Here’s another one from buffaBLOG favorites EGOISM. The Sydney duo specialize in pretty and melodic indie pop, lush with male/female harmonies and a jangly guitar presence. “Happy” is another ear-pleaser – full of sunny melodies with just a hint of anxiety in their delivery. We think they nailed it again – check it out below, on Bandcamp, or on Spotify. EGOISM · Happy
Digging this unique slice of bedroom-shoegaze from Swedish act llawgne (pronounced love-gney). Llawgne is the moniker for Mathias Engwall – we’ve been enjoying his personal brand of bedroom pop. Walls of guitar noise, electronic drums, and space-case vocals really help to give this one an atmospheric (but surprisingly melodic) feel. Fans of Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, or The Cure will dig this one. Check it out below, on Bandcamp, or on Spotify. llawgne · Reverie Neverending
You can say that again! Azim Zain & His Lovely Bones revolt against the proverbial life plan in their latest jam, “Punk Don’t Pay The Bills.” This one reminds us of other indiemo stalwarts like Joyce Manor, Tigers Jaw, or Citizen – full of raggedy guitars, existential dread, and heart-on-your-sleeve emotions, it’s a high-energy romp that will have you feeling ready to quit your job… At least in spirit. Check it out below.
KOYO are a Leeds-based quintet who have been crafting angular and energetic space-prog; case in point, the menacing “Walking On Air.” Equal parts post-punk and psychedelic creativity, “Air” would sit just as comfortably on a shelf next to The Bends as it would next to METZ or The Black Angels. Accompanying their fervent sound is a fever-dream of a music video, which you can watch below. Otherwise, you can find all their music on their website – here.
Tallahassee-grown but Atlanta-based quartet Bandanna created something special here on their new song, “Sleepy Eyes.” It’s a crawling, sprawling dream rocker that showcases the group’s obvious connection with each other. What starts as a deeply groovy, if mid-tempo riff blossoms into an epic and hypnotic jam as the song progresses. About the song, bandanna says: “‘Sleepy Eyes’ is a message to the oblivious person you are pining for. It’s that unsure feeling of wondering if you should be together, of not knowing if that person feels it too, of wanting them to see what you see. Maybe you’re chasing the same things, maybe you’re not, but you definitely want to look into those sleepy eyes and find out.” If you’re feeling it, be sure to swing by Spotify too. bandanna · Sleepy Eyes
Loving this lighthearted slice of slacker-pop from quirky sextet hamburger. “All Hail Zebulon!” is full of eclectic lyrics about teenage alienation (pun intended) and warm, warbly instrumentals, perfect for fans of Beck, Mac Demarco, or Radical Face. It’s clear this band doesn’t take themselves too seriously, and that effervescent vibe comes across in their music in the best possible way. Check it out below, swing by Spotify, or get ready for their upcoming EP on Bandcamp. Teenage Terrified by hamburger
Oxen is a Swedish duo who specialize in pure indie rock like their latest single, “Indie Dreams” The Stockholm pair inject plenty of guitar-based jangle into “Dreams,” but also make sure to chant out a catchy, rhythmic chorus. There are no gimmicks here – sometimes, all you need is some pretty guitars, driving bass, and simple drums to make your day. Fans of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, Beach Bunny, or Real Estate will love this – check this out on Soundcloud below or on Spotify if that’s more your thing. harmoni · Oxen – Indie Dreams
Motorbike James, aka Michael Werbicki, is a singer/songwriter from Edmonton whose “Enamored” really caught our attention. Full of warbly synths, gauzy atmospherics, splashes of guitar riffs, and a driven drum sample, “Enamored” feels both mysterious and pop-oriented all at once. With James’ laid-back vocal delivery, we love that this one has a distinct bedroom-pop vibe, but feels expertly produced beyond that. Check it out below – make sure you check out his other jam on Spotify as well. motorbike james · Enamored
Canadian singer/songwriter Jacqueline Tucci is back with a jangly new single, “Home.” Whereas here last single, “Fear” caught our ears with its bouncy bass bass riff, “Home” feels a bit more somber by nature. Tucci’s voice is just-aloof enough to embody some song-appropriate slacker-rock vibes, but overall, this is a great and emotional indie rock jam that would appeal equally to fans of Alvvays, Mom Jeans, or Jay Som. We’ve got her Soundcloud posted below, but there’s always Bandcamp too! Jacqueline Tucci · Home
Loving this smooth-af collab between Cape Town singer/songwriter Thor Rixon and Deep Aztec – “Dark Side” is a bubbling, indie-funk tune peppered with squelchy bass flavor, vintage horn vibes, and squiggly synth flourishes. Rixon and Aztec have a blast with this jam, evident via the VHS-chic aesthetic they’ve given to the music video. This one is so full of instrumental bliss, it’s an absolute must-listen for yourself – check it out below on YouTube. Be sure to get acquainted with Thor’s Spotify too… Warning: there are a lot of bangers.
Australian act Glass Towers here with a huge indie rocker called “Nobody Walks in LA.” A blistering tempo, massive drums, and urgent energy launches this one from zero to 60, right out of the gate. Bringing to mind the indie-dance-rockers of the mid 00s (think The Bravery, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand), “LA” is also flavored with a more modern take on synthpop. This one is sure to get the blood pumping – check it out below and if you like it, be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist. Glass Towers · Nobody Walks In LA
Miami act Bed Scene, excel at dreamy indie-pop with the flair of a producer’s eye – namely, musician, producer, and composer Nick Aponte. Aponte & co. recently released the riffy “American Dream” (no political affiliation, their words, not ours) – it’s a guitar based-song at heart, but it’s synthy flourishes and bouncing bass rhythms would fit comfortably on a playlist next to any Tame Impala or M83 song. Stick around for the synth/guitar duel about two minutes in. Bed Scene is on Soundcloud (below), Bandcamp, and Spotify. Take your pick! Bed Scene · American Dream
Loving this genre-bending jam from San Francisco-based act Buddy Junior, the recording project of Jared LeNar (with a bit of help from ex-spouse Harvey Forgets). “Feel Good” caught our ears immediately for it’s intangible genre play; a swirling torrent of moody art-rock tinged with acoustic guitars and phasing noise. With it’s varied influences and dark sound, this one could appeal to anyone from Tigers Jaw, to Animal Collective, to Smashing Pumpkins. If you like it as much as we do, Buddy Junior’s latest LP (which includes “Feel Good),” PORTAL, is on Spotify too – make sure to check out the whole album there. PORTAL by Buddy Junior
Digging this swirly, swimmy psych-tinged indie pop jam from Australia’s The Washing Line Economy. “In As Many Minutes” combines an overall upbeat vibe with jewel-tone guitar leads, forlorn vocals, and tight production. Stick around till the four-minute mark, where the song evolves into something bigger – adding a string section and a big, juicy drum beat. Fans of Turnover or Tame Impala will be into this swirly, sunny indie pop. You can check it out below via YouTube, or click over to Spotify if that’s more your thing.
Irish duo bobsled team have swooned their way into our hearts with their latest offering, “Drive.” It’s a humble, but hooky dream-pop song, lush with jangly guitars and ethereal vocals. These two seem to thrive in this bedroom niche, but have a real knack for rhythm and melody. “Drive” evolves into a catchy chant while never losing it’s in-the-aether vibe that makes it sincere and heartfelt in the first place. We think you’ll love this one too – check it out below or add it to your Spotify playlist. bobsled team · Drive