New Music

Soffía Björg – “The Road”

January 18, 2017

Soffía Björg’s latest single, “The Road,” plays upon the process of returning to the physical and symbolic place that is home. The smattering of folky twangs within a foundation of indie rock is what makes this song sound even more forlorn. The Icelandic singer’s voice lilts gracefully over a moving bass line and rhythmic guitar, all colliding in each repeat of the melody’s original motif. This song’s impact lies in the subtle dynamic contrasts; the strummed swells and accents propelling it forward as we follow Björg on her journey down this road. The video features Björg as the archetypal femme fatale driving her vintage Mercedes down the metaphorical path of no return, as the Icelandic countryside creeps past. Have a listen and you, too, might find yourself mid-existential crisis on a journey through genuine soul-searching. Written by Cassandra Dailey

Le Trouble – “How Was I To Know”

January 18, 2017

The Montreal five-piece Le Trouble is back with their second full-length album out on Indica Records, spearheaded by the single “How Was I To Know.” The track is all rhythm guitars, intrinsic drum fills, and power-driven vocal lines. It’s a whirlwind of tight instrumentals, yet still holds onto a pop influence that’s unmistakably sweet. With only a tinge of sadness, lead singer Michael Mooney sings of that all-encompassing love that ran itself dry. “How Was I To Know” seems to reveal a little more with each listen, and it doesn’t hurt that its hook is deceivingly catchy. Feeling introspective but considerably upbeat? This is your track of choice. Written by Cassandra Dailey

Swain – “I, You”

January 17, 2017

We think slowcore act Swain is worth a few minutes out of your day. “I, You” is a lesson in calm and beautiful indie rock, featuring a meandering guitar, smooth vocal harmonies, and chiming atmospherics. Swain says this particular jam is inspired by “pretty girls in big coats.” Recommended for fans of Bon Iver, Low, or Fleet Foxes. If you’re digging it, check Swain out on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/299375977″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Doombird – “Sheer”

January 17, 2017

Doombird is an indietronica band based out of Sacramento. You may recognize frontman Kris Anaya’s gentle voice from folksy Drive-Thru records act An Angle. Doombird is truly a new direction; ambient, indie/electronica vibes with strong influences from Caribou and Bibio – perfect for a rainy day or a hike in the woods. Lyrically, “Sheer” touches on themes of Anaya’s anxiety and his efforts to cope with it. Doombird has a website – check it out. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/214161274″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Datura Daydream – “SEA SIX”

January 17, 2017

Datura Daydream are a trio from Toronto whose latest music video has us reeling. The trio specializes in out-of-the-box music videos like the sprawling nine-minute epic “SEA SIX.” The uniquely syncopated video blends well with their proggy post-rock sound (although if you suffer from photosensitive epilepsy, you might want to sit this one out). Fans of The Mars Volta, The Fall of Troy, or Explosions in the Sky will find themselves right at home. Get more familiar with the three-piece by scoping out their Tumblr.

Slowcoaching – “Training Wheels”

January 17, 2017

Last time we checked in with Melbourne-born Slowcoaching, he was touting his dreamy new jam, “Night Fiction.” He’s caught our attention again with the delightful “Training Wheels.” Slowcoaching is still nodding towards The War on Drugs, Ducktails, and Wild Nothing – his music is full of chorus-drenched guitars, squiggly synths, and Kurt Vile-esque vocals. Head over to Slowcoaching’s Bandcamp page and do the right thing. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297978193″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

wwoman – “Waste Our Summer”

January 16, 2017

Pittsburgh’s wwoman brings the heat with “Waste Our Summer,” off his latest album Let Us Sleep Together. The classic marriage of spacey synth and lo-fi vocals brings this track appeal, but a prominent groove-infused bass line is what sets it apart. The art of layered contrasting synth is something many strive for, but wwoman can actually claim to achieve in this song without sounding contrived. His self-classified “depression pop” conjures images of sandy beaches, polaroid-captured late mornings, and no worries; something we all gravitate towards this time of year. Track down Let Us Sleep Together over on bandcamp for more summertime-slacker vibes. Written by Cassandra Dailey

The Dropout – “Let It Go”

January 16, 2017

In the modern age of the music industry artists are constantly looking to gain themselves exposure, while streamlining content to their fans in a wholesome and creatively fulfilling way. Andrew Flicker of The Dropout has thrown his hat into the ring with the launch of bi-weekly single releases. The Dropout’s first release, “Let It Go,” is an anthem dedicated to letting the good times roll and sweating the small stuff no more. Through a swirling texture of synth and a spunky drum beat, it’s easy to lose all sense of responsibility, as Flicker chants “All the things you ever wanted, lay it out and disregard it.” This dose of pure indie electro-pop is all fun-in-the-sun-meets-baby’s-first-rave, while those of us in enter into winter-induced vitamin D deficiency. It’s dreamy, it’s dismissive; it’s oddly soothing and invigorating at the same time. Combat the winter chill by checking out for The Dropout’s new[...]

Lukr – “A Long December”

December 23, 2016

What a great song to wrap up a long year of blogging! We’ve written about Lukr before, way back in June when he released his warm weather anthem, “Fucked Up Summer.” This time around, we’re closing down operations with his take on the Counting Crows classic, “A Long December.” Lukr injects his neon-pop grunge sound into the 90s hit, turning the already infectious song into a true pop jam with sparkly production values. Until next year folks! Have a happy and safe holiday season. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296370530″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jacob ZL – “Worst Days”

December 19, 2016

“They say the good die young and you know I’m still alive,” raps Flatbush’s Jacob ZL on his single “Worst Days.” Over a smooth beat courtesy of tomcbumps and purpan, Jacob recounts the time he spent with an old love. Discussing both the highs and the lows, “Worst Days'” dichotomy lifts the song from a depressing place into a vivid story. Passion drove ZL’s relationship and it wasn’t a sustainable deal, he claims with the line “How are we supposed to work when the first thought was that this wouldn’t work?” ZL’s crafted a track to vibe to but flexes his storytelling chops at the same time. Give it a listen below.

Lord OLO – “Dirty30”

December 19, 2016

Seattle’s Lord OLO commands a dark, cultish aesthetic. It’s represented masterfully and creepily in the video for his track “Dirty30.” Much of the video for the rap cut takes place on a Gameboy Color that appears to be projecting a new dimension. OLO makes a filtered appearance in the visuals, showing off his prowess with some clever bars like “No disrespect, your kitty just ain’t worth the litter.” Lord OLO has some DOOM vibes going in his lyricism too, particularly in the way that he talks about his OLO character. It’s like he’s telling a story firsthand about this figure, and it gets you itching to hear the next chapter. Listen to his album with producer Wann Sklobi here, and check out the video for “Dirty30” below.

-ToBy- – “flowers”

December 19, 2016

Miami rapper -ToBy- brings forth an experimental, yet accessible sound for his single “flowers.” The track speaks to ToBy’s feeling of taking part in an up and coming music scene. Demonstrated in the track’s artwork, ToBy comes from a scene that combines conventional rap influences and sounds with different forms of media like anime. “flowers” also teases some lo-fi, emotional sounds that we’ve seen from some Internet rap darlings, particularly out of Florida. ToBy’s at the forefront of a dope rap scene in southern Florida and “flowers” encapsulates both his and that regions sound. Give it a listen below.

Trilllhippy – “SENSATION”

December 16, 2016

Coming from Tallahassee by the way of Germany, Trilllhippy channels his stoner ways into the hazy hip hop track “Sensation.” Trilllhippy is just that, a cool young peacelover, and on “Sensation,” his vibes are rubbing off on a new romantic interest. The chorus is a window into their relationship, “She watch how I inhale it, I light it, she sense my stoner fragrance, she love it.” Youthful, excitable, and experimental, “Sensation” sums up the feeling of new love, new experiences, and living outside of responsibility. It’s a dope track. Listen to “Sensation” below and check out more from Trilllhippy here. 

nIgel – “Gray Music” ft. Neph

December 16, 2016

Chicago’s nIgel and his frequent collaborator Neph keep their rhymes black and white on “Gray Music.” The two Chicago rappers drop a couple of verses that evoke melancholy, washed feelings. Producer Weirddough sets this mood with a killer beat featuring haunting moans, some orchestral strings and jazzy drums. The rappers have sharp words but also flash their stoner ways in their lyricism. Much like the color in the title, several attitudes went into making “Gray Music.” Both solemn and incandescent, the track comes ahead of nIgel’s EP The Future Looks Gray with producer Xany, and they’ve produced some dope work in the past. Give it a listen below.

Kosha Dillz – “No You Can’t”

December 16, 2016

The premise of Israel-American rapper Kosha Dillz’ “No You Can’t” is to remind everyone that he’s reached a status where he doesn’t have to pass out favors. Whether that’s borrowing toilet paper or playing a show for free, that’s not something Kosha will subject himself too. Ripe with self-awareness, “No You Can’t” has the dope distinction of being a really funny track but also goes hard as hell. Dillz raps “Being stupid as hell’s the smartest thing I ever did,” but he’s more than capable of navigating the track’s zany, bloopy beat. After two hard verses, he breaks the song equivalent of the fourth wall, saying “Last verse better than the first two.” It’s little elements like this that make Kosha Dillz a fun, personable artist to listen to.  His personality comes with every bar. Give “No You Can’t” a listen below and check out more from Kosha here.