Gothy, 80s vibes permeate this new track from Glasgow quartet The Ninth Wave. “Swallow Me” dives deeply into the darker side of human nature, exploring all the nooks and crannies of a manipulative relationship through reverb-laden drums and sharp, vintage synth work. About the tellingly-named track, The Ninth Wave says: “For the victim, the realization of the situation they are in is hard to swallow…” Like what you hear? Buy it here.
Lonely Benson is all about crafting music to relax to – case in point, his new single “Let It Go.” Boasting beachy vibes, groovy guitar work, and modulated vocals, this feel-good-jam is perfect for the burgeoning warm weather. Benson’s million+ streams on Spotify don’t lie – give “Let It Go” a spin, sit back, and enjoy. Lonely Benson has a Bandcamp – be sure to swing by if you’re interested.
North Carolina folk four-piece, River Whyless, stop by with the topical first single off their upcoming album, Kindness, A Rebel. Featuring a lighthearted folk-rock beat with spirited vocals, “Born in the Right Country” is a track about class division and the struggles of chasing the American Dream that everyone can relate to. Take a break from the rat race and kick back with this thought-provoking listen below. Kindness, A Rebel is out June 8th and available for pre-order here. River Whyless will be touring all summer and making a stop in Buffalo on June 19th. For tickets and dates, check out their official website here.
Los Angeles punk rockers Hit Bargain’s “Hell Is Real” comes at you with breakneck speed and its power in full bloom. The guitar line running through the track is remarkably catchy, while every other role being played here is fulfilled to unflinching, magnificent effect. Listen to the track below:
okaywill’s new track “pretend” is certifiably a choice cut. The tune balances its heaviness instrumentally, brought on by popping drums and penetrating bass, with a gentle, angelic vocal presence. Listen to “pretend” below:
Iain Belcher creates a wave of relaxation with the down-to-earth alternative rock glory of “Becomes Us.” Shades of Real Estate and Modest Mouse abounding, the song is perfect for a warm-weather hangout. The lyrics fit the mood, acting as abstract visions and phrases that could be interpreted freely, like the sway of the song’s melody. The last 30 seconds change the tone a bit, offering up an eerie but interesting conclusion that takes the listener back into reality after three minutes of utter bliss. Check out “Becomes Us,” from the album Clear Future, below: Clear Future by Iain Belcher
“Nobody Does It Like We Do,” a new track from The Hats, carries the torch of great training montage soundtracks, with a dramatic and retro-sounding opening of keyboard and guitar that would get anyone pumped up. The song transitions into a section of computerized wonder, with automated vocals bringing in a more modern spin about a minute into the runtime. “Nobody Does It Like We Do” doesn’t contain much variation or progression throughout in regards to its melody, but no matter—the feel is beyond exhilarating and doesn’t ever even remotely close to the territory of boredom. Listen to this riveting jam below:
Julien Earle, an up-and-coming house producer from Washington, D.C., has recently let the public in on a new tune entitled “The Ones.” The song sustains an effervescent vibe despite lyrics of heartbreak and hatred. Chopped-up and pitch-altered vocal samples run in abundance here and give the track extra character, as do the crisp beat drops featured throughout. Check out “The Ones” below:
Copenhagen’s very own, Favor, brings us the epileptic visuals for his brand new neon-pop track “Chocolate Cheekbone.” Inspired by 80’s dance hits, this throwback tune features infectious sing-a-long vocals and sugar high synths straight out of a club filled with bad haircuts and bad fashion. Push the perm away from your ears and feast your peepers on the video below. You can find more of Favor’s synth pop singles on Spotify here.
Chicago’s synth and drum duo, Desert Liminal, make us lonely with their gloomy new minimalist dark wave single, “Kate Has.” Singer/keyboardist Sarah Jane Quillin’s moody, resonant vocals sprawl over Rob Logan’s anxious drums and down-in-the-dumps ambient tones that rumble the bones. This woeful track will hit you right in the feels, but it’s beautiful and well worth the listen. Pop a Xanax and check it out below. Desert Liminal’s debut LP, Static Thick, is available via BandCamp here and be sure to throw them a like on Facebook here.
London’s River Fury are here to please your ears with a brand new indie-rock jam. “21st Century Man” has all the hallmarks of a perfect indie rock song – an incredible chorus, noodly guitar work, and a driving rhythm section. Hush-hush vocals and an undeniable pop approach add the cherry-on-top. Give it a listen via the widget below – you won’t regret it. “21st Century Man” is being offered for free via Bandcamp – check it out.
Melbourne’s Bollard are up to something angular… We recommend checking out their newest single “En Bloc.” Pairing a discordant guitar riff with garage rock vibes and Hold Steady-esque sprechgesang vocals, this quartet have crafted something delightfully left-field. Fans of Pile or LVL UP should check these guys out. “En Bloc” is available on Bandcamp. Check it out. Trawlers by Bollard
Tonight Californian indie veterans The Mountain Goats will be performing in Asbury Hall at Babeville, located on 341 Delaware Ave. The Mountain Goats will certainly come fully equipped with their emotionally resonating, catchy-as-all-get-out melodies and brilliant, folksy lyrics. Chicago-based experimental band Dead Rider will perform the opening set. The doors open at 7 pm. General admission tickets are $25 at Ticketfly.com and purchasable through Babeville’s box office or the door. All ages are welcome. Marsh Witch Visions by The Mountain Goats
Paul Mayson is a multi-talented singer/songwriter who specializes in gorgeous electro-pop soundscapes. “Letting You Go” caught our attention with its subtle groove, nuanced guitar work, and Mayson’s airy and dreamy vocals. About the song, Mayson says, he’s “passionate about pushing boundaries and merging my electronic roots with live instrumentation and pop songwriting.” We can’t help but think he’s on the right track – give it a listen below. Interested? Paul’s got you covered – check out a variety of listening options here.
Here’s some funky fresh electropop for your listening pleasure… Tickle Torture‘s latest banger is called “No One Feels For Your Love,” a trashy disco number that is sure to get your blood pumping. Tickle Torture injects his music with all the glitter-and-confetti-fueled energy of his live performances. The song is layered thick with vocals and beats. Do yourself a favor and listen for an aural pick-me-up via the widget below. Tickle Torture’s stuff is available on Bandcamp – swing by for a digital download.