Melbourne quartet Kodiak Galaxy specialize in melancholy post-punk/dreampop tunes a la our latest recommendation, “Running Out of Reasons.” Flush with colorful light treatments and a simple but effective ghost narrative, their latest music video is a lovely introduction to their sound. Fans of DIIV, Turnover, or Interpol might like this one – give it a watch below and if you dig it, swing by their Bandcamp page and pick up the single.
Mmmm, we’re digging the lighthearted indie rock from Chicago native Fran. “So Surreal” is a warm and fuzzy jam, highlighted by Fran’s knack for effervescent vocal acrobatics. This one is an ode to daydreaming and her upbeat delivery truly matches. Fans of Alvvays, Hop Along, or Jay Som would def get down to this one – check it out via the Bandcamp widget below. A Private Picture by Fran
Pale Honey is a Swedish duo whose triumphant return to music comes with the post-punk tinged “Set Me Free.” Somehow, this duo pairs feel-good, dancy electronica with a cold and icy indie rock intensity, bringing to mind acts like Interpol, Phantogram, and Sleigh Bells. Keep an eye out for their new album out early next year – till then, we think “Set Me Free” will make a great addition to your playlist. Check it out below.
He’s back! Last time we checked in with the secretive Brooklyn-based chillwaver DJ ST THOMAS, we were jiving on his debut single, “Fodder.” This time around, he’s meshed squelches of guitar noise with a funky bass thump – his ethereal vocals definitely drive this one home. If you dig it, he’s got an EP coming out in November – don’t forget!
Sea Girls hit us up with the irresistible alt-rock vibes of “Violet” and we definitely dig it. Featuring a crispy music video of the band performing the song energetically, this one has those upbeat, destined-for-modern-rock-radio hooks that you can’t help but enjoy. Fans of Young the Giant and Grouplove will definitely dig this one. Check out the video below.
“Something Better” is a hypnotic electropop banger from Carl Louis – reminiscent of Royskopp or Daft Punk, this one is full of bouncing bass and Carl’s soothing, soft-spoken delivery. This one is sure to get your head bopping along – stick around till the end for a big crescendo finish. Be sure to swing by Carl’s Soundcloud to check out his catalog of lovely synth-tinged songs.
Something about the mix of “Lofi” really rubbed us the right way… It’s a warm and warbly indie pop jam from NYC-based mastermind JW Francis. Pairing jangly guitars with tape-aged bursts of vocals, this one is a lighthearted blast of bedroom pop goodness from an otherwise unforgiving city. Be forewarned – the opening riff is enough to hook you right in. Check it out below or snag it from Bandcamp.
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than some raucous German surf-punk. Drens certainly nail the sound, especially on their latest offering, “Heat.” Fans of Together Pangaea, Wavves, or Cloud Nothings will like their fast tempos, bratty vocals, and overall sunny disposition. They wrap things up nice and succinct with a cool, slow-down finish. Check it out below and then add it to your Spotify playlist.
Germany-based Shelter Boy is onto something – we dig the delightfully carefree vibes we’re getting from his latest, “Let ’em Go.” Featuring a delivery that is reminiscent of King Krule with the swimmy, guitar-driven indie pop of TOPS and the nihilist energy of Mac Demarco, “Let ’em Go” is the kind of song that explores noodly guitar antics while staying rooted in pleasant song structure. Check out the vid below and let yourself zen out.
Every now and again, an acoustic ballad will come out of left-field and rub us just the right way – this time around, it’s “Miserable” by Australian singer/songwriter Alexander Biggs. His stark and honest vocals are soaked in reverb – they lay beautifully atop his orchestral acoustic pop. fans of Sufjan Stevens, Elliot Smith, or Conor Oberst will definitely find solace in this one. Best of all, it comes complete with a charming, ghost-themed music video. Be sure to check it out below.
We’re digging the dreamy pop sound from Brooklyn solo-act Dominic Sen. Check out the handheld-VHS aesthetic of her latest video for “Natural History.” Between the kitschy retro feels and vaguely romantic lyrics about gift shops and museums, we think this one will make a great addition to your chill-out playlist. Fans of Porches, Jay Som, or Braids will surely dig this one – get your fix via YouTube below.
Blood Capsules paint a vivid picture here on “She Did a Lot of Acid” – the band mixes swirling and squelching guitar noise with creepy organ flourishes and a frantic tempo drum beat. The urgent instrumentals this sextet craft help to set a backdrop for the morose lyrical story of a girl who did a few too many hits of LSD… We think this one is all-encompassing – check it out via Bandcamp below. Calico EP by Blood Capsules
We’re digging the icy sparse vibes of “Apprehension” by California solo act Foliage. This one carries a bit of emotional weight – struggling with the state of one’s mind being in a constant state of worry, among other things. But beyond the stark lyrical confessions, this one has a curiously catchy guitar part coupled with other-worldy vocals. Check it out via Bandcamp below. Take by ❀ Foliage ❀
BDRMM are a self-described ugly pop band whose “Shame” caught our attention. This single from their debut is super promising, boasting an icy, post-punk aesthetic accented by twinkly guitar leads and aloof vocals. Fans of DIIV, Interpol, or Turnover will find common ground here – we love the chill-out spell that this one puts us under. Check it out via YouTube below.
Synthpop duo Magdalena Bay are no strangers to buffaBLOG – we’ve posted several of their songs in the past. They return with more pop excellence with their latest, “Good Intentions.” Airy, lilting vocals lay overtop dance-tinged, squiggly synth accents and an upbeat demeanor. This one should readily appeal to fans of Purity Ring or CHVRCHES with a touch of late 90s flavor. Check it out below.