New Music

Barack – “Lines”

June 3, 2017

European experimental folk artist Lorenzo Clerici has the kind of voice that takes you back to a softer, simpler time. Under the pseudonym Barack, he conjures up soaring melodies with delicate instrumentation. Barack’s latest single “Last” is no exception, funneling in saccharine falsetto with rolling acoustic guitar that grows in intensity. Somewhere on the emo-folk spectrum between Sufjan Stevens and Told Slant, this track is a refreshing sip of serenity with a bit of a bite, and he seems to have hit the sweet spot. Check out the video for “Lines” below for a more immersive experience, and be on the look out for Barack’s upcoming full-length album.

Dang Clēts – “Lines”

June 2, 2017

Dang Clēts find us at that sweet transition from spring to summer with their new single, “Lines.” The trio seems to siphon breezy rays of sunshine right into the track, highlighting velvety falsetto, golden guitar lines, and sparkling synths, all tied together with a light groove. This is feel good alt rock at its finest, marrying the laidback vibes of Beach Fossils with the neat and tidy refinery of Ra Ra Riot. It’s easy to see this isn’t their first rodeo. The band formed in 2013 at Tufts University where they cultivated their sound, and are making a resurgence with a debut single under their new moniker Dang Clēts. If “Lines” is any indication of what’s to come, we’re hoping for a speedy follow up. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315749948″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Beachwood Coyotes – “Face to Face”

June 2, 2017

L.A. quartet Beachwood Coyotes has quite a unique story of how they came to be. After a trippy midnight experience involving coyotes on the outskirts of Hollywood, lead singer Jason Nott found his musical muse. Known for their infectious brand of indie rock, the band is currently preparing for their upcoming EP with the release of their single “Face to Face.” Centering on sunny topics as stashing negativity for growth, this track acknowledges challenges while choosing to rise above. Right from the start the melody swoops in, accompanied tasteful harmonies, luminous guitar lines, and relentless percussion. If you’re hungry for more, be sure to check out their EP Scrubby, out later this summer. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319314159″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

isle&fever – “Keep Workin”

June 2, 2017

L.A. duo isle&fever funnel feel-good vibes through an energetic beat in their track “Keep Workin.” The band has made their mark on the Echo Park scene as a funk-fueled basement enterprise, blending vintage instrumentals with buoyant electronic elements. Members Donald Eley and Tiger Smith chalk up their inspiration to the hearty grooves of the 70’s and 80’s, while venturing into the new soundscapes of today. With the first of three single releases of the summer, isle&fever is gearing up for their upcoming debut EP, to be released later this year. Get your first taste with “Keep Workin” below.

Beauty Sleep – “All In”

June 1, 2017

Belfast’s latest indie pop sensation, Beauty Sleep, jolts us from our weekday slumber with their track “All In.” The song wades through deep currents of synth, where echoing percussion, shiny keys and astral guitar lines swoop in to pack a punch. The trio shows off their ability to captivate with a hook-ridden melody that doesn’t let up, supported by layers of instrumentation that swell overhead just to calmly settle back in. “All In” is at the forefront of the band’s upcoming debut EP Nature Will Eat Me, set for release this summer. With Beauty Sleep already attracting notice from notable sources like BBC Radio, this is definitely a band you don’t want to sleep on. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/323042454″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Wingtips – “Last Minute”

June 1, 2017

In lieu of the approaching millennium and all of its uncertainties, Chicago’s Wingtips draw up a pastel goth rager for the ages in the video for their track “Last Minute.” The plot centers on the unavoidable cyborg takeover and a teenage, hormone-fueled dash to live it up as if there’s no tomorrow. Triumphant waves of 80’s synthpop set the scene with the band front and center, keeping the party alive. It’s all very energetic, playful, and a little spooky, reminiscing an age that the duo was too young to partake in. Their sound revels in souped up synths, waves of guitar, and expressive vocals, all while sporting a soft grunge-meets-Tim-Burton aesthetic. If you, too, can’t get enough of Wingtips, be sure to check out their latest EP GREYAREA, available on Feeltrip Records on limited edition cassette.

DWNTWN – “Bloodshot Eyes”

June 1, 2017

Los Angeles trio DWNTWN just released the first single “Bloodshot Eyes” off the outfit’s upcoming debut album, Racing Time. “Bloodshot Eyes” goes into depth about making the same mistakes over and over, but wanting change without knowing how to do it. In the song, lead vocalist Jamie Leffler shies away from the somber nature of the song with her bright vocals. The harmonies between Leffler and guitarist Robert Cepeda work well with the pop direction the song goes in. Check out the music video for “Bloodshot Eyes” below.

The Seige – “Boing Boing”

May 31, 2017

Los Angeles-based group The Seige, dropped a music video for “Boing Boing,” the first track off their EP Act III: Atomic, which came out on March 8th. The Seige features Taz Conley on vocals and Riley Taylor on production. Conley tackles thought-provoking topics like money issues and political figures including Hilary Clinton. Taylor creates a darker sound with the deep bass and reverb in the vocal samples on the beat. In the video, the duo mocks the style of early 2000s rappers, decked out in grills, chains and baggy clothes, which makes quite the video. Check out the music video for “Boing Boing” below.

Linn Koch-Emmery – “Forever Sounds”

May 30, 2017

Faintly melancholic, Linn Koch-Emmery’s single “Forever Sounds” taps into human nature’s nearsightedness over a bedrock of driving guitars and pounding percussion. Cheery pop melodies give the track a sense of buoyancy, while the lyrics are wrapped up in the all-encompassing present. “Forever Sounds” is the premiere single off Koch-Emmery’s debut EP, and sets the tone for HAIM-meets-Courtney Barnett-like breezy, rock-centered vibes. There’s a slow burning element to it; a deep intensity that can be masked by a chirpy chorus or spirited drum beat. But this track shows it can do both, bringing the heat with emotional depth and still sounding anthemically upbeat. Stay tuned for more alt rock vitality on Linn Koch-Emmery’s upcoming EP, out via Welfare Sound & Records later this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/324480151″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hobart Curtis – “Want Me”

May 29, 2017

We’re into this song from Brisbane solo artist Hobart Curtis… “Want Me” is a cascading nugget of sweet indie pop, combining washy guitars, groovy basslines, and gauzy synth pads. “Want Me” is a simple song about wanting to be wanted, something we can all relate to. Match that sentiment with solid vocal hooks and Hobart’s unique delivery, and you have a buffaBLOG favorite. Check it out on iTunes if you’re feeling it.

i see red – “Nothingness”

May 28, 2017

In a modern take on experimental electropop, Sweden’s Joakim Alfvén edges into the future with his latest project i see red. His new single “Nothingness” sets the tone with churning synths, impassive vocals, and lofty percussion. The track speaks on interpersonal impact, as opposed to a faceless identity as individuals of a population. It’s subtly gripping, starting off calm and growing in intensity over the nearly three and a half minute arrangement. This single acts as a precursor to i see red’s debut self-titled EP, out now. Discover more from i see red on soundcloud and beyond. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/320807829″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Vargas & Lagola – “Dolores (The Awakening)”

May 28, 2017

Swedish production pair Vargas & Lagola craft a multifaceted dance track through their single “Dolores (The Awakening).” Starting from a refined, tonally dramatic orchestral loop, the track evolves into a playful head-bobber with strategically timed clapping, group vocals, and syncopated guitar. The project is the brainchild of renowned songwriter/producer duo Salem Al Fakir and Vincent Pontare, who are known for their work with big names like Avicii, Katy Perry, and Madonna. If this track has sparked your interest, be sure to check out Vargas & Lagola’s latest single “As Long As I Have To,” and keep an eye out for more dishy releases.

Mr Little Jeans – “Stitches”

May 26, 2017

Norwegian electropop artist Mr Little Jeans recently introduced a fashionably adventurous video for her track “Stitches.” Drawing comparisons to other fierce female power-pop figures like Lorde and Carly Rae Jepsen, Monica Birkenes as Mr Little Jeans brings a bit of spunk to glittering beats, dreamy vocals, and ruminating synths. The video ventures on a dual-sided stitch in time where the main character dons a sweater and is transported to all corners of the city to escape a tension-filled situation. “Stitches” is a standout single from her latest EP F E V E R S, released last year. Check out more from Mr Little Jeans for additional rousing pop anthems.

TV Sets – “Fools Day”

May 26, 2017

Lovers of sluggish dream pop are in for a treat with the release of TV Sets’ latest single, “Fools Day.” The Toronto trio found a unique start as neighboring apartment dwellers tracking down a third counterpart through the matchmaking powers of Craigslist, all sharing a similar passion for The Smashing Pumpkins and exploratory electropop. The track highlights languid vocals, ethereal piano lines and hazy synths, met with strident guitars and a bass groove that bring in a rockier edge. “Fools Day” is the premiere single off the band’s upcoming EP, set for release this July. In the meantime, get wrapped up in a synth-coated cloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/322993824″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Plastic Faction – “Rain Season”

May 26, 2017

Albany, NY based band The Plastic Faction brings infectious pop-punk tunes through their new single “Rain Season.” The song is the first single off Trinket, the band’s first album. With a mixture of harmonic guitars and catchy vocals from singer Jake Crofoot, the band captures the essence of the mid-2000s emo movement. Listen to “Rain Season” below off Trinket, which is due out on June 22nd via Newlywed Records/Nothing Feels Good Records. Rain Season by The Plastic Faction