New Music

Dead Sea – “Know Where”

April 4, 2018

French four-piece Dead Sea carve another notch in their single-releasing bedpost with their latest cosmic number, “Know Where.” This band of Parisians combines seeping synth lines and cavernous percussion with beaming guitars and feather-soft vocals, toeing the line between invigorating artpop and spacey shoegaze. As their third single to date, Dead Sea take on a sunny, buoyant approach to stage their cacophony of sound. If this troupe is predicting the future of indie pop hits, we’re liking the direction this is heading. Follow Dead Sea on their way with “Know Where” below and find more from the band here.

nomad – “2 flares”

April 2, 2018

“2 flares,” a fresh-off-the-presses single from New Zealand indie pop band Nomad, is charged up with a certain undeniable zest crossbred with the radio-friendly hooks of Bastille with the raw emotion of The National. The song begins by giving off the feel of a somber piano ballad. Then, in a flash, it blossoms into a fast-paced tune that harnesses an arena-ready energy. If you needed an exhibit of this band’s dexterity as musicians, look no further than “2 flares,” found below.  

New Shack – “Bit Map”

April 2, 2018

The ravishing new single “Bit Map” by Utah-based duo New Shack invokes excitement and a parcel of nostalgia through fluttering flourishes of synthesizer. They hearken back to the 1980s new wave movement, only with more introspective undertones, this being the reason they label their sound “darkwave.” The track, with its influences abounding, manages to sound remarkably modern, perhaps with the help of lyrics about losing a GPS, leaving the narrator unable to find their home address. Cat Leavy’s vocals here are gentle but affecting and full of emotion, while the instrumental backing goes back and forth between a peppy, in-your-face groove and a gorgeous soundscape. New Shack has supported Glass Animals live and garnered a notable live following of their own, along with acclaim propelled by the likes of numerous blogs and publications. Check out “Bit Map,” off their upcoming EP Ways and Means, below:

LCAW – “Meet In the Middle”

April 2, 2018

LCAW’s “Meet In the Middle” is a testament to the German producer’s knack for making a danceable and fresh electro-pop record—the allure that has attracted him growing industry attention. Off the 4-song EP of the same name, the track unfolds with angelic guest vocals, a rousing rhythm and a bouncing keyboard line. Be sure to snap along for yourself to this eminently catchy tune, featured below:

Glassio – “Back For More”

March 31, 2018

Indie duo Glassio’s “Back For More” is about as polished and magical as synth-pop gets. The track is full of life, backed by deep, affecting splashes and soaring, majestic trickles of keyboard. Beyond the musical sense, this New York City-based act strikes a chord emotionally with their new track. “Back For More” concerns the unsure feeling and loss of hope derived from a relationship hitting the rocks and ending for good, a relatable but still hard-to-swallow dilemma. Glassio, the partnership of Sam R. and Charles Pinel, also has a number of sold-out shows under their belts and an Internet-rooted following behind them. It’s no surprise either, as surveying their new track will reveal. Check out “Back For More” down below.

No Kind of Rider Releases New Tune “Savage Coast”

March 31, 2018

“Savage Coast” is a heart-thumping, must-listen new single from quartet No Kind of Rider, an indie rock band hailing in parts from Portland and separately from Brooklyn. The song manages to elicit feelings of both exultation and turmoil. The range of emotional depth contained within its running time is impressive yet toll-inducing on the listener, especially a first-time one. But with a catchy and spirit-lifting melody beside the presentation of lyrical beauty tackling a romantic relationship’s turning point, the pull to revisit the track is inevitable. Listen below, and attest to the appeal for yourself.

Kasbo – “Over You (feat. Frida Sundemo)

March 31, 2018

Swedish production prodigy Kasbo rallies for his recent debut album release with his single “Over You (feat. Frida Sundemo.)” The track takes on a bittersweet tint thematically analogous with the full record, mixing in hues of uplifting melodic lines and twinkling synths to underscore optimism. Sundemo’s vocals help to hit a stride between consolatory and resolute, relying on the steadily pulsing beat to propel her vocal refrains to high heaven. It’s clear that Kasbo has all the makings of an earworm electropop craftsman, and it doesn’t hurt that he boasts tours alongside the likes of ODESZA and Glass Animals. Test the waters with “Over You” below, and catch the other 12 tracks of Places We Don’t Know here, via Foreign Family Collective/Counter Records.

Buffalo Sex Change Releases Title Track “Searching Hands”

March 29, 2018

“Searching Hands,” a new single from Rochester-based garage rock duo Buffalo Sex Change, is chock-full of vim and vigor.The tune would fit right in with the rugged nature of Vietnam War-era rock ‘n’ roll—such grittiness and uninhibited raw power reminds one of something proto-punk bands like The Stooges or MC5 might’ve released to the public back then. “Searching Hands” might even sound to some like a train about to run off the tracks, chugging along nearer and nearer to light speed. Its depiction of uncontrollable lust and sexual tension is carried out just as superbly in its bursting-at-the-seems instrumental cannonade as its concise but striking lyrics. Catch Buffalo Sex Change’s next show in Buffalo on April 21st at Nietzsche’s and be on the lookout for their new album out April 20th. In the meantime, listen to the song below:

Ossa – “Echoes”

March 28, 2018

Indie rock trio Ossa channel some astral dream pop vibes in their single “Echoes.” The Providence, Rhode Island-based rockers string together fuzz guitars, halcyon synths, and binding group vocal refrains to set sail towards a breezy, calming tomorrow. It hits the sweet spot between drowsy and feel-good, setting the soundtrack for the sun soaked lazy days of spring. “Echoes” come from the band’s debut EP currently in the works, touching on themes of telepathy, dream interpretation, and old friends.

Sweeney – “King Shit Pt. 2”

March 28, 2018

Budding Boulder, Colorado hip hop act Sweeney hits the ground running in his latest track “King Shit Pt. 2.” Praised for his adaptive style and versatility, Sweeney channels crafty lyricism and a beat-driven flow into every corner of this track, looping it all in seamlessly from beginning to end. By no means a newcomer to the scene, his archive of tracks attest to his ambidextrous talent and unrelenting drive. Get your fix with “King Shit Pt. 2” below, and head here if you’re hungry for more.

Group Photos – “In The Morning”

March 27, 2018

Indie rock four piece Group Photos head up their recent EP release with their track “In The Morning.” Channeling a bit of their native California surf rock, the band funnel in sunny guitar lines with contrastingly dark, lo-fi vocals and snappy drum work. The effect is a progressively brooding sound, somewhere on the alt rock spectrum between Day Wave and Interpol. As their third release, Group Photos seem to have tightened up their loose ends, diving fully into the chillwave deep end. Head over to their bandcamp for the rest of the Open District EP.

FRAUDS – “Nobody”

March 27, 2018

Parisian indie pop trio FRAUDS follow up their 2017 EP release with a moody new single, “Nobody.” This track explores the full breadth of new age synth domination, weaving in layers of buzzing bass lines, thematic chord progressions, and glittery arpeggios. Riding the ebb and flow of the soundscape, the vocals act as the glue that binds it all together, making for a powerful chorus at the crossroads of Björk-meets-Icona Pop. The band explore themes of ingenuity and discomfort as a result of being misunderstood, a feeling that is as easy to resonate with as the song is to jam to. See for yourself with “Nobody” below.

Damen – “Freud Division”

March 26, 2018

Swedish act Damen recently sent over the video for their third single, “Freud Division…” These dudes are rather mysterious information-wise, but we think the music speaks for itself. Combining frantic drum/bass work with twinkly guitars and urgent vocals, this quartet reminds us of a mix of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Tokyo Police Club. Check out the vid below and decide for yourself. You dig? Buy it on iTunes.

Indigo Husk – “Not Feeling Better”

March 26, 2018

Jangly, giddy, and just the slightest bit goofy, Indigo Husk have struck gold with their latest offering, “Not Feeling Better.” A self-described self-help mantra, the song juxtaposes feelings of sadness with an inescapably happy melody… My personal favorite touch: a lead guitar that noodles its way in and out of all the song’s nooks and crannies. Check it out via the widget below. There are many ways to consume “Not Feeling Better,” check them all out here.

Trunkgod – “Ego Boost”

March 22, 2018

You know the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well enter Wichita, KS emcee, Trunkgod, who blesses us with the visuals for his latest track, “Ego Boost.” Dropping his usual comedic shtick, Trunkgod gets real and irreverently vents about the struggles of a DIY, independent artist using sharp rhymes and punchlines delivered in an impressive and, at times, dizzying flow. Open your ears and give it a listen below. Be sure to check out Trunkgod’s SoundCloud here for more tracks.