New Music

Common Holly – “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You”

February 18, 2018

Common Holly, a.k.a. Montreal singer-songwriter Brigitte Naggar, recently contributed her own take on Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” to a Valentines Day themed Amazon Music playlist… The song is sparse on percussion, driven strongly by Naggar’s ethereal vocals. Otherwise, the song features blippy electronic elements, vocal samples, and Postal-Service-esque keyboard riffs. We think Naggar’s wispy take on Frank Ocean does the original justice… Have a listen below and judge for yourself.

Your Receipt – “Visions”

February 16, 2018

Indie rock trio Your Receipt are currently riding the high of their recent EP release, with their single “Visions” coming in at the forefront. The track is off to a subdued start with a soothing guitar and bass pairing, gradually building in intensity until the bridge where rampant percussion and melodic bass lines take hold. Despite the song’s buoyant sound, the lyrics mull over an internal struggle between mind, body, and the bystanders caught in the crossfire. As the first track ever written as a band, they’ve drawn up a solid foundation to build off of. Check out Your Receipt’s musical debut below, and get ahold of the rest of the Sleepless EP here.

Pure Mids – “The Leader”

February 15, 2018

Los Angeles 3-piece, Pure Mids, release the latest single off their debut full length, Optimistic-ism, a trippy pop-rock journey through a multihued bubblegum dreamscape. Let tranquil, celestial vocals be your disembodied guide as romping drums set an energetic pace through a surreally scenic backdrop pulsating with spacey, regal keys. Entrancing and upbeat, expand your mind and treat your ears to this fun, psychedelic track below. Optimistic-ism is available now on Spotify and be sure to check out more of Pure Mids on SoundCloud here.

JACK Drops Single, Readies Album

February 14, 2018

JACK’s “A Kick A Knife” advances with palpable emotional intensity. With a benevolent vocal assurance and seemingly effortless flaunting of compositional prowess comparable perhaps to the greatness of either Joanna Newsom or Big Thief, Buffalo-hailing and Brooklyn-based artist Brittany Costa shines here in her solo spotlight. The first-rate instrumental backing is majestic at times, overpowering at others, and transformative throughout. The song nears 6 minutes, which walks the tightrope of what some in this often impatient and distraction-filled world would be willing to give undivided attention, but music lovers should know how much better off they’d be with a top-drawer tune like this in their listening arsenal. Costa’s auspicious debut LP Alchemical Rounds is due out next month.

Computer Magic – “Ordinary Life (Message From An A.I. Girlfriend)”

February 14, 2018

Computer Magic pulls the plug with this introspective technopop break-up track, the latest single off her upcoming record, DANZ. Wallow in a gloomy robotic dance beat that cascades into a hopeful, shimmering chorus as warm, gentle vocals assure: “it’s not you, it’s me.” Right, like we haven’t heard that one before? Whether you’re the dumper or the dumpee, this is a perfect, cathartic listen for Valentine’s Day as you loaf on the couch with a pint of ice cream wondering what the hell happened. DANZ is out 2/23 and check out Computer Magic’s SoundCloud for more tracks here.

Great Health – “Stitches”

February 13, 2018

Lynchburg, Virginia trio Great Health dip their toes into the alt-rock scene with their blazing debut track “Stitches.” The band may just be getting started, but they seem to have cracked the code for the archetypal energizing track to get the blood pumping and the head bobbing. Their expert mix of weighty guitar lines, dominating vocals, and intricate drum fills contradict the group’s relative adolescence, and pave the way for a night spent on repeat. If this is any indication of what’s to come from Great Health, we’re eager to see what they get up to next. Until then, sink your teeth into “Stitches” below.

ALCABEAN – “Still Remember”

February 12, 2018

ALCABEAN’s “Still Remember” is an invigorating slice of heavy-duty rock ‘n’ roll. The Copenhagen-based quartet makes magnificent use of pop-punk influence and the zeitgeist of guitar-abounding alternative rock of the ’90s on the track. Within a three-minute duration, this must-listen track captures a sense of nostalgia and elation and hones it ever so well. The band’s forthcoming EP Head Down is set to be released in the middle portion of this March.

Synapson – “Hide Away” [feat. Holly]

February 12, 2018

Synapson’s “Hide Away” is an admirably refreshing single from this French electronic duo. The beat is disco-esque, balancing a funk rhythm with entrancing, pop-inspired vocals courtesy of Holly Martin. It’s surely a perfect fit for the club scene. The twosome has been on a roll as of late, reaching 100 million streams and selling out 80 tour dates. The music video for “Hide Away” is remarkably peculiar, but feel free to find out below if it suits your tastes.

Amaroun – “Made A Fire”

February 12, 2018

London’s latest breezy alt-pop sensation Amaroun hits another one out of the park with her new track “Made A Fire.” Songwriter and producer Jay Brown operates under her nomme de plume as a source for self-identification and catharsis. This particular track explores an undeniable connection that runs bone deep, taking hold in all of the best ways. This is Brown’s way of shouting it from the rooftops, except her version involves rolling guitar strains, rich piano melodies, and clarion vocal harmonies. The result is as freeing as it is exhilarating. With hefty collaborations in the books and a joint EP with the likes of  Slow Club,  Carmody, LA Salami and Francobollo set for release in the coming months, this won’t be the last you hear of Amaroun.

Alfred Hall – “Pearl Diver”

February 12, 2018

If wholesome indie pop is your tactic of choice, look no further than Alfred Hall’s latest track “Pearl Diver.” The Norwegian duo know their way around a synthesizer, pooling streams of crystalline and fuzzy melodies amidst the fray of sunny guitar tracks and intrinsic percussion. They’ve amassed quite a following since their 2009 outset, and it’s easy to see why. Their patent brand of synthpop is pure, unrefined radiance that’s hard to get enough of. Take “Pearl Diver” for a spin below, and get more acquainted with the guys in Alfred Hall here.

Socks – “Why Not”

February 12, 2018

“Why Not,” a new single from Modesto, California’s Socks, is an indie delight. The track gallops out of the gate with the most irresistible bass-propelled groove. Chops of guitar pierce through the rhythm, as do playfully energetic vocals. Closing out their debut LP, this dreamy and highly accessible tune shows a great deal of promise for the Central Valley quartet.

Billy Wild – “Wikid”

February 12, 2018

“Wikid,” the new offering from Billy Wild’s recently released album All Nighters, has immediate pop appeal. The Ontario-based producer has created a single of substance, an assemblage of potent synthesizer, soul-touching vocal harmonies and understated but effective traces of guitar. It’s anthemic, transcendent effect is similar to something like “Midnight City” by M83. On top of that, it’s an expertly crafted tune with a lot going on but never to the point that it seems out of control. Check out the song below:

Kuzo – “Luna”

February 12, 2018

Los Angeles-based electronic pop duo Kuzo wows on the remarkably stylish new single “Luna.” The track starts with a minimal but gradually burgeoning groove, bolstered by penetrating vocals swaying with ethereal beauty. The lyrics, meanwhile, are assertive, commanding in the very first line for the song’s addressee to join in for rule-bending and heart-breaking. The tune’s music video is an engaging one, depicting the group’s cool-as-can-be singer viewing living snapshots of herself adorning sunglasses while singing and striking poses in a wooded area.

Great News – “Told”

February 2, 2018

Norwegian fuzz rockers Great News hit hard with their latest single, “Told.” Stitching together a synth-driven vitality á la 80’s electropop with a foundation of garage rock grit, the band draws up a coming-of-age anthem for the dreamers of the world. It’s their self-proclaimed magnum opus for sticking it to the man and answering to no one, while shredding in the process. The trio hits their stride with ardent guitar lines, sweeping layers of synth, and frontman Even Kjelby’s magnetic vocals. This track could be just the lyrical pep talk you’ve been looking for. Tune into “Told” below, and check out more from Great News’ discography here.

The Golden Age of TV – “Beast”

February 2, 2018

UK band The Golden Age of TV are back with yet another rousing single, this one aptly titled “Beast.” This track conjures images of a Florence & the Machine/St. Vincent sonic lovechild, highlighting frontwoman Bea Fletcher’s powerhouse vocals and adding a bit of bite with some guitar-laden distortion. It centers on the idea of struggling to overcome fear in its most primal form. There’s an underlying force that gradually bursts into the forefront towards the end of the track, all the while accenting the band’s technical abilities and driving ambition. This isn’t your lazy Sunday indie rock – this is just under four minutes of pure adrenaline. Conquer your demons with “Beast” below, and catch The Golden Age of TV’s other releases here.