New Music

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.

Pizzagirl – “Gymnasium”

October 15, 2018

Pizzagirl is no stranger to the blog – in fact, we’ve covered his songs thrice already. This time around, we’re lauding the fantastic “Gymnasium.” Full of pan flute samples and 80s-inspired drum machine percussion, Pizzagirl channels the late 2010s aesthetic of Porches or Clairo with the 80s pop sentiment of Phil Collins. Peep it for yourself below. Check out all the fresh merch Pizzagirl has to offer here.

Darryl Rahn – “Reason to Run”

October 15, 2018

Utica-born, Brooklyn-based Darryl Rahn sent us over the breathtaking folk of “Reason to Run” and we knew we had to share. Pairing a warm acoustic guitar with his soothing tenor vocals, “Reason to Run” continues Darryl’s trend of releasing solid material (having released three full-length albums independently). If you’re looking for the soundtrack to a peaceful fall day, you’ve found it – check it out below. Learn more about Darryl here.

Doctors – “Slip”

October 15, 2018

Doctors are a fairly mysterious indie pop act from New Orleans. We think you should check out their latest music video, the vintage-looking home footage compilation that makes up the cinematography for “Slip.” Beyond the video treatment, “Slip” is an upbeat, shoegaze-inspired jam full of washy guitars and echo-chamber vocals. Fans of Slowdive, Pity Sex, or The Depreciation Guild will dig this one. Give Doctors a follow on their IG.

Lunar Landscape – “Les Nuits Célestes”

October 11, 2018

French act Lunar Landscape effortlessly transverses the worlds of classical piano and shoegaze-inspired indie rock. We’d like to direct your attention to the penultimate track, “Les Nuits Célestes,” a five-minute instrumental epic full of echoing guitars and an in-the-pocket rhythm section. Fans of Minus the Bear, Explosions in the Sky, or Russian Circles will enjoy this one. The infinite pleasure of being is available via Bandcamp. Check it out. The infinite pleasure of being by Lunar Landscape

Indoor Cats – “Bloodshot”

October 5, 2018

Chapel Hill quartet Indoor Cats hit us up with the 10th track from their self-titled debut LP; it’s a guitar pop track with hints of FIDLAR, Beach Slang, and Guided By Voices worked in. In its own right, “Bloodshot” is a succinct, pop-minded jam that finds the Indoor Cats experimenting with quick tempos, reverbed-out vocals, and jangly guitar tones. Be sure to give it a listen below. Swing over to Bandcamp where you can pick up a cassette or digital dl from the Cats. Indoor Cats by Indoor Cats

Ouster – “You Don’t Want Out”

October 5, 2018

Sometimes a mystery song will captivate us greatly – such is the case with Ouster‘s latest offering, “You Don’t Want Out.” A twangy number reminiscent of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Neutral Milk Hotel, or Guster, “You Don’t Want Out” sounds like a true, lo-fi, down-home recording (in a good way!). Check it out below, or swing by their Bandcamp to support them to the fullest. Muted Window / Hollow Dive by Ouster

You Folk – “Nolo Contendere”

October 5, 2018

Chicago quintet You Folk specialize in sad indie rock, case in point “Nolo Contendere.” Originally a solo project for frontman Daniel Lee, the band has since been rounded out by  guitarist and back-up vocalist Travis Schuster, bassist Rebecca Young, keyboardist/guitarist Evan Lyman, and drummer Bryan Kingsley. “Nolo Contendere” kicks off with a 7/8 groove before fleshing out into something lush and swirly. Fans of Pedro the Lion, Death Cab, or Broken Social Scene will like this one. If you like what you hear, You Folk has a Bandcamp page – check them out there.

Cursive – “Under the Rainbow”

September 30, 2018

Veteran and celebrated post-hardcore indie rockers, Cursive, are back after years of silence with the raucously nihilistic anthem, “Under the Rainbow.” Found on their upcoming studio LP, Vitriola, this isn’t so much a call to action as it is the venting of anger and frustration over the current state of affairs. Lead singer and guitarist, Tim Kasher, lashes out at income inequality on this particular track and clashes with grippingly melodic car crash instrumentals. Cursive is mad as hell and you’re going to hear about it in fantastic fashion below. Vitriola will be released October 5th and supported with a US winter tour. Check out dates on Cursive’s official Facebook here.

Dangermaker – “Pressure”

September 30, 2018

San Francisco four-piece, Dangermaker, uploads the glitchy visuals for their wonderfully retro and instantly addictive electro-pop track, “Pressure.” Off their upcoming sophomore LP, Run, this ultimo dance record is stuffed with laser show synths, livewire riffs and mesmerizing vocals. Give yourself a jolt to the system and say hello to your new favorite song below. Run is out October 5th. For more magnetic Dangermaker tracks and info, check out their official site here and Spotify here.

Jesse Konrad – “Crack My Code”

September 30, 2018

Tucson, AZ alt-rock solo act, Jesse Konrad, will make you feel alive with his passionate new single, “Crack My Code.” Get ready for comfortably melodic strings, stormy drums and Konrad’s buoyant vocals that crescendo to an electrifying chorus. It will feel like lightning running through your veins and enough to lift your spirits high. Give it a listen below. For more Jesse Konrad tracks and info, visit the multi-hyphenate’s Spotify here.