New Music

Spooky Forest – “Escape Artist”

May 25, 2018

Don’t be scared! Despite the foreboding name, the sounds that Philly DIY artist Spooky Forest create are actually quite inviting. We’re recommending you start with his latest jam, the smooth electronic-laced indie-pop of “Escape Artist.” With a swirly, chilled-out sound reminiscent of Portugal. The Man and Cold War Kids with a hint of Washed Out, this one’s sure to give you good vibes. Check it out via the widget below. If you like what you hear, be sure to visit Spooky’s Bandcamp.

Guilt Coins – “Iza Crime”

May 25, 2018

Guilt Coins is a rock band consisting of four dudes spread between Essex and London. They came together to craft the smart indie-punk of our latest recommendation, “Iza Crime.” The lo-fi, “band-in-action” shots of their music video supplement the frantic guitar work of their music perfectly… Be sure to stick around for the cool, stuttered ending. Fans of Bloc Party, Kasabian, or even Cloud Nothings will enjoy this one. Interested? Check the Coins out on iTunes.

Active Bird Community – “Spend The Night”

May 24, 2018

There’s something immediately catchy about indie rock quartet Active Bird Community’s latest single “Spend The Night” that’s hard to put a finger on. Maybe it’s the band’s earthy garage rock feel, mixed in with a few drops of whiny punk essence. Maybe it’s faint guitar distortion, the driving beat, or the rousing group vocals. More than likely, it’s a combination of all of the above. This track captures the jaded, slacker vibes that we’ve come to love of bands like Modern Baseball and The Front Bottoms, but ABC does it differently. After 13 years as a band, they seem to mastered the art of the slow build. Where younger indie guitar bands dive in headfirst with layers of electric fuzz and blatant lyricism, these guys from Brooklyn have got making an impact down to a science, adding in a stereo guitar line here and a falsetto-laden vocal track there, while still[...]

Last Box of Sparklers – “Give Way, Long Gone”

May 24, 2018

Last Box of Sparklers’ track “Give Way, Long Gone” is perhaps best described as hazy psych pop. The Gothenberg indie production project-turned-experimental collaboration has a foggy, yet delicate sound reminiscent of early Teen Suicide (now American Pleasure Club.) There’s a sense of personability and intimacy to the song that’s not always easy to find, as if frontman Erik Gunnar Nyberg is confiding in a friend while soundtracking his innermost thoughts. The group clearly has a soft spot for vintage synths, piecing each instrumental element together so that they seamlessly coexist while remaining distinct. It’s the ideal mix of down-to-earth indie pop and carefully calculated electronica. Take “Give Way, Long Gone” for a spin, and check out the rest of LBOS’ album Airwaves if time allows.

Oddysseys – “Fever Dream”

May 24, 2018

The haunting disco stylings of Boston’s Oddysseys culminate in the band’s recent single release, “Fever Dreams.” If you’re into sad boys making somber dance music reminiscent of the 70s, it doesn’t get much better than these guys. Their wordpainting conjures visions of restlessness and longing, while lyrically the track broods over what could have been. It’s all what ifs and missed connections, only adding to the effect of their dark and dusky sound. This is Oddysseys’ third single release in the past year, sparking hopes for an album release in the near future. For now, get familiar with “Fever Dreams” and the rest of the trio’s discography here.

Feelium – “Your Heart Will Learn To Recognize It In Time”

May 22, 2018

Swedish pop duo Feelium take on a reminiscence that’s syrupy sweet in their track “Your Heart Will Learn To Recognize It In Time.” They combine video game-era electronics with dreamy saxophone, melismatic paired guitar lines, and 60s soft rock vocal refrains that channel The Carpenters or The Beach Boys, reminding us all of a simpler time. The track provides just enough musical nostalgia to be irresistible, while still bringing that lifeblood of inventiveness that we’ve come to expect with standout indie pop bands. It’s a full three and a half minutes of non-stop, radiating light. If “Your Heart Will Learn To Recognize It In Time” has you hooked, check out the rest of the duo’s singles here. We have a feeling you won’t regret it.

Palm Ghosts – “Who Knew Me Better Than You”

May 22, 2018

Nashville’s murky indie rock quintet Palm Ghosts dip their toes into cinematic soundscaping with their latest track, “Who Knew Me Better Than You.” Meandering guitar lines set the song up for success, combined with the brooding fervor of Joseph Lekkes and Erica Whitney Wilkes’ vocal duet. Despite its sunny instrumentals, the track takes on a bit of a melancholy tone, stirring up the deep introspection Palm Ghosts is famous for. This single is the precursor to the band’s upcoming third album, Architecture, promising more electronic ambience and some 80s rock flare. In the meantime, taste test “Who Knew Me Better Than You” below, and find some of their previous releases here.

Straight White Teeth – “Illuminate and Burn”

May 19, 2018

Straight White Teeth, the project from songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Patrick McGuire, releases the visuals for his latest dreamy alt-pop single, “Illuminate and Burn.” Featuring a pensive, synth-driven beat, McGuire adds subtle acoustic riffs with entwined male/female vocals for a laidback track that will get the gears in your head turning. Check it out below. For more Straight White Teeth tracks, check out their SoundCloud here.

AnastasiaMax – “Brat”

May 18, 2018

Floridian alt-indie rockers, AnastasiaMax, serve up a triple espresso shot of audio goodness with their raucous new single, “Brat.” Lead by teenage siblings, Anastasia and Maxamillion, this high-energy track is bursting with firework guitars and concerted, wildly-impressive-for-their-age vocals. This is basement rock at it’s best so give it a listen below. “Brat” is off AnastasiaMax’s new EP, The Haunt. Give it a listen on Spotify here or Bandcamp here. The Haunt by AnastasiaMax

The Pretty Flowers – “Cream of Canvas”

May 17, 2018

LA indie rock four-piece, The Pretty Flowers, bloom with their new single, “Cream of Canvas.” Off their upcoming LP, Why Trains Crash, this lo-fi track will get you moving with a melodic concoction of revving garage riffs, skipping drums and a fiery chorus. Treat your eardrums and give it a listen below. Why Trains Crash drops June 22nd. Look out for it on the official The Pretty Flowers Spotify here or Bandcamp here. Cream of Canvas by The Pretty Flowers

Termination Dust – “Spring Breakup”

May 16, 2018

Anchorage’s Termination Dust is here to tell you that that spring fling of yours is d-u-n-z-o with their angsty new single, “Spring Breakup.” Off their freshly released EP, It’s Never Too Late, this female dream pop duo brings us an upbeat, shimmering bubblegum beat set against brutally frank vocals making for a track that’s trouble in paradise. Crank this one up and let it all out. Want more Termination Dust? Buy and stream It’s Never Too Late on Bandcamp here. Never Too Late by Termination Dust

Joni – “Omens”

May 15, 2018

LA singer-songwriter, Joni, gifts us her hauntingly lucid new single, “Omens.” After writing platinum hits for other pop artists, Joni decided to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. In this track, she showcases her hypnotic, nightingale voice over a moody pop production that blushes a dreamy haze. When you’re lying in bed awake at night, this is the song you want to be listening to. Check it out below. Expect more to come from Joni this summer. Drift on over to her SoundCloud here and Spotify here for more tracks.

WORLDS – “Comfort Zones”

May 14, 2018

LA’s WORLDS, the collaboration of songstress Erica Driscoll and multi-hyphenate Anthony Polcino, release their latest and greatest space rock single, “Comfort Zones.” This addictive listen features both high and low synth tones reverberating like comets and asteroids under Driscoll and Polcino’s dueling electric vocals. It’s an out of this world track that could make HAL 9000 assemble legs and do the moonwalk. Check it out below. Want more WORLDS? Of course you do! Stream them on Spotify here or SoundCloud here.

High Tropics – “Wait For You”

May 13, 2018

Aussie garage poppers, High Tropics, bring us their new single, “Wait For You,” a spirited head nodder radiating with charm. About patience and perseverance, this melodic track features electrifying garage riffs, Josh Stewart’s harmonious vocals and one hell of a catchy chorus that will spread your wings and set you free. Check out it below. For more High Tropics, check out their SoundCloud here or Spotify here.

The Caracals – “City Girl”

May 13, 2018

Summer is just around the corner and Orange County’s The Caracals have our backs with their refreshing lemonade love song, “City Girl.” Lead by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Johnny Cis, this instantly catchy, retro track is flat-out fun with a killer mix of bouncy garage rock and lapping waves of surf and indie accents. Check it out below and fall in love at first listen. The Caracals are currently recording their debut EP due out in September. Until then, listen to them on SoundCloud here or Spotify here.