We’re grooving on this slowburning slice of darkpop from Isanna. “Moshpit of Emotions” feels like a Phantogram song with a bit more sultry shadow to it. Full of spaced-out instrumentals, super subtle vocals, and big bass vibes, “Emotions” is sure to please fans of LORDE and Sylvan Esso alike. Be sure to stick around for her to say “bitches ain’t shit.” Check out the visually stunning music video below before swinging by her Spotify.
Alt-folk artist Savannah King recently released a new three-song EP, featuring lead single “Sweetest Dream.” On “Dream,” King’s lilting vocals sit atop a tune that feels alt country, indie folk, and adult contemporary all at once. At just over five minutes, this one feels like a nostalgic journey, almost like the song’s subject matter, inspired by a brief stay in the scenic Utah desert. There are hints of sadness and hope in this one, best experienced for yourself. Check it out below. Savannah’s latest release, Moab, is available now via Bandcamp and Spotify. Moab by Savannah King
We think you should check out this jam from Swiss quintet Alois. “German Oak” is a stunning slice of dark artpop, full of staccato percussion, bleating flashes of synth, and stuttering percussive rhythms. It’s all pulled together by a vocal melody that’s simultaneously haunting, yet soothing. Fans of Phoenix, M83, or Metronomy will dig this one for sure – check it out below. Their latest album, Azul, is available now via Bandcamp. Azul by Alois
“Your Standards” is a squiggly new single from Australian quartet The Moving Stills. “Standards” is something of an evolution for these guys – stepping away from their raucous garage rock roots into something nuanced, pop-oriented, and synth-tinged. Between the tight mix and Demarco-esque bedroom vibes, we think “Standards” is bound to be your next not-so-guilty pleasure. Check it out below before swinging by their Spotify. Sureshaker Music · The Moving Stills – ‘Your Standards’
We’re digging this spiraling indie rocker from Danish quintet Yune. “Running Down The Hourglass” is a subtle maelstrom of swirling guitars, left-field atmospherics, and vocals that whirl in and out of everything dexterously. “Running” has a mysterious haze to it, but the quintet still makes every effort to stuff their music full of ear-pleasing nuance. We think you’ll like this one – check out the official music video below.
Here’s a sweet, synthy one from Cincinnati’s Coast Off. “Unpredictable’s” origins are a common story – a bass player starts writing his own songs, realizes he doesn’t need anyone else to hold him back, and starts crushing it. This one is bedroomy, but put together well, pairing pleasant vocals with wispy synth licks and a simple, driving rhythm section. This is just the beginning for Coast Off – get started with “Unpredictable” below. Coast Off · Unpredictable
We’re feeling (willingly) haunted by this latest jam from Netherlands act Cloud Mind. With early Modest Mouse-meets-Elliott Smith vibes, a certain darkness is palpable in “Choker.” Cloud Mind is actually the alter ego for musician/producer Abel de Grefte, whose songs were inspired by powerful conversations about how different people perceive the world… We think this one is best experienced for yourself. Check out this slowcore gem below before you add it to your Spotify playlist. Revanche Records · Cloud Mind – Choker
Big, 80s vibes from this upbeat jam by BESTMAN. “August” was practically made for late-night drives with the top down. We love that this one unashamedly pairs a driving synthy bass line with an excellent, 2020 mix treatment. With 80s flavor and flourishes all over the place, this one would sit as comfortably on a shelf next to Eddie Money as it would with M83. Check it out below, but BESTMAN has lots more to offer – check them out on Spotify. August by BESTMAN
Just in time for summer – here’s a fun one from Brooklyn’s The Rad Trads. “99 in October” is a horn-tinged indie rocker that could sit comfortably on a shelf next to any modern rock radio act. Big la-da-da chants accompany tongue-in-cheek lyrics about a neverending summer fling (that extends into… you guessed it… October). Either way, this is a sunny summer jam for fans of Young the Giant, Grouplove, or Hollerado – check it out below The Rad Trads · 99 in October
Connecticut quintet Similar Kind have written an eerily relatable indie popper here with “Too Happy.” With squiggly and airy music reminiscent of Alvvays or TOPS, “Happy” attacks the dichotomy of either being way too happy or way too sad – but never really hitting that coveted balance. We love the juxtaposition of cripplingly sad lyrics with the sunny, swirly indie pop backbone. Check this one out below and be sure to support via Bandcamp if you’re digging it. Too Happy by Similar Kind
Silverbacks nailed it on this latest, groovy jam, “Muted Gold.” This Irish quintet wrote a real slapper – “Muted Gold” is a simmering indie rocker with a shuffling (but urgent) drum beat, a big groovy bassline, spastic guitar flourishes, and great male/female vocals. We’re especially fond of their “behind-the-scenes” style video, which showcases the five-piece having lots of fun to the tune of their own music. “Muted Gold” is a journey that evolves across its four-and-a-half minute runtime; we think fans of Foals, Beck, or Bombay Bicycle Club will love this – check it out below or at any of the helpful links here.
Digging this pretty little ditty from The Racer – this Hudson Valley, NY trio excels at tight but cinematic indie rock, evidenced by this latest jam, “The Return.” Utilizing a jittery drum beat with upbeat bass riffage and swirly guitar ambiance, “The Return” owes as much to indie pop melody as it does to post-punk moodiness. If you like what you hear, give them a follow on IG and check out their newest EP, Bang Bang Bang, out now.
Loving this lo-fi bedroom jam from Californian solo act Kyle Alexander Reid. “The Hill” combines a buzzy synth with chuggy acoustic guitar and Reid’s endearing vocals. There’s something to be said about the sincerity in this one; “Hill” feels vaguely nostalgic and heart-on-your-sleeve all at once. We think you’ll dig this fresh new jam – check out Reid’s entire album over on Bandcamp or swing by his Spotify page. Avenida by Kyle Alexander Reid
The Jerry Cans released an absolutely anthemic one here with “Swell (My Brother).” Lyrically, the song is touching, dealing with the tragic loss of a brother. It’s done so with powerfully plodding repetition, catchy even in its somberness, fleshed out even further by a poignant violin. A perfect song for fans of orchestral-tinged indie rock like Manchester Orchestra, Arcade Fire, or even The National. This video is worth watching – filmed in some really beautiful (and seemingly remote) areas of Canada. Otherwise, swing by Spotify and add it to your playlist.
There’s something transcendent about this latest jam from KennyHoopla – “Plastic Door//” feels nostalgic but in-the-moment – it’s a song with a distinctly bedroom-pop approach but has a perfect, lo-fi mix. Even Kenny’s lyrics feel vague but personal. Is this dream pop? Is this indie rock? Warning: all of these supremely nebulous qualities are going to suck you in for listen after listen. Check out the trippy video below before you swing over to Spotify and add this one to your playlist.