New Music

Tennis – “No Exit”

September 8, 2017

Denver pop duo Tennis crank things up a notch with their latest single, “No Exit.” Enlisting a groove-centric bass line, ambient synths, and unrelenting percussion, Tennis captures the feel-good zeal of 70’s and 80’s height-of-pop. Their upbeat sentiment works as a bit of a double edged sword, meeting carefree youthfulness with familiar anxiety. It comes off as a push to dance the cares away, almost as if working through the turbulence with each repeat of the track’s ascending hook mantra. For the duo’s first slip into dance-track territory, they seem to hit the nail right on the head. Take a stab at letting go with “No Exit” below, out now via Mutually Detrimental.

Surf Rock is Dead – “Everything They Said”

September 7, 2017

Brooklyn duo Surf Rock is Dead head up the release of their upcoming EP with a new single, “Everything They Said.” Despite what their name suggests, the track funnels in a good share of sunny guitar lines and reverb-soaked vocals, while bringing in the moodiness and technicality of new wave to finish out their sound. Drawing inspiration from artists like Day Wave, Beach Fossils, and Diiv, Surf Rock is Dead are definitely shooting for that dreamy factor, while staying true to their driving rock sensibilities. “Everything They Said” is the third single straight from the duo’s EP We Have No Friends, due out October 6th.

Brunch – “The Goose”

September 6, 2017

London noise rock band Brunch prep for the release of their upcoming album with a video for their single “The Goose.” This track has everything we’ve come to love about fuzzy indie rock: dueling distorted guitar lines, gravelly crooned vocals, and choice moments of clarity for some striking contrast. Every move seems carefully premeditated, from the multi-track vocal harmonies, to every clean guitar melisma, to each spunky drum fill. Take a spin through London traffic with the band’s video, and keep an eye out for their album Useless, set for release this Friday.

Cassia – “Sink”

September 6, 2017

The calypso-inspired rockers in Cassia deliver glittering guitar strains and sweetly syncopated drum lines in their single “Sink.” Blending the sunny rays of surf rock with African and Caribbean-driven rhythms, this track is about as vibrantly upbeat as they come. It’s the euphoric indie rock of COIN and Panama Wedding with a hint of cross-continental flare. The Manchester 3-piece’s intent is clear – let loose and give in to those feel-good summery vibes. If “Sink” has you seeing colors, stay tuned for Cassia’s debut EP Movers & Shapers, set for release later this year.

Bucolic – “Daisy”

September 5, 2017

Bucolic brings a heavier DIY edge to his signature blend of shoegaze with his latest single, “Daisy.” This time around, Seth Carpenter trades in breezy synths for hazy distortion, lethargic vocals, and tunnel-like sound settings. Despite the laid-back feel, the track has its stalwart moments, where commanding vocal strains and luminous guitar lines keep you from completely losing yourself in the drowsy sludge of it all. The song’s message is one of self-discovery, while its hypnotic groove soothes all worries away. Here’s hoping that there’s more where this came from on Bucolic’s upcoming album Rope’s Wing.

Shane Allen – “Life is a Dream”

September 5, 2017

Singer/songwriter Shane Allen paints an uplifting picture of vitality with his track “Life is a Dream.” Largely concerned with clever lyricism to tell his story, Allen takes the jangly edge of rock, anecdotal qualities of folk, and the homespun zest for life akin to Americana to craft his trademark sound. His number one goal is relatability, using clear-cut imagery and narrative to bridge the gap between listener and artist. “Life is a Dream” comes straight from Shane Allen’s debut EP under the same name that was released this summer. Take the track for a spin below, and check out the whole EP for the full picture.

all-caps LADD – “Computer Kids”

September 5, 2017

Connecticut four-piece all-caps LADD brood over life’s harsh realities in their latest track, “Computer Kids.” Their sound has a raw, sobering edge that’s not often found in a band of young rockers. Combining souped-up distortion, nimble guitar lines, swift drum beats, and heart-wrenching vocals, the track takes bottled up teen angst and refines it into pure fuzz rock gold. Speaking on arduous and all too relatable topics of loss, hardship, and temporality, they know just how to shake the listener to the core and come out cathartically on the other end. “Computer Kids” comes from all-caps LADD’s most recent release, The Whole EP.

Sights and Sages – “Aghori”

August 29, 2017

San Diego four-piece Sights and Sages will have you humming along for days with their intensely hooky track “Aghori.” There’s more to this moody alt rock number than meets the eye, featuring a salient, falsetto-fueled chorus, racing drum beat, and a driving bassline to cement it all together. Their affinity for pop melodies does not go amiss here, while still maintaining a progressive edge with polyrhythms and a unique song structure. In the video for the track, Sights and Sages keep things wholesomely traditional by alternative/indie rock standards, showcasing band performance while toying with field of view and perception. “Aghori” comes straight from the band’s latest release, their EP Doubleplus.

Ronnie Lott – “14th Ave”

August 29, 2017

Rapper/songwriter/producer triple threat Ronnie Lott brings the fire with his fierce new single, “14th Ave.” The native Texan masters an unrelenting flow with a subtle back beat, achieving a sound somewhere between Drake, Big Sean, and Migos. The track is all energy all the time, harnessing a vivacity that both powerful and refined. Lott is no rookie to the game, previously working as Rated R within local San Antonio groups as well as solo. With numerous singles, an EP, and a full-length album under his belt as Ronnie Lott, there’s certainly a lot to sink your teeth into. Get your first taste with “14th Ave” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/338648973″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Oddnesse – “Are You Down”

August 28, 2017

Combining a seeping groove with silky smooth vocals, Oddnesse sets their standard for new love with “Are You Down.” What started as an in-studio collaboration amongst L.A. transplants became a newly forged duo with haunting pop sensibilities and storied music careers under their belts. With Rebeca Arango on vocals and Grey Goon heading up production, “Are You Down” takes on a sultry feel that is all together unhurried but dripping with emotion, akin to a Lana Del Rey serenade. Driven by meddling guitar lines, arresting vocal harmonies, and polished up with a shiny coat of reverb, this is the kind of track that speaks volumes even without the help of lyrics. Take in the magic that is Oddnesse below.

The/Wanderlust. – “Moving Mountains”

August 28, 2017

Orlando’s The/Wanderlust. channel pure optimism in their latest track, “Moving Mountains.” The instrumental indie rockers may not rely on lyrics to get their message across, but their ideas are conveyed as clear as day by way of sunny guitar tracks, all working in tandem. As if pieces of a harmonious vocal quartet, the lead line has a crisp, pinging quality that soars above the rest, while the bass and supporting guitars form a strong foundation. Following this notion of support, band prefaces the track as being written to “encourage the listener to overcome any obstacles that stand between them and their aspirations in life.” “Moving Mountains” comes straight from the band’s recent EP, Adventure Will Find Us. Dig in for more inspiring instrumentals.

Woolbright – “What’s It Gonna Be”

August 25, 2017

Indie rock with a side of punk grit is what’s for dinner, and Southern Florida quartet Woolbright is serving up a hefty helping in their single “What’s It Gonna Be.” Melodic guitar lines are met with rhythmic fuzz, while frontwoman Candice Maritato’s fervid vocals both soften and sharpen the song’s edges. The band is currently riding the high of their newly released debut record, heading up the east coast while in the midst of a 16 date tour. Even if you can’t make it to one of their famously spirited live shows, be sure to check out “What’s It Gonna Be,” along with the rest of their album Busybody LazyBones via Whelmed Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/327950672″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Faunaphor – “Standing In The Doorway”

August 25, 2017

Art-pop duo Faunaphor stitch together raw and dazzling instrumentals in their track “Standing In The Doorway.” Their means of minimalism in this case keeps vocals at the forefront, while ethereal synth and guitar ruminations shine through over more sustained tracks and a pulsing drum beat. The song pays homage to the past, all lit with a dreamy, rose colored glow. It’s brought together with a melismatic saxohpone solo to end the nearly six-minute track on a celestial high note. Stay tuned for more like this on Faunaphor’s upcoming debut album And There I Was, due out September 8th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319839097″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ayo River – “Mercedes”

August 25, 2017

Fresh off a debut album release, Ayo River keeps the ball rolling with a single from the LP, “Mercedes.” The track provides a quirky but hard-hitting narrative of an accidental car crash that singer/songwriter Weston Taylor experienced. Lyrically, he muses over feeling stuck, where other people’s transitions make staying in your hometown feel a bit small and suffocating. Despite this, the overall message is acceptance, with the track’s mantra of “people come, people go, no one really knows” driving home the idea that there’s really no right or wrong way to live your life. Jam to the song’s jangly guitar lines and lofty vocals below, and get the whole package with the full album, Failed State. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/338653234″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Love Glow – “Internet”

August 25, 2017

San Diego’s Love Glow deliver pure effervescence by way of their single “Internet.” The indie rock four-piece land somewhere between Alvvays and Wolf Alice, with Caroline Corn’s sweetly subdued vocals acting as the glue that keeps understated synth lines and guitars set for precision contained. It has an energetic, but composed conviction that leaves worries by the wayside and cares floating away with each sunny guitar strain. The track comes from Love Glow’s latest EP, Honey, with a debut full length album coming soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/338470625″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]