New Music

Sundownchasing (Anthony Del Plato) Kicks Off Twelve-Month Songwriting Project

Sundownchasing (aka Batavian singer/songwriter Anthony Del Plato) announced late last year that he would be “shaking off the rust” by releasing one song per month for the entirety of 2018. His first offering, Another Shade of Blue,” is trademark Anthony Del Plato, evoking the frigid January weather via his eerily pristine musicianship. He pairs icy guitar tones with vaguely winter-esque lyrics about the Niagara River, frozen to look like a lion’s mane. Fans of The Appleseed Cast, Bon Iver, or Minus the Bear will love this song – be sure to check it out using the widget below. “Another Shade of Blue” is the first of many Sundownchasing songs to be released this year – they will all be available through Bandcamp. Another Shade of Blue by Sundownchasing

STUDENT 1 & PSYMUN – “PAINT”

“PAINT,” a new track from STUDENT 1 & PSYMUN, is topsy-turvy in the best way possible. Its beat switches between moments of minimalism and sections of overwhelming, rattled intensity. STUDENT 1 comes off as confident and cold-blooded on the basis of this offering’s lyrics. His unique delivery strings his words together in a thoroughly lively way. Even the music video, which can be seen below, is vibrant and entertaining.

Catnip Cloud – “Places”

Catnip Cloud’s “Places” is a mind-altering diorama of layered sound trickery, not to mention the gentle, touching and slightly permuted vocals provided by Tiril Hognestad. The unpredictable direction of the beat served up by Norwegian producer Kiartan Thirkildsen (otherwise known as Catnip Cloud) will surely and tightly clutch the attention of any listener fond of electronic music, especially such a stirring exemplification of the genre. Check it out below:

Peace on Earth – “Where We Are”

Spacey rock trio Peace on Earth head up their debut album release with their sweepingly atmospheric single “Where We Are.” Set in a subtle lo-fi haze, the track combines fuzzily sustained guitar, driving drum tracks, and gently impassioned vocals to make up their layered conglomerate of sound. There’s a dreamy, intangible quality to the track, making it easy enough to get lost in yet still seemingly just beyond reach. Like staring up into the sky at night, there’s something about the seemingly endless distance that makes you squint a little harder, trying to dive deeper with each skim through the cosmos. “Where We Are” captures that feeling, providing both challenge and discovery with each listen. Check out the track below, and keep an eye out for Peace on Earth’s new album, out January 17th via Gothenburg’s own Peephole Records.

Stonefield – “Delusion”

As HAIM is to sisterly American pop-rock, Stonefield is to Australian prog-rock. The band of four sisters make up an unstoppable aural force in their latest track, “Delusion.” Leaving behind their former psych-pop ways in favor of a heavier rock-meets-metal sound, Stonefield prove they can shred with the best of them and take no flak. Securely nestled into a minor tonal setting, “Delusion” plays around with degrees of distortion, vocal/guitar mirroring, and atmospheric synth lines. Featuring more of a free-flowing song structure, the band says the track is based on the “overwhelming feeling of knowing you are a speck in the universe, getting lost in your own mind.” If a moody musical escape is what you’re after, the Findlay sisters can certainly provide it. With their recent signing to Flightless Records, it will be interesting to see what’s next in store for Stonefield. Here’s hoping their newfound edge is here to[...]

Bedside. – “potential”

The new Bedside. track, rightfully titled “potential,” indeed shows prospects for this band of five indie rock specialists. The song is assembled around a swift rhythm and a limpid guitar line. The spurring vocals here dance perfectly with the instrumental backing, and within the song’s chorus, their delivery at times can be stinging with emotion, which certainly works to the effectiveness of the track as a whole. Be sure to check out the song below:

Brother Moses – “Bowling”

Arkansas band Brother Moses concoct the ultimate coping mechanism for a broken heart via an alcohol-fueled evening of knocking pins in their single, “Bowling.” This track’s charm lies in its bubbly syncopation, melding playful guitar interjections with condensed crooning, and building in both complexity and fervency. The band keeps things exciting with changes in tempo and style, contrasting upbeat guitar pop with moody indie rock. As their first release of the 2018, it’s seems safe to say we can expect big things from Brother Moses this year. Until then, let the good times roll and jam to “Bowling” below.

Beechwood – “Heroin Honey”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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)”

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.