New Music

Acid Ghost – “All Alone”

Looking for simple, beachy, and swimmy? Acid Ghost’s latest effort is an 18-song LP full of “cheesy breakup songs written on vacation.” Cheesy might not be the right word – “All Alone” is a chill, heartfelt song about missing making out under the pier while drunk and/or stoned. Fans of DIIV or Beach Fossils would enjoy Acid Ghost’s tunes. Acid Ghost’s latest release, Vacations, is out now via Human Sounds Records. Visit their Bandcamp page for purchase options. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273168299″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Arkivist – “Seeing Stars”

Melding straight-up pop aesthetics with an indie rock flavors, Arkivist got our attention with their debut single, “Seeing Stars.” Formed in the rainy winter woods of the northwest, the trio decided to utilize the vocal talents of all three members while exploring new ways of writing music. “Seeing Stars” takes a pulsing bassline and adds unique percussion into the mix – the result is American-flavored Britpop. Fans of Foals or Bloc Party – Arkivist is for you. Arkivist’s website can be accessed here. Check it out for some more info on the fledgling act. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274047283″ 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 Lamaas – “Bum Lyfe”

The Lamaas are a three piece skate punk band from the West Side of Toronto. They recently recorded and released a six-song EP, affectionately titled Bum Lyfe. We think you should start with the title track – we dug it for its balls-to-the-wall approach and overwhelmingly aggressive vibes. Fans of The Orwells, Wavves, or Diarrhea Planet could surely get into this. You can snag Bum Lyfe EP via Bandcamp for a very affordable price. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265511993″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mateo Katsu – “A Special Plan”

“A Special Plan” was written and recorded 12 years ago, but Mateo Katsu thankfully brought it out of obscurity and into our inbox. “A Special Plan” is a part of Mateo’s new(ish) EP, White Men Don’t Name Their Babies Jesus, full of deliciously lighthearted, lo-fi jams a la Built to Spill. Fans of The Breeders or Jeffrey Lewis & The Jrams would also enjoy Mateo’s work. Mateo is offering “A Special Plan” for free via Soundcloud. You know what to do. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272208990″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

SUMif – “Lay Down”

We’ve been really digging electropop songstress SUMif‘s sparkly new song, “Lay Down.” When the song begins, it sounds both minimalist and layered, pairing SUMif’s pleasant vocal delivery with a skittering drum rhythm. “Lay Down” eventually evolves into quite the banger, adding a layer of deep electo-bass for emphasis. SUMif is offering “Lay Down” for free. Visit her Soundcloud page for the download link. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273117707″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Work Drugs – “Method Acting”

Smooth-fi act Work Drugs recently debuted the title track from their upcoming release, Method Acting. “Method Acting” is swimmy, beachy, and vintage-sounding, bringing to mind the synthy guitar-pop of the 1980s. Fans of Holy Ghost, Miami Horror, or Tears for Fears would be into Work Drugs’ jams. Swing by Work Drugs’ Soundcloud for a free download of “Method Acting.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272600196″ 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 Paper Faces – “Mistaken”

After a much-deserved hiatus, Swedish indie pop band The Paper Faces is back with some new tunes. They shot us the video for “Mistaken,” and we were very pleased. Their brand of pop is simple, crisp, and easily digestible. The video features a bunch of beachy girls having a good ol’ time on a summer road trip. Stop by The Paper Faces’ website where you can pick up their newest EP, Disco Boy.

Mr. Witch – “Feelin Fine” ft. Devin Lucien & Akira the Don

With an awesome stereo mix, dance-y trap production, and ferocious rapping, Mr. Witch’s “Feelin Fine” concoction has got your ears covered. Devin Lucien and Akira the Don contribute vocals to the evolving beat. The front half of the track is a culmination of energy, with some “I’m feelin fine today” chants and pitched-down vocals from Lucien to accompany the steady trap claps and snares. The back-half is payoff, with Akira the Don coming through with a spit-fire verse in his flaming accented flow. Production kills it the whole time, spanning from calm to chaotic. Press play below.

CHALK – “Together”

CHALK are a London based indie/electronica band formed last year. Having played as separate singer-songwriters for some time, the duo decided to join forces, drop the acoustic guitars, and pick up some synths. CHALK takes an upbeat approach to electronica, using loops, synth tricks, and vocal processing that pairs nicely with their highly singable hooks and choruses. Fans of James Blake, Alt-J and MGMT would dig CHALK’s brand of British-flavored electronica. Give Chalk some love and pick up their stuff via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272142939″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ghost King – “Till You Belong To Me”

Muddy fuzz rockers Ghost King hail from The Bronx and are led by Spires’ drummer Carter McNeil. Their fuzzy brand of 90s rock is brightened up by unexpected chord changes, psychedelic overtones, and lo-fi production that Fans of Pavement, The Pixies, or Violent Femmes would be into. Their video for “Till You Belong To Me” is a neurotic good time and finds the band rocking out in a tiny bedroom. Stop by Bandcamp for a copy of their new album, Bones, out now on Fleeting Youth Records.

Lenno – “Some Lovin'”

Finnish producer Lenno hit us up with “Some Lovin'” and we’ve been lovin’ on it. Lenno’s use of rolling bass lines and glittering synths helps him navigate the balance between club banger and radio pop gem. Fans of pop/electropop a la The Knocks, Madeon, or Oliver Nelson would enjoy Lenno’s jams. Follow the link here if you want to snag Lenno’s music, out now via Axtone Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272743023″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Exit Glaciers – “Silence Has Left”

Exit Glaciers are a female-fronted indie rock act from Texas, but their band name and music are more reminiscent of the frigid landscapes of Alaska (which is telling, as their name and sound were developed there). Their new EP Debris features the song “Silence Has Left,” which caught our ears for it’s Fleetwood Mac-style intensity and frontwoman Megan Storie’s lovely vocals. Exit Glaciers would be perfect for fans of Mazzy Star, La Luna, or Petal. Be sure to grab a download of “Silence Has Left” via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272058652″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

KOWL – “Struggle Pt. 1”

Australian producer KOWL, AKA Cal Young, branched out on his own to develop his personal brand of pop. KOWL combines the creativity of hardware and select sound formats and melds them together with a true, pop sensibility. Imagine driving down a highway in a vintage sports car with nobody in sight – “Struggle Pt. 1” would provide the perfect soundtrack. Fans of Daft Punk, Cut Copy, or Kygo would be into KOWL’. You can snag a download of “Struggle Pt. 1” via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/271721809″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rudy & The Dunk Reactions – “Believe”

Realistically, Rudy & The Dunk Reactions‘ new video could go viral on its own, sans his catchy brand of funk pop. Rudy is actually a producer from Seattle, and his video for “Believe” is full of charming, dancing animals. Do we really need to say anymore? We must – Rudy mashes obscure disco samples, funktastic bass, and 80s-style synths into an incredible boogie stew. No animals were harmed in the making of “Believe.” Check it out below

Pusher – “Tell You (feat. Hunnah)”

Toronto producer Pusher teamed up with vocalist Hunnah for his latest single, “Tell You.” “Tell You” has some serious R&B vibes, pairing Hunnah’s soulful delivery with synth tones reminiscent of pop music from the early to mid 90s. “Tell You” has a bouncy piano throughout, giving the track a particularly unique feel. Fans of 90s pop/R&B or Rihanna would enjoy “Tell You.” Preorder Pusher‘s new EP while you stream “Tell You” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273703292″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]