Latest Posts

The Voxes – “Closer Than Ever”

October 20, 2021

LA-based quintet The Voxes hit our inboxes with a stunning indie rocker called “Closer Than Ever.” Influenced by an equal mix of Latin music and modern bedroom pop, “Closer” takes a plucky acoustic guitar and juxtaposes it against a fuzzy bass. The song is capped off with a beautiful and heartfelt (and unexpected!) slow burn, making this one a true journey between several unique genres. You can also find “Closer Than Ever” on Spotify – they just released an album of the same name for you to check out. TheVoxes · Closer Than Ever

Oberhofer – “SUNSHiiNE”

October 20, 2021

Oberhofer teamed up with The Strokes’ Nick Valensi Shamir for this (third) eye-opening, psyched-out jam called “SUNSHiiNE.” Oberhofer is no stranger to the limelight (just ask his myriad of placements and collaboration partners), but that didn’t stop us from diving head-first into this r&b-tinged tune. With more textures than is perceivable by the human ear, “SUNSHiiNE” will provide you a different listening experience every time through – we’re particularly taken by Valensi’s fuzzed-out guitar contributions. Check out “SUNSHiiNE” below – you can also find it on Spotify. Oberhofer · SUNSHiiNE (feat. Shamir, Nick Valensi)

Perry Zoso – “Guadalupe (2021 Mix)”

October 20, 2021

Perry Zoso just doesn’t know when to quit… And we’re grateful for it. The Burbank crew revisited an old track called “Guadalupe” and gave it a facelift – think a new mix, a new guitar track, and some overall refreshed energy that really helped take it to the next level. There’s a bit of new-wave-The-Cars energy on this, but there’s an equal amount of squiggly, contemporary bedroom-pop for all you Demarco fans. If you think “Guadalupe” is just as infectious as we do, check it out on Apple Music and Spotify too. Perry Zoso · Guadalupe (2021 Mix)

Loose Buttons – “First To Know, Last To Understand”

October 20, 2021

Loose Buttons has felt a little stagnant these last 18 months… Haven’t we all? Their latest slice of guitar-pop, “First To Know, Last To Understand,” reckons with those feelings of stagnation – pondering what the best version of ourselves is, chasing after it, and coming to terms with falling down before the finish line. They do it via this unique approach to pop-punk; think twinkly guitars, unique chord progressions, and a peppy tempo. We like this one – if you like it too, be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist. Keep an eye out for Loose Buttons’ upcoming sophomore LP, What’s On Outside, due out October 22. LOOSE BUTTONS · First To Know, Last To Understand

CARR – “Sprinter Van”

October 20, 2021

An ode to all the band dudes out there! We’re using the word “ode” lightly, of course… CARR is here nailing it on her latest grunge-pop jam “Sprinter Van,” a tune she describes as “about falling for the wrong type of boys over and over again.” Whether it’s the call-outs on painted nails, skinny jeans, and living with mom; or just the sugary-sweet melodies mixed with dead-on lyrics, we’re thinking “Sprinter Van” is going to appeal to anyone who’s been hurt by an emotionally unavailable indie rocker. Check out the video for “Sprinter Van” below – you can also find it on Apple Music and Spotify.

The Klittens – “Canned Air”

October 20, 2021

Amsterdam-based quintet The Klittens maximize their happy/sad aesthetic here on the low-key indie punk of “Canned Air.” What do we mean exactly by happy/sad? It’s one of those songs that has an easy-going (almost upbeat!) instrumental presence that’s laced with just enough beneath-the-surface sadness sentiment that will lure the ear of any astute listener. Dueling vocals, jangly guitar riffing (sans the ending fuzz), and tasteful drumming help to drive this one home. You can also find “Canned Air” on Spotify and Apple Music. The Klittens · Canned Air

Endearments – “Ocean”

October 13, 2021

The tellingly-named Endearments explore themes of heartbreak on their latest synthpop/dreampop hybrid, “Ocean.” Endearments is more colloquially known as Brooklyn native Kevin Marksson – the songwriter and synth-head describes, “Ocean” as: “A no-stone-unturned glimpse into the pain of watching someone you love fall for someone else.” Brutal. Musically, however, “Ocean” is an urgent, shiny song that makes use of vintage synth tones, an overdriven bass backbone, and discoesque drumbeats. We love the juxtaposition of heartbreak with a retro-flavored, but ultimately contemporary feel. So now you’ve heard “Ocean” – time to swing by Spotify too to add it to your playlist. Endearments · Ocean

Interesting Hobbies Club – “Middle of the 110”

October 13, 2021

Interesting Hobbies Club here with a lo-fi riff rocker that is sure to make you feel something. This time around, IHC made a conscientious effort to bring a bit more melody to their music and the result is something delightfully rickety. Bringing to mind the rawness of Pixies, Wolf Parade, and early Modest Mouse, “Middle of the 110” is a spiraling bedroom venture into dreampop territory. Highlights include a forlorn vocal take, noodle-worthy guitar and bass riffing, and a sense of pure emotion that seems to drip out of every corner of this tune. Get a taste for “110” below via YouTube – if you like it, be sure to add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.

Liily – “Anvil”

October 13, 2021

Fresh off a tight September gig at Mohawk Place, we’re happy to feature LA-based quartet Liily and their mathy/shoegaze hybrid, “Anvil.” This young band is no stranger to the press – they’ve been featured heavily in Spotify and Apple Music playlists and have even performed at Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo… But we’re just drawn to “Anvil” because it’s really, really cool. They layer thick, sludgy guitars overtop purposely hyperbolic lyrics to create something cacophonous and rhythmic all at once. This is one of those songs that needs to be heard to be truly appreciated, so hit the play button on the widget below and let their antics carry you away. If you enjoy “Anvil,” be sure to add it to your favorite playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. LIILY · Anvil

Belaver – “Mount Misery”

October 13, 2021

Belaver stepped out of his comfort zone to put out his first “upbeat” single and we think it paid off big time… “Mount Misery” is a look at the so-called American dream and how creatives in today’s society tend to get exploited by faceless corporations. Belaver set out to credit the artists that worked on the video for “Misery” (which, as creatives ourselves, we can totally get behind). In addition to the relatable message, we were initially drawn to “Mount Misery” because of the music itself – Belaver’s eclectic vocals are reminiscent of sing-speakers like Bright Eyes or Modern Baseball with a particularly beaten-down twist. Check out the animated music video for “Mount Misery” below – it features (credited!) work from 15 different animators around the globe. You can also find it on Spotify if streaming is more your speed.

Humble Braggers Release New Single, “So Alive”

October 12, 2021

Buffalo indietronica mainstays Humble Braggers are back again with another lush single they’re calling “So Alive.” By now (we hope!) you’re familiar with the quartet’s euphoric sound – songs filled with what seems like hundreds of synth textures; big vintage drum sounds; plucky guitar riffs; and Tom Burtless’ signature croon. “So Alive” continues that trend, complete with a set of lyrics about how good it feels to face your fears head-on. Check out “So Alive” below via Soundcloud. If you like it, you can also find their entire discography on Spotify and Apple Music. PS: Don’t forget to pre-save their full-length LP, Love & Fear, due out November 11th – here’s the link for you to do so. Humble Braggers · So Alive

Ice In My Eyes – “Arpeggiator”

October 7, 2021

Luxembourg-based quintet Ice In My Eyes nailed it on this high-energy synthpop-meets-indie-rock jam they’re calling “Arpeggiator.” With a big synth bass bouncing the song along, the song lurches forward at a great, blood-pumping tempo. Even though this has an upbeat feel musically, it still encapsulates the band’s frustrations perfectly – refrains of “shut up, shut up, shut up” feel sincerely frustrated, while pleas of “sing the same song forever” express just how tough it’s been to feel stagnant these last few years. If you like what you hear via the YouTube embed below, be sure to swing by IIME’s Spotify too.

The Washing Line Economy – “Mirrors”

October 7, 2021

Last time we checked in with The Washing Line Economy, we were excited to share their swirly, sunny slice of indie pop called “In As Many Minutes.” They’re back again with a new tune called “Mirrors” that continues their trend of slightly-squiggly indie rock with a hint of psych flavor. Fans of guitar effects will enjoy the lead guitars here, but otherwise, this is a relatively hush-hush tune that plays with slow-burn vibes in a simmering intensity. Fans of newer Turnover, Mac Demarco, or Tame Impala will enjoy this overall-adorned band’s unique style. Don’t miss out on the mirror-themed music video below – if you like it, be sure to add it to your playlist on Spotify.

Schedule 1 – “Paint It Red”

October 6, 2021

Vancouver-based post-punkers Schedule 1 caught our ears with this super urgent song about “familial identity, purpose, and pain.” We were drawn to the sheer energy of “Paint it Red” – a blistering tempo, sing/shout vocals, shreddy guitar riffs, and a chord progression that just beckons emotions. Fans of everyone from Cloud Nothings to Alexisonfire are going to find something to love here. Check out the equally chaotic video for “Paint It Red” below – if you like what you hear, check it out on Apple Music or Spotify too.

Vagrant Sabbatical – “past mary”

October 6, 2021

Beyond the crushing, stripped-down simplicity of “past mary,” Vagrant Sabbatical has an amazing backstory. Having been sent from “Hawaii to Queens to Vermont to California” over the past few years and holding three different jobs, he simply hasn’t had the time or the space to set up a true makeshift studio. Enter his latest album, recorded entirely using the voice memos app on his phone. “mary” is the lead single full of lyrical bombs that would make both Attic Abasement and Hold Steady fans blush. Preview the crushing “past mary” via YouTube below – you can also find his music on Apple Music and Spotify.