New Music

THE SULLEN – “Help You”

December 19, 2017

THE SULLEN explores the depth of electronica with his latest single, “Help You.” The Italian/Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer does it all, drawing in elements of techno, dance, and synth pop. With a mantra-like looping melody, his lyricism takes on a storytelling quality, while electronic instrumentals provide a strident and ever-pulsing backdrop. It’s a catchy track that’s easy to get lost in and even easier to dance to. This is THE SULLEN’S second single release to date, with a debut EP set for release December 22. If DIY electropop is the name of the game, “Help You” should be right up your alley.

Typhoon – “Rorschach”

December 19, 2017

Typhoon is an octet (!) from Portland, OR whose latest single has us in somewhat of a tizzy. “Rorschach” is a great starter point for the group’s unique post-pop approach, acting a single which is actually a snippet of a greater movement (titled Floodplains) that the band released back in October. The full album, titled Offerings, will be out in October… Until then, start digesting the intricate guitar work, intimate vocal delivery, and left-field instrumentation that “Rorschach” has to offer. Fans of Manchester Orchestra, Dear and the Headlights, or Floodplains is currently on Spotify, be sure to add “Rorschach” to your playlist.

Fuzzystar – “Superhero”

December 19, 2017

Andy Thomson, of Edinburgh, has released the indie-pop showpiece “Superhero” through Satellite Records under his pseudonym Fuzzystar, a christening that provides a nod the way of groups Big Star and Mazzy Star. Marked by a luxuriant guitar sound, manic but deliberate drumming and unruffled singing, the song purveys a lesson to keep one’s head up through rough patches while conserving a reasonable amount of self-awareness. “Superhero” also lyrically ties itself to its title with reference to such tropes as Kryptonite. The music video, picturing Thomson and his band performing inside a warehouse, can be watched below.

HEPTAGRAM – “Here, Now”

December 19, 2017

HEPTAGRAM’s fresh-out tune “Here, Now” augments its transcendent sound with lyrics concerning the reality happening in the moment and the feeling of reaching contentment and strength. The official music video is breathtaking, depicting aerial views of piers, sandy beaches and red-stricken countrysides before showing a panoramic view of a beachfront. It’s an apt visual representation of the song’s meditative power. The tune and its accompanying video, watchable below, draw from the natural environment of HEPTAGRAM’s mastermind Daniel Ivanov’s upbringing in Bulgaria.

Still Parade – “Kindness”

December 19, 2017

If one were to be fed with the information that Still Parade’s “Kindness” sustains an electronic drum beat at its core, they might feel inclined to expect four minutes of heartless machinery ahead. Instead, they would be treated with a track containing remarkable emotional substance. Its even-tempered, keyboard-based groove can be easily described as beautiful and nostalgia-inducing (despite the first line ironically being “pushing the past away”). Niklas Kramer, hailing from Berlin, is the musician responsible for such wholehearted and inviting wonder, arranged from unfinished efforts during a bout with writer’s block. Kramer’s next full-length album is slated to be released in 2018.

Undercut – “Take the Wheel”

December 19, 2017

The commanding lead single from newly banded-together alternative rock trio Undercut’s eponymously titled EP, “Take the Wheel” opens up to a shimmering ambience before ringing in piercing drums and bass. The vocals aren’t rough, but they’re acerbic. About a minute and a half in, the track makes excellent use of a false ending, which keeps the listener on their toes without abolishing momentum. The breakdown and guitar solo a minute later make for a segment suggestive of the group members’ previous associations with grunge and heavy metal. “Take the Wheel” should be viewed as a paragon for anyone seeking to reclaim control of their livelihood.

Jinka – “Shock Mounted”

December 19, 2017

“Shock Mounted,” with simplicity and grace, captures a feeling of freedom in the dark, post-breakup abyss. Transylvanian producer Jinka allows her new single to float on an unorthodox, jaunty dance rhythm, complete with head-turning vocal effects and subtle doses of bass and synth. The tone of the song sounds so nonchalant and charged up, seemingly adverse to its subject matter but also an admirable, hard-to-attain emotional response to heartbreak. It all adds up to a hooking electro-pop track.

Western Scene – “Going Back”

December 16, 2017

LA indie rock band Western Scene provide a sun soaked followup to their first EP with a new single, “Going Back.” Channeling ambient rock soundscapes similar to M83, the band blends together soaring vocal melodies with running guitar lines and crisp percussion, providing momentum while giving the track a bright, uplifting feel. It’s the ideal soundtrack for taking in the world around you, from a lazy drive down the coast to a beginner’s anxiety-inducing skydive towards the ground. The song’s lyric video takes this feeling and runs with it, stitching together scenes from Google Street View as each setting slips by. This is Western Scene’s fourth single release since their 2013 debut EP, with word of a sophomore album on the horizon. Take in “Going Back” in all its golden panoramic glory below.

Corniglia – “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago”

December 16, 2017

Dreamy shoegaze duo Corniglia wistfully reflect on the past in their new single “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago.” Hailing from Perth, Australia, the band combines stirring, psychedelic guitar lines with languid vocals to make for a calming, yet emotive experience. Lead songwriter Matt channels his work in physiotherapy into the narrative, capturing a deep-rooted despondency that’s all too relatable via lead vocalist Chloe’s fluid croons. This track in particular, written about a battle with Alzheimer’s, grapples with the passage of time while smoothing things over with soothing melodies and ethereal sound quality. Not just a song, but a full and gripping experience both sonically and emotionally. Listen to “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago” below, and take in more of the Corniglia has to offer via their past releases here.

L.A. Salami – “Generation L(ost)”

December 15, 2017

Don’t be fooled by the moniker L.A. Salami – he’s actually a prolific songwriter from London. His latest music video for “Generation L(ost)” is a series of live clips that bring his frantic and urgent indie rock to life. In summation, lyrically the track is “about feeling lost during the journey of finding yourself,” whilst the accompanying video “is what you do whilst on that journey.” Do yourself a favor and check it out below. If you like Salami, he’s got you covered… You can purchase/stream/enjoy his music via a variety of platforms, all located here.

The Whiskey Circle – “Sweet Darlin”

December 15, 2017

The Whiskey Circle just released a new album called Into The Valley, and their first single, “Sweet Darlin” is getting us amped. This is a guitar-driven banger if we’ve ever heard one, pairing jangly tones, angelic female vocals, and big pop hooks. About the song, the band says: “It’s about all the things you do throughout the day to take your mind off being away from your significant other and how you long for their return. It’s about that young, foolish big love that has no bounds and inspires.” Here is the link to The Whiskey Circle’s Bandcamp. Be sure to stop by.

Holy Golden – “Arrival”

December 15, 2017

Holy Golden are a spacey duo who juxtapose dream-pop vibes with lo-fi garage sentiment. We’d like to draw attention to their latest single, “Arrival,” which has been rubbing us in just the right way all week. The duo is more formally known as Leslie Schott and Andrew Valenti; their compositions have drawn comparisons to groups like The Cranberries, The Cardigans, and Cocteau Twins backed by grungy acts like The Jesus and Mary Chain. Holy Golden has an entire website where you can learn more about them… Check it out here.

KOALAS – “Lover”

December 15, 2017

Manchester synth-pop duo KOALAS sent us over their track “Lover” and we’re digging it a lot. Sincere 80s vibes permeate the entirety of this track – think lots of synths with tight and springy snare hits… Not to mention the duo’s close attention to pop melodies via catchy male/female harmonies. Fans of Caribou, Daft Punk, or Empire of the Sun will like this song. If you like “Lover,” head over to iTunes to snag a digital download.

Ethica – “Alarm”

December 11, 2017

Russian dream pop quartet Ethica supplies a juicy guitar-driven jam with their latest single, “Alarm.” This track brings an edge to the typical indie shoegaze ethos, meeting silky smooth vocals with gritty guitar lines and pounding bass. They play up the contrast well, keeping things refreshing with subtle layers of synth and guitar countermelodies. The result is as much a sympathetic journey on the ears as it is a fiery release. We’re talking distortion-heavy instrumentals a la Muse, matched with the unwavering dreaminess of Alvvays‘ Molly Rankin’s vocal textures. Ethica is traversing new musical terrain, and we’re hungry for more of it. Be sure to look for the band’s upcoming EP set for release next year.

Esai – “Groove”

December 11, 2017

Hip hop wonder kid Esai spits full on fire in his single “Groove.” In just under 2 minutes, the 17-year-old rap aficionado manages to paint a full picture with clever lyricism delivered at the speed of light with perfect clarity. Citing influence from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, Esai takes the full storytelling potential and poetic abilities of the genre and runs with them. The track is set to a low-key, jazz inspired loop with high hat beats, setting the mood while his vocals whirl past. With four mixtapes and three albums under his belt, there’s no shortage of Asai material to sink your teeth into. Check out his latest self titled album for more witty and impactful tracks like this one.