picture of resilience and defiance from the shadows.” The best elevator pitch I could think of would be if you crossed the eclecticism Daft Punk with darkness of Trent Reznor, which just barely scratches the surface. Be sure to give LOR a listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

A Days Wait – “Signals”

November 8, 2023

“Signals” is the newest song from Canadian indie pop band A Days Wait, released ahead of their new album. We previously wrote about them here (thanks Nick), and enjoyed what we heard back in ’22 and haven’t changed our minds. This understated yet mournful sounding jam is filled to the brim with wispy guitar and a slick bass line that form a sturdy backbone but don’t overpower singer Adam Alfano’s dulcet tones. As per the band, the proceeds from (presumably the album) will go to charity, which seems to be a common theme with their music. I’m not rightly sure on the charity, but I’m gonna go with something worthwhile and heartwarming. You can hear “Signals” on Spotify or YouTube. Be sure to let us know your thoughts over on our social media! A Days Wait · Signals

Bad Veins – “Wendy”

November 3, 2023

Bad Veins is a Cincinnati-based band from the mind of Ben Davis, and “Wendy” is the first single off of their upcoming album Imposter (December 1, Dynamite records). The track itself is a crisp sounding, 80’s-tinged, synth forward track with some robotic auto tune sounding vocals thrown in for good measure. Imagine if Daft Punk was about 60% less electronic and throw in a dash of Grouplove, and you’d have “Wendy” (in a nutshell). Davis plays things pretty close to the vest, as much as a musician can, speaking to that he said: “I am in constant fluctuation back and forth as to whether I want to be a public person, or just keep to myself. I had no career ambitions when I first started Bad Veins. I just enjoyed making music in my attic. So, there is always the feeling of ‘imposter syndrome’ when I have to do music[...]

Vlimmer – “Teerritt”

October 30, 2023

Coming to you from Berlin, Vlimmer’s latest single “Teerritt” is from his August 25 album Zerschöpfung. We previously wrote about him a few years ago here, and loved what we heard then – not too much has changed in that regard in the ensuing years. The track itself is a masterclass in the gothier musics – specifically post punk/industrial/darkgaze. Picking up where bands like the Cure and Joy Division left off sort of starts to give you the idea of the sound, but not the whole picture. The drum machine, sorrowful lyrics, and synth are all there – along with Vlimmer’s impeccable attention to detail throughout. Speaking to the song (and the meaning behind the word teerritt) Vlimmer had this to say: “‘Teerritt’ is literally about being so exhausted that you lay down on the tar of the street. And when you crawl across it becomes some sort of really slow[...]