Feeling the funky nu-disco groove of “Pretenders” by mysterious Canadian artist Joseph of Mercury. Pairing a funky bass line with guitar ambiance and a Morrissey-tinged croon, “Pretenders” is the kind of song that has classic appeal with 2019-flavored contemporary energy. Fans of Daft Punk or the Smiths will def dig this one – check it out below and add it to your Spotify playlist.
Mmmm, a tasty one from Szymon – “Blue Colored Mountain” is an eclectic shuffle, matching falsetto mastery and humble synth twinkling with a perfect drumbeat tempo. This one, sadly, is released posthumously – Szymon tragically took his own life after years of battling depression and mental illness… But for that reason, it’s all the more reason to dig into his incredible discography. Help celebrate an incredible musician and life – add it to your Spotify and check it out below.
German psych poppers ACUA scratched just the right itch with their latest offering, “Keep Spinning.” Full of twinkling guitars, dreamy vocal longing, and bassy splashes of keyboard, “Keep Spinning” would fit comfortably on a shelf next to Turnover or Radiohead. These talented musicians did a lot of running around to make this stunning music video, so make sure you give it a thorough watch. Like what you hear? Add them to your Spotify playlist.
This one is sure to get you into a mood – Diamond Thug goes right for the heartstrings with the industrial and synthy slog of “The Woods.” The South African crew explores themes of isolation and disconnection through their use of dark and dreary synths and singer Chantel Van T’s ethereal vocals. All the while, imagery of dark forests, moons, and the night sets the scene. Check it out below – here’s where you can learn more if you dig it.
Falling somewhere on the spectrum between The 1975 and Cloud Nothings, we dig the latest banger from Fever Days. Their jangly art pop is layered thick with synth flourishes and heady bass tones, not to mention a raucous vocal approach. This one has a jittery feel, perhaps even a little reminiscent of how you’d feel while abusing the subject matter. Check it out below and give them a follow on Instagram.
If you’re looking for a heady dose of 80s inspired synthpop, we think you should check out Parallel‘s newest jam, “The Magic Hour.” Full of feathery synths and enough sass to make Madonna or Cyndi Lauper jealous, this Toronto trio is riding high on the release of a new LP, Metropolis… Not to mention their stint at #1 on Canada’s Electronic Charts. Either way, whether you’re a retro 80s enthusiast or a modern electronica-head, “The Magic Hour” is sure to find its way into your Spotify playlist – check it out below.
Natalie Walker‘s new self-released EP Evenfall has us feeling some-type-of-way – “Last Day” is yet another gauzy indie-pop song with its head in the clouds. Walker’s voice is soothing and sits atop the airy music perfectly. Flush with nu-disco tinged guitar, bumping keyboard vibes, and a warm percussion track, we think “Last Day” will wind up on your playlist in one way or another – time to add her to your Spotify.
We’re over the moon for the latest song from Colorado native Natalie Walker. “Starry Eyed Kids” pairs a healthy heap of nostalgia with a driven fuzzed-out and spacy woo-oohs for a lovely and gauzy indie pop number. Lyrics like “I wanna go back” and “1992” will conjure up your own fond, albeit hazy memories. Check it out below and give her a follow on the ‘Gram.
This one is really pulling at our heartstrings – singer/songwriter Darryl Rahn is Utica-born and Brooklyn-based, and his latest offering, “Old Flame” is a lovely acoustic ballad about long lost love. Fans of Kevin Devine, Dashboard Confessional, or Guster would enjoy his emotional lyrics and full-bodied guitar strumming – he’s already independently released three full-length records, so swing by his Bandcamp page and check the rest of his stuff out. Old Flame by Darryl Rahn
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.