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Shower Curtain – “You Make Me Feel”

If you’re looking for a chill and introspective swirler – we recommend this fuzzy one from Shower Curtain. “You Make Me Feel” has all the hallmarks of a downtrodden, lovelorn anthem… Forlorn lyrics, aloof-but-hurt vocals, and a mid-tempo trod that is as heartbreaking as it is hypnotizing. Balaclava Records was right to put this one out – fans of Pity Sex, Petal, and Cloakroom are going to love this. Watch the equally fuzzy swirl-fest music video below – if you dig it, you can also find it on Apple Music and Spotify.

Thyla – “Gum”

UK-based indie rockers Thyla are shrugging off the weights of the world with their new single “Gum.” It’s an upbeat but raucous tune that showcases a dancy, disco-esque beat with emotional vocal melodies and bombastic guitars. The whole affair feels swirly and just a bit overwhelming in a good way – fans of The Joy Formidable, Cherry Glazerr, and Wolf Alice are going to find lots to love here. Check out the music video for “Gum” below – you can also find it on Apple Music and Spotify.

Maria Taylor – “It’s Coming For You”

By now, you probably recognize Maria Taylor from her tenure with the legendary Saddle Creek label crew… She’s back with a new jam called “It’s Coming For You” that we’ve been really enjoying as of late. Jangly guitars, a driving drum beat, and Maria’s reverbed-out vocal delivery will help this one worm its way into your heart. About the song, Taylor says: “It hasn’t been the easiest couple of years for kids and parents… School has now been in session for 2 weeks and I already have one song written, recorded, mixed and mastered! I feel energized, focused and inspired and I think the song reflects this. I hope it brings the listener to a place where they feel spontaneous and carefree.” We think you’re going to like this one, it’s upbeat and mood-boosting – preview it via YouTube below and then add it to your Spotify playlist.

Golding – “Boxing Underwater”

Australian duo Golding have teamed up with US-based singer Cailin Russo to bring this swimmy sensation from across the pond… Last time we checked in with these two, they were collab-ing with BOO SEEKA on their electropop anthem, “Don’t Waste Your Love…” We think they have another hit on their hands with “Boxing” – underwater-ish synths and far-away vocals give this tune a distinctly aquatic feel. With a super-tasty bassline and undeniable rhythmic play, we think this one will make its way onto your next vibe-out playlist. Check out the music video for “Boxing Underwater” below – you can also enjoy it via Spotify and Apple Music.

Pale Moon – “Strange Days”

Last time we checked in with Icelandic/Siberian act Pale Moon, we were excited about the nostalgic, 70s-influenced sounds of their single “Parachutes.” This time around, we’re highlighting another gem, “Strange Days,” which still plays with the Fleetwood Mac-esque sounds of their previous singles with a bit more of a 2021 contemporary flair. The group has been re-working the song over and over until they finally fell on this current arrangement; full of warbly guitars, heartwarming vocals, and a monster melodic chorus, we think “Strange Days” is going to worm its way into your favorite playlist. Check out the music video for “Strange Days” below – Spotify is also an option.

monmoi – “Dream On Baby”

The last time we checked in with monmoi, we couldn’t get enough of their then-single “Eyebrows.” They’re (aka George David) back with another taste of dreamy bedroom-pop with a tune they call (aptly) “Dream On Baby.” This time around, they’ve injected a bit of nu-disco energy into their sound – expect a tasty, bell-tone synth hook that you just can’t ignore and a dance-inspired beat that never quits. Do you like what you hear? Check out “Dream On Baby” on Spotify too. monmoi · Dream On Baby

The Kite Society – “Oxford Jelly”

We’re loving the spunk on the new single from The Kite Society – you might also recognize singer/songwriter Donald Campbell from his work in The Easter Island Statue. “Oxford Jelly” is a Blur-ish, guitar-driven single with lots of unique hallmarks – think flutes, trumpets, and a sing-songy cadence that we couldn’t resist smiling about. It’s twangy, sassy, and fun – fans of Johnny Foreigner, Cake, or even Weezer will dig this one. Preview “Oxford Jelly” via YouTube below – you can also find it on Spotify and Apple Music.

Petite Amie – “Elektro”

Here’s a cool one from Mexico City’s Petite Amie – we’ve been enjoying the woozy electropop sounds of the fittingly-named “Elektro.” Swirly synths, futuristic vibes, and super-pleasant falsetto crooning pushes this one into near-psychedelic territory without ever losing the air of shimmery pop propulsiveness. About “Elektro,” the band says: “We tried to translate a dream where you don’t know exactly where you are going but you let yourself go.” Well said. Check out the music video for “Elektro” below – you can also find it on Apple Music and Spotify.

Johnny Hart and the Mess Release New Single, “Get Lost Living”

Buffalo-based rock n’ rollers Johnny Hart and the Mess recently released a new song called “Get Lost Living.” While showcasing Johnny’s soaring vocals and riff-based, guitar-driven style, the band dives deep lyrically on “Living.” About the song, they say: “This song is about getting lost in life. Both bad lost and good lost. Bad meaning you get so engulfed in the trivial nonsense of the day to day, you stop and ask are you really living your life, or are you just going through motions? Good meaning, you are so entranced in something that is bringing you immense joy that you’re just watching your life go by and couldn’t be happier… Life is short, get lost living it.” We think you’re gonna like it – you can listen to “Get Lost Living” via YouTube below or stream it on Apple Music, Deezer, or Spotify.

Lazy Daze – “Two Hands On The Wheel”

LA-based indie rocker Lazy Daze hit our inboxes with the beachy “Two Hands On The Wheel” and we’ve been hooked ever since. Wavy guitars and an ever-present halo of reverb help to propel this toward that hazy (pun intended) end-of-summer vibe that feels so fitting this time of year. Hit the waterfront one more time this year and make sure this one is on your playlist. “Two Hands” is available on Deezer, Apple Music, and Spotify. Lazy Daze · Two Hands On The Wheel

Paul Whitacre – “90 Down 40”

We can all agree 2020 was a mess, right? Singer/songwriter Paul Whitacre‘s last year was rough too – as evidenced by his ode to his lost 2020 tour, “90 Down 40.” In the song, Whitacre comes to terms with his doomed tour through a dirge-y tempo, electronic flourishes, and his trademark baritone croon. Fans of Bright Eyes, Radical Face, and M. Ward are going to like this a lot. You can listen to “90 Down 40” via Soundcloud below, or, stream it via Spotify. Paul Whitacre · 90 down 40

Neon Cathedral – “Drab”

Oklahoma City duo Neon Cathedral recently released their debut EP, Velvet – it’s an onslaught of shoegazy, fuzzed-out songs led by lead single “Drab.” There gothy vibes and a reverb-soaked atmosphere here set off by strong melody and lovelorn vocals – fans of Slowdive, Pity Sex, and Smashing Pumpkins are going to love this one. “Drab” is available via Bandcamp below – you can also find it on Spotify or Apple Music. Velvet by Neon Cathedral

Spritely – “Imma Buy A House”

Digging this pop-grunge tune from bedroom-popper Spritely – “Imma Buy A House” is a “cheeky declaration of independence” from a long-distance partner who was expressing some iffy-ness about Spritely moving across the country to be together… She tells them off with this dark-pop jam; it’s shined-up with pop production while never losing the emo/grunge, guitar-driven sensibilities of someone who has been hurt. Fans of Jay Som or Kississippi will love this one. Check out “Imma Buy A House” via YouTube below – you can also find it on Spotify if you prefer streaming.

Dead Emerson – “Eleventh Hour”

Last time we checked in with Dead Emerson, we were jazzed on their latest single, “Sucker Punch.” The one-man-show is back again with another indie-pop banger called “Eleventh Hour.” Emerson recently dealt with some pesky bouts of disassociation, where he felt out-of-body for days at a time… He channeled his ennui into this big-energy song, full of sparkly guitar riffs, punchy drums, and impassioned vocals. Check out “Eleventh Hour” on Bandcamp below – if streaming is more your thing, you can listen on Spotify as well. Eleventh Hour by Dead Emerson

The Day – “Empty”

We’ve raved about Netherlands-based dream-pop duo The Day before – both in their cover of The Lemonheads’ “Tenderfoot” and their ethereal indie rocker “We Killed Our Hearts.” They’re back with another stunning slice of indie pop, a song called “Empty.” With strong, polished production value, a driven drumbeat, tasty chord progressions, and singer Laura Loeters’ catchy vocal melodies, this one is sure to get your energy levels up… But beneath the smart songcraft, there’s a deeper message to “Empty:” “There’s so much that needs to be done. So much that needs to change for this world. And then we always come up against limits and glass ceilings… We need to do much more. We need to listen much more to the youth, to the new generation!” We think you’re gonna like this one – preview it below via Soundcloud and don’t forget to add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.[...]