New Music

Church Girls – “Just Like You”

September 11, 2018

Philly indie rockers Church Girls head up the release of their recent EP with their broody single “Just Like You.” The band combine a post-punk zeal with expressive lyricism, introspectively mulling things over, only to hit back hard with each return of the chorus. That initial guitar melody immediately hooks you, while frontwoman Mariel Beaumont’s vocals rise and fall over a kinetic instrumental foundation. It’s a raw and holistic approach to working through emotion, honing in on the bitterness and nostalgia, and fleshing it all out with some group vocals and hearty rhythm guitar. Get a taste for the track below, and find the band’s entire EP Home here.

DIET – “Game Plan”

September 11, 2018

Beloved Melbourne quintet DIET. sent over the effervescent “Game Plan” and we’ve been hooked ever since. Finding a nice balance between the fervent punk of Cloud Nothings and a vague 80s Smiths vibe, “Game Plan” pairs frantic drums with equally peppy guitar riffs and airy synth flourishes. Have a listen for yourself via the Bandcamp widget below. “Game Plan” is on Spotify – add it to the playlist of your choice. Sundown EP by DIET

The 1984 Draft – “Honest”

September 11, 2018

The 1984 Draft tugged on our heartstrings with the frank, figurative thank you note of “Honest.” Driven by good-old-fashioned guitars and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics, “Honest” finds singer/songwriter Joe Anderl thanking his audience for giving him a reason to go on. It’s a touching tribute to the reason musicians exist in the first place… Fans of Beach Slang, The Appleseed Cast, or The Gaslight Anthem will find common ground here. Makes Good Choices is available now via Poptek Records. Check it out here.

Catnip Cloud- “Buried in the Snow”

September 8, 2018

Catnip Cloud is a Norwegian artist whose “Buried in the Snow” caught our ears in just the right way. Anyone from Buffalo knows how brutal our winters can be, so this one will surely strike a nerve with some of our locals. About the song, Catnip says, “I made it in my bedroom in Norway on a dark winter night, something that was a crucial factor for the song’s emotion and atmosphere.” We can’t help but agree – dig into the delicious arpeggios and open-throated guitar and bass tones via the widget below. Catnip Cloud is on Spotify. Add it to your playlist here.

Emily Afton – “Back In San Francisco”

September 8, 2018

Emily Afton mysteriously reached out to us with her latest single, “Back In San Francisco.” We think it speaks for itself, so now we’re sharing it with all of you. Its sparse guitar arrangement, fuzzy bass contributions, and tight drum sound are reminiscent of “Young Folks” by Peter, Bjorn, & John while still being very much its own song. This one is a lovely, simple indie rock ditty powered by Afton’s dusky vocals, check it out below. Emily’s stuff is on Spotify – add her to your library if you know what’s good for you.

Tired all the Time – “Bone Dry”

September 7, 2018

Fresh off a recent EP release, D.C. four-piece Tired all the Time spice up the workday in the video for their track “Bone Dry.” With a sound that falls somewhere on the alternative-angst spectrum between The Front Bottoms and A Day to Remember, this group knows how to play up the somewhat lost art of the group vocal. Right off the bat, we’re hit with buzzing guitar tracks, bombastic drum work, and a mantra-like vocal delivery that’s instantly energizing. Despite the seemingly pessimistic lyrics, the track’s video features a playful workplace atmosphere that serves as a reminder that it’s okay to let loose from time to time. Rock yourself into catharsis with “Bone Dry” below.

Lina Tullgren – “Always Fine (feat. NTHNL)”

September 7, 2018

DIY artist Lina Tullgren takes on a fizzled electropop approach in her latest single, “Always Fine.” Accompanied by the prospecting production work of NTHNL, Tullgren’s lackadaisical vocals meet a bubbling electronic accompaniment in a way that feels a bit unsettling and off-kilter. This falls right in line with the track’s narrative of feeling alone and misplaced in a crowd of people. It’s a step away from Tullgren’s previous work on her 2017 EP Won, which more so aligned with the Florist/Emily Yacina brand of DIY-rock. “Always Fine” seems to take a trip down the Alice In Wonderland rabbit hole, emerging more disjointed, busy, and vibrant than ever before. In terms of the other drowsy slacker rock out there, this is a breath of fresh air. Catch Lina Tullgren’s other releases here.

SG Lewis & Clairo – “Better”

August 23, 2018

London-based multi-hyphenate, SG Lewis, connects with US songstress, Clairo, in the fresh new visuals for their viral electropop track, “Better.” It features a breezy disco beat paired with marvelously whimsical vocals that will incite living room dance parties and carefree attitudes. If you’re looking for an excuse to bust a move, put on your dancing shoes and check out this retro-vibing video below. SG Lewis is releasing music left and right and heading out for a worldwide tour. Check out his official site here for dates and info. Meanwhile Clairo’s star continues to rise. Visit her SoundCloud here and site here for more music.

Daggy Man – “Are You Laughing?”

August 21, 2018

Singer-songwriter, Thomas Calder, is Daggy Man and he comes to us with the atmospheric lullaby, “Are You Laughing?” Like walking around a house of mirrors, this introspective and layered listen echoes and pulsates off itself. It’s quiet, minimalist beat pairs hauntingly with Calder’s whispering vocals and will leave you in a lazy trance. Fall under Daggy Man’s spell with this emotional record below. For more Daggy Man info and tracks, check out his official site here or SoundCloud here.

Cory Taylor Cox – “Trainwreck”

August 21, 2018

East Nashville rocker, Cory Taylor Cox, uncorks his latest and rousing single, “Trainwreck.” One half of a dual release, this tipsy track details the misadventures of an independent musician and will certainly induce drunken sing-a-longs. Cox’s intoxicating and tongue-in-cheek vocals are wonderful on the ears and laid over a spirited rock beat that will give your heart an adrenaline shot. Give it a listen below and crack open another cold one. Want more Cory Taylor Cox? Check out his Facebook here or Spotify here.

Hey Harriett – “Too Fast Too Soon”

August 21, 2018

Indie surf rockers from down under, Hey Harriett, catch a wave on their new carefree single, “Too Fast Too Soon.” Founded by frontwoman, Georgy Rochow, and DIY to the bone, this laidback five-piece composes a ray of sunshine that’s the perfect companion for you and your hammock. Featuring island riffs and relaxingly peppy vocals, this gentle track will help you forget all troubles. Give it a listen below and sail away to your happy place. For more Hey Harriett, check them out on Facebook here or Spotify here.

Blood Tigers – “Tell Me Where You’ve Been”

August 20, 2018

Blood Tigers, the creation of NYC visual artist and musician Christian Haberkern, drops the smooth new electro-pop single, “Tell Me Where You’ve Been.” Off his latest EP, Outer Space Dream, this funky record is like watching an alien do the moonwalk in Studio 54. It features a captivating and undulating beat that absolutely boogies with out of this world synths, velvet bass lines and sensual featherweight vocals. You can dance under the stars all night to this one so give it a listen below. Check out Outer Space Dream on Spotify here and visit Blood Tiger’s official website here for more info, tracks and arresting visuals.

Mallrat – “UFO ft. Allday”

August 20, 2018

The eclectic Aussie pop star, Mallrat, blasts off with the visuals for her hauntingly atmospheric track, “UFO.” From her sophomore EP, In The Sky, this entrancing track features Mallrat’s gorgeous, confessional vocals over an ominously spacey and addictive beat. Fellow Aussie emcee, Allday, adds his support with tight and wavy bars that put this killer record over the moon and on repeat. Check it out below and see what The New York Times, NPR and PAPER Magazine are fawning over. For more Mallrat, head over to her Facebook here and Spotify here.

Live Well – “Neck Tattoos”

August 20, 2018

Just got dumped? Sucks dude. But don’t worry, Yonkers pop punk five-piece, Live Well, are here for you with their awesomely angsty new single, “Neck Tattoos.” This vicarious listen knows exactly how you feel and features emotionally compromised lyrics over a fiery beat that explodes with pop punk fury like a lover scorned. So the next time you start thinking about your ex, stop and give this cathartic track a listen instead. You can find more info and tracks on Live Well’s Facebook here and SoundCloud here.

Buzzing Electro Act Opāru Releases New Single, “Ghost To Follow”

August 16, 2018

Los Angeles-based electro act Opāru has made a triumphant return with her latest song, “Ghost To Follow.” “Ghost” is a poignant and resplendent single that finds Opāru waxing existential about the innate human experience of yearning to belong, finding a sense of purpose, and being accepted. Driven by passionate piano chords and Opāru’s (aka Dianna St. Hilaire) ethereal vocals, “Ghost To Follow” (produced by Josh Stevens of LMFAO, Jennifer Lopez, and Pitbull fame) is dark and dreamy, falling somewhere on the spectrum between Lana Del Ray and classic 90s pop. We’ve posted a lyrical video below for you to follow along. If you’re interested in learning more about Opāru, check out her website, drop her a like on Facebook, or stay posted via Twitter.