New Music

Francis Moon – “Anchor”

May 25, 2016

Francis Moon is a restless 28 year old swede with a knack for writing dreamy indie-pop. His latest album, Onwards, is full of introspective dark pop like his contemporaries in Now Now, Mew, or Sigur Ros. “Anchor” gets our vote for album spotlight – a soaring soundscape anchored (see what we did there?) by Francis’ spacey delivery. Francis Moon’s upcoming release, Onwards, is set to release on May 27 via DIRTY GLASSES RECORDS. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263392610″ 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 – “Fixation”

May 25, 2016

Seattle-based nu-disco producer, Rudy & The Dunk Reactions have released their debut track that is (fire emoji). Rudy has made his way around the Seattle-scene over the past five years, throwing dance parties at roller rinks and laser tag arenas, as well as producing tracks for hip-hop group Slow Dance. His song “Fixation” is absolutely infectious, repeatedly punching “I need a fix. Fixation. Fixation Fixation” over and over again in the staccato flow of an emcee from the eighties. With that being said “Fixation” is the accompaniment of a fight scene in The Warriors. The producer also spliced a video featuring professionals figure skiing over the track, which is something I never thought abut can’t take my eyes off. Check out Rory & the Dunk Reactions’ debut track “Fixation”  below and be on the look out for more promising material.

Petite League – “Zookeeper”

May 24, 2016

Bursting out from the Syracuse scene is Petite League with some new, noisy music. “Zookeeper” fronts zipping guitar leads on top of a dense block of jangly indie rock. The drums find themselves at the forefront, with hissing cymbals and a woody snare. The chorus claims, “[There are] no saints/gods in the animal kingdom” before interestingly cutting out. “Zookeeper” kicks back in with the same shredding guitars and bopping rhythm section until the song tires itself out. “Zookeeper” is available (only) for stream below, and you can find Petite League’s other discography here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262189834″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kristoffer & The Harbour Heads – “When You Say Stay”

May 24, 2016

I first heard Swedish musician Kristoffer Ragnstam nearly a decade ago when I came across his album Sweet BIlls while working at my college radio station.  I found Ragnstam’s charmingly descriptive and honest songwriting style coupled with his gentle indie-rock remarkably appealing. In the late 00’s I pulled songs from that and the follow-up Wrong Side of the Room for countless mixes and his songs were the soundtrack for many moods at the time. Since putting his solo career on hold, Ragnstam has created a new projected under the moniker Kristoffer & The Harbour Heads and guess what? They have a new single/video titled “When You Say.” The video “When You Say Stay” features a full cast of immigrants and human rights activists residing in Dresden, Germany.  In the video, a plucky girl runs through an artsy wonderland, complete with abstract tree houses, exhibits, along with a zebra (which might actually be[...]

The Lightning Year – “Endless Memory”

May 23, 2016

The Lightning Year is the pseudonym for UK based musician Matt Bishop. His new song “Endless Memory” is about having a one-night-stand and the knowledge that, for better or worse, that person and that night will be burned into your memory for life. “Endless Memory” is a really powerful indietronica song, be sure to wait for the apex at 2:33. Fans of The Secret Machines, Autolux, or Father John Misty (when he’s heavy on the synth) might dig The Lightning Year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264729773″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DYAN – “St. James”

May 23, 2016

DYAN is the moniker for songstress Alexis Marsh. Her new song “St. James” is a ghostly pop number highlighting driving electronic drums and Marsh’s soulful voice. About the song, Marsh says, “I wanted a sparse sound to reflect the openness of the prairies where I grew up… The landscape seemed to draw horizon-long lines of expectation into the future, which I didn’t realize I resented until I couldn’t find satisfaction in success despite my ambition.” Anyone who has ever wanted to escape the sentiments of small-town life might find “St. James” eerily relatable. DYAN’s full length, Looking For Knives, will be out July 29th. Until then, “St. James” will have to suffice. Have a look below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263609356″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Astral Cloud Ashes – “Get Real”

May 22, 2016

Astral Cloud Ashes is the creative outlet for Antony Walker. The project sounds like the more “intellectual” cousin of The Front Bottoms or Modern Baseball. This one goes out to all the space cadets out there (we use that in a positive light, of course!), as “Get Real” is a fun tune that deals lyrically with issues of memory recall and astral traveling. It’s a sincere guitar-driven tune that frequently changes pace and feel, perfect for the polyrhythm-loving music nerd in us all. Astral Cloud Ashes’ debut LP, Too Close to the Noise Floor, is due out later this summer. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264098344″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Theme Park – “You Are Real”

May 22, 2016

Theme Park is a London trio specializing in free-spirited alt-pop. “You Are Real” is a true love song about falling in love with a girl who you realize has been your dream all along. Boasting peppy acoustic guitars and catchy falsetto vocals, we think Theme Park seems to be on to something fun. Fans of Alt-J, Bombay Bicycle Club, or “Happy” by Pharrell would really enjoy Theme Park’s style. “You Are Real” officially comes out on July 15. Get a sneak peak via the widget below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264343205″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Magic Potion – “Jelly”

May 22, 2016

Talk about perfect hooks, “Jelly” is an archetypal slacker rock song with excellent hooks. Sweden’s Magic Potion knocked it out of the park with this quavering tune that sounds like Mac Demarco, All-Time Quarterback, and Diet Cig got together to combine geniuses. This nonsensical tune is mellow as they come – perfect for sinking slowly into your bed in the daze of mid-afternoon. “Jelly” is the third single from Magic Potion’s debut LP Pink Gum, due on May 27th via PNKSLM Recordings on vinyl and digital; Beech Coma on cassette. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263408740″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DaDa – “Black Horse”

May 21, 2016

DaDa‘s new song, “Black Horse.” is an anti-war hymn that sounds like it could be a Beck song featuring At The Drive In or Sonic Youth. While we could try to put it into words, we think the band themselves best describe their own sound: “DaDa incorporates flowing rhythms, captivating vox, and powerful lyrics, revealing a fleshy undertone to their sound, subduing you into expanding the senses while going on a spacey trip.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves. “Black Horse” is DaDa’s debut single, set to be released on 10th June via Black Wire Music. Their debut EP, The Pigeon Conspiracy, is due out on July 8th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263617311″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Everett James Wood – “Hold On”

May 21, 2016

Nineteen-year-old Everett James Wood is a fresh-faced new artist out of Waterloo. His debut single “Hold On” is a nice little slice of electronica meant to make your “feet crank, hips sway, and heads bob.” We recommend EJW if you like smooth electronica like Massive Attack or Caribou. “Hold On” is currently available for free download on Soundcloud. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264002319″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bones Garage – “The Run”

May 21, 2016

Surf-punx Bones Garage caught our attention by sounding a lot like something you’d hear blasting out of a West Side basement in Buffalo. With brash, echoey female vocals delivered over breakneck drums and unmistakable surf riffs, “The Run” sounds vintage and contemporary all at once. We particularly liked the chaotic background siren sounds that permeate the track. Bones Garage’s upcoming full-length, Massacre/Dance, is due out summer 2016. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263629274″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Young Mister – “Pasadena”

May 20, 2016

Young Mister is the moniker for Steven Fiore. Fiore has recently been freed from an old record deal which has given him a chance to spread his wings. His new-found freedom is encapsulated in a new track, “Pasadena” which sounds light, free, and slightly southern-tinged, almost like Manchester Orchestra or All Get Out mixed with Coldplay. “Pasadena” is about being torn between two coasts, a message delivered eloquently with vivid, relatable lyrics. Young Mister’s newest self-titled album is out now via Refresh Records. Check out the video for “Pasadena” below.    

Army of Bones – “Batteries”

May 20, 2016

Army of Bones sounds huge and powerful, we’ll just come right out and say it. The Brighton-based crew specializes in emotionally engaging music a la Foals, Imagine Dragons, or 30 Seconds to Mars. “Batteries” entered our inbox with a bang, flaunting an urgent sound, soaring vocals, and cavernous drums. Army of Bones’ latest release is the Batteries/River EP, which you can purchase here. Their next album is due out in January of 2017. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/185745051″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

The Junction – “City Nights”

May 19, 2016

If you’re a night owl, The Junction‘s new single, “City Nights” is sure to be up your alley. Drawing inspiration from the twilight hour, a time when most musicians feel most centered (a “mental calm” if you will), The Junction have created an understated indie tune with subtle funk and pop influences. “City Nights” uses vintage Casio tones and profound nighttime imagery to induce a gentle wave of nostalgia. Fans of Caribou or Four Tet might enjoy the subtle sounds of The Junction. The Junction is set to release their full-length, also titled City Nights, on October 21 via Toronto’s Culvert Music. You can pick up the song “City Nights” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261543805″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]