New Music

The Hails – “Heartbeat”

August 26, 2020

Gainesville, FL band the Hails continues to push its eclectic debut EP “He Seems Upset” with the funky new single “Heartbeat.” Shared on the August 25th, the 8-track offering is a bouncy collection of soulful alt-pop. The band names Frank Ocean as a major inspiration for the freshman collection, but this writer also hears a fair share of Rhye’s sultry R&B in the peppy new single. “Heartbeat” is a great gateway into the Hails confident blend of soulful indie pop. Give it a spin below. The Hails · Heartbeat

Jimkata – “Wait for You”

August 26, 2020

Following a near three year break, the Ithaca-bred trio (and local favorites) Jimkata has returned with its first batch of new music in four years. After sharing the single “Wanna Go” back in July, the now Los Angeles-based act has dropped another slice of ear candy in the track “Wait for You.” The vibrant and energetic song, led by a catchy hook that is a trademark of the electro-rock band, is accompanied by an equally impressive animated video. No word on whether the new singles will be a part of an upcoming release. Until then, watch the clip for “Wait for You” below.

Naked Giants – “Turns Blue”

August 26, 2020

Seattle rock outfit Naked Giants shared its second full length offering this month with The Shadows. If released a couple decades ago, the grunge-indebted collection of post-punk would have been a perfect addition to band’s hometown label Sub Pop. The album’s blissful lead single “Turns Blue” begins as contemplative head nodder until an arena-made riff lifts the track right into the rafters for its reverb heavy conclusion. Fans of the Horrors, Slowdive and the Smiths would all enjoy the band’s latest offering. In the mean time, check out the hypnotic clip for “Turns Blue” below.

dad sports – “name & place”

August 26, 2020

Ottawa indie outfit dad sports recently signed with Grand Jury Music following a catchy run of singles shared this spring, and to commemorate the team up, the trio shared the video for dreamy “name & place.” The easy-going track of hazy jangle-pop should immediately grab the attention of fans of Day Wave and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, acts that seem to tap into the innocent nostalgia that dad sports does so well. The coming-of-age clip certainly owes some inspiration to John Hughes. Check it out below.

ZOMOZ – “Like I Like It”

August 26, 2020

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.

Josh Taffel – “No Cure”

August 21, 2020

To Kill A King member Josh Taffel dropped his debut solo EP Shimmer this week. Written and recorded in the British artist’s kitchen during lockdown, the soulful folk tracks are filled with breezy melodies and laid back vocals that manages to bridge the lo-fi gap between Sufjan Stevens and Mac DeMarco. An airy ambience floats throughout the release, creating a pleasant dream-pop listen. The 4-track’s closing number, the groovy “No Cure,” is a good place to start, capping off a pleasant collection of dream-pop. Check it out here.    

dr. p – “ravers”

August 21, 2020

Collaborative Canadian pair dr. p shared its oddly intriguing debut collection “alter egos” earlier this month. Comprised of Toronto poet Paul Bali and Montreal producer Geoff Pye, the duo’s blend of spoken word singing over low-fi beats and instrumentations give the record shades of slacker rock era Beck. The off-kilter numbers also have shades Eels and even Serge Gainsbourg. “ravers” is a good starting point if that mixture of artists caught your attention. Spin below. alter egos by dr.p

JWestern – “Call You Right Now”

August 21, 2020

Leeds artist JWestern has shared a smooth cut of alt-pop earlier this week with the new single “Call You Right Now.” The slinky bedroom number, the debut track from the young musician, is laced with influences of soul, R&B and hip-hop. Fans of Rex Orange Country and Yellow Days would be wise to give the track a spin. Keep an eye out for future releases from the promising talent, and in the mean time, stream “Call You Right Now” below. JWestern · Call You Right Now

Daddy Lion – “Please Tell Me”

August 21, 2020

South Carolina college rockers Daddy Lion have reemerged with a quick collection of new tunes called Dream Pop, the follow-up to 2018’s full-length Learn to Have Nothing and You Will Have Everything, The 3-track of pop-friendly cuts, all apparently originating in dreams first (get it?), is a quick deviation from the band’s denser back catalog. The EP’s single “Please Tell Me” is a chugging toe-tapper that recalls the likes of Bob Mould and maybe even PJ Harvey. Give the track a spin below and click here for the full Dream Pop EP. Dream Pop EP by Daddy Lion

The New Restaurants – “Fuck Dallas BBQ”

August 21, 2020

New York indie rockers the New Restaurants are prepping for the release of its new full length Wrong Place at Wrong Time with the recent premiere of the single “Fuck Dallas BBQ.” Originally forming to perform slowcore versions of Taylor Swift songs, the quartet of NYC scene vets have been churning out collections of peppy fuzz rock since 2016. Their forthcoming record’s new single hits just the right notes of 90s indie-rock nostalgia, and if touring ever continues, sure would sound nice in an opening set for the likes of Nada Surf Give “Fuck Dallas BBQ” a spin below and keep an eye out for the full LP to drop on September 4th. Wrong Place at Wrong Time by The New Restaurants

ISLANDINSIDE – “Connected”

August 21, 2020

Ukrainian musician Andrey Savin recently shared the INTERNET EP, his latest collection of tunes under his ISLANDINSIDE project, earlier this month. Since emerging in 2018, the synthwave act has been dropping cuts of moody, late-night soundscapes that recall the electro side Sufjan Stevens if he broke bad. The four-track’s lead single “Connected” suggests that the act could be a nice addition to the Italians Do It Better roster of acts if the label decided to focus on a more 90s aesthetic. The clip for the track seems to mine some of the Tron vibes that the Strokes were going for on the video for “12:51.” Give it a watch below, while the entire INTERNET EP can be streamed here.

Outer Stella Overdrive – “Bad Times”

August 19, 2020

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.

Becky Hill & Sigala – “Heaven On My Mind”

August 19, 2020

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.

Zola Blood – “Two Hearts (Jacques Green Remix)”

August 19, 2020

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)

PUPPYFACE – “Anxious Eyes”

August 18, 2020

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.