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ANiMALSOUL – “Color”

May 13, 2016

“Color” is the title-track from ANiMALSOUL‘s latest four-song EP. This particular quartet from El Paso combines hip hop beats with a straightforward rock sentimentality. The result is an R&B-flavored, genre-blending whirlwind rooted in strong pop hooks. Fans of Washed Out, Neon Indian, or Millionyoung might dig ANiMALSOUL. ANiMALSOUL’s latest release, Color, can be found on their Bandcamp page here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258374503″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

VANGUARD ONE – “Parabola”

May 12, 2016

Ben Bartlett is probably in a basement somewhere creating otherworldly synth patches. This dedication to madness has spawned VANGUARD ONE, Bartlett’s outlet for creating electronic emotional catharsis, or as he so eloquently puts it, “f***ed up dance music.” VANGUARD ONE is all about shedding his past musical identities; this time, he’s working with grainy beats, siren synths, and even an otherworldly female alter-ego. VANGUARD ONE is about walking the line between creating deep, angry synth tones while still wanting to connect with people. Have a listen to “Parabola” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259601394″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

ROBB – “Down With It”

May 12, 2016

ROBB is a progressive soul group who are really nailing the nu-soul vibes. The members of ROBB all call Vienna their adopted hometown, which gives their music a distinct European flavor. “Down With It” is a synthy jam but never disappoints on its strong electro-funk and R&B influences. You might say ROBB is similar to other Euro-electro acts like Gus Gus, Royksopp, or even Zero 7. ROBB’s latest EP, Heat, is available via Spotify. Stream it here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259185271″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

VVOES – “Days Are Numbered”

May 11, 2016

You might be surprised to hear that VVOES are a Texan quartet who eschew their country-loving peers for something a bit more sophisticated. In fact, VVOES is more of a reverb-laden punk act that could be contemporaries with the likes of Ariel Pink, GIRLS, or DIIV. “Days Are Numbered” has been blasting from our speakers – it sounds fresh, contemporary, and vaguely synthy despite these dudes being guitar driven indie rockers. VVOES is working on a four-song EP that will be out shortly. Until then, you can enjoy “Days Are Numbered” for a very reasonable “pay what you want” rate here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262166723″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Night Palms – “Clinch Mountain Part II”

May 11, 2016

Night Palms is a Lancaster trio whose music sounds like a new age take on 1970s rock n roll. Despite their UK roots, “Clinch Mountain Part II” sounds dusky and mysterious, like something you’d hear in a saloon or driving down a dusty old highway in the middle of the night. Fans of Night Palms might also like Echo & The Bunnymen, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, or Timber Timbre. You can pick up “Clinch Mountain Part II” on Night Palms’ Bandcamp page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261678384″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cold Blue Kid – “Way Out”

May 11, 2016

Cold Blue Kid is a Chicago quartet specializing in experimental indie rock tunes. Their latest offering, “Way Out,” starts out like a peppy surf-punk number but quickly turns into something understated and warm. Eventually the song turns crunchy in a muddled, 90s-influenced fashion (and who can argue with the 1990s?). Cold Blue Kid’s latest EP can be found on Soundcloud here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/217896709″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Idle Pilot – “Questionable Status”

May 10, 2016

Idle Pilot (formerly Currents) had a name-change debacle last year which has luckily since been resolved. The name change didn’t stop them at all; they’ve kept their heads held high and got right back in the studio to record their second LP, You Are Presently Looking Upwards. “Questionable Status” is the group’s first glimpse at their particular brand of angular, 90s-inspired indie punk. Idle Pilot would appeal to fans of Drive Like Jehu, Fugazi, Rites of Spring. Idle Pilot’s next release will be out next month on Ocelot Records. You can preorder You Are Presently Looking Upwards here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257494903″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cool Sounds – “Shake”

May 10, 2016

Jazz-gaze act Cool Sounds creates smooth, strangely nostalgic music. Hailing for Melbourne, the quartet’s new single, “Shake,” has us yearning for more. Cool Sounds switches seamlessly from breezy guitar-pop to somber, jazz-infused indie rock, driven by the band’s use of a breathy saxophone. Fans of Here We Go Magic, 1970’s jazz-pop, or The National would dig this. Cool Sounds’ debut LP is due out later this year, but in the meantime check out “Shake” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260936828″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Stranded Mermaid – “Lynx”

May 9, 2016

Stranded Mermaid are a Swedish band inspired by odd instruments, dreamy soundscapes, and percussive beats. “Lynx” immediately caught our ears for sounding primal, almost like a tribal chant. That shouldn’t be surprising, as SM’s latest release is titled Pagan Rituals I: Animal Worship. Their songs explore the instinctual relationship between human and animal characteristics. You can pick up Pagan Rituals I: Animal Worship from on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259810563″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

HALA – “Club Soda”

May 9, 2016

HALA‘s slacker rock game is strong. Incredibly strong. “Club Soda” is the first single from HALA’s upcoming release, written while isolated inside during a brutal Detroit winter. “Club Soda” is a love song, with lyrics such as, “You’re not my club soda, you’re my fancy wine.” Sure it’s a bit tongue and cheek (and yes, there are a few puns), but we think HALA’s intentions are pure. We also really like his song. HALA’s new album, Spoonfed, will be out on May 13th via Balaclava Records. Till then, enjoy the smooth VHS vid for “Club Soda” below or check out his discography here.  

THØSS – “The Meter”

May 8, 2016

UK’s THØSS just released “The Meter,” a bouncy explosion of soaring harmonies and sunny guitars. THØSS is just coming down from the high achieved with of his initial hit, “IWITW,” which amassed over 350,000 total plays. We think “The Meter” is destined for similar success. THØSS very well might be the architect of your song of the summer with they way he plays with start/stop rhythms, colorful melodies, and catchy falsetto delivery. RIYL Darwin Deez, Jukebox the Ghost, or Scissor Sisters. “The Meter” is the second song from THØSS’ upcoming release, Benchwarmer, due out later this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259976126″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Graveyard Club – “Nightcrawler”

May 8, 2016

Graveyard Club is a Minneapolis quartet who seem to be taken by all things occult. Beyond the haunting keyboards layered throughout their dark brand of synthpop lies an interest in sci-fi, 50s crooners, and 80s-style pop. “Nightcrawler” is the perfect amalgamation of these interests, having literally been recorded in a 19th century haunted mansion. One listen to “Nightcrawler” and you’ll begin to notice the gothic and romantic imagery worm its way into your ears. You can pick up “Nightcrawler” from Graveyard Club’s Bandcamp page here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/255748461″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Chain & the Gang

May 8, 2016

Some might call them the last great rock and roll band. Some might call them gritty punx. Either way, Dischord record’s band Chain & the Gang are here to bring some tongue-in-cheek (or is it?) punk rock to Buffalo tonight. This particular show has an incredible staff of backing bands. Enjoy some punk-funk from Mallwalkers, some very dark indie rock from JOHNS, improv madness from Much Band, and some surf punk from Nicky Reynolds & His Pushers. Doors are at 6:00, bring $7 to get in.

Ohms – “Changed My Face”

May 7, 2016

Blending together fast tempos, gritty feminist punk, and a tinge of sparkly glam, Melbourne’s Ohms are a visceral female-fronted punk experience. The quartet’s “Changed My Face” caught our attention earlier this week, taking note from other bands with fellow “I-don’t-effing-care” front-women like Courtney Love, Veruca Salt, or L7. “Changed My Face” is about using plastic surgery as a crutch to avoid dealing with deeper issues (here’s looking at you, MJ). Ohms’ newest untitled offering can be found here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257897813″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Leitbur – “I Need You”

May 7, 2016

LA’s Leitbur (pronounced light-brrr) is on a roll, producing perfect nu-80s synthpop. They recently released a stellar LP, Antique Travelers. Track three, “I Need You,” is a feel-good summer jam if there ever was one, combining retro beats, catchy synth lines, and a huge chorus. What’s more, the song is celebrating the duo’s upcoming marriage. Judging by “I Need You,” we think they’re starting off on the right foot. We think you’d like Leitbur if you’re a fan of Chvrches, M83, or any music released in the year 1984. You can pick up Antique Travelers here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258477489″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]