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Merci, Mercy – “Shovel”

April 30, 2023

“You’re so fuckin’ nice/I wanna throw something at your head.” Damn. Merci, Mercy comes out swinging on her new single, “Shovel”, and just doesn’t let up. Allegedly a “playful take on romantic relationships” with a self deprecating jab thrown in (“pass me the shovel and I’ll dig for two”), it’s SPICY and I’m here for it. Steady acoustic guitars are balanced out well with swirly synth atmospheres to compliment her dulcet tones, a la Julien Baker on a snarky day before their coffee with 20% more pop. This is off of her upcoming EP is it me and is filled to the brim with smart, sharp lyrics (with assistance of Matthew Murphy from The Wombats and Chris Collins (Middle Kids, Greta Ray)). Not that age is necessarily any indication of musical talent, but you’ll probably be as surprised as I am that Mercy is only NINETEEN (her name is Mercy but[...]

MOLD! – “Don’t Wake Me Up”

April 30, 2023

MOLD! is a Miami based band (originally hailing from Peru) bringing what is possibly the closest thing to a personal anthem/mantra (anthrem?) of me before 10am as you can get. Ironically going against what is promised, this song does in fact WAKE YOU UP! Smartly-layered guitars guide us headfirst into this maelstrom, backed by a strong undercurrent of battling bass and drums (they end things in an amicable draw) and a ruthlessly catchy vocal line. Strong nods to Yo La Tengo exist throughout this track as well as some of MOLD!’s deeper cuts; fans of PUP, Deerhunter, or Stephen Malkmus with stronger emotion would also feel welcome into MOLD!’s moldy, er, warm(?) embrace. “Don’t Wake Me Up” will certainly keep you engaged and looking for more as their understanding of how to blend sound is a must for any indie-punk apostle. MOLD! could easily teach a doctoral level course with[...]

Homeschool – “My Only Enemy”

April 28, 2023

New York based, multi-faceted artist Homeschool (read: musician, actor) brings a thumping alt-pop sound in their new single “My Only Enemy;” released ahead of their upcoming EP Just Now. “Enemy” is a glam-filled, synth-heavy romp evoking Hot Fuss-era Killers or the shiny melodies of early 2010s Passion Pit that is bigger than the sum of its parts – you can definitely hear their voice filling an arena with no problem. The best part, it has an uplifting message about the importance of self-love. On the subject of “My Only Enemy,” Homeschool says: “It’s a self-critical reflection wearing upbeat, dance-pop clothes where I ultimately make a realization about myself and the world…. the only real enemy or obstacle between me and an acceptance of myself, is myself.” You can hear “My Only Enemy” over on Spotify and, if you’re feeling it, the rest of their music – including but not limited[...]

Dragon Inn 3 – “See It Your Way (feat. The Salvation Choir)”

April 28, 2023

“See it Your Way” is the second single from Dragon Inn 3 released ahead of their upcoming second album, Trade Secrets, out April 28th by way of American Laundromat Records. I’ve written previously about this band and their first single “I Can’t Stop,” and the band’s connection to indie-pop darlings Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (Phil Dickey was in SSLYBY and now leads Dragon Inn 3) surely shines through while letting their synth-soaked direction breathe in its own right. With that preamble out of the way, let’s focus on the track! “See It Your Way” leads with a bit more guitar than their previous single, but soon gives way to the strong midi tones that have become the hallmark of their sound. Their jaunty, upbeat rhythms and sun-soaked vibes will lift your mood, no matter what kind of day you’re having. This all gives way to back-and-forth lyrics between[...]

Cudos – “impulsive”

April 28, 2023

I almost feel like a broken record (heh, music pun), but wow is there a lot of love for synthesizers lately. I feel like synths were a pariah for a long time and it was super hit or miss (mostly miss)… That being said, cudos is firmly in the “hit” category with their tightly-produced, electronica-heavy track “Impulsive.” This will sound weird, but I feel cudos has found a niche somewhere between the soulful tones of Boyz 2 Men or Backstreet Boys (alright!) and threw in some contemporary synthpop flair a la acts like Aries, Brakence, and Contradash. Listen and tell me you don’t hear some nods to “Larger Than Life” and you couldn’t see a small dance routine happening in your mind’s eye… That is, in between the jaunty, improvisational flair and wonky hyperpop vibes that cudos somehow weaves into their hyper-catchy hooks. You can find all the different ways[...]

Phantom Engine – “Involuntary Hold”

April 27, 2023

“Involuntary Hold” is a track from the band Phantom Engine. As per their Facebook bio: “Phantom Engine is an artistic collaboration company founded by two brothers. All servants, no masters.” This vague vibe matches well with “Involuntary Hold,” as their downbeat melody, with strong post production layering, carries a haunting vibe; a la Zero 7, early Linkin Park (minus ALL the nu-metal vibes), or Adore-era Smashing Pumpkins (strange mix, but trust me!). A near constant electric drum beat keeps a hold over over over the subdued piano track which finally gives way to sliding guitars toward the end of the song. It’s an interesting juxtaposition that will make you want to listen again and again to see if they were there the whole time – pro tip, they are/were. Check out “Involuntary Hold” and the rest of Phantom Engine’s catalogue over on Spotify. If you want to learn more about[...]

Blondes – “The Basement”

April 27, 2023

Blondes hail from Nottingham, England and “The Basement” is the second single released in advance of their In Separation EP, due out July 14th. Blondes have received prior acclaim from BBC Radio 1 for their other single off the EP, “Love in the Afternoon.” This one, however, started as a demo during lockdown but soon found its wings betwixt going back and forth remotely. When asked, the band said: “…it’s a song about feeling isolated and looking for a way out, which I imagine was a very well known feeling for everyone at that time.” Deliciously layered guitars with a thumping bass line keep this song fresh and interesting. While some have (rightfully) compared these effects to The Cure, “Basement” leans in more of a dreamy indie-pop sound (think mid-era Turnover) but still captures the creeping isolation we all experienced during the Covid-19 lockdowns. You can listen to “The Basement”,[...]

Sun Kin X Guppy – “I’m In The Band”

April 27, 2023

An L.A. band collab betwixt Sun Kin and Guppy, with the common theme (other than this banger of a song) of Kabir Kumar. Sun Kin is Kumar’s solo effort whereas Guppy seems to be his more collaborative endeavor – and it just friggin’ works here. “I’m in the Band” starts with dulcet synth tones that gradually gives way to a beautiful mix of sliding guitar and understated bass and drums. The story woven throughout is inspirational to any kid who has picked up an instrument and dreamed about being a rock star; perfectly capturing the first time you show up to a venue, “Hands full of gear on the loading dock/ filed up with fear and intrusive thoughts/ oh. sorry. i’mintheband” [fake editor’s note: it me]. Ultimately, this track is about the furtive steps any artist takes when expressing themselves and how difficult it is to make yourself vulnerable but[...]

The Moonjacks – “Fishnets”

April 24, 2023

“Fishnets” is the newest single off of California trio The Moonjacks‘ upcoming album; a follow up to 2022’s Bad Guy Stuff. The intro, accompanied by a ukulele, paints a pretty picture of a girl “smoking blunts and drinking PBR” that could easily veer off into tawdry territory, but avoids that pitfall and goes the wholesome route. “Fishnets” continues with addition of the rest of the band, driven by warm pop guitar and a fun piano track that sneaks in between the bass and drums – check out our previous feature of “Wack” if you need more solid proof. The Moonjacks are at their best when they’re having fun, and while it’s unclear if the story behind this song is based on true events, it’s absolutely crystal clear they’re enjoying themselves here. If you haven’t listened before, this is a great jumping off point. Be sure to check out “Fishnets” and[...]

smalltalk – “Ur Letter”

April 18, 2023

Based out of Savannah, Georgia, smalltalk is the solo project of Andrew Keith (but also a full band per the band’s Facebook post as of February 26th of this year). We are promised a mishmash of “…80’s british rock, punk and shoegaze to create a unique sound…” which certainly holds true. “Ur Letter” comes from their latest EP, Rosemary, released March 31st and showcases (or, erm… shoe-cases) the shoegaze-y part of their self-described sound. Fans of Dinosaur Jr. or, not so surprisingly, bands like The Clash or My Bloody Valentine, would find lots to enjoy in smalltalk’s layered and eclectic sound, full of gigantic walls of guitar noise and neurotic drumming patterns. You can hear the divide listening to “Ur Letter” (and the rest of the Rosemary EP, which leans heavily into the shoegaze influences) against their 2021 effort, Dandyism, which feels a bit more like a dank joint stuffed into[...]

Juliana Madrid – “Big Plans”

April 18, 2023

Texas-based Juliana Madrid, by way of Dallas, brings a wispy, yet full-bodied indie pop ditty that scratches the dream pop itch and then some. “Big Plans” is off of her forthcoming sophomore EP from New York-based record label Neon Gold Records – a crew that has helped break such acts as CHVRCHES, Passion Pit, and Charli XCX. Fans of the aforementioned indie darling CHVRCHES would definitely find lots to enjoy with “Big Plans,” as well as the rest of Juliana’s catalogue, which can be found on Spotify or Apple Music. I have more than a few friends in bands and who write their own music. Let me tell you: at just 21, to have this steady of a grasp on sound, not to mention a lyrical depth and strong ear for composition, is simply impressive and more than enough to get me hooked. If you’re in the area in the[...]

Sol Bishop – “Write Off”

April 16, 2023

Melbourne based artist Sol Bishop brings a intriguing, punk-forward track into his usual hip hop offering with “WRITE OFF.”  Filled to the brim with self loathing about a failed relationship with lines such as “So I tell you that I’m changing/just to see you naked/but it’s still the same shit,” Bishop doesn’t let up much on his self-critique and clearly takes the blame but doesn’t take responsibility (Baby, I’m a write off). A buzzing bass line reverberates throughout that will stick with you long after the final note, certainly more on the punkier side of things while still retaining Bishop’s spitfire hip-hop delivery. Fans of The Streets, Gorillaz, or even Linkin Park would find this track interesting and may find this a good stepping stone to find more interest in hip hop. You can hear “WRITE OFF” Sol Bishop over on Soundcloud or Spotify as well as several of his[...]

Interbellum – “The Storm”

April 16, 2023

Hailing from Beirut, Interbellum is a project helmed by Lebanese singer-songwriter Karl Mattar. “The Storm” comes from his group’s third album Our House is Very Beautiful at Night which was recorded during the initial Covid-19 lockdowns throughout 2020-2021. This album came together with backing member Pascal Semerdjian recording his drum parts in Lebanon while Mattar recorded vocals and the rest at his home in Berlin. The cheery vocals and cheekily strummed guitar in their single “The Storm” coalesce into a definite pop rock gem tinged with some some of the hardships that come along with the Very Real Global Pandemic™, but also the (ongoing) economic crisis within Lebanon still reeling from a civil war. It’s an interesting juxtaposition between a very real, very depressing topic and the sunny, jangle-pop that Interbellum conjures, but that’s part of the magic here. Fans of Alvvays, The Shins, or even The Beatles would find lots to[...]

Quit Yourself – “Strung Out & Grinding Your Teeth”

April 10, 2023

Quit Yourself brings a fun, energetic emo ballad in the form of “Strung Out & Grinding Your Teeth,” the first single from their upcoming EP, IT GETS WORSE BEFORE IT GETS WORSE. Most of the words I just used don’t entirely do justice to this impressive effort, so I’ll switch gears a bit with a story: It’s sometime in the early aughts and a dear friend named Kelly gave me a copy of Taking Back Sunday’s Tell All Your Friends that quite literally changed my life (for the better). Comparisons can sometimes be forced or, “eh, I kinda see that,” but in this case, I believe it to be a fair one. Quit Yourself isn’t a TBS clone by any means, but the frantic intro with soulful lyrics; melodic call-and-response vocals; and tapped guitar leads improve that nicely-paved road with enough fervor and passion to stand out on their own.[...]

Quiet Sonia – “Sparks”

April 9, 2023

As per their Instagram: “Quiet Sonia is a Copenhagen-based seven-piece experimental chamber-rock group”. In my wildest dreams I don’t think I could come up with such a combination of words to describe a musical act like them, yet here we are! “Sparks” is the first single off of their upcoming debut album and was, in true chamber-rock group fashion, recorded live in (and I am not making this up) a candle-lit studio over a weekend at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. I have friends in bands who would give their teeth to record something this beautiful in live takes, not to mention over a weekend! Anyone who has an ear for high production folk-tinged post punk fused with an orchestral arrangement will find this tantalizing. Vitamin String Quartet mashed together with Arcade Fire is the most accurate description I can think of, but still doesn’t do justice to what[...]