Australian producer Woodes hit us up with the delicate indietronica of “The Thaw” and we were instantly hooked. Featuring a Radiohead-esque guitar riff, blippy percussion, and Woodes’ irresistible vocals, “The Thaw” is sure to fit seamlessly on your playlist. Nestle it in between her contemporaries – St. Vincent, Ellie Goulding, or Lights. You can learn more about Woodes via her website.
Last time we checked in with Francis Moon, we were gushing over a previous release of his, “Anchor.” He’s back, this time with an equally wistful tune, “All You Need.” The restless swede continues his trend of reverb-washing everything in his songs, filling his smart and consise dream pop songs with a layer of mystery. Fans of Mew, Band of Horses, or The Dangerous Summer would dig Francis Moon. Francis’ stuff is available via Bandcamp. Check out the music video below.
NIC NIM a.k.a. Nicole Nimroody hit us up with the gentle acoustic pop of “I Didn’t Mean It.” About the track, Nic says, “This song is super important to me. Its a track devoted to all the words you wish you never said.” The song features sparse percussion and an omnipresent acoustic guitar, emphasized by Nic’s distinct vocals. Fans of Kimya Dawson, Sarah Jaffe, or Regina Spektor would be into NIC NIM. Stream “I Didn’t Mean It” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/280347764″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Doo-wop pop duo Midnight To Monaco have us feeling jazzed on their new jam, “One Way Ticket.” The LA-based act is vocalist Ricky Ducati and producer Donnie Sloan. Their free-spirited cut features lush vocals and a bouncy beat that brings to mind a carefree drive down the California coast. Fans of Bruno Mars, The Backstreet Boys, or 50s and 60s doo-wop classics would dig “One way Ticket” You know the drill – head to iTunes to pick up “One Way Ticket.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/277783330″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Calling all hopheads! The Bad Years are here with the left-field outsider-pop of “In The House (High All Day).” With an irresistible recurring motif of “All I wanna do is get high all day,” any slacker is sure to relate. Think 1990s vibes, a 1960s songwriting mentality, and 2016 production value. Fans of The Cardigans, Phantogram, Alvvays, and dank nugs are sure to love this track. Snag “In The House (High All Day)” from iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278863700″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Wonkmasters The Growlers are no strangers to Buffalo – they’ve been mainstays at Mohawk Place for a few years now. Needless to say, we’re delighted to showcase their newest single, the title-track from their upcoming LP City Club. Boasting their trademark raspy slur, bizarro guitars, and a notable Julian Casablancas production credit, “City Club” is truly a great listen. Fans of Les Savy Fav, Scissor Sisters, or The Blood Brothers would dig this tune. City Club is out September 30th via Cult Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276970162″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Mysterious quartet Shakes found their way into inbox this week and we’ve been jiving on their vaguely psychedelic tune, “Strange Tides.” The single has been getting a lot of attention lately, probably for its crisp production value and its retro vibes. We also really enjoyed their music video, which showcases the band looking snappy via some pretty hilarious innuendo. Fans of The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, or Tame Impala would dig Shakes. Check Shakes out on Bandcamp.
Melbourne folkster Alexander Biggs has us crushing on the gentle din of “Tidal Wave.” Biggs is hot off the heels of 250k+ streams on his previous single, “Out In The Dark.” His use of washy vocals, reverb-soaked guitars, and overall good vibes is pretty much irresistable. Fans of Bon Iver, Band of Horses, or The Lumineers would dig “Tidal Wave.” Check out “Tidal Wave” on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278423240″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Montreal act Woolsoul is an electronic alliance that exists between producers Humphrey Bates and Xhavi. They specialize in a sound that infuses house beats with a rock flavor and an overall swimmy feel. Their ambient use of guitars, retro-effected samples, and a loud, groovy bass caught our ears and helped us sink into a smooth vibe. Fans of Phantogram or Radiohead should be pleased. Swing by Soundcloud for a free download of “Shift.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279135209″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Last time we checked in with Trails and Ways, we were digging the cheeky pop of “My Things.” This time around, they caught our ears with “Happiness,” a punky and peppy ode to being happy. About the track, singer Keith Brown said, “This song is my answer to an argument with an old friend… She says, if you have to try to be happy, then it’s fake happiness… I think seeking real happiness means you have to be honest when you’re not, and that’s the scarier path.” Well-said Keith. “Happiness” reminds us of The Polyphonic Spree, Fun., and The New Radicals. Bandcamp is only a click away if you’re digging “Happiness.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279451623″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Constant Companion is an interestingly named band from NYC. Singer and guitarist Cassie Youngstrom says the name, “… refer[s] to all of the companions that stay with us… the demons, the depression and anxiety, the traumas… the music, the art, and the people who make our lives ultimately worth living.” The band is fronted by charming female vocals and nimble guitar leads that are reminiscent of the lo-fi emo bands of the late 90s. Fans of Rainer Maria, Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band, or Adventures would dig Constant Companion. Check out “Cognitive Dissonance” below and go here if you like what you heard. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259036018″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Reading act Sundara Karma is a jangly indie rock band with an edgy, 70s aesthetic in both musica and fashion. “She Said” is the first single from their new album, Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect. Its carefree dance vibes feature a lead guitar din, solid vocals, and a brick-house rhythm section. The group sounds similar to Circa Waves or Tokyo Police Club. Check out the colorful tune below, or visit Sundara Karma’s website for more. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279400725″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
L.A. Spring is a relatively young London act having just formed this summer. The power trio most notably features a low tenor vocalist with a strong and charming English accent, accented by higher harmonies when applicable. “Passerby” has an erupting rhythm section that throws dance energy at its listeners. Fans of Foals, The Maccabees, and Somos would dig L.A. Spring. Check out the new single below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278336648″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Mothlight is a Californian dream pop act with a unique lushness that bursts from their colorful music. The trio describes themselves as “dream pop birthed from the loins of a nematode,” something surprisingly accurate once you look up what a nematode looks like. “Monarch (feat. Shannon Inouye)” is an immersive track. It brandishes gaping vocals, smart arrangements, rousing guitar work, and retro synth tones. Bands like Wild Nothing and Asobi Seksu sounds similar to Mothlight. Stream their new single below, or strengthen your commitment here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270072761″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Boge is a DJ from Norway who has tackled fellow Norwegian Miss Tati’s deliciously groovy “Don’t Let Go.” Boge’s work gives the song an ethereal vibe, featuring gentle claps, spacious pads, and interesting ricochet whistles. The head-bobbing piece is faster and more hip hop than Kygo’s usual blissful remixes, but is close to on par with Todd Terje’s work. See Datarock and Silja Sol for artists like Miss Tati. Boge is offering a free download if you visit his Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279229298″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]