New Music

Beechwood – “Heroin Honey”

January 9, 2018

Beechwood may seem like just another New York City band of misfits making drowsy psych rock, but the reality falls far from it. The trio’s track “Heroin Honey” seems to piece together the best of rock throughout the ages, tying in temperate group harmonies, arcing melodies, meddling guitar lines, and concrete percussion to drive it all home. There’s a definite 60’s rock flair to the track, amidst a bit of garage-punk groundedness, sunny pop structure, and dreamy psychedelia. The effect is like sunshine in the midst of a bomb cyclone-ridden winter: euphoric and hard to get enough of. Beechwood heads into the new year strong with the release of their upcoming album, Songs From the Land of Nod, set for January 26th. If you’re looking to feed into some height-of-rock nostalgia, this a band to keep on your radar.

12 Decembers – “Song 2”

January 8, 2018

This might not be the “Song 2” you’re readily familiar with, but just like that title-sharing hit single from Britpop extraordinaires Blur, 12 Decembers’ new track too is meriting of and designed for your undivided attention. This one, however, is more leisurely than the rave-up of its counterpart and twice the duration, drifting closer to shoegazing and allowing the listener to slip into its alluring harmonies, the wave-like crash of its instruments and its pristine production. Its sound is comparable in sensibility to something Teenage Fanclub might’ve had to offer in their early days, a testament to the audible connectedness of these independent Santa Cruz rockers to the craft of beauty within the studio.

Dry Reef – “YoHa”

January 8, 2018

On “YoHa,” Philadelphia’s up-and-coming indie group Dry Reef doles out a zestful sound underlined by a consummate guitar display as well as call-and-response chants of “yo” and “ha” perhaps remindful of Sam Cooke’s classic tune “Chain Gang.” The surf-flavored “YoHa” is the first single off Dry Reef’s 6-song EP, titled Alright Revival, which will be released to the public on Jan. 30. The band will embark on a tour comprising 30 shows beginning Feb. 22. The song is accompanied by a delightful lyric video, which can be viewed below.

Prhymetime Productions – “Money Thoughts”

January 8, 2018

The tune “Money Thoughts,” released by Prhymetime Productions and produced by the rapper’s close friend Drunk Girl, starts off with ambient keyboard and a light touch of drums. The song slowly welcomes in a bouncing instrumental melody. Not long after, the rapper enters the scene. He raps throughout the track about the struggles to fulfill his aspirations while employing what could be interpreted as a braggadocious approach but is better described as an appeal for deserved attention toward his music. Check out the track below:

Kasbo – “Snow In Gothenburg”

January 2, 2018

Swedish producer Kasbo‘s goal in life is to make you want to dance and cry at the same time, and that’s entirely evident on his new jam, “Snow in Gothenburg.” Pairing deep bassy synths with twinkly piano tones and breathy vocals, “Snow” really does conjure images of fluffy, serene snowfall… Not to mention, the distinctly introspective vibes pair nicely with the song’s lyrical themes of loneliness and isolation. Like what you hear? Learn more about Kasbo here.

Have You Ever Seen the Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS? – “Bambi Act”

January 2, 2018

Last time we checked in with the curiously-named Have You Ever Seen the Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS?, we were vibing on the light-hearted garage pop of “Magic Swimming Pants.” We’re happy to announce they are back with an equally sunny offering in “Bambi Act.” The track clocks in at less than two minutes, and features crunchy guitars, squiggly synths, and ever-so-subtly slurred vocals that are nothing short of infectious. Give this one a listen and get giddy. “Bambi Act” is out now via VILD music.

Eyedress – “Separation Anxiety”

January 2, 2018

Philippines act Eyedress is a master of the lovelorn and lovesick, and that’s never been more evident than in his new video for “Separation Anxiety.” Washed out with millennial pinks and purples, the video highlights Eyedress’ knack for cold and apathetic bedroom pop. Chorus-laden guitars, canned drumbeats, and Eyedress’ distinct vocal and lyrical style are true highlights here – check out the vid below. Eyedress’ debut album, Manila Ice, is out now via Lex Records.

Tim Legend – “Telescope (feat. Transviolet)”

January 2, 2018

South Carolina-based producer Tim Legend teamed up with dusky vocalist Transviolet for his latest banger, a pop thunderstorm by the name of “Telescope.” An inescapable piano riff drives this one, backed up by bouncy rhythms, epic synth work, and an ambient guitar intro. In the case of this song, simplicity is everything – nothing wrong with a feel-good pop gem to get your day going. This one’s a real earworm – add it to your Spotify playlist.

Subway Club – “Atom Bomb”

January 2, 2018

Shock waves of guitar open up Swedish indie band Subway Club’s electrifying new song “Atom Bomb.” A sonorous synthesizer follows in, as do lyrics about disillusionment and a longing for the past told through a sense of urgency. The song was written in 2013 and put on the shelf during a four-year-long band hiatus without being recorded. Now it worthily sees the light of day as a part of the group’s latest EP called 2013. Listen below:

Hindu – “Brighton”

January 2, 2018

Hindu’s “Brighton” is full of brazen passion and energy. It’s a vibrant tune engulfed in a chugging rhythm escorted by a cheery keyboard line. Ukranian musician Tania Yankovska acts as the chief creative force behind this wondrous dream-pop tune, having written, produced and sung it in her home studio. Her second LP, which houses “Brighton” as one of its singles, is set to be released early this year. Check out the stand-alone track as well as its music video below:

Inning – “D.C. Party Machine”

January 2, 2018

Inning’s new track, the interestingly titled “D.C. Party Machine,” is a gradually building three-minute ode to young adulthood, a bustling city and the sensation of feeling on top of the world. The song boasts a nonchalant attitude, conveyed in similar vocal fashion to Jonathan Richman, as well as charming confidence exhibited in such lines as “I look cool with my shades on.”

MADUS – “Find Another Girl”

January 2, 2018

Los Angeles-based group MADUS has released a new, rocking single entitled “Find Another Girl.” With aim toward a happier outlook, the song was written in a midst of negativity imparted by the 24-hour news cycle. This self-produced gem tacks itself successfully onto the lineage of garage rock, but more so the revival spurred by groups like The Strokes and The White Stripes in the early part of the millennium than the mid-60s movement spearheaded by rawer-sounding groups like The Seeds and The 13th Floor Elevators. The track starts with the sound of birds chirping and soon thereafter erupts with a drum fill lead-in to fuzzed-out guitar. The song should impress with how well it remains polished and accessible while being charged-up and assertive–never to the point, however, that it goes off the rails. It’s a perfect balance.

Foresteater – “Avalanche”

January 2, 2018

Foresteater’s “Avalanche,” a new track for the new year from the Phoenix-based project fronted by singer-songwriter Mikey Pro, rests on a spick-and-span pop-rock sheen and a strong lyrical pull. Its jangling guitar and fantastic harmonies help shape the tune with pure catchiness. The tune alludes to the feeling of “barely hanging on” internally but “keeping it together” enough to avert any visible disturbance and carrying on as an apparently normal human being. This self-controlled emotional turmoil is addressed through metaphor as the “avalanche” of the song’s title. Check it out below:

Slow Pulp – “Preoccupied”

January 1, 2018

Madison, Wisconsin’s dynamic foursome Slow Pulp delivers indie-pop in unique and enthralling form on new song “Preoccupied.” A drum cue ushers in a free-flowing sound, which parallels a dreamscape with its celestial vocals, smooth flourishes of saxophone and a resonant bassline. This touch is sharpened by cutting guitar that gives portions of the song a light but noticeable post-punk edge similar to Gang of Four’s early releases. “Preoccupied” appeared as the closing song on Slow Pulp’s newest project EP2, released this past spring.

Typhoon – “Darker”

December 25, 2017

Oregon-based indie rock band Typhoon has released “Darker,” the second single off their fast-approaching new concept album Offerings, planned to be out via Roll Call Records on January 12. The track slowly pulsates along before a startling crash floods in a psychedelic instrumental melody. Vulnerable vocals and traces of orchestration outline this rocking and catchy song of anguish, exhibiting the memory crisis hindering the central character of the album’s proposed story arc. Listen below: