New Music

EXES – “Like You”

EXES is a duo from Venice Beach who won us over with their personal brand of whimsically romantic electronica. “Like You” is their latest single, equipped with a lurching beat, hypnotic vocals, and cheeky lyrics. About the track, they said, “Although the subject matter is a bit sad, the bouncy playfulness of the production adds an aspect of teenage naivety.” Keep your eyes open for EXES – they’re going to release an EP later this year. Till then, check out “Like You” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276695503″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jouska – “Marcel”

Albany-based ghost rock quartet, Jouska, have slowly begun rotating into Buffalo’s local music scene. The band has an upcoming show on September 10th with Super American and Cooler in support of their yet-to-be released Topiary. “Marcel” is the lead single off of the album and a great first step into Jouska’s repertoire. “Marcel” is a highly introspective track where Jouska’s lead-singer Doug Dulgarian reflects on growing up around stifled creativity. The song comes off as a diary entry, with allusions to heartbreak and getting older. The experience is both depressing and rewarding. Life changes, and people move on. Fans of M. Ward or cryptic Brand New will enjoy Jouska’s latest. Topiary is set for release on September 6th, but you can peep “Marcel” below and catch their upcoming set at Nietzsche’s next weekend.

Villa Nah – “Love Chance”

Finnish electro pop duo Villa Nah is back after a rather long 5-year hiatus and are gifting us their latest treat, “Love Chance.” The single, a showcase off their upcoming album Ultima, is delightfully spacey and is like a relaxing swim with your imagination on full power. Juho Paalosmaa (of the acclaimed SIN COS TAN) and Tomi Hyyppä hope the piece “…[spreads] ripples of synth and sheer optimism” and serves as the soundtrack for those Summer afternoons. Those who love electronic music with 80s forte, or groups such as Magenta Skycode and Husky Rescue will savor what Villa Nah has to offer. Stream “Love Chance” below or on Spotify and Youtube. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274359509″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Amber Arcades – “Turning Light”

Amber Arcades is the moniker of Dutch-born musician Annelotte de Graaf. “Turning Light” is a shimmering slice of blippy chilltronica that we’ve been vibing with. Arcades’ haunting melodies and quality songwriting landed her a coveted support slot for a tour with Nada Surf this upcoming September. Fans of Ellie Goulding, The Bird and the Bee, or The Postal Service would be into Amber Arcades. Check her out on Bandcamp.

John Alcabean – “Fire”

Danish post-punk act John Alcabean are here with an indie rock scorcher – “Fire.” The trio crafts noisy, meloncholy urgency through their massive drum sound, soaring vocals, and powerhouse guitars. Their songs are anthemic like 1990s alternative-rock and excitingly rhythmic in a contemporary indie rock fashion. Fans of Royal Blood, Prawn, or Oasis would surely dig John Alcabean. Their next release, Real Time Fiction, is due out September 2nd. Till then, enjoy “Fire” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272592521″ 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 Vivians – “Divided We Stand”

London punx The Vivians just released a self-titled 10th anniversary album, complete with a new music video for “Divided We Stand.” Their sound is raucous and dancy, reminiscent of the early aughts in a gnarly dancepunk fashion. The video for “Divided We Stand” caught our eye for its comic-book effected aesthetic. Fans of The Rapture, The Distillers, or Bloc Party would appreciate The Vivians. Go to iTunes to pick up The Vivians.

BESTMAN – “Big Sky”

Synth-pop mastermind BESTMAN is here with “Big Sky,” a riotous, 80s flavored jam. As the fleeting days of summer tick away, “Big Sky” is here to remind us that it’s not actually over. Imagine his electronica blazing like an unruly bonfire on the beach as you drive down the coast. Fans of Tears For Fears, Caribou, or Simple Minds would dig “Big Sky.” BESTMAN is on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/275942303″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dream Cities – “Requiem For Brunch”

Dream Cities is a progressive-ish act from Sydney, Australia. The trio’s schtick revolves around a frenetic, hypnotic musical experience, mixing live improvised jams with samples from diverse musical genres. “Requiem For Brunch” is like nothing we’ve ever heard – a jazzy and electronic number that sounds a bit like Gorillaz mixed with Franz Ferdinand ( that is most certainly a compliment). Be sure to check out Dream Cities’ Bandcamp when you have a minute. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273771660″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bangbang – “Grabbed”

Southeast London electro-pop duo, Bangbang, released a real earworm earlier in the month with their track “Grabbed.”Bangbang is a fairly new project with its members originating from opposite sides of the world (Australia and southern England). “Grabbed” is the lead single off the pair’s self-titled EP, which you can stream over here. Under the surface, the track is about trying to take over a dream and control it, becoming fully lucid. Fans of Metronomy, Clubfeet, or NZCA Lines would be into this one. Jam out to “Grabbed” in the easily streamable link below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278247052″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Seeing Hands – “I Knew You”

Newcastle dream-pop act Seeing Hands have just released their debut single, “I Knew You.” Their jangly brand of shoegazy indie rock is defined by reverb soaked vocals and piercing, bell-tone guitars. Because of their dreamy, space-case style, Seeing Hands would appeal to fans of The War On Drugs, Turnover, and Wild Nothing. If you dig “I Knew You,” pick it up via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276919805″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

COTE – “London”

COTE is a mysterious quintet who charmed us with the understated rock of “London.” About “London,” frontwoman Taryn Randall says, “I wrote [the song] over a period of two years, adding and reworking verses as my life continued to shift. Throughout that time, I always found myself returning to the same theme – the desire for control against the necessity of letting go.” Fans of Stevie Nicks and Rilo Kiley would surely enjoy COTE’s rootsy indie rock. Grab “London” off of iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276585398″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Audiobruz – “Believe”

As a follow up to the immensely successful single “Blow,” Italian producer/one-man-band Audiobruz is back with another immense summer banger. “Believe” is his latest, a bass-heavy jam with obvious funk and electronic influences. Fans of Daft Punk or JUSTICE would surely dig Audiobruz’ heady vibes. “Believe” is free for a limited time only. Out now on Audiophile Live. Don’t dawdle! [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279365793″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Virgin of the Birds – “Spooky, Stony, Barely Over Thirty”

Seattle trio Virgin of the Birds hit us up with the retro-flavored indie rock of “Spooky, Stony, Barely Over Thirty,” an ode to aging gracefully. With their imaginative verbiage and obscure pop culture references, the band treads a line between intimate, lo-fi pop and the occasional grandeur of early art-rock. Fans of M. Ward, The Velvet Underground, or R.E.M. would dig Virgin of the Birds. V of the B’s latest, Secret Kids is available via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276288974″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kady Rain – “R.A.D. Moves”

Last time we heard from Texan songstress Kady Rain, we were crushing on her lighthearted single, “All I Ever Wanted.” She’s back with “R.A.D. Moves,” a continuation of her chokehold on the bubblegum pop genre. Fans of Katy Perry, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Miley Cyrus should look no further – “R.A.D. Moves” is about getting out on the dancefloor and just letting loose. “R.A.D. Moves” is available on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274769878″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

VHS COLLECTION – “Ghost”

“I feel it in my bones, all I need is you” pretty much sums up the yearning vibes on VHS COLLECTION‘s new jam, “Ghost.” “Ghost” is a straight up dance song set to live drums, giving it a unique, organic feel. The song is about the love/hate relationship that New York City folks have with their home town and about the feeling of returning to a home and feeling’s it’s changed somehow. “Ghost” is the first release from VHS’ upcoming release. Till then, check em out on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273370303″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]