New Music

Gourmet – “Jamaica”

Gourmet takes vacation planning out of your hands with his latest single, “Jamaica.” Channeling tropical analog samples of yesteryear, the track is a sun-soaked getaway in itself. The vocals take on a lethargic quality, while tinny steel drum and marimba coat the soundscape in a UV ray-blocking tint. This song is all about instrumental layers, and Gourmet knows how to give you just enough of a taste to make you hungry for more. “Jamaica” is his second single to date to be released via 1991’s Annex publication.

Brian Green – “No Ordinary Style”

Brian Green may sound like a new name in LA’s indie rock scene, but he’s actually a bit of a seasoned pro. With a storied career of working with music’s big names like John Legend and Michael Bublé, this definitely isn’t Green’s first rodeo. Yet, his debut single “No Ordinary Style” marks his solo premiere, and we can’t get enough. If Savage Garden and Mac Demarco had a sonic lovechild, the result would sound something like this. Featuring drowsy guitar lines, vibey synths, and tidy drum tracks, Green cements a liquid groove that’s immediately captivating. There’s a clear 80’s flare to the track, swimming in reverb and featuring a melodic structure that stands the tests of time. It’s now Brian Green’s time to shine, and he’s taking that and running with it. If “No Ordinary Style” has you hooked, check out Green’s recently released sophomore single, “Lost In A Daydream,”[...]

Stay South – “If You Leave LA”

Fullerton, CA solo-act Stay South nailed it on her latest single, the sad dreaminess of “If You Leave LA.” The song is indie-rock at its heart, but is genre-blending at its finest, injecting tinges of emo and indietronica into an otherwise straightforward song. She pairs frantic rim clicks with ethereal guitar strumming for a calm, but yearning vibe. Perhaps most notable is Stacey Park’s sweet, unassuming vocal delivery… She does a great job at encapsulating the feelings of tension that you might experience when being abandoned. Be sure to give it a listen below. “If You Leave LA” is available via Bandcamp.

ANNALIA – “Wavelength”

Pure-pop vibes are nothing to be ashamed of, especially in the case of LA’s ANNALIA. Her new single “Wavelength” combines real instrumentation with unparalleled pop songwriting, resulting in a song that should impress the indie-rock purists while simultaneously making them want to dance. Beyond that, the song is ultra-relatable, tugging on heartstrings and playing with the nostalgia of memories both happy and painful. Don’t miss out on this one – add “Wavelength” to your feel-good-pop playlist on Spotify.

Grand Courriers – “Tempted”

The uncannily cinematic indie rock from Grand Courriers has been rubbing us in just the right way, especially lead single “Tempted.” Combining vibes from indie-rock mainstays The Killers with a wistful, disco feel, this jam is set off by a deeply emotional vocal performance and simmering synth work. This Minneapolis quartet has a bunch of songs on the horizon, so keep your eyes peeled for more great tunes in 2018. Keep up on Courriers happenings by following them on Instagram.

Chromeo – “Night By Night (Callback Funk Remix)”

Get ready for a nu-disco night out with Callback Funk’s remix of Chromeo’s “Night by Night.” The beat features a fresh digital waxing that transports you to the driver’s seat of an ’86 Ferrari Testarossa with neon lights dancing across the windshield as it cruises down the Miami strip. Turn it up with this track that will keep your hands clapping and your platform shoes dancing. You can find more of Callback Funk’s techno-funkadelic beats and remixes here.

A View of Earth from the Moon – “One Thousand Miles Apart”

Turn this one way up! Seattle’s A View of Earth from the Moon releases his high-voltage power pop anthem that will leave the hair on your arms standing on end. Off his debut LP, Closer to a Ghost, this catchy track evokes a montage of memories of partying in your friend’s garage with melodic guitar work and upbeat vocals that sugarcoat heartaching lyrics. Crack another beer, throw your arm around a friend and get ready to sing along. A View of Earth from the Moon will be touring next month and you can find dates here.

Kraków Loves Adana – “Rapture”

If Rodin’s the Thinker were wearing headphones, he’d be listening to Kraków Loves Adana. The Hamberg-based duo’s latest single off their upcoming April 6th debut LP, Songs After the Blue, reflects the deep and mysterious connection we all have with music. Moody, sultry vocals embrace a simplistic, introspective beat for a hauntingly personal listen that will leave you lost within yourself. Check out the official video below and head over to Kraków Loves Adana’s SoundCloud for more ruminating tracks here.

Hibou – “Fall Into”

Hibou sent us the retro-flavored music video for “Fall Into…” Beyond the striking visuals and retro flavor, “Fall Into” is a poppy and dreamy preview of his latest endeavor, Something Familiar (due out on Barsuk Records March 2nd). A funky, rolling bassline propels this song forth, peppered with Hibou’s distinct vocals and synth flourishes. The song ends in a beautiful, washy climax – better heard than read about. Check it out via the video below. There are many ways to consume “Fall Into,” check them all out here. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Hibou’s next release, Something Familiar.

Russian Baths – “Slenderman”

Russian Baths specialize in incorporating dissonance into traditional song structures. “Slenderman” makes this perfectly evident by blending atonal noise, 70s space rock, and modern indie punk sensibility into a three minute wall of sound. This NYC four-piece has jammed their songs full of big muff driven guitars, rolling tom beats, and cavernous female vocals… Dirty, but beautiful. Russian Baths’ new EP is out 2/23/2018 via Good Eye Records. Check it out on iTunes.

Abbot Kinney – “It’s the Middle of the Night (NRVS LVRS Remix)”

Abbot Kinney is an alternative rock band that specializes in big melodies, big choruses, and accessible songwriting. We’re bringing attention to a remix of their latest single, “It’s the Middle of the Night.” This song features a huge chorus with memorable vocal hooks and lots of frantic drum and synth work… Check this out if you’re a fan of MGMT, Foster the People, or Neon Trees. Do you like this song? Be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.

Sorrytown – “Know”

New Mexico act Sorrytown infuses the desolation of their hometown into their particular brand of heart-on-your-sleeve emo rock reminiscent of Hum, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Superheaven. “Know” is our recommendation of where to start… Between the gut-wrenching lyrical content and the in-your-face grit of the guitar tone, this one is sure to get your emotions churning. “Know” is available on Bandcamp. Too by Sorrytown

OKKAH – “Concrete Murder”

If the title “Concrete Murder” isn’t enough to draw you into this new song from Utah alternative pop group OKKAH, perhaps its bursting rhythm will do the trick. OKKAH’s sound possesses noticeable influence from eastern cultures, a touch derived from their time spent in East Asia and sculpted with the universal appeal of amorous vocals and a catchy, electronica-like melody. Check out the track below:

Language Arts – “With Me”

“With Me,” a new track from Canadian art pop duo Language Arts, is pleasing beyond belief. The song is a full-bodied, engrossing concoction. The deep-seated bass, sparkling keyboards and gentle vocals make for a delightful four-minute listening endeavor that will relax and energize you at the same time. The music video for “With Me,” which can be viewed below, is a dazzling visual that arouses psychedelia and the stylings but not the downfalls of the rave scene. The band is currently on a small tour and in the process of putting together their third album.

The Fontaines – “Good Times”

Ringing in their new track “Good Times” with charging drums and an ensuing melody similar in the coolest way to the Law & Order theme song, Los Angeles brother-sister duo The Fontaines are a breath of fresh air.  The simultaneously sultry and powerful vocals of Charlotte Fontaine are put through an amp here, giving the song a gritty and unique appeal.  The brief instrumental solo in the latter half of the track is like a surge of high voltage, and the following breakdown shows the band’s mastery of different dynamics.  Fresh off a sold-out gig at The Troubadour in Hollywood, The Fontaines will also be appearing at South by Southwest in March.