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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[...]

Steven Van Betten – “Friendship”

October 30, 2023

Based out of Los Angeles, Steven van Betten‘s latest single is “Friendship” off of his debut album Friends and Family (October 28, Future Gods). Bringing that fuzzy vintage folksy feel, “Friendship” features van Bettern’s soothing vocals with guitar but also throws in catchy synth. With each verse corresponding to a different friend you’d think this would turn into a “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” type scenario, but, as van Betten helpfully points out, “… but I’m trying to be in bed by 11/ someday I’ll write a verse for all of my friends and the song will be never ending…” Fans of Sufjan Stevens or Neutral Milk Hotel will find some similarities they can latch onto here, between the composition and musical style. You can hear “Friendship” along with the rest of the album over on Spotify or Soundcloud. Future Gods · Steven van Betten – Friendship

Bo Milli – “Chewing Gum”

October 25, 2023

Fresh off her latest EP, Making Friends, Emilie Østebø brings us her latest single “Chewing Gum” under her stage name Bo Milli. Hailing from Bergen, Norway, we’ve covered Bo Milli a few times (you can find those here). “Chewing Gum” is a fun track with a rollicking guitar that gives way to a slick bass line that would make my bass player friends go “nice.” I felt the grunge 90’s vibe with Østebø’s focused yet relaxed boppin’ lyrics. While being grouped in with other indie luminaries Soccer Mommy, Bully, and Phoebe Bridgers may seem like a daunting task for a 23 year old, she had this to say: … Just kidding I have no idea. I’m sure it’s probably flattering or humbling at a certain level but just let her make her music. She did have this to say on the track though: “‘Chewing Gum’ is a macho-anthem expressed with unconvincing[...]

Ruth Radelet – “Shoot Me Down”

October 25, 2023

LA-based Ruth Radelet, she of The Chromatics fame, brings us her newest track, “Shoot Me Down.” Boasting a wispy dream pop aesthetic, Radelet’s voices cuts through the synth and guitar as she bares her soul about a not-so-great evening. Speaking to the song, she had this to say: “Although this song is very personal to me, I think it tells a story that many people can relate to. It started out as a sad girl piano ballad, written after a particularly bad night, and in the end became one of the most fun tracks I have ever worked on.” You might laugh, but the intro reminded me a bit of The Edge’s unique strumming found on a lot of U2 albums, while the song overall gave me a Beach House or Warpaint vibe. Quiet and understated, you can tell Radelet is still very much a master of her craft both[...]

Best Noodles In Town – “Host”

October 25, 2023

Indianapolis emo/alt three piece Best Noodles In Town (BNIT) recently dropped their track, “Host,” and we at the blog were pretty dang impressed. Released October 17, “Host” showcases the band’s slick composition of polished guitar and heartfelt vocals that bring to mind Hot Mulligan or Microwave while also channeling the New Found Glories of yesteryear. As a whole, you can tell they’re giving it their all at being an original act and not just a rehash of the emo acts of the aughts. They sneak in a backup screamo scream partway through the track that sounds fantastic and, having tried to sing along to screamo, I can say a proper scream is harder than it looks. Be sure to check out “Host” over on Spotify or Bandcamp, released in anticipation of their EP due out at the end of the year. Best Noodles In Town · Host