Somber but sweet, we’ve been jamming on this latest song from Vern Matz called “Mall of America.” Propelled by distinctly autumnal vibes, acoustic guitar strums, gentle vibes, and reverbed-out vocals, this one is reminiscent of The Shins, American Analog Set, or Fruit Bats. Folksy (but not too folksy) and ethereal, this is perfect chill-out music – slap this one on your Spotify playlist if you’re digging it.
Something about Playfield 7‘s bedroom-gaze is very captivating. Reminiscent of early Slowdive or a subdued My Bloody Valentine, “Free 21 Res” is a shiny, blissed-out gem full of droning guitars, far-off vocals, and a surprising amount of pop sentiment. A big vocal refrain of “my way – my way back home to you” is going to be drilled into your head for days. Playfield 7 has a healthy discography – check it all out on Bandcamp or Spotify. Playfield 7 · Free 21 Res
Thantophobe just released a new music video for their latest jam, “Tie Me Down.” This one is a super chill indie rocker with hints of folk, shoegaze, and psychedelic elements. Propelled by an acoustic guitar backbone, “Tie Me Down” is also full of low-key vocals and squiggly, tape-aged guitar leads, all of which combine into a timeless sound. They’ve also given it an official music video treatment, full of exposed-film aesthetics and karaoke imagery. We think this one is an all-around winner – watch the vid below.
There’s something hypnotic about the vocal samples on “From Me,” the latest collab between producer CRi and Bernache (aka vocalist Emma Proulx of Men I Trust fame). Vaguely intelligible blasts of “I’m done I’m done I’m done I’m done / a-oo-a-oo-a-oo-a-ooo / KC KC KC KC” just add to the mysteriousness of this one – which, on the other hand, is a surprisingly catchy pop jam in its own right. We think you’re gonna get sucked right into this one too – check it out below or on Spotify. Anjunadeep · CRi feat. Bernache – From Me
Here’s an impressive one from Swiss act Al Pride. This octet (!) pairs a horn section, tight percussion, and groovy basslines into a juicy, nu-disco tinged package. Beyond that, “Go Down” got the music video treatment – it’s full of retro imagery, stuffed owls, lava lamps, and other 1970s kitsch. No matter what way you spin it, Al Pride is an experience – check out the vid below… They have lots more to offer on YouTube as well.
Ek & Horn sure know how to close out the summer – their latest jam “Galápagos” is a super-subtle electropop song that serves many purposes. Could you dance to it? Yes. Can you chill poolside to it? Yes. Does it feel ever-so-slightly somber, like its reminiscent or yearning for more? Yes. We especially like the ultra smooth vocals here, which often seem barely over a whisper, giving it a ghostly feel. Check it out below and be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.
Hong Kong-based TYNT is an eclectic indietronica act who specialize in emotional and melancholic tunes with tinges of shoegaze and industrial woven throughout. They caught our collective ears with the hypnotic pop energy of “PLUME.” TYNT have an uncanny ability to write distinctly pop-based songs with experimental facets tastefully splashed in. If you dig The Naked and Famous, The Depreciation Guild, or Slowdive – check this one out.
We think you should check out this cool collab between MIME and Jantine called “NOT IN LOVE.” Between Jantine’s singer/songwriter prowess and MIME’s impeccable DJ skills (and intriguing im-person persona), this one was destined to be great. “NOT IN LOVE” is full of airy synths and atmospheric vocals – packed with a ton of pure-pop energy and hooks to keep you going for days and days. Our favorite part – this one would fit as comfortably next to CHVRCHES as it would next to Ariana Grande. Check it out below. MIME · NOT IN LOVE ft. Jantine
Here’s a math rock twister from Japanese act ZOMOZ – “Like I Like It” is packed full of virtuosity – start-stop riffing, drumming, and splashes of mellotron are all over this one. But beyond that, “Like I Like It” has a surprising melodic touch. The best part of this song is the space in-between all of the notes; despite their musicianship and expertise, the song truly breathes. This one is great for mathy fanatics, but is also packed with enough juicy pop hooks for those with an indie pop sensibility. Check out the snippet via YouTube below – if you like what you hear, ZOMOZ has lots of other listening options here – we prefer Spotify.
Outer Stella Overdrive got their name from some graffiti on a dumpster… So you know they were already off to a good start. Jokes aside, “Bad Times” is a fun rock ‘n roller that really shows off the group’s unique blend of indie rock, funk, and raucousness. Complete with a video that shows the band in a rip-roaring, day-in-the-life setting, this one is (conversely) a good time all around. Enjoy the fun vibes in the video below.
Couldn’t help but fall for Sigala’s phat remix of “Heaven On My Mind” by Becky Hill. Hill’s big vocals are perfect for a night in the club – powerful with a tinge of rasp – bolstered by a giant nu-disco bass line and an inescapable EDM production. If you can’t picture yourself in the club going ham to this one, you should probably take a deep look inward. If you’re feeling it, Becky has lots to offer via Spotify – check some more out there.
Another amazing one, this time a heady remix, from East London act Zola Blood. “Two Hearts” pairs Zola’s tried-and-true dark electronica with the sweet atmospherics of an ethereal club jam. The result is a track with a danceable beat that still feels mysterious and cool at its core. Zola Blood has a robust catalog, ripe for your listening pleasure – check them out on Spotify too. Zola Blood · Two Hearts (Jacques Greene Remix)
Brooklyn NY’s PUPPYFACE embodies dreamy somberness with their latest endeavor, “Anxious Eyes.” Complete with a Sailor Moon-themed karaoke accompaniment, “Anxious Eyes” is a multi-media experience that straddles the line between soul-crushing emotion and gaudy (in a good way), 80s sentiment. This one is certainly an ethereal production – skewing just as much shoegaze as it does synthpop – check out the vid below and if you dig it, add it to your Spotify playlist.
Ireland’s Brass Phantoms have a big indie popper on their hands with their latest offering, “Hurricane.” Full of whoa-oh singalongs, blistering guitar work, and energy for days, “Hurricane” could fit comfortably on any modern rock radio station. The commercial sensibility is certainly there, but they also take a moment to break into a vibey, jammy section of the song that really shows off their cohesion as a unit. This one is a real jam – check it out below or swing by their Spotify to hear more. Brass Phantoms · Hurricane
Something about the whirly elements of “Brick” by Baltimore act Sleeve is incredibly captivating. Maybe it’s the squiggly, ghostly keyboard elements… Maybe its the sincerity of the bedroom recording quality… Maybe its the psych elements that seem to swirl and twirl around your brain. Either way, we’re totally enthralled with this one. Be sure to stick around for the big feel change at 1:50 – it’s divine. Check it out below on Bandcamp – you can find this one on Spotify too. sleeve & mala by sleeve