Latest Posts

Lucky Idiot – “Nice Day”

July 14, 2021

Loving this warbly new jam, all the way from Australia. Lucky Idiot is a brand new three-piece specializing in dreamy indie pop with a pleasant punch. We recommend “Nice Day” as the perfect place to start – with it’s omni-pleasant guitar twinkle, thick drum flavor, and it’s ultra-catchy “yeah-yeah-yeah” refrains, we think this tune is anything but idiotic… They just want everyone to try to have a nice day, and we can totally get behind that. “Nice Day” is available via Soundcloud below, but you can also find Lucky Idiot on Spotify. Lucky Idiot · Nice Day

Crooked Steps – “Try Try Try”

July 14, 2021

We’ve been feeling this summery, surf-rock jam from Belgian trio Crooked Steps. Their newest jam (and the fun music video for) “Try Try Try” has that feel-good, sunshiny aura that makes summertime so special. With plunky guitar flavor, retro-flavored backup vocals, and lyrics about persevering despite all odds, we think “Try Try Try” is going to make it onto your summer playlists. PS – stick around for the full-fledged guitar solo. Watch the music video for “Try Try Try” below – you can find the song on basically any platform by following this link as well.

Lola Scott – “Jogging Shoes”

July 5, 2021

Last time we checked in with Sydney-based singer/songwriter Lola Scott, we were gushing over the magical vibes of her then-latest single, “i wanted to call her but i’m tragic & she’s overseas (8 months) [sic].” She’s back, this time with another lovelorn single called “Jogging Shoes.” Swimmy flourishes, bouncy basslines, fun chord progressions, and heart-on-her-sleeve lyrics all come together to make this an irresistible listen – this feels like where indie pop should be here in 2021. Check out the fun, lo-fi music video for “Jogging Shoes” below.

Griffith James – “Market and Black (feat. Tennis)”

July 5, 2021

LA-based singer/songwriter Griffith James teamed up with indie pop luminaries Tennis for his debut single, “Market and Black.” Featuring vocals from Tennis’ Alaina Moore (Tennis also produced James’ upcoming album), “M&B” is a buoyant indie pop jam with hints of psychedelic rock, acoustic folk, and retro rock. It’s tight and urgent, while also letting James’ surprisingly soothing vocals shine through. We loved this debut – watch the video below and be sure to check him out on Apple Music or Spotify.

Ring Finger No Pinky – “Girl Tsunami”

July 5, 2021

Ring Finger No Pinky defy categorization – precisely why we found ourselves so drawn to the lo-fi-ish vibes of “Girl Tsunami.” Equal parts post-punk, garage rock, and modern indie rock (and with a touch of math rock and hardcore), “Tsunami” changes from angular, robotic verses to a guitar-bomb chorus, complete with throat-shredding screamalongs. There’s a lot to take in here, and yet, it feels familiar and digestible all at once. Have a listen for yourself and see what’s up. If you’re interested in more from RFNP, check out their Spotify. Ring Finger No Pinky · Girl Tsunami

TEOSE – “Oh”

July 5, 2021

We’re loving the grungy vulnerability coming out of Glasgow three-piece TEOSE. “Oh” has it all – the alternative, guitar-based brilliance of 90s college rock; 2021-era heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics; and a uniquely swung rhythm that’s as hypnotic as it is ear-catching. Even beyond the lyrical catharsis, the song finds writer/producer Melissa Brisbane crafting la-la-la and oh-oh earworm vocal melodies. It’s a win all-around. “Oh” is available all over the internet – check your options out here. TEOSE · Oh

Tunnel Snakes – “Lemon and Salt”

July 1, 2021

Michigan-based duo Tunnel Snakes (sick Fallout 3 reference) debuted with a fun and propulsive indie rock single called “Lemon and Salt.” The duo’s fun-loving approach is evident in their upbeat brand of indie rock – expect lots of bouncy guitar goodness, upbeat drum presence, and the occasional cowbell. Fans of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, The Strokes, and The Shins (at their most upbeat) are gonna love this one. Give “Lemon and Salt” a preview via YouTube below – it’s also available via a number of listening platforms which can all be viewed here.

Summer Like The Season – “Root Mean Square”

July 1, 2021

Here’s an absolute stunner from Detroit-based indie-electronica act Summer Like The Season. “Root Means Square” brings the intricate electronica of Sylvan Esso and pairs it with Summer’s eclectic and ear-catching vocal delivery. Harmonies build upon each other, strange electronic samples pop in out of nowhere, and a driving-but-reserved electronic beat keeps things steadily moving along. The flawless production on “Root” is best experienced for yourself, preferably with headphones. Check it out below, via Bandcamp, or on Spotify. Summer Like The Season · 03 RMS

Cathedral Pearls – “Wasted Days”

June 28, 2021

Here’s a stunner from Spokane-based trio Cathedral Pearls. With it’s jangly guitar presence, slow-burning tempo, and haunting vocal presence, “Wasted Days” could fit comfortably on a shelf next to other shoegaze/dreampop luminaries like Mazzy Star or Slowdive. We love the simmering beginning, but “Days” really picks up around the four-minute mark – be sure to stick around for an explosive and emotional ending. You can find Cathedral Pearls on Spotify too. Cathedral Pearls · Wasted Days

Persona 749 – “Live Order, Pt. 2”

June 28, 2021

Persona 749 is a bit of a mystery to us, but we can’t help but be drawn to the eclectic energy of “Live Order, Pt. 2.” Part bedroom-pop, part garage-rock, part nihilistic energy, “Live Order” has a DI-sound recording wise but it totally works for their aesthetic. We particularly like the plucky guitar riff that drops in when the song picks up the pace about midway through. If YouTube simply isn’t enough, you can also find “Live Order Pt.2” (and “Live Order Pt. 1”) on Spotify. P

Junaco – “Paradise”

June 28, 2021

Junaco (aka songwriting duo Shahana Jaffer and Joey LaRosa) have been wooing us with their latest offering, “Paradise.” Jaffer’s light and airy vocals lay overtop LaRosa’s gentle but propulsive drumming – according to them, it’s “music for music’s sake,” and we can totally get behind that. Fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo, or Jay Som are going to enjoy the effervescent indie pop of “Paradise” a lot… Check it out below to see for yourself. “Paradise” is available via many different platforms – check them all out here. Junaco · Paradise

Bazemore – “Most, But Not All (feat. Stella Smyth)”

June 22, 2021

Here’s a cool, dreamy collab between Bazemore and Stella Smyth. “Most, But Not All” definitely utilizes elements of shoegaze, dream-pop, emo, and fuzz rock, but it otherwise defies categorization… Think somewhere along the lines of HUM meets Tigers Jaw meets Men I Trust. It’s topped off with a powerful vocal contribution from Smyth, who really lets her pipes loose at the apex of the song. There are lots of ways to enjoy “Most, But Not All” – check out the Linktree here. bazemore · Most, But Not All (feat. Stella Smyth)

crush – “Chewed”

June 22, 2021

Manchester-based quartet crush play with elements dream-pop and shoegaze on their latest offering, “Chewed.” Fans of Slowdive, Mazzy Star, or Ride will immediately find solace in the intimate-but-atmospheric mix of “Chewed…” Expect swirly guitars, a haunting vocal presence, spiraling basslines, endearing melodies, and lots and lots of reverb. “Chewed” is available via a myriad of different platforms. Check them all out here. crush · Chewed

Eastrn Social – “Settle”

June 22, 2021

Newcastle-based solo-act Eastrn Social hit our inbox with the stunning “Settle” and we’ve been hooked ever since. “Settle” sounds utterly 2021 – warbly guitars, hush-hush vocals, and a commanding pop melody certainly help push this through the static and into your sub-conscious. The best part is “Settle’s” versatility – it could fit comfortably on a lo-fi and chill playlist while feeling just as at-home next to Mac Demarco or Glass Animals. We loved “Settle” – check it out below via Soundcloud or stream it on Spotify. Eastrn Social · Settle

Buddy Junior – “stars****”

June 21, 2021

Last time we checked in with Buddy Junior, we were raving about the genre-bending art-rock of previous single, “Feel Good.” We’re equally transfixed by latest single, “stars***” – with the same gloom-pop/moody-rock approach as “Feel Good” (yet somehow completely and totally different), “stars****” plays with a dark and mysterious 80s post-punk feel. It’s soaked in reverb and full of dueling vocals; a truly dark and unique must-listen that’s best experienced for yourself. “stars****” is out now via Cherub Dream records. You can also find “stars****” on Bandcamp (below), Apple Music, and Spotify. stars**** by Buddy Junior