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RAEKO – “Need 2 Know (Feat. Mating Ritual)”

Raeko is the moniker of California-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Jason Suwito (he’s also one third of indie-pop band Sir Sly). “Need 2 Know” is Suwito’s latest musical offering, a collab with buddy Mating Ritual. It’s a summer anthem-style tune that takes strong cues from 80s synth pop and modern dance music. Fans of Passion Pit or CHVRCHES would also dig RAEKO. “Need 2 Know” is available through iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273388376″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sam Padrul – “Hold On Me (Feat. Mammals)”

We like Sam Padrul‘s new jam. “Hold On Me” is a groovy pop track, perfect for a nostalgic summer night. Padrul utilizes vintage tones with a modern sensibility – think 80s Hall & Oates vibes meets contemporary 2016 pop. Fans of Empire of the Sun or Goldroom would also be fans of Padrul. If you’re into it, stop by iTunes and pick up “Hold On Me.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273808361″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ugly Sun Releases Debut Single “Mock Me Out”

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Arctic Death frontman John Crook. Since the band’s split in mid 2011, the members have held tenure in an impressive run of great Buffalo bands, including, but not limited to: Nelson-Type, Crooks, and Father Baron. Ugly Sun is Crook’s new project, rounded out by longtime collaborators Trey Hollowood and Harrison Crook. The trio released their debut EP, Cherokee, earlier this month. Recorded with Jay Zubricky at GCR, their new single, “Mock Me Out,” is a sunny and articulate take on alternative rock. The song highlights Crook’s distinctive drawl and the band’s use of big, beautiful guitars and lush harmonies. Ugly Sun is sure to be a fixture in the local scene this fall. You might also be able to catch them on tour throughout October. Till then, you can stream “Mock Me Out” below via Soundcloud. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272590516″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TUFT – “Sheep”

LA act TUFT (formerly known as Hi Ho Silver Oh) hit us up with a really solid indie rock number, “Sheep.” “Sheep” combines deliciously crunchy guitars with a slew of catchy vocals. The result sounds simple but nuanced – an easily digestible tune full of indie rock cred. TUFT’s sound is reminiscent of Manchester Orchestra, Elf Power, or Built To Spill. Stop by Bandcamp and give TUFT a download or two. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274239254″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Solidisco – “Summer Heat”

Solidisco is a Buffalonian act currently capitalizing on our early-August heatwave. “Summer Heat” showcases the group’s “special sunshine touch,” highlighting its powerful vocal delivery with a deep, vibey instrumental. The song has recently been performing quite well on Spotify’s Global Viral 50. “Summer Heat” is out now on No Definition Records. Buy and/or stream “Summer Heat” by following this link. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273318420″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hot Dreams – “Plungepool”

London quartet Hot Dreams hit us up with “Plungepool,” a soaring number that would impress even the most nuanced of indie rockers. The song is about the band moving to London and becoming totally disillusioned after ultimately realizing the city is geared against the not-so-wealthy masses. We feel you on that fellas. Fans of U2, Bombay Bicycle Club, or Foals would love Hot Dreams. Check it out via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269588720″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fono – “Feet On The Ground”

UK producer Fono’s articulate and forward thinking approach to house music has already landed him in the good graces of dance music elite. He’s hot off the heels of a global smash, “Real Joy.” Our recommendation, “Feet On The Ground” finds Fono playing with swelling synths, dancing arpeggiators, and a late 80s/early 90s inspired beat. Fans of Major Lazer (who Fono has remixed) or Daft Punk would dig Fono. Buy “Feet On The Ground” via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273346883″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Acid Ghost – “All Alone”

Looking for simple, beachy, and swimmy? Acid Ghost’s latest effort is an 18-song LP full of “cheesy breakup songs written on vacation.” Cheesy might not be the right word – “All Alone” is a chill, heartfelt song about missing making out under the pier while drunk and/or stoned. Fans of DIIV or Beach Fossils would enjoy Acid Ghost’s tunes. Acid Ghost’s latest release, Vacations, is out now via Human Sounds Records. Visit their Bandcamp page for purchase options. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273168299″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Arkivist – “Seeing Stars”

Melding straight-up pop aesthetics with an indie rock flavors, Arkivist got our attention with their debut single, “Seeing Stars.” Formed in the rainy winter woods of the northwest, the trio decided to utilize the vocal talents of all three members while exploring new ways of writing music. “Seeing Stars” takes a pulsing bassline and adds unique percussion into the mix – the result is American-flavored Britpop. Fans of Foals or Bloc Party – Arkivist is for you. Arkivist’s website can be accessed here. Check it out for some more info on the fledgling act. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274047283″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Lamaas – “Bum Lyfe”

The Lamaas are a three piece skate punk band from the West Side of Toronto. They recently recorded and released a six-song EP, affectionately titled Bum Lyfe. We think you should start with the title track – we dug it for its balls-to-the-wall approach and overwhelmingly aggressive vibes. Fans of The Orwells, Wavves, or Diarrhea Planet could surely get into this. You can snag Bum Lyfe EP via Bandcamp for a very affordable price. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265511993″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mateo Katsu – “A Special Plan”

“A Special Plan” was written and recorded 12 years ago, but Mateo Katsu thankfully brought it out of obscurity and into our inbox. “A Special Plan” is a part of Mateo’s new(ish) EP, White Men Don’t Name Their Babies Jesus, full of deliciously lighthearted, lo-fi jams a la Built to Spill. Fans of The Breeders or Jeffrey Lewis & The Jrams would also enjoy Mateo’s work. Mateo is offering “A Special Plan” for free via Soundcloud. You know what to do. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272208990″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

SUMif – “Lay Down”

We’ve been really digging electropop songstress SUMif‘s sparkly new song, “Lay Down.” When the song begins, it sounds both minimalist and layered, pairing SUMif’s pleasant vocal delivery with a skittering drum rhythm. “Lay Down” eventually evolves into quite the banger, adding a layer of deep electo-bass for emphasis. SUMif is offering “Lay Down” for free. Visit her Soundcloud page for the download link. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273117707″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Work Drugs – “Method Acting”

Smooth-fi act Work Drugs recently debuted the title track from their upcoming release, Method Acting. “Method Acting” is swimmy, beachy, and vintage-sounding, bringing to mind the synthy guitar-pop of the 1980s. Fans of Holy Ghost, Miami Horror, or Tears for Fears would be into Work Drugs’ jams. Swing by Work Drugs’ Soundcloud for a free download of “Method Acting.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272600196″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Paper Faces – “Mistaken”

After a much-deserved hiatus, Swedish indie pop band The Paper Faces is back with some new tunes. They shot us the video for “Mistaken,” and we were very pleased. Their brand of pop is simple, crisp, and easily digestible. The video features a bunch of beachy girls having a good ol’ time on a summer road trip. Stop by The Paper Faces’ website where you can pick up their newest EP, Disco Boy.

CHALK – “Together”

CHALK are a London based indie/electronica band formed last year. Having played as separate singer-songwriters for some time, the duo decided to join forces, drop the acoustic guitars, and pick up some synths. CHALK takes an upbeat approach to electronica, using loops, synth tricks, and vocal processing that pairs nicely with their highly singable hooks and choruses. Fans of James Blake, Alt-J and MGMT would dig CHALK’s brand of British-flavored electronica. Give Chalk some love and pick up their stuff via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272142939″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]