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.
We’re loving this eerily delightful offering from Brooklyn quintet Geese. Powered mainly by a spiraling guitar whirlwind and sing/yelped vocals that smack like pleas, “Bottle” is a neo-post-punk jam that encapsulates the current creepiness of 2020’s NYC. This one simmers with just enough energy to feel punky, but truly makes you feel like a haunted trip through the spirit world. Check it out for yourself below and visit their Spotify to add it to your playlist.
Mmmm this one is a beautiful, straightforward ditty from the electro mastermind AMTRAC. Forgoing his typical synth-soaked approach, “Stratego” is a fun indie rock jam more along the lines of Say Hi or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah than say M83. An irresistibly squiggly synth permeates this track, riding high like a siren over the otherwise subdued indie rock propulsion here and AMTRAC’s pleasant vocal prowess. “Stratego” is the lead single off of AMTRAC’s newest, mind-boggling 68 minute LP. Check it out below, we think you’ll lik eit.
“City Lights” by Stockholm’s The Sweet Serenades is a big, lush electropop song… Believe it or not this ex-duo is powered by just one, talented man – Martin Nordvall. Nordvall’s deep, sultry baritone vocals give this one life; they are fleshed out with thick synth textures, big drum treatments, bell-like guitars, and breathy background vocals… We think fans of M83, Empire of the Sun, or CHVRCHES will enjoy this one. Check it out below before you head over to Spotify.
“Backdrop” is more than just a song – it feels like a cinematic journey. This impressive and epic collab between The Kraken Quartet and Adobo is percussive and worldly – pairing what seems like an army of percussive instruments (think bells, glockenspiels, marimbas, xylophones) with mathy guitar riffs and a full-fledged rock drum kit… Not to mention a lyrical/vocal contribution from Adobo. Fans of Anathallo, Sufjan Stevens, or The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die are going to enjoy this one for sure. Check it out below – make sure you stick around for the epic chorus at the end. Backdrop by The Kraken Quartet and Adobo
Day Wave is sure to dazzle you with his impeccably curated sound – an amalgamation of bedroom pop and dark indie rock sentiment. “Potions” is our latest obsession – a frantic song that’s as upbeat as it is urgent and as uplifting as it is downtrodden. Exploring themes of mental health and self-exploration, this one is perfect for fans of Castlebeat or Craft Spells, and even has a hint of Arcade Fire energy peeking through. Check out the video below, a cool compilation of ancient science b-roll. Add “Potions” to whatever service you prefer here.
Something about the funky rhythm of “Counting Stars” from afghan-dutch producer Ferdous spoke right to our souls. Part robotic rhythm and part stargazing heart, “Stars” makes for a song that is as perfect for chilling-out as it is for grooving along. Having already opened for Metronomy and Christine and the Queens, we think you’ll be hearing more from Ferdous throughout 2020. Get acquainted below and then be sure to visit his Spotify.
“I don’t give a fuck about your friends, I don’t care at all.” A perfect way to start off this indie rock banger from Melbourne duo Trace Decay. Crunchy guitar and lite-nu-disco sentiment power this one, full of catchy riffs and vocal melodies. Underneath the brash exterior, this song actually explores the side-effects of the 24/7 social media world we live in. Check it out below and add them to your Spotify playlist.
San Mei (aka Emily Hamilton) is from Australia’s Gold Coast. Her new video for “Cry” brings to mind stargazing indie pop acts like Alvvays or Charly Bliss – full of sparkly guitars, bubbling synth energy, and a sky-high vocal technique. This one’s an uplifting one about making the best out of life – something we could all certainly get behind right about now. Check out the video below, full of summery imagery and fun-having for all.
Birmingham, Alabama act Wray have us endlessly spiraling over their swimmy, electro-indie-pop, specifically in their new video for “Jogging / Neon Forming.” Their music sounds deep and lush, full of chorus tones, squiggling textures, and haunting synth swells. Each individual part of their music feels like its drowning in something deep, curating an incredible overall aesthetic. Beyond that, their lo-fi, late-80s-camcorder-esque music video is equally as haunting, making a humdrum laundromat scene feel semi-creepy with hand-made effects. We thoroughly enjoyed this one – have a watch below.
Jacqueline Tucci is a Canadian rocker whose “Fear” really caught our ears. This one is carried predominantly by a bouncy bass riff, but is filled out with lots of lovely jangle guitar and guitar-noise atmospherics. Tucci herself is a presence to be reckoned with – hints of anger occasionally peek through her otherwise even-keeled (but excellent) vocal delivery. This one is perfect for fans of Courtney Barnett, Bully, or just good-old-fashioned indie rock energy. Check it out below and swing by the Bandcamp if you truly want to support.
Mini Trees (aka LA act Lexi Vega) have us feeling smitten with the delicate indie pop of “Slip Away.” Starting out with a bit of lo-fi flavor, “Slip Away” quickly evolves into something tight, light-hearted, and heartwarming. Vega’s voice is delicate and lays atop the music in a very pleasant, airy way. Fans of Soccer Mommy, Alvvays, or Jay Som are gonna love this one. Check out “Slip Away” below and be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.