New Music

vverevvolf – “Lemonade”

February 27, 2018

In a whirl of anger, fear and stress, Berkeley synthpop duo vverevvolf creates an emotionally liberating anthem in “Lemonade,” inspired by singer and writer Dylan Gallagher’s often frustrating experience as a homosexual and the societal pressure that comes with it. “Lemonade” tackles the dismay of life, which pulls this narrator “under like a tidal wave,” by answering it with icy beauty and an unsparing attitude. The track is the introductory song on vverevvolf’s five-song EP Electric Blue, released on Feb. 23.

Emilia Ali – “Thick Thighs”

February 27, 2018

Capitol Records’ latest rising star Emilia Ali heightens the senses in her track “Thick Thighs.” This steamy cut of light electro-pop is all waves of synth, hi-hat intricacies, and vaporous vocal lines. Emilia sets the mood as downright sultry and is running with it via her lyricism and instrumentation. This track comes off her recently released EP Dreamland. Slip into the vibey goodness that is “Thick Thighs” below and catch the extended version of the EP here.

Para Doc – “Saying Things”

February 27, 2018

With a lyrical message underlining the subject of empty promises, “Saying Things” by Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter-producer Para Doc finds solace in an upbeat, pulsating rhythm with an ‘80s flair. The track’s catchiness falls on almost every aspect of its 2 and a half minutes. Hooky lines like the repeated “that’s not fair,” trounces of lively keyboard and handclaps sprinkled throughout all coalesce to make a zestful alternative pop gem. The 23-year-old, whose real name is Wesley Luttrell, originally hails from Indiana and took his personalized brand of cadenced magic to Miami for a year of slowly but noticeably swelling success before his transition to the West Coast.

Launder – “Fade”

February 22, 2018

For a first stab at the LA indie rock scene, Launder knows how to make waves with his debut single “Fade.” John Cudlip’s musical handiwork is fully at play here, with the help of some notable names like DIIV’s Zachary Cole Smith on guitar and Soko’s supplemental vocals, with Day Wave’s Jackson Phillips producing the track. The resulting cream of the crop lo-fi is just murky enough to sink into, while maintaining a well-defined, shimmery finish. No sign of new project growing pains here. If this single is just the tip of the iceberg, we can only imagine the impression the full EP will leave. Keep an eye out for Launder’s upcoming release Pink Cloud, due out in early March.

Tallbird – “Scary Stories”

February 22, 2018

Brooklyn indie pop act Tallbird toes the line between saccharine and crass in “Scary Stories.” The track highlights producer Danny Sullivan’s affinity for bombastic electronics, while still structuring dynamic peaks and valleys around the candied vocal stylings of Rhee. There’s a bit of a rugged, DIY feel to the sound that plays up the song’s complexity and down-to-earth vibe. “Scary Stories” centers on the idea of growth, and learning to open up as a form of letting go. Altogether, a cleansing experience both lyrically and sonically. Find more of Tallbird’s soundsettings on his recently released self titled EP.

Giant Rooks – “New Estate”

February 21, 2018

German art-pop quintet Giant Rooks recently caught our ears with the shimmering indie rock of “New Estate.” Their sound is inherently familiar, yet is flavorful enough to stand out from the pack. Full of spring-loaded guitar riffs, tasteful drumming, and an insatiable pep, “New Estate” sounds fresh and optimistic all at once. Their latest EP is out now via Haldern Recordings – check it out via the widget below. There are many ways to support Giant Rooks – check them out here.

Oh Maddie – “Youth”

February 21, 2018

Oh Maddie has already been drawing comparisons to The Killers and The War on Drugs, perfectly evident on their latest single, “Youth.” Somehow, the song juxtaposes stark lyrics about trauma and shortcomings with a danceable, indie-rock backbone. Having been adopted as a baby from Romania in the years following the Soviet Union’s collapse, singer Ben Rowntree certainly has a unique perspective – check it out below. Like what you hear? Keep up to date by following Oh Maddie on IG.

Niko Rose – “On the Wall”

February 20, 2018

Budding singer/songwriter Niko Rose’s strength seems to lie in the details, especially in his track “On the Wall.” What starts off as another rolling lo-fi-driven number quickly becomes a song to sit with for hours, just to fully take it all in. Aside from the syrupy vocals and pulsing drum kit, this song’s piece de resistance lies in its playful guitar melismas and layered cloudy interjections. Together, it brings on an instant calm that you’ll be reluctant to let go of. This track finds its place among the rest of Niko Rose’s debut full length album, The Puppy Project, promising further hazy croons to get you through the day. Get the full effect with his glitchy VHS-inspired video for “On the Wall” below.

Fiancé – “wing”

February 20, 2018

Dreamy Delaware outfit Fiancé head up the release of their EP with their spacey single, “wing.” Strung together by reverb-laden vocal lines, the track weaves its way in and out of fuzzy guitar distortion and smooth ambient haze. It’s the kind of seeping shoegaze that pulls you in gradually until you’ve lost all sense of time and space. The band’s tertiary release sheds their initial bedroom pop lifeblood for a more refined, smoggy rock sound. Whatever they’re doing, it’s working for us. See for yourself below, and keep an eye out for Fiancé’s upcoming EP Feverdream.

Join The Riot – “Fantasies”

February 20, 2018

Join The Riot is turning the clock back with their latest pop-rock single, “Fantasies.” Your ears are the perfect conductor for this grandly euphoric, synth heavy track that will have electricity coursing through your system. Join the Riot’s exciting mix of arena-pop and throwback rock continues to gain international acclaim and promises bigger and better things for this Swedish five-piece. Give “Fantasies” a listen below. Join The Riot’s new EP, Echo, is out now and be sure to check out their SoundCloud here.

Sego – “Cigarette Kids”

February 20, 2018

Sego, the Los Angeles art-rock duo, drops their latest single, “Cigarette Kids,” a fuzzy and robust pop track that will melt away the world around you. What truly stands out about this track is it’s catchy, experimental and ever-changing beat. It’s overcast with droopy, Charlie Brown-like tones that break into a bright, sunshine chorus. Sego isn’t afraid to let the melody veer off into wondrous, new directions either, anchoring it with lackadaisical vocals that add a dreamy, psychedelic flare. This track will make you feel all warm and tingly so give it a listen below. After a busy 2017, including a tour with OK Go, Sego will be back on the road next month starting March 10th. Check out their official website here for dates and tickets and head over to their SoundCloud here for more tracks.

Chase McBride – “The Color Blue (ft. Sean Hayes)”

February 18, 2018

West Coast singer-songwriter, Chase McBride, comes to us with this new summertime folk-pop song off his just released full-length, Green Shade. Featuring guest vocals from Sean Hayes, McBride mixes breezy melodies with weightless, lulling vocals like lemonade for an intoxicatingly cool track. Perfect to sway along in a hammock to, escape the cold and get swept away in this ray of sunshine below. Green Shade is out now and available on Spotify and Apple Music. Check out more Chase McBride on SoundCloud here.

Hanne Mjøen – “Vanilla”

February 18, 2018

Chocolate? Strawberry? Eat your heart out Neapolitan… Hanne Mjøen knows where its at, case in point, her latest banger “Vanilla.” The Oslo native sings about the classic flavor, metaphorically of course. She says, “Vanilla is in many ways a synonym for something ordinary and boring… The song is really about wishing for more of what’s good and exciting.” Let’s just say, we think her synth-pop is VERY flavorful. Enough ice cream puns – get down to business and give “Vanilla” a listen below.

Riah – “Prom”

February 18, 2018

LA is surely full of talent, but we’ve been especially drawn to the latest single from indie-pop singer-songwriter Riah. “Prom” is a pulsing, mid-tempo gem, boasting an incredibly catchy chorus and smooth, swelling synth work. Riah’s on a hot streak lately, having recently racked up 700k Spotify followers, four million streams, and some pretty cool placements on TV… Have a listen below and hear what all the hype is about. “Prom” is out across a number of different platforms – check them all out here.

Keenan O’Meara – “God’s Song”

February 18, 2018

Keenan O’Meara has a thing for “God’s Song,” originally by legendary songwriter Randy Newman. Though not a religious person himself, Keenan was drawn to the haunting vibes of the original, and how the positivity of a higher power might bring someone’s psyche a little comfort. O’Meara’s haunting vocals and Bon-Iver-esque instrumentals certainly paint a yearning and ghostly picture of the Newman original… Check it out below. Learn more about Keenan here.