New Music

Opal People – “2 Channel”

September 22, 2017

London’s Opal People bring their track “2 Channel” to life with the help of Ruf Dig in their recent music video release. The band blends together synthpop and lo-fi for a uniquely enticing sound, featuring soaring choruses and tropical/dance influence. The video plays up the effect with a psychedelic backdrop of warped imagery, neon colors, and intermittent subtitles. On the video, director Ruf Dig comments, “I don’t really understand it myself – sometimes it’s best not to question these things. All I know is Opal People changed my life.” Allow Opal People to change your life too with their video for “2 Channel” below.

Seazoo – “Shoreline”

September 22, 2017

Welsh quintet Seazoo head up their looming album release with a second single, “Shoreline.” The band melds jangly guitar lines with strident synths and an energetic beat with precision, staying true to their DIY background while still standing out as polished indie pop. Taking cues from acts like Super Furry Animals, Grandaddy, and Yo La Tengo, Seazoo channel a rosy lightheartedness that’s akin to worry-free fun in the sun and impossible to sit still through. Keep tabs on this band as they build up momentum towards their approaching debut album release, set for this November.

Des – “Don’t You Worry”

September 22, 2017

Long Island indie pop newcomer Des brings the electronic spirit to alternative with a video for his single “Don’t You Worry.” As the latest brainchild of long-time songwriter Mike Desmond, Des’ work underlines catchy choruses and enduring hooks, adding some synth-driven sparkle to running bass lines and slick drum tracks. The video takes on the fuzzy aesthetic of old VHS home videos mixed with the kaleidoscopic whimsy of a green screen – definitely an experience for the eyes. “Don’t You Worry” comes from Des’ recently released debut EP Eighty-Six, where you can find more major-league melodies like this one.

GGOOLLDD – “Excelsior Springs”

September 20, 2017

Milwaukee-based GGOOLLDD gives powerful synthpop vibes on their newly released “Excelsior Springs.” The single comes off the band’s debut EP TEETH, which will be out in December via Roll Call Records. Coming off two sold-out shows at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee, the band is currently in the midst of a North American tour. “Excelsior Springs” provides the basis for the roots of synthpop. There’s gentle synth work throughout the song, ranging from the catchy chorus to the solo towards the end of the single that drives at a peaceful tone. Listen to “Excelsior Springs” below via SoundCloud.

Joshua Moriarty – “All I Want Is You”

September 20, 2017

Joshua Moriarty of Miami Horror released his brand new track “All I Want Is You,” a single from his solo project War Is Over. The first single “R.T.F.L.” strayed away from the influences of Miami Horror and focused on newer pop influences. While the first single serves as a change in style, “All I Want Is You” comes as a return to Miami Horror’s influences. The dance-able disco vibes set the stage for Moriarty’s falsetto. While there are influences from the group, Moriarty expanded his creativity and add new depth to his music. Check it out below.

morgxn – “xx”

September 19, 2017

L.A. indie pop artist morgxn made waves with the recent release of an official video for his track “xx.” In a heady mix of feathery vocals, ethereal synths, and a pounding beat, the song bares all and hits straight to the core. It’s as much a party anthem as a call to self acceptance, filtering in triumphant lyricism through a bass-driven groove. The video is a play on light and dark, intermittently showcasing an intimate warehouse rave while effectively capturing the song’s zest for life. Get the full dose of morgxn’s velvety vocals and musical stylings here, and catch him on tour with Pheobe Ryan this fall.

Cults – “I Took Your Picture”

September 18, 2017

New York duo Cults explore the wonders of 80’s power pop with their latest single “I Took Your Picture.” Drawing inspiration from new wave heroes like The Motels and The Cars, the track filters in ripples of vitalizing synths, crisp percussion, and sparkling vocals, capturing depth in both the listening experience and the message. Through compelling lyricism they lament their struggle with a note of optimism, keeping it light while working to let go of the past and make room for the present. “I Took Your Picture” comes straight from the duo’s upcoming album Offering, their first full-length release since 2013. Keep an eye out for its October 6th release via Sinderlyn.

Seapony – “What’s Gonna Happen”

September 18, 2017

Fresh off a recent EP release, Seapony hit the ground running after their brief hiatus with their highlight track “What’s Gonna Happen.” Featuring the band’s signature surf-rock foundation topped with silky smooth vocals, the track leaves it up to fate with the help of a dreamy dose of reverb and a hint of distortion. After their 2010 start, the Seattle natives planted their roots in a solid career of global tours and three album releases, when they later decided to call it quits in 2015. Their new EP Be Here Again is their first release in two years, making an otherwise seamless transition into Seapony’s latest chapter. Catch “What’s Gonna Happen” below, and hit up the full EP to find more where that came from.

B00TY – “Loosen Up”

September 15, 2017

Los Angeles based electro-funk-soul duo B00TY dropped their latest music video for the single “Loosen Up” earlier this month. The outfit is composed of vocalists and producers Edan Freiberger and Adam Epelbaum. “Loosen Up” is in between the genres of funk and analog music pairing well with style of Sly and the Family Stone and sharing production style with Daft Punk. There is a deep looping electric guitar riff that pairs with perfectly the drum beat in the background. Check out the video for “Loosen Up” where B00TY mimics the spontaneous nature of the song as they head through a night of partying and hijinks.

SEE TAI – “Brother Sun”

September 15, 2017

Dream pop artist SEE TAI introduces his latest misty masterpiece, “Brother Sun.” The alias of former ambient rocker Jamey See Tai, the project stays laid back in nature, funneling in breezy synth lines, rambling guitar melodies, and steady vocals that come off as alluringly effortless. Among another original single, SEE TAI has gained some recognition for his remixes of artists like Daughter, Jim James, and Beni. Be on the lookout for more original tracks on the way, and in the meantime keep calm and stay cool with “Brother Sun” below.

KARMS – “River”

September 15, 2017

If you’re in the mood for some kick-ass rock and roll, we suggest you look no farther than the thundering four-piece that is KARMS. The Dublin-based quartet hit us up with the swagger of “River,” a four-minute, guitar-driven face puncher that is sure to get you feeling amped. Fans of Billy Talent and Biffy Clyro will dig KARMS’ chunky riffs and accessible vocal melodies (which remind us of Weezer’s “Hash Pipe” in the best possible way). Give “River” a whirl below. Swing by Bandcamp for some purchasing options if you dig “River.”

LOST BEACH – “Classless Man”

September 12, 2017

Los Angeles’ LOST BEACH churn out sunny indie rock in their latest toe-tapper, “Classless Man.” The five-piece troupe cite inspiration on a spectrum from James Brown to Otis Redding to Bob Dylan, shooting for the timeless endurance of vintage classics while maintaining a DIY mindset. The result is breezy vocal harmonies, driving bass lines, and roving guitar tracks to set the groove. It’s the kind of feel-good jam that takes its self deprecation in stride, only leaving room to get lost in its upbeat, celestial vibes. So far the band has amassed quite the collection of singles and EPs, all in preparation for a self-produced full length album, set for release later this year. Start the countdown now with “Classless Man” below.

Happy Abandon – “Heavy Lines”

September 12, 2017

At the forefront of their recent album release, orchestral rock trio Happy Abandon’s single “Heavy Lines” captures the band’s heart wrenching ethos in one fell swoop. Formed in the wake of loss and heartbreak, the band turned their despondency to light with their penchant for soaring strings, intricate guitar lines, and dually gentle and compelling vocals. A truly dynamic piece of music, “Heavy Lines” captures the entire gamut of grief, from melancholy to animosity to resilience, as if separated into symphonic movements. Happy Abandon supply the kind of therapeutic experience we all search for from time to time, and their album only provides a fuller picture. If this track has stolen your heart, stream Facepaint in its entirety here, and catch Happy Abandon on tour through November in support of the album.

WHARVES – “Love Decide”

September 10, 2017

Alt-rock quartet WHARVES headed up their current East coast tour with the release of their new single “Love Decide.” Taking cues from the gritty, guitar-driven heft of Joy Division, The Strokes, and Foals, “Love Decide” brings in virtuosic guitar lines, a pounding bass, crisp drum work, and steadfast vocals to hammer the track home. Despite its powerful demeanor, the song opens up about letting the chips fall where they may, even if that’s not the easiest course of action. As frontman Matthew Collins puts it, “’Love Decide’ is about accepting that some things are bigger and more powerful than you and that you aren’t always in control. It’s a reminder to myself that it’s ok to be on my own and if a relationship isn’t working, I can let go and I will be happier and free. I’m not lying to myself or the person I’m with by forcing something that’s[...]

Tourist – “We Stayed Up All Night (feat. Ardyn)”

September 10, 2017

London singer-songwriter William Phillips recently released a music video for his latest track under his alias Tourist, “We Stayed Up All Night.” Known for crafting fervent and wistful dance tracks, Tourist has been tied to big name artists like CHVRCHES, HAIM, and Sam Smith through his widely popular remixes as well as his songwriting ventures. This single, featuring Ardyn, captures youthful restlessness by way of soaring synth lines, pulsing percussion, and circumambient vocals. A song tailor-made for the scenic blurring of the roadside passing by, the track’s video depicts that iconic road trip at the crossroads of adolescence and adulthood – a last hurrah before responsibilities fully take hold. Check out the video directed by Daniel Bereton below, and find more brightly nostalgic tracks from Tourist here.