New Music

Penguin – “Not A Problem”

Budding alt-rock outfit Penguin jumps headfirst into the game with their debut single “Not A Problem.” Drawing parallels to bands like Young the Giant and Atlas Genius, the band pulls their weight right along with the big dogs, and does it well. “Not A Problem” hits hard with powerhouse guitar lines, beachy rhythm guitar and encircling vocals, all coated in a light, distorted fuzz. The U.K. group has a lot of alt-rock Brit acts to contend with, but something tells us that won’t be hard for Penguin. With a slot at the Evolution Emerging Festival this month, there’s sure to be a lot in store for these garage rockers. Join them on their journey first, and tune into “Not A Problem” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/316832817″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Whales & This Lake – “The Fly”

Norwegian trio Whales & This Lake delivers an energetic anthem via their single “The Fly.” Through an expert mix of electronic and rock sensibilities, the band crafts one earworm melody after another with splashes of campy vocals, jittery beats and a pulsating bassline. The song issues sharp imagery on top of it all, echoing a lost sentiment while the tune creates a resolution. “The Fly” is the latest single off of the band’s upcoming album, to be released September 22nd. Find more of Whales & This Lake on soundcloud to hold you over until the release, and get jamming to “The Fly” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/318305996″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Alyeska – “Sister Buckskin”

L.A. fuzz-pop duo Alyeska provides a smooth sip of tranquility with an underlying bite to it in their single “Sister Buckskin.” This is the third single off of their recent EP release Crush, featuring bleary guitar lines, hazy ambience, and the breezy vocal stylings of singer Alaska Reid. The misty, mellow setting of the song intensifies in the last minute of the song with brightly distorted guitar tracks circling in on all sides. This EP was the last to be recorded in New York’s Magic Shop studio through the expert work of John Agnello. Get your taste of “Sister Buckskin,” then head over to Crush where all things are streamed. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315240365″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

SQRD – “Together”

Swedish producer SQRD has recently released an emotionally moving and introspective video for his track “Together.” Through a series of crisp percussion, moving electronics, and reverb-laden vocals, SQRD expresses a fear of loss, while attempting to hold on to a sense of stability. The track is the follow-up to his 2016 EP Gold that gained him notoriety in the electronic production world. With nods to other artists like The xx and James Blake, SQRD’s lo-fi electro-sounds have growing relatability and appeal. That appeal is then translated into video form by director Jacob Ragnarsson, while featuring the Swedish wilderness in a way that is both raw and picturesque. Dive into the landscape of “Together” below.

Mise en Scene – “Young Leo”

Fans of Best Coast, Hole, or Angel Olsen will dig this one. “Young Leo” from Mise en Scene is about a young Leo (the Zodiac sign, not DiCaprio) who is learning how to take life one step at a time and to not be so sad. It might also be worth noting that the singer of this track was born on August 10th. Beyond its message, this is a straight up raucous indie rock jam that we think is worth checking out. The band also released a music video for “Young Leo” which you can check out here.

Keeper Keeper – “Wine Teeth”

The three-piece rock conglomerate Keeper Keeper stake their claim on the hearts of Portland and beyond, specifically in their newest single “Wine Teeth.” With a sound reminiscent of The Killers, The Strokes, and The Growlers, they present an expressive yet too-cool-for-school sound that’s hard to attain but invigorating to listen to. Building in the best of alternative, surf rock, and a hint of folk, Keeper Keeper sets their sound apart from the rest. “Wine Teeth” has a laid back feel that is still guaranteed to get you moving, with sunny guitar lines, lightly distorted vocals, and harmonies straight out of a 90’s/early 2000’s sitcom. This is the leading track off of the band’s upcoming third album Paradigm, to be released in the very near future. Until then, get your fix with “Wine Teeth” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304686132″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Solomon O – “Holograms”

Solomon O is an Australian indie crooner whose “Holograms” has been rubbing us in just the right way. This indie-pop nugget has a luscious rhythm section and plenty of shimmering guitars and synths to please any fan of modern-day alternative rock. Fans of Foster The People, Imagine Dragons, and The Killers will get down to this one. If you dig it, add “Holograms” to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312123977″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ruby Haunt – “Freeway Crush (Nutrition Remix)”

We’ve been jamming on this slow-burner by Ruby Haunt as imagined by Australian producer Nutrition. “Freeway Crush” takes a skittering beat and pairs it with haunting synth swells and breathy vocals, resulting in a perfectly chill electronica jam. Nutrition is a relatively mysterious dude, so we’ll let the remix do the talking – give it a whirl via the widget below. You may enjoy this track through a variety of methods – check them all out here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307424040″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Late Guest At The Party – “Give You A Life”

Late Guest At The Party are a Brooklyn quartet crafting crazy catchy house jams. We recommend starting with “Give You A Life,” a succinct banger about wanting to let somebody into your life… Problem is, sometimes that person doesn’t need you the way you need them, and that’s the feeling LGATP try to capture. Give it a whirl if you’re feeling froggy. If you dig it, here are a few simple instructions. Go to iTunes. Click buy. Enjoy. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315953573″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mountain States – “Here It Is”

Mountain States are a jangle-pop quartet from the Netherlands whose “Here It Is” has been giving us good vibes. Their video for the track is a bunch of abstract visuals with a vague nature feel. More importantly, their spacey indie rock reminds us of a mixture of 90s college rock a la REM or Polaris mixed with modern day bands like Le Colour. If you dig it, peep their website to learn more.

The Sunjays – “Konnichiwa”

The Sunjays hit us up with a music video for their new jam “Konnichiwa” and we think it’s worth a watch. The video was captured on Super8 film, definitely a lost art. It resulted in a cool, slightly spastic looking video that matches the jangly, nervous-energy indie rock that The Sunjays execute so well. For fans of The Shins, Matt Pond PA, or Pavement will dig this one. “Konnichiwa” is available via many platforms – check them all out here.

Honey Lung – “Sophomore”

London’s post-grunge outfit Honey Lung spice things up with their third single release, “Sophomore.” In an angst-ridden array and distortion and emo influence, the foursome keeps listeners on their toes through the varying calm-to-industrious sections of the song. Written about the intricacies of the relationship, the track enforces the power of friendship in a wholesome, yet introspective frame. It’s fiery and temperamental in all the right places, but knows where to take a step back to amp up the intrigue. This track alone has gotten a lot of notice from the folks at BBC, and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches on. Get ahead of the game and discover “Sophomore” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/316387553″ 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 Golden Age of TV – “Dust”

Hailing from across the pond in Leeds, the alt-rock five-piece The Golden Age of TV gives their take on nostalgic rumination in their recent release, “Dust.” Through a spunky mix of power-pop vocals, grungy guitars, rhythmic synth lines, and a groove-driven bass, the band takes on the tried and true tale of clinging onto old memories that may seem better than they actually were. Guitarist Ryan Bird further unpacks this; “Dust is about someone who is sabotaging the good memories from the past relationship. It’s very sarcastic in tone, as it’s such an upbeat song, yet the lyrics are from the perspective of someone battling to hang on to the happier times. Each of us can relate to how frustrating that can feel, so the song means a lot to us.” There promises to be a lot in store for The Golden Age of TV in the coming months, with[...]

Happy Gilmore – “Bad Wine”

Mellow DIY indie rock act Happy Gilmore slips smoothly into the scene with his introductory single “Bad Wine.” The track is initially a lulling look within, providing stability with rhythmic arpeggiated guitar lines and a soothing falsetto to write home about. At around the two-and-a-half-minute mark it’s all cranked up several notches, adding percussion, harmonies, and beachy guitar interjections. What starts off as a sweet singer-songwriter showcase turns into a full-on house show with all the energy and more. This solo act of Connor Gilmore was all written, recorded, and mastered in his Nashville bedroom, as equally impressive as it is surprising for such a dynamic, crystalline sound. If “Bad Wine” is any indication of what’s to come for Happy Gilmore, we’ll be patiently counting the days until his next release. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/316611836″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Husky – “Ghost”

Melbourne’s alt-rock gem Husky sends synth-infused waves our way in their latest track “Ghost.” This song smoothly enforces the age-old motto that there’s nothing like a catchy synth motif to hammer a melody home. Featuring fuzzy guitar chords, sharp drum work, and musing vocals, “Ghost” tells a pensive story while channeling buoyant positivity towards the future. The track is simultaneously moody and freeing, pulling in the listener with every added instrumental element. If Husky has caught your fancy, stay tuned for their upcoming LP Punchbuzz, out June 2nd via Embassy of Music. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/316283646″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]