Don’t sleep on this haunting new track from Aukland’s Marlin’s Dreaming. “Sink or Swim” is a swimmy daydream, with watery guitar tones and ethereal vocals aplenty from this powerful New Zealand trio. The music video also feels otherworldly, a fever dream full of ancient outfits and outlandish face paint. Fans of Beach House, Real Estate, or Slowdive would dig this one for sure – check out the vid below.
Danish electro-producer Le Boeuf has been on fire lately, especially evidenced on this latest collab with vocalist Tema Siegel. “Last Night” is another head-bobbing dance banger from the Copenhagen native. Lyrically, it’s a fun reminder about effing sh*t up the night before, but it’s also full of catchy, whistle-y synths; upbeat and danceable percussion; and of course Siegel’s light-hearted vocal delivery. We think this one will start your next Friday night off right. Add it to your Spotify playlist now.
Something about the indie rock jangle of “Catalina” by Tonne is captivating af… Maybe it’s the two-chord simplicity offset by the smart cacophony of the guitar leads; maybe its the constant and driven crunch-bass; or maybe its theatSmashing Pumpkins meets Built to Spill sensibility… But no matter what your reason, we think you’re gonna dig this one from the mysterious Tonne (pronounced “tawny”). He’s set to release his debut EP, Bridey Murphy, later this month. Stay tuned and tell all your friends you enjoyed this one first.
Can’t help but love this little ditty from SIS – “Heart of Mine” is a sub-two-minute jam reminiscent of The Strokes. Full of straightforward guitar-powered indie rock with a lo-fi bedroom pop touch, this LA act comes and goes before you know it. This is a super mysterious duo – stay in touch with their low-key social media presence on IG or Twitter.
Deeper is a Chicago trio whose “Lake Song” has us feeling contemplative. Full of swirling guitar, a driving bass, and tastefully simple drums, “Lake Song” explores feelings of stagnation and fixation; a reminder that repetition can be as maddening as it is comforting. Beyond that, the lo-fi post-punk-meets-bedroom-pop feels like Bloc Party and Mac Demarco had a beautiful baby – check it out below and keep an eye out for their album, due out March 27 on Fire Talk Records.
Mmmm, this one’s a grungy good time. NYC’s Dares take notable influence across the spectrum, from 70s punks all the way through the 90s indie underground. It’s extremely evident on latest single “Outta Town;” Jangly Jagstang guitar tone rattles nostalgically behind singer Alexis Rhode’s passionate but straightforward vocals. This one would be perfect for fans of Bully, Hole, Alvvays, or any of the grungy 90s greats. Check it out below and stay posted via Instagram. Between the Lines by Dares
Anyone else nostalgic for the days of Angelfire? We’ve got the perfect band for you – The Original Juice Boys really know how to rip it like its 1999. Beyond the MS Paint graphics and the kitschy, antiquated URL, we think “Weird Dress” is a pretty cool song. This act def takes the lo-fi, bedroom-pop route, but with a darker twist… Instrumentals are reminiscent of Pinback or Say Hi. Check it out.
There’s just something about the Swedish siblings in Strandels. Their latest single “Breathe It In” is rubbing us in just the right ways. Maybe it’s the breathy harmonies, maybe it’s the lo-fi-and-chill hip-hop beats, or maybe it’s that spiraling acoustic guitar riff… But regardless of what sucks you in, we think this one is full of reasons to listen. Kick back and let this one wash over you – check it out below and give them a follow on their IG.
Get ready to feel funky – we’re digging this new one from Palavas, a mysterious French duo whose latest instrumental offering, “Giorgio Baroudeur,” got our heads bobbing. It’s not often an instrumental jam gets you feeling some-type-of-way, but this one is full of perfectly retro drum machines and hypnotic techno rhythms. There’s not much left to do but click play on the widget below and groove for ~6 mins. Enjoy.
Cover inception! We’re digging this take on “Tenderfoot” – a classic cover from The Lemonheads who put their own spin on Smudge’s original take. Dreamy, Netherlands dream-pop duo The Day made this one their own with an ethereal vocal track and a simple, but incredibly tasteful electric/acoustic guitar backbone. This one is beautifully jangly, just the right amount punky, with a tinge of emo greatness – amazing all around. Listen for yourself below.
“I don’t care if you don’t care – no, I don’t care at all…” We certainly care, and we think more than just nihilists will enjoy this light-hearted, carefree jam from Taiwanese act Violet Lens. Pairing spindly guitar leads with bright, jangly power pop, “I Don’t Care” showcases the band’s English-lyric’d work (take a deeper dive and you’ll find a bunch of songs in Mandarin). This one is a good time – check it out below. I Don’t Care by Violet Lens
Rival Cavves is more than just a bedroom-pop act – on any given night, you might catch them performing on the edge of a cliff, recreating a bedroom on stage, or handing out free swag to the audience. While they certainly put on an engaging show, we’ve definitely been jamming on their latest release, “Flower Bud.” Pairing haunting and moody indie-electro instrumentals with catchy “ay-ee-ay-ee-ay” refrains, this one would be the perfect soundtrack for a chill, evening drive. Check it out below and stay up to date with their Insta.
Check out the music video for “Leith,” the latest offering from Swedish duo Alphabats. “Leith” is an interesting song that combines aspects of The National, Frightened Rabbit, and modern indie-electro-pop… There’s also a splash of 80s flavor in there for added aesthetic. This one is an effervescent and sunny breath of fresh air, full of throaty synths, spindly guitar leads, and frantic electronic drums. Check out the mysterious duo’s joyride in the music video below.
WOLFJAY is an indie pop act hailing from Adelaide, Australia. “In Memory Of” has become one of our favs as of late – it combines aspects of indie pop, emo, and electronica into an interestingly overblown, hook-laden tune. This one is jammed full of strong melodies, blasts of guitars and drums, and even a tasteful guitar solo. Fans of 2003-era Blink-182 and smart indie pop a la Generationals will like this one. Check it out below – if you dig it (and we know you will), make sure you add it to your Spotify playlist.
Oh man – ICYMI, we were recently jazzed on Floral‘s previous release, “This Year.” If you dug that one, we recommend “The Good Song,” which is just as (if not even more) spicy. There’s no doubt about it – this one is an instrumental math rock jam pairing the Palo Alto duo’s drumming and guitar virtuosity into something collectively mind blowing. Our favorite part is from 3:50 on. If your jaw isn’t left hanging, it’s time to check your headphones. Peep the Bandcamp link below – this one’s available for stream in a few days. The Good Song — Single by Floral