New Music

D3X – “Paradise”

Mobb Deep’s Prodigy once said “I’m 19 but my mind is old.” After his vivid descriptions of his environment in the streets no one could doubt him. Philly’s D3X is also a young dude making waves for profound thought that trumps his modest age of 16. On his single “Paradise,” D3X leads off his first verse with the line “When did the world get so cold?” before he talks the crimes he’s seen people commit just to survive. The “Paradise” D3X describes in this track is this warped, inside-out world where vices get you far, and morality can leave you screwed. D3X himself references this in the chorus, saying he’s drowning. It’s a track with great depth, and shows a lot of promise for the young artist. “Paradise” is the first track off of D3X’s latest EP Distorted Visionz, you can check it out here. Press play below.

Heron – “Ender”

On their new song “Ender,” post-rock quartet Heron were “trying to capture the feeling of being submerged in a violent sea.” Let’s just say the seven-minute track does a good job at taking you on that journey… The instrumental band uses guitar to emulate tumultuous waves and an eerie calm before swelling back into a maelstrom to finish things up. Fans of Explosions in the Sky, Pink Floyd, or Kyuss will dig this one. If you’re digging these vibes, snag “Ender” on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293785772″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Oliver Riot – “Omen”

Identical twin duo Oliver Riot caught our attention recently with “Omen,” a gentle alterna-pop offering along the lines of Passenger or James Blake. The twins, aka Alexander and Benjamin Moore, recently won first place in the Grammy’s “Rock The Mic” competition and for good reason – their use of violin, cajon, and other left-field instruments gives their music an incandescent and classic feel. Give ’em a follow on Instagram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306615244″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

LEFTI – “City Heart”

Former Cobra Starship bassist Alex Suarez slips deeper into the electropop scene with his solo project LEFTI. His latest track “City Heart,” featuring Louis Epstein, is all razor-sharp synth lines and dreamy vocals, with a funk-driven bass line that aims to please. This track has a little bit for everyone; an alternative core with electro-funk flare. LEFTI has established a strong foundation of self-produced remixes along with original tracks, with “City Heart” now settled among them as another strong contender. Wade through its lusty synth currents below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310344209″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Patawawa – “Diversion”

Spring has sprung a month early with indie-disco band Patawawa’s latest single “Diversion.” The track combines tropical electronic elements with funkified guitars and lively synth lines, presenting an organic mix of nudisco and indie pop. The UK trio presents a groove-inducing vitality, while still coming across as too cool for school. I’m thinking The Kooks’ spunky, rave-goer younger brother? Dive into “Diversion” below – the water’s unseasonably warm. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307025986″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Vassals – “SoHo”

Brooklyn band Vassals introduces their upcoming four-track EP with the release of their single “SoHo.” The waves of distorted guitars, crass percussion, and emotive vocals lend an ear to the post-punk angst the band is churning out. It holds tight to slacker-rock influence, but carries distinct notes of fire-fueled punk rock that makes the single all the more striking. When lead singer Shay Spence sings there’s a sense of cold hard emotion, as if previous suppression has her sharp lyrics bubbling to the surface. “SoHo” is earning the band some much-deserved acclaim, and we’re eager for more with the release of Halogen Days, out April 7th via Post Fun. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/249868665″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jordan Prince – “Woman (One of These Days)”

“Woman (One of These Days)” is a refreshing glass of acoustic indie-folk from Jordan Prince’s forthcoming EP. Honing in on the atmospheric storytelling akin to Passenger or The Lumineers, Prince’s track is pleading and gentle, while expressing a sense of helplessness. He conveys a mix of exasperation and resolution as he croons “I’ll break my neck, one of these days / If you don’t stand where I can see / One of these days, you’re gonna kill me.” Sift through Jordan Prince’s romantic musings below, and stay tuned for his EP No Manual, to be released in the near future. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/308818142″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Speakman Sound – “In Flight

UK producers Todd and Guy Speakman of Speakman Sound bring the spice of psychedelic music to experimental house with their single “In Flight (fear. Sharky.)” The track melds tropical electronic stylings with groove-focused R&B to create a unique and driving party anthem. It’s energetic without becoming too bombastic, holding back to be sure every bit of instrumentation is internalized. Be sure to check out “In Flight” below, and look out for Speakman Sound’s debut into the live electronic scene on May 10th at Electrowerkz. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/308917928″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Leaf House – “Shiny People”

Amidst a conjunction of bright synths and raspy vocals, Belgium-based Leaf House weaves reality with the abstract in their latest single, “Shiny People.” Following the 2015 release of their first album, the band hit back hard with the product of their second collaboration with Van Rivers. Playing on an electro-tropical-funk theme similar to that of Glass Animals or Neon Trees, “Shiny People” introduces a sort of surrealism to their influence, made especially clear in the song’s video. The milky harmonies surround you at all sides, acting as the voice inside your head. Needless to say, it’s easy to get lost in. See for yourself below.

courtship. – “Sail Away”

L.A. based indie band courtship. jumps back into the game with their third single “Sail Away.” The track envelops you with shimmery harmonies, distorted effects, and sharp percussion. There are a lot of elements at play, but they all manage to keep interest piqued and the groove pulsing. The duo harnesses classic elements of guitar-driven alternative music, but brings in pop influence with foundation-building synths and electronic drum hits. Dive in to courtship’s “Sail Away” below. What’s not to like? [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/309979581″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Catastrophe & Cure – “Blank Spots”

Intense yet mellow, Catastrophe & Cure is back at it again in the indie electro-pop realm with their track “Blank Spots.” The Austrian six-piece brandishes a fully DIY production, while still sounding polished and cultivated. It’s a perfect blend of lulling vocals and brassy synths, toeing the line between dreamy and electrifying. Keep an ear to the ground for the band’s upcoming LP of the same name, we have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.

Silver Liz – “One and Twenty”

Silver Liz brings us a sweet slice of bedroom pop with their new single “One and Twenty.” Garnering a more refined sound than their earlier lo-fi noise pop tracks, the duo slips into indie pop with clashing guitars, electrified drums, and ambient synths. The songs traded-off vocals have a way of calmly enveloping you, while the band manages to spice things up with an atypical, expanding song structure. It has a tranquilizing quality, but manages to nudge out of the texture when it counts. Expect more where this came from on Silver Liz’s upcoming full length album, to be released later this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310110136″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

HIDEOUT – “I Got Your Message”

Last time we checked in with Manhattan based glam-popper Hideout (known colloquially as Gabriel Rodriguez, who is also a member of Cults), we were raving about his cosmic jam, “Changing Us All.” This time around, we’re digging the collage-like appeal of his latest video for the song “I Got Your Message.” Adding a colorful and creative visual appeal to his delightfully spacey indie rock, this jam will appeal to fans of Kurt Vile, The Walkmen, or Bombay Bicycle Club. Hideout’s Bandcamp page can be found here.

Her’s – “Speed Racer”

With its frantic beats and wonky surf vibes, we’re clearly vibing on Her’s‘ latest offering, “Speed Racer.” The song is a fast paced and lighthearted romp about one night stands and being a wild young thing. Combining sultry baritone vocals with a signature descending guitar/bass riff, this one is a perfect way to get yourself feeling froggy. Swing by iTunes if you dig it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307717890″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lazy Legs – “Soft Skull”

Ready to shred your ears? Chicago power trio Lazy Legs hit us up with “Soft Skull,” a crunchy and frantic blast of shoegaze energy. Think a wall of thick guitar noise and wild drums coupled with ghostly vocals… right up our alley. Fans of True Widow, Pity Sex, or No Joy will like this one. Swing by Bandcamp to snag this one. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/288685971″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]