New Music

Foresteater – “Big Deceiver”

February 10, 2017

Indie singer/songwriter Foresteater harnesses some sweetly-psychedelic forces with his new single “Big Deceiver.” The song begrudges the infuriatingly fake friend often found in today’s online-centric culture, but manages to make it sound like an endearing love song through upbeat melody lines, syrupy harmonies, and conscientious guitar interjections. It’s thoughtful and cutting, encapsulated in the most enamoring of tunes. For more of Foresteater, check out his debut EP Nightlife of the Exploding Heads. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305884574″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Flagship – “Mexican Jackpot”

February 10, 2017

Flagship’s latest video for the single “Mexican Jackpot” is a vivid play on light, color, and soft edges. Directed by Michael Polish, the video immerses you in a band practice-meets-kid’s party that looks like nothing but a good time. All of this, while strident guitar chords, ponderous bass lines, and pleading vocals provide the soundtrack. A Grade-A indie-rock tune brought to life on the small screen. If you like what you see, or hear for that matter, be sure to check out the band’s second album The Electric Man, out March 10th via Bright Antenna Records.

Blair – “Planetary ft. argonaut&wasp”

February 10, 2017

LA songster Blair has teamed up with New York act argonaut&wasp to deliver his latest single “Planetary.” The track features rhythmic synths, layered harmonies, and an awe-inspiring guitar solo to end on a high note. It’s funky in all the right places, while sustaining classic electropop elements. Post 8-month hiatus, Blair is back and gaining momentum on the streaming front with his last two singles. It seems only fair to say “Planetary” will lead to no exceptions. See for yourself below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304479113″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Nukubi – “Bronze”

February 10, 2017

Nigerian solo act Nukubi steps into indie pop with the release of his single “Bronze.” Drawing influence from Blood Orange, Dev Hynes, and Petite Noir, this track acts on rhythmic syncopation, booming baritone vocals, and a funk-fueled guitar and bass. Nukubi has carved his niche among the deep voices of the world, and in turn has created a song that plays on aspects of groove and looping. “Bronze” is an ode to the feeling of being stuck, and grasping at any opportunity for change. Hear it in his own words below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304304973″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rainbrother – “Blue”

February 10, 2017

Bjarke Bendsen’s latest brainchild Rainbrother slips into folk-rock with his latest single “Blue.” The project was formed after returning home from a European tour with his former band The Migrant, recalling Bendsen to his musical roots. Drawing inspiration from Pink Floyd and Bon Iver, Rainbrother combines introspective guitar lines and lyrical narrative to craft moving songs. “Blue” is no exception, featuring heartening instrumentals and velvety smooth vocals. For more of Rainbrother, head over to bandcamp to hear his brand new album Tales From The Drought.

Emmecosta – “His Power of Youth”

February 10, 2017

Post-club trio Emmecosta is back with their unique brand of soft electronica in their latest single “His Power Of Youth.” The band gained their notoriety with the 2015 release of Snowboy, establishing their place in the self-deemed “post-club tropical indie soul” genre. The track itself combines the groove of R&B, the silky smooth vocals of indie pop, and the spacey synth of electronic pop; a fusion of the best and the brightest, creating a song that’s a soft place to land. Be sure to see for yourself in the video bellow, and keep and eye out for Emmecosta’s upcoming EP to be released later this year.

Blank Space – “Promiscuous Mortality”

February 8, 2017

Californian quartet Blank Space debuted their chill-out indie rock with “Promiscuous Mortality.” They have only been a band for about four months, but that hasn’t stopped them from packing their songs with noodly guitars, catchy whoa-oh vocal runs, and laid back vibes. Fans of Beach House, Private Island, or Young the Giant will be into this one. Blank Space is on the ‘Gram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304991289″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Benji Heinke – “Why Won’t You Reply To Me?”

February 8, 2017

Do you have 1:47 to spare? If so, we think you should check out Benji Heinke‘s latest demo, “Why Won’t You Reply To Me?” Benji combines lo-fi, DIY production values with jangly guitars and an upbeat vocal melody – not to mention subject matter that would appeal to most millennials. We’re always down for some quality bedroom-pop. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304623987″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mutes – “Vanishing”

February 8, 2017

Noisy UK post-punk act Mutes caught our attention with the first single off of their upcoming debut LP, “Vanishing.” The Kraut-rock quartet infuses typical post-punk fervor with a strong sense of melody and just the right amount of ambiance – not to mention their blistering, mid-song guitar solo. Fans of Television, Sonic Youth, and Cloud Nothings will dig this one. If you want to support, “Vanishing” is already available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301195700″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TOMA – “Going Nowhere”

February 8, 2017

TOMA is a group of Texans creating fresh-sounding indie rock laced with squiggly keyboards. If you’re wondering where to start, “Going Nowhere” is our recommendation – we dig the band’s pop-minded songwriting skills, peppered with great guitar tones and Phoenix-esque vocals. “Going Nowhere” is also available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293695789″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Marble Empire – “Twenty”

February 7, 2017

London-based Marble Empire has given 2017 a strong start with the release of “Twenty.” This single encompasses a wide spectrum of electropop, from 80’s synth to modern chillwave. It’s all groove, all the time with funk-fueled base lines, off-beat synth chords, and crisp snare hits. The subject matter itself references a coming of age story influenced by love, recklessness, and conflict, culminating to rest of the shoulders of a twenty-year-old psyche. It’s not quite an elegy, and contributes more of an escape than anything else. Young and incredibly musically articulate, we’re sure to be seeing more of Marble Empire very soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292957596″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ladyfriend – “Cool”

February 6, 2017

Los Angeles duo Ladyfriend dive into the future of indie-pop with their track “Cool.” This song is the alluring new kid in school that wears a leather jacket and cuts class. It’s dreamy to the highest degree with soft, reverb-drenched vocals, sweet harmony clusters, and a background of churning synths. Singer Erik croons “Cool but not ‘cause you want to / Cool but not ‘cause you care,” defining the quintessential theme of this track. It achieves captivating vocals and engaging instrumentals with seemingly no effort. Take a listen below, it will probably be the ‘coolest’ thing you do all day. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302361704″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Stoop Kids – “Tahoe”

February 6, 2017

Stoop Kids are back at it again with their own brand of slacker rock, highlighting a touch of psychedelica in the band’s new track “Tahoe.” Penned after the coffee-and-cigarette-fueled odyssey that was their first extended tour, this song encapsulates life on the road and the sense of unrest that comes with it. It starts off as funk inspired easy-listening, adding some edge little by little, culminating to the song’s gritty finale. This five-piece has made quite a name for itself, all on it’s own accord. Expect to see more from these guys in the not-so-distant future. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303145168″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rina Mushonga – “Atalanta”

February 5, 2017

Rina Mushonga brings soul to electropop with her latest single “Atalanta.” The song is an ode the Greek mythological icon for female strength; Atalanta. It holds on to elements of synth-pop, but takes it a bit deeper with robust vocals and and earthy synth/bass strumming work. Mushonga knows how to create an impact with a heavy-hitting chorus and infectious hooks, and the production by Brett Shaw (Florence & The Machine, Rufus Wainwright) reflects that strikingly well. This is the first of a number of singles to be released in anticipation of her second album, due late 2017. There are so many elements effectively at play here, all that’s left is to lose yourself in it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304262813″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Static Masks – “Aware Wolf”

February 5, 2017

A mildly schizophrenic blend of melodic pop and heavy-to-progressive rock, Static Masks take their understanding of alternative rock and make it a journey for the ears with their new single “Aware Wolf.” It starts off light with various guitar themes afloat, later cranking it up a few degrees with distorted strumming, to finally conclude with a musically introspective ending. This song is engaging up to the very last note, which isn’t always easy to find in today’s pop strata. If any of this has piqued your interest (and it should,) make sure to check out the band’s debut album Late Bloomer to be released March 24th this year.