“Stay Up” is a haunting synth-pop jam from Belgian act The Feather. This one feels ghostly, yet dance-able, pairing funky nu-disco rhythmic elements with spooky synth pads and muffled smatterings of guitar. We especially loved how this one felt dreamy but still got our heads bobbing along. If you like it as much as we did, make sure you add it to your Spotify. The Feather (official) · Stay Up
“All My Friends” is a nice, beachy slice of indie pop from Gold Coast act Alt Fiction. The trio (of brothers, if we’re not mistaken) manage to make this one wistful and upbeat simultaneously, layering jangly guitars and beach-goer lyrics over top frantic drums and squiggling synth flourishes. Fans of Real Estate, Best Coast, or Cloud Nothings will dig this one for sure – check out the video below and swing by their Spotify if you dig it.
Warm and inviting – “A Tape Called Life” by Wolf & Moon actually discusses the trials and tribulations of getting older. This unique juxtaposition of warm/cold ideals is executed beautifully with a “War on Drugs” sensibility – indie rock with a touch of synths and a smidge of Americana flavor, flush with shuffling drums and welcoming male/female harmonies. Check it out on Spotify. BonFire Records · Wolf & Moon – A Tape Called Life
If you’re a fan of angsty guitar rock, we think Destroy Boys is your next obsession. “Honey I’m Home” has all the raucous elements of punk rock with a not-too-polished sound and a subtle ear for great melody. Sardonic and gritty vocals pair up with gritty pop punk sensibilities – this one would fit perfectly on any THPS soundtrack (preferrably 2 or 3). We think you’ll dig it – add it to your Spotify if you do.
Limón Limón are buffaBLOG staples… and we think you’ll know why when you hear “Trying Not To Think About You.” This one happens to be a delectable Bit Funk remix (Spotify) and we are absolutely loving the way this one came out. “You” is 80s inspired but doesn’t sound dated – instead it’s packed full of tasty hooks and danceable beats. Be sure to check out Limón’s Spotify as well. Limón Limón · Trying Not To Think About You (Bit Funk Remix)
We feel something powerful radiating from this latest collab between Paris-based producer The Toxic Avenger and London-Based act LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER. “Lies” has a decidedly pulsing vibe that smarts heavily of M83 (with an electrorock twist), brought home with a sincere, down-to-earth vocal delivery. Be sure to stick around for the big chorus – it’s a sure-thing to give you the feels. Check it out on Spotify too. Enchante_records · “LIES” RADIO EDIT – featuring LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER –
There’s been plenty of quarantine-themed songs floating around in the aether these last few months, but we’ve been most smitten by this charming slice of bedroom pop from Occult X. “Quarantine Dream” is a fever dream that pairs a Casio drumbeat with far-off production value for a lo-fi haze that feels as surreal as these current times. Check it out below and if you like it, add it to your Spotify playlist.
There’s something super infectious about “Queen’s Anthem” from German duo Juno Francis. The intriguing Berlin-based duo are originally from Sweden and play a flavorful mix of 80s synthpop with retro dark-pop sensibility. “Anthem” is about wanderlust – missing the cold Scandinavian winters but yearning to explore what lurks around that next corner. Either way, we think this way will make it right onto your Spotify playlist. Check it out.
There’s some strange allure to LA act Redondo Red… Maybe it’s the wild-west-meets-LMFAO sentiment on his gritty, feel good single “Call It…” Maybe it’s the Fear and Loathing raucousness of the music video… No matter what the reason, Redondo Red’s bluesy electronica is full of grungy swagger bravado and we’re digging it. Check out the vid below and if you’re digging it, head over to his Spotify.
Loving this stripped-down folksy tune from Tafai. “Posture” is initially a sparse, folksy acoustic guitar backbone paired with Tafai’s genuine lyrics and soothing voice. He eventually adds some simplistic electronic drums that help to push this one to the next level. This is pure bedroom-pop sincerity from a lo-fi artist living on the road – check out all Tafai has to offer on his Soundcloud here.
Peep this German/UK collab from Purple Disco Machine and Sophie & The Giants respectively! “Hypnotized” is a fun slice of electronica with a bouncing bass and retro synth pulses reminiscent of nu-disco and the 1980s. This one is just a good-old-fashioned jam – and there are lots of ways to enjoy “Hypnotized.” If you like the video below, full of vintage TVs and hypnotic visuals, add this song to your favorite music streaming service here.
If you don’t make it to twenty seconds in, you might think “The Moth” is a brooding post-punk number a la Interpol or She Wants Revenge… But actually, “The Moth” by Syd Silvair is an incredible slice of dark nu-disco that is surprisingly upbeat and very danceable, albeit mysterious. Silvair’s vocals are on full display here, pumping out incredible melodies (“never trust the moonlight!”) while maintaining a dark, tarot-themed vibe. Def give this one a listen.
Australian quartet Gaspar Sanz are bursting with energy, readily apparent in their latest banger, “Cheryl.” Inspired by an ancient feline companion (who you actually can hear sampled in the song), “Cheryl” is full of rowdy indie rock energy… But unlike the dignified simplicity of an aging cat, the lyrics get a bit more philosophical and explore the nature of our relationships with our pets and others. It’s a lot to take in… But we’re positive you’ll have fun while doing so. Check it out below.
We can’t help but dig “Reflections,” a decadent synth pop collab between Fonzarelii and Ronan Harding. The song’s verses build intensity before busting into a huge hooky chorus. Reflections” is a true gem – a plethora of twinkling and sparkling synths and 80s inspired beats are the cherry-on-top. We’re sure Fonz and Ronan would love it if you added “Reflections” to your Spotify playlist – so do it!
Something about London-based Zac Jr is impossibly endearing. Maybe it’s the Tom Petty-esque simplicity of “Don’t Listen to Me…” Maybe it’s the Tigers Jaw-esque vintage organ synth that provides the backbone to this one… Or maybe it’s the overwhelming sense of vaguely 90s nostalgia washing over us; we’re not really sure. But we love the sunny-with-a-chance-of-rain-clouds disposition of this one. Its unassuming (but powerful) chord progression is simultaneously sad and happy, and for that, we give this one a recommendation. Check it out below and be sure to swing by Zac’s Bandcamp for more.