New Music

The Band Ice Cream – “Your Guy”

August 1, 2018

Last time we checked in with the curiously-named The Band Ice Cream, we were waxing poetic about the spastic, upbeat indie rock of “Sand Dunes.” This time around, we’re digging “Your Guy.” It seems here that the Ice Creamers have refined their sound ever-so-slightly… They retain the rough edges of their earlier material while wrapping their songwriting into a neat little indie rock package full of blistering guitar riffs and howling vox. Fans of The Growlers or a more-raw GIRLS will dig this one. Like what you hear? Add it to your Spotify playlist.

Bokito – “How Dare You”

August 1, 2018

Bokito have just released their fourth and most charming single to date – “How Dare You” is a groovy, indie-rock jam laced with synths and tropical flourishes. About the song, Bokito explains, “[‘How Dare You’ is] a celebration of finding someone that matches your madness, the insecurities and concerns that come into building a relationship and the ever growing feeling that these thoughts may be pushing the other person away… But ultimately, the comfort in knowing that someone has those same uncertainties in relation to you!” “How Dare You” is consumable via many platforms – check them all out here.

Beerwine King – “Shot in the Head”

July 31, 2018

Beerwine King is an interestingly-named Oakland act whose jarring “Shot in the Head” is certainly worth a listen. Taking notes from discordant kings Pile (as well as a healthy dose of Pixies style art-rock), “Shot in the Head” is the perfect mix of angst and start/stop instrumentation. Most notable here are Beerwine King’s throaty, sardonic vocals. Give it a listen via the widget below.

Pink Skies – “Passing Me By”

July 31, 2018

Pink Skies songs were never even meant to be heard… Keep that in mind while you groove along to the synthy-indie sentiment embedded in “Passing Me By.” Inspired by his tenure in indie and punk bands, coupled with little bit of vintage psych rock and r&b influences, Arieh Berl got himself creatively inspired and dusted off his old home recordings. What resulted is the elegant lo-fi on debut EP Does it Really Matter?. Fans of Tame Impala, Foster The People, and Washed Out will dig this one – check it out below.

Rozlin – “The Hole”

July 26, 2018

LA-based rapper Rozlin sold us hard with the phat, quirky flow on her latest offering, “The Hole.” Featuring an equally-kitschy music video, Rozlin spitfire-raps about the joys of living in the moment. Fans of Kreyshawn or Nicki Minaj will definitely find some common ground here, especially with Rozlin’s penchant for deadpan delivery. Caution: this one bangs HARD – check out the video below and see for yourself. Learn more about Rozlin via her website.

Dante Matas – “Tomorrow is Leaving”

July 20, 2018

“Tomorrow is Leaving” is the second single from Dante Matas‘ latest album A Colorful Headache… Music is clearly Matas’ passion – we like the song for its interesting harmonic changes and upbeat indie-rock sound. Matas sounds like one part The Beatles, one part Sufjan Stevens, and one part Coldplay, but we’ll let you judge for yourself. Check it out below. Check out Matas’ discography here.

okaywill – “The Youth Group”

July 20, 2018

We’re very familiar with okaywill, having posted about another banger of his a few months ago… He has remained mysterious in terms of information, so all we can really stress is how much we enjoy this one. “The Youth Group” is a simple slice of electro-tinged bedroom-pop, pairing okaywill’s ever-pleasant voice with blippy drums and some dope electric piano. Enjoy.

Nate Millyunz – “NOWADAYS”

July 18, 2018

“NOWADAYS” is the first single off of rapper Nate Millyunz‘s latest release, Love & War. Upon release, the album debuted at #65 on the iTunes hip-hop chart. Millyunz is a master of his own personal style he refers to as “southern drank.” “NOWADAYS” certainly has a dank swagger to it, pairing a diverse and rhythmic flow with spitfire lyrics… We got a kick out of the wild-west themes in the music video – check it out below. Like what you hear? Check out Nate’s website here.

Blue J – “Hard to Know”

July 18, 2018

Vancouver BC act Blue J are gearing up to release their debut EP in August… If latest single “Hard to Know” is any indication of what to expect, we’re already jazzed. “Know” is about experiencing a loss, seen through the lens of someone trying to give support. Beyond that, it’s a chill-af indie rock song with gentle guitar twinking, thoughtful bass plunking, and low-key but oh-so-pleasant vocal delivery. Fans of mid-2000s Death Cab, The American Analog Set, or The Shins will dig this jam. Be sure to add “Hard to Know” to your chill-face Spotify playlist. Hard to Know by Blue J

ooi – “Sharks”

July 17, 2018

Talk about left field – we couldn’t help but be drawn to the offbeat electropop from ooi on their avant-garde summer jam, “Sharks.” “Sharks” tells the one-of-a-kind story of an albino alligator with a sweet tooth, a penchant for snakeskin, and a love for coke… It’s a little bonkers for sure, but we think you’ll dig their mid-tempo sonic textures and unique sentiment. Check it out below. P.S.: It’s pronounced “owi.” Be sure to add “Sharks” to your Spotify playlist.

Ro – “Diary”

July 17, 2018

A quick scroll through Melbourne-based singer/songwriter Ro’s Facebook page and you’ll see that she’s been pretty jazzed on the release of her confessional single, “Diary.” We are too – “Diary” is a neat little slice of low-key indie rock. Tight drums, squiggly guitars, and Ro’s distinct, ever-so-slightly hushed vocal delivery make up the backbone of this track… About the song, Ro says, “Wouldn’t it be awesome to just hand your diary over to someone and get the ‘this is me’ part over and done with? Maybe it’s a shitty life hack, but it’s a life hack nonetheless.” Well said, Ro.

Overjoy – “Same”

July 9, 2018

L.A.’s Overjoy provide a dose of ethereal, groove-ridden production in their single “Same.” Dripping in resounding synths, airy vocals, and crisp percussion, this track paints pictures with stark imagery that is simultaneously matchless and accessible. The electronic trio know how to play to their individual strengths, tying together earthy instrumentation, time-tested melodies, and misty vocal lines in a way that hits home. The band has come a long way since their 2015 outset, and seem to have reached new levels of refinery in their delivery without coming across as overly manufactured or artificial. “Same” is half of Overjoy’s recently released EP under the same name, their premiere release on One/Half Records. Check out the track below, and find more swirling and spiritual releases like this from the band here.

Her’s – “Low Beam”

July 9, 2018

Liverpool duo Her’s pave the way for their upcoming debut full length with a dusky and introspective single, “Low Beam.” The track captures their classic eerie slacker rock sound while mulling over feelings of isolation in a world that praises ‘tough guy’ masculinity. Their driving lyricism takes root in a bed of jangly surf rock guitars, sharp drum lines, and gloomy vocals, meeting playfulness with nostalgia. Her’s has already stirred up quite a name for themselves in the indie rock world with their last release, Songs of Her’s, with nods from BBC Radio 1, The FADER, Stereogum, and more. If “Low Beam” is any indication of what’s to come, this upcoming album could make an even bigger splash. Take this narrative Brit-rock single for a spin below, and keep an eye out for Invitation to Her’s, set for release on August 24th via Heist or Hilt.

Eldoradio – “City Lights”

July 8, 2018

Eldoradio have a classic Brit-rock sound, despite their Swedish origins, that is as distinct as it is invigorating. The proof lies in their recent single “City Lights,” telling the well-worn tale of long nights and youthful indiscretions. There’s a hint of a punk flare there in the layered vocals and bombastic drum work, matching well with the band’s distortion and scrappy guitar lines. Eldoradio previously hit their stride with a singles “Black & Blue” and “Youth Cult,” but this track could prove the third time really is the charm. Already making a name for themselves across Scandinavia and Europe, it might be time we spread the craze over here in the states. Be sure to feast your ears on “City Lights” below – this definitely isn’t a band you want to sleep on.

Hovzter – “Left Me Broken”

July 5, 2018

Swedish producer Hovzter plays into his strengths with a classic electro-dance track, “Left Me Broken.” Featuring vocals by Mariana Lin, the single’s impact lies in its stark dynamic contrasts and beat drops. Hovzter works with instrumentation in a way that leaves you on the edge of your seat, gradually cascading levels down, only to soar back up with the return of the chorus. It’s a good mix of lulling vocal harmonies and ballad-like piano lines, piled up against buzzing synths and steadying beats. As Hovzter’s sixth single release to date, he has already manifested a developed and expressive sound. Only time will tell where his refined brand of EDM will take him next. Until then, get hooked on “Left Me Broken” below.