New Music

Alfred Hall – “Since I Saw You”

June 5, 2018

“Since I Saw You” is, with certainty, a danceable treasure from Norwegian pop twosome Alfred Hall. The track gets going right from the start, employing a funky rhythm that hits a perfect middle ground between leisurely and energetic. The chorus, accentuating a reunion with someone the narrator hadn’t crossed paths with in some time, brings about a sense of life’s unpredictability and unsuredness. The wondrous lines of guitar work coexisting with this sentiment are undeniably beautiful and welcomed with open ears. As the song fades out, a longing for more beyond three and a half minutes is sure to be felt.

The Tins – “Sundried Mind”

June 5, 2018

“Sundried Mind,” a recently released track from Binghamton-hailing, Buffalo-centered rockers The Tins, commences with some guitar sliding and noodling that sets a majestic tone. This short intro carries over to a catchy and light yet full-sounding melody. Like the rest of the band’s latest album-length effort, a self-titled release, the track was produced by Robby Takac, the long-time bassist for The Goo Goo Dolls. His hand in the inflection of the tune and his overall association with The Tins lends an apparent influence of that veteran Buffalo group’s anthemic, endearing songwriting qualities. “Sundried Mind” retains a hard-hitting burst throughout that’ll undoubtedly entice any listener to take the day ahead by storm.

Whisperhawk – “Summer Song”

May 31, 2018

Whisperhawk (aka Michael Gross) is a Native American singer/songwriter whose “Summer Song” caught our attention for its upbeat, summery vibes… Turns out the song is actually a “heart-warming tale of the end of the world,” but that’s neither here nor there. Beyond the apocalyptic lyrics, jangly guitars and slide flourishes pepper this song and compliment Gross’ sunny delivery and disposition. “Summer Song” is also available for purchase via Bandcamp.

Modern Leisure – “Girls in Black”

May 31, 2018

Denver act Modern Leisure won us over with their laid-back, schmoozy take on indie rock… “Girls in Black” is a poignant reflection on dating life in your 20s; it’s coupled with a unique, baby-blue-motif music video that takes aim at pretentiousness. Get lost in the mid-tempo thump of the bass and the summery acoustic guitar accompaniment – this one is perfect for chilling out on a muggy summer afternoon. “Girls in Black” is currently available on Bandcamp. Snag it before Super Sad Rom-Com comes out next month.

Chi Runner – “Gravity”

May 31, 2018

Chi Runner is a mysterious new artist from… somewhere mysterious. But we can’t help but dig the opening track off of their latest EP, Melodynamic. “Gravity” is a chilled-out but angsty lesson in electronic beats, falsetto flourishes, and emotional lyrical delivery. Get down to this one if you’re into Tame Impala or Shelf Nunny. Chi Runner is also on Spotify – freshen up that playlist with a phat new addition.

THRILL YOU KILL YOU – “Never Even Really”

May 29, 2018

Brand new indie/electronica act THRILL YOU KILL YOU is the latest project from former DJ/producer Fei-Fei. “Never Even Really” is an energetic song that was fully written, produced, and engineered by Fei-Fei herself. About the process, she says, “I’m proud that I recorded vocals in my bathroom on a cheap mic. It’s weird, it’s raw, and a little twisted, but it’s all me. We dig it too –  so will fans of CHVRCHES or Shiny Toy Guns. Want to know more? Get down to the lyric video here.

Terra Pines – “Dream Big”

May 29, 2018

Brisbane-based trio Terra Pines combine elements of grunge, shoegaze, punk, and the general spirit of the 90s into their palatable blend of indie rock. Case in point, their latest single “Dream Big…” Stuffed full of fuzzed-out guitars and off-in-the-distance vocals, “Dream Big” tackles that age-old experience of reconciling one’s dreams with the reality that things might not go according to plan. Heavy – figuratively, literally, and musically. Terra Pines has their stuff available via Bandcamp.

No Cares – “Wave At Your Grave”

May 29, 2018

Brace yourself! “Wave At Your Grave” is a chunky, speaker-shredding jam from Texan solo act No Cares, aka JP Pfertner. “Grave” brings together the bombastic elements of Jay Reatard, The Presidents of the United States of America, and WAVVES in the form of chunky guitars, exciting rolling drum beats, and a general raucous spirit. We think it’s sure to get your blood pumping. Give No Cares some love on the ‘Gram.

Faults – “Should’ve Been”

May 28, 2018

Toronto’s art rock four-piece Faults produce a cavernous wall of sound in their latest single “Should’ve Been.” Astral guitar strains, spitfire drum fills, and ambient synths fill the air as frontman Aidan Belo-Nascimento’s seeping vocals weave it all together. This track is as much of a lament as it is a call to arms. There’s a lot of mull over with “Should’ve Been,” and that only makes the listening experience that much more captivating. If this is the first you’ve heard of Faults, you’ve come just in time for the band’s sophomore self-titled EP release, coming up on June 1st.

Basement Revolver – “Baby”

May 28, 2018

The atmospheric indie rockers in Basement Revolver know how to pull the heartstrings, especially in their newly minted single “Baby.” Songwriter Chrisy Hurn delves into her past experiences in a way that’s deeply personal and universally felt all at once, ruminating over regrets and should have beens. Meanwhile, the band strums up a sturdy foundation of rippling fuzz guitar, robust drum lines, and a cementing bass, all covered in a foggy layer of reverb. Despite the song’s sonic force, there’s something undeniably tender about the delivery that’s equal parts apologetic and wistful. Get a taste for “Baby” below, and stay tuned for the band’s upcoming album Heavy Eyes, due out August 24th on Sonic Unyon/Fear of Missing Out.

Cellars – “All The Time”

May 28, 2018

Dazzling electropop act Cellars draws up an 80s-inspired dance track for the ages with her single “All The Time.” The mix of bubbly percussion, strident synths, and circular melodies conjure visions of leg warmers and scrunchies, when neon-hued pop was king. The brainchild of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Allene Norton, Cellars has taken shape in a variety of forms over a 5 year lifetime, but has never strayed from its sparkly synthpop roots. Citing influence from the likes of Madonna, Yaz, and Prince, it’s hard not to catch some of the infectious energy Norton channels our way. After a life-threatening health experience nearly a year ago, she is back and ready to light up the Austin, Texas music scene once more. Get hooked on “All The Time” via Manimal Vinyl Records below.

Charlotte & Magon – “Yes I Am”

May 28, 2018

Parisian pop duo Charlotte & Magon are back with another historically campy music video for their track “Yes I Am.” Their vintage-inspired cosmic pop sound sets them apart from the crowd, along with their expressive and accessible lyricism and delivery. The video manages to highlight the song’s playfulness by way of their unhampered dance moves and vibrant doodling. There’s something purely feel-good and unrefined about this track that’s hard to get enough of. Get a feel for “Yes I Am” in motion picture below.

L I P S – “Apartment”

May 28, 2018

There’s just something about saccharine dream pop that really hits the spot. If you’re on the lookout for your latest fix, British quartet L I P S aims to please in their balmy track “Apartment.” Frontwoman Rachel Anstis’ vocal stylings echo that of the DIY songstresses of our age like Hazel English and Gabrielle Smith of Ó (formerly Eskimeaux,) while the band’s inquisitive indie rock stylings allude to a smattering of surf rock, alternative, and shoegaze influences. It’s the perfect mix of fuzzy ambience and dozy melodies. Lose yourself in the waves of reverb and beaming guitar lines below, and check the band’s previous releases here.

The Silhouette Era – “Waste Me”

May 25, 2018

San Francisco based The Silhouette Era funnel pure kineticism through a sieve in their recent single, “Waste Me.” This four-piece has everything you could hope for from a California band – there’s the garage rock abrasiveness, the surf rock shred, and punk-inspired vocals to make a slacker rock heart melt. They hit their sonic stride somewhere on the spectrum from Wavves to The Orwells, which turns out to be a winning mix. Their pension for rowdy live shows will certainly hold strong with this track, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a crowd surfer or two down the line. With the band amping up their touring presence and discography, the future is looking California sunshine-bright for The Silhouette Era. Check out “Waste Me” below, and find more where that came from here.

Provoker – “Dark Angel”

May 25, 2018

Provoker surprised us with their surprisingly tasteful take on a combination of goth, post-punk, and punk. We recommend you start with their latest offering, the dark-wave punk of “Dark Angel.” the spine of this track is the thundering, overdriven bass that trudges along faithfully, but there is magic all throughout this track… Whether its the slacker-esque vocals, electronic drums, or sparse (but tasteful) guitar, this band sounds like a unique mix of The Cure, She Wants Revenge, and Joy Division. Visit their Bandcamp page for purchasing/listening options.