New Music

MUNYA – “Some More”

October 28, 2018

“Other-worldly” is a good descriptor for the songs that fly out of MUNYA. “I don’t really understand how I make music,” she says, “I feel like it’s coming from another world.” “Some More” certainly falls into that category, combining borderline spooky synth work with MUNYA’s ethereal presence. The song itself is a slacker’s lament about the often claustrophobic (yet meaningless) expectations of society. Check it out for yourself below. MUNYA is also on Spotify – add her to your next playlist.

Fanclub – “Reflection”

October 28, 2018

Fanclub is Austin, TX’s newest trio… Well, maybe not literally, but they are fresh and fun, as evidenced by “Reflection.” Inspired by twee pop, synth pop, and dream pop (are you sensing a pattern here?), Fanclub combines “beauty and pain into a lo-fi, melodic aesthetic.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Be sure to catch them at SXSW after they release their debut EP later this year. Don’t be shy – add them on Spotify.

The Bigness – “The Rest of the Sky”

October 28, 2018

We couldn’t help but relate strongly to the premise behind Philly power-pop quartet The Bigness‘ latest offering, the hooky “The Rest of the Sky.” The song is about having a passion that the rest of your life seems to be beating out of you. The excellent music video creates an intimate portrait of each band member, proving that you can always find a way to squeeze said passion into your life. Well done Bigness – be sure to watch their passion project below.

Noah Chenfeld – “Lucy”

October 28, 2018

Noah Chenfeld‘s latest indietronica jam is the cheeky “Lucy.” Taking inspiration from modern day hitmakers like Foster The People or Arcade Fire, “Lucy” pairs a whispy synth lead with funky bass lines and dancy electronic beats. After listening, we’re left with an earworm; wondering if the titular Lucy did, in fact, do it. Decide for yourself by listening below. Keep up with Noah’s going-ons on the IG.

Family Hahas – “OK Year”

October 25, 2018

Zippy indie rock duo Family Hahas bring a lighthearted sense of nostalgia to their music that’s undeniably infectious. This is especially true of their latest single, “OK Year.” Clarion vocals and burgeoning synth lines maintain the song’s zest, opening up with intrinsic percussion, cementing bass grooves, and paired vocal harmonies. This is easy listening at its finest, while still mulling over themes of loneliness and feeling generally unsettled. Despite this, there’s a distinct note of optimism that shines through in the track’s snapshot-worthy imagery that will keep you coming back for more. Find other sweetly wistful tunes from Family Hahas here.

The Six Sevens – “San Francisco”

October 25, 2018

Santa Barbara slacker rock outfit The Six Sevens hit the nail on the head of the quarter life crisis in their single “San Francisco.” The quintet’s jangly guitar lines and bleary drum fills help paint the picture of parental disappointment and being young, broke, and restless. With that grungy and wholesome sound that conjures comparisons to The Front Bottoms or Sorority Noise, there’s a down to earth relatability to this track that will have you hitting replay time and time again. “San Francisco” is fresh off The Six Seven’s latest album, Watch Your Head. Get the full picture with this album and more on the band’s bandcamp page.

Bengal Lancers – “Memory Loss”

October 24, 2018

Indie rock four-piece Bengal Lancers contribute to a vital dialogue in their latest single, “Memory Loss.” The band mulls over the impact of mental health on oneself and others from a stance that’s both earnest and relatable. The listening experience itself is cathartic, letting go of past frustrations and anxieties by way of running guitar lines, potent vocals, and dynamic drum work. This approach to an oftentimes sensitive topic is exactly the kind of understanding and accessibility that’s needed to move society in the right direction. Find similarly impactful themes in Bengal Lancer’s other work here.

Erostratus – “No Show”

October 24, 2018

New York City trio Erostratus take a page out of the psych-rock book in their track “No Show.” Frontman Ben Workman takes an aerial-view look at his experiences and personal connections, piecing them together with clear-cut imagery and anecdotes. The song’s structure takes on a similarly piecemeal feel, connecting disjointed time signatures with modulating keys in a heavy fog of distortion. Its ever-evolving sound allows for an engaging listening experience from start to finish. If “No Show” is right up your alley, stay tuned for Erostratus’ debut album, which promises similarly introspective themes set to a dimly lit New York City backdrop.

Adeline Hotel – “Lightning”

October 24, 2018

The homespun, jangly wonders of Adeline Hotel are certainly not lost on their latest single, “Lightning.” Dan Knishkowy and Co turn up the rugged side of their sound, ruled by spiraling guitar lines, tinny percussion, and a light haze of distortion to smooth it all over. This track is a step away from the projects broodier songs, letting instrumentation shine while the vocals act as the glue that fits everything together seamlessly. It has a homey feel  to it that immediately puts the listener at ease. Luckily, there’s opportunity for more where that came from on the band’s upcoming album Away Together, set for release October 26. Countdown the days with “Lightning” below.

TOLEDO – “Hot Stuff”

October 22, 2018

Indie rock duo TOLEDO draw up a creamy, dreamy hit with their latest single, “Hot Stuff.” Their combination of bubbling electronica, meandering guitar lines, and lofty falsetto provides the all makings for a sunny fall soundtrack. The band broods over the passage of time and the inevitability of change in a way that keeps their lighthearted disposition in tact. With a sound that hits somewhere between Day Wave and The Shins, there’s an addictive quality to this track that seems to boil down to some good old fashioned ascending melodies and engaging instrumentals. “Hot Stuff” comes to us as the prelude to TOLEDO’s upcoming debut EP, due out February 2019. Until then, catch more from the duo here.

Mantell – “Lulu”

October 22, 2018

Melbourne, Australia foursome Mantell grind out some gritty surf rock with the leading track off their recently released EP, “Lulu.” This song takes the breeziness and serenity that we’ve come to expect from coastal-region bands and cranks it up a few industrial notches. The lead-foot distortion, methodic guitar strains, buzzing synths, and unrelenting drum work hammer their point home, urging us to grab hold of our youth while it’s still within reach. A complete DIY project between four long-time friends makes the sound all the more sweet, earning the band well-won radio play and packed gigs at Melbourne’s best and brightest. If “Lulu” has you hooked, be sure to check out the rest of Mantell’s EP Thirty Two here.

Tella Viv – “Bang Boom Crash”

October 17, 2018

Swedish indie rockers Tella Viv are sure to astound you with the explosive, borderline psychedelia of “Bang Boom Crash.” Boasting a huge bass riff, swirling guitars, and bombastic vocals, “Bang Boom Crash” certainly lives up to its onomatopoeic name. About the song, the band states: “[‘Bang Boom Crash’ represents a] materialized world where somebody realizes one’s coffin is the ultimate show off piece.” Morbid, but we def dig it. Check it out below. There are lots of different ways to enjoy “Bang Boom Crash” – check them out here.

Francis – “Wild Heart”

October 17, 2018

Swedish act Francis has released a handful of outstanding standalone singles since the release of their acclaimed debut album Marathon (co-produced by acclaimed French producer Nicolas Vernhes of Daughter, The War on Drugs, and Animal Collective fame). We also recommend “Wild Heart,” a self-produced (but equally delightful) indie rocker about that inexplicable wild child that exists in your chest cavity. Check it out below. “Wild Heart” is out now via Swedish record label Strangers Candy.

Modern Color – “Jacaranda”

October 16, 2018

Melodic SoCal quartet Modern Color have come out swinging with their latest offering, “Jacaranda.” Throughout the song a frantic tempo fades into a downswing, utilizing overdriven guitars and echo-soaked vocals all the while. Modern Color certainly blurs genre lines, but fans of Prawn, Deafheaven, or At the Drive In would all find something to like in this song. Keep up with Modern Color on Instagram. Portuguese Bend 7″ by Modern Color

Yacht Punk – “Need a Reason”

October 15, 2018

Inspired (at least partially) by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, (and also by Queens of the Stone Age, Foals, and HEALTH), “Need a Reason” by Yacht Punk is one of our most recent obsessions. Pairing frantic guitars with a throaty, chorus-laden bass tone, “Need a Reason” was crafted to sound like “the feeling of floating through space uncontrollably.” As with any other song, this one is best experienced for yourself – check it out via the widget below. Be sure to add “Need a Reason” to your Spotify playlist.