Latest Posts

Shane Malone – “River Devotional”

January 19, 2021

Digging this fun indie rocker from Shane Malone. “River Devotional” is a fun, bouncy jam that feels uplifting and sunshine-y without indulging in any chintziness. The 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Northern Florida has a knack for contemporary indie jangle – you’ll notice that “Devotional” simmers with chorus-tinged guitars, an effervescent drum presence, and Malone’s quasi-eclectic presence. Check it out below – Malone also has a Spotify if that’s more your preference.

Jake Elijah – “Shelly Wants Me Home”

January 19, 2021

It’s not often that you can combine somber, gauzy bedroom-pop with legit pop hooks, but somehow New Jersey’s Jake Elijah has accomplished it. “Shelly Wants Me Home” sounds like it could be on a warbly, aged cassette (no wonder, it was recorded directly to tape), and yet, the refrains here prove to be subtle earworms delivered in Elijah’s warm, comforting baritone. This one sounds like it belongs in the 70s and the 20s simultaneously – check it out below if you want to feel warm, fuzzy, and nostalgic – it’s also on Spotify. Little Errands by Jake Elijah

despAIR Jordan – “Rhapsody In Black”

January 19, 2021

despAIR Jordan‘s story is one you may have heard before – four passionate members of the Denver music scene kick around for years until they finally come together to create something together. That creation is their debut album Before Your Wings Gave Out, upon which our latest fav resides – “Rhapsody in Black.” In black, despAIR Jordan pairs a post-punk vocal element (think a grittier Interpol or The National) with sparkly guitars and a surprising amount of production polish. It’s digestible (but still edgy) indie rock from songwriters who clearly know their way around their instruments. Most of all – it feels like the kind of band that would absolutely crush their set at the local dive bar (RIP shows). Check it out below – we think you’ll like it. Before Your Wings Gave Out by despAIR Jordan

mint eastwood – “Man From Atlantis”

January 12, 2021

Here’s a lighthearted one from Manchester’s mint eastwood. “Man From Atlantis” is an effervescent, slacker-esque jam, padded lush with vintage-sounding synths and aquatic reverb. Deceptively (and delightfully simple), “Atlantis” is easy to digest, complete with a monster chorus hook about swimming lessons of all things. This one falls somewhere on the spectrum between MGMT, Flaming Lips, and Say Hi – see what we mean below or check it out on Spotify. Man From Atlantis by mint eastwood

Employer – “Modeans 2”

January 11, 2021

There’s something magical about “Modeans 2,” the latest offering from Kansas City act Employer. Is it emo? Is it math rock? Is it straight up indie rock? All of the above… But it’s also part enigma. Full of swirling guitar effects, huge shifts in vocal dynamics, start-stop tempos, and riffage, this one would sit comfortably on a shelf next to Into It. Over It.; Pile; or your rare, late-90s 7″ collection. Check it out below via YouTube or on Spotify if you prefer streaming.

7-11 Jesus – “5HITS”

January 11, 2021

Digging this raucous jam from three-piece noise rockers 7-11 Jesus. “5HITS” is full of Pile-esque borderline-cacophony and sludgy, wall-of-noise guitar energy. It also somehow manages to squeeze in a quiet/loud dynamic a la Pixies or Nirvana. Upon first listen, we could picture ourselves getting sweaty and rocking out to this in a packed basement (RIP shows)… And any band that can conjure that sort of feeling through their raw recordings deserves to be noticed. Check it out below via Bandcamp; if Spotify is more your thing, here’s the link to that too. Tree Dream by 7-11 Jesus

Mickey May – “Hell of a Night”

January 9, 2021

Toronto’s Mickey May has just released the ultra-indie-poppy “Hell of a Night.” Built on a chorus-laden guitar backbone, May plays with a spitfire lyrical delivery, super slick production, and sugary sweet melodies to really suck his listeners in. At just 21-years-of -age, Mickey May seems destined for a career of tightly sprung pop jams… Check it out below or visit his Spotify for more tasty jams.

Jerry, at the Beach – “Summertime”

January 7, 2021

Jerry, at the Beach resides in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, but their sassy and energetic jam “Summertime” sounds a bit more like an upbeat Southern California tune. With big raucous guitars reminiscent of Wavves and sugary pop melodies that would put Weezer to shame, “Summertime” is sure to get your blood pumping while leaving a lasting melodic impression all day long. Check it out via Bandcamp below – here’s their Spotify if that’s more your thing. Jagerbomb by Jerry, at the Beach

Evelyn – “Winter”

January 7, 2021

We find the indie folk of “Winter” by Evelyn super relaxing, and we think it will warm your hearts too. Evelyn is the moniker of singer/songwriter Dani Lencioni; the project has been both a band and a solo vehicle for her. “Winter” is an old tune, but has re-emerged in a new form as an anthem for this particularly isolated winter. The lyrical themes are dead on and the gentle acoustic strumming, shuffling drumbeat, and Lencioni’s lilting presence gives the song an energy like it should be listened to in front of a warm and cozy fire. Cuddle up with your loved one and put on “Winter” – you won’t regret it. All proceeds from the sale of “Winter” benefit Food Issues Group (foodissuesgroup.org) who are providing meals to folks in need this winter. Check it out below via Bandcamp. Winter by Evelyn

Justina Shandler – “Taking Back My Love”

January 7, 2021

Here’s a nice indie pop-meets-adult contemporary jam from singer/songwriter Justina Shandler. Lyrically, “Taking Back My Love” is a kiss-off to a troubled relationship. With just enough sassy energy peeking through her otherwise gentle delivery, “Love” finds Shandler re-discovering her voice, telling her freeloading ex like it is. Beyond that, the song straddles a fine line between adult contemporary and indie pop, meaning fans of anyone from Carly Rae Jepsen to Lorde to Sara Bareilles might like this one. Check it out below via Bandcamp – it’s also on Spotify. Taking Back My Love by Justina Shandler

Bubblewands – “Go Back”

January 7, 2021

Bubblewands is an ultra-endearing recording project between singer/songwriter Brian Lonsdorf and drummer Andy Miles. The San Francisco duo’s latest effort, “Go Back,”  caught our ears for its bedroom-fi sincerity and jangly guitar driven appeal. They’ve managed to blend late 90s emo and slacker indie rock (with a tinge of alt-country) into something heartfelt – think Pavement meets Pinegrove meets The Get Up Kids. Check it out below, we think you’ll like it. Footage by Bubblewands

Retrofette – “Photogenic”

January 7, 2021

Denver synthpop quartet Retrofette are going to make you miss the dancefloor with their new single, “Photogenic.” Inspired by a love of vintage synths and irresistibly compelling beats, Retrofette have created something mysteriously timeless and eerily danceable. Full of off-beat bass bumps, a spooky falsetto delivery, and minimalist drum presence, fans of Metronomy, Justice, or Porches will dig this one a lot. Check it out via Soundcloud below – they’ve also got a Spotify for you to enjoy. Retrofette · Photogenic

oramor – “Crisis”

January 7, 2021

Loving the silky smooth bedroom-pop stylings from LA-based oramor. “Crisis” is built on a swirly, muted guitar backbone that pairs well with a bunch of swelling synth work, start-stop rhythms, and oramor’s gentle croon. The chorus of “So take your time/You can take what’s mine/We will be just right forever” is a definite earworm that shows off oramor’s nuanced ear for pop melody delivered with vaguely romantic lyrics. “Crisis” appears on oramor’s new, three-song EP, Sunsets. It’s currently available via Bandcamp. Sunsets by oramor

KO. – “Evergreen”

January 5, 2021

You might recognize solo-act Kevin J.B. O’Connor from his previous role as front man of Buffalo-based indie quartet Coral Collapse – he’s since relocated to Lexington, KY and started up a solo project under the name KO. We’ve been vibing on his latest effort, “Evergreen;” full of folksy drum shuffles, reverb-soaked guitars, and O’Connor’s endearing vocals, this one is a feel-good tune that falls somewhere on the spectrum between Real Estate and fleet foxes. Check it out below, but also be sure to visit his Bandcamp or swing by his website for more info. KO. · Evergreen

Humble Braggers Release New Music Video for “Better”

January 5, 2021

Buffalo synthpop heroes Humble Braggers are back with a new music video for their reimagined jam, “Better.” The video finds the HB boys getting raucous in a backyard beer pong session, complete with NFL-quality can punting (Go Bills!), table flipping, and plenty of quasi-drunken bliss. Juxtaposed against the band’s tomfoolery is front man Tom Burtless, smoothly mouthing the lyrics and dressed to the nines in an expertly-decorated room. It’s a good look for the Buffalo mainstays, who continue to pump out mature and polished music (and evidently having a great time doing so). Like all of Humble Braggers’ work, “Better” is another absolute earworm, full of tasty synths, soaked in reverb, and tinged with just-enough vintage 1980s flavor. Check it out below – If you prefer to listen elsewhere, you can find all of the links here.