New Music

Plastic Picnic – “Nausea In Paradise”

June 6, 2016

Plastic Picnic really pulled out all the stops on this one. The Brooklyn-based band is actually a group of Seattle transplants, which explains a lot about their sound. On their new single, “Nausea in Paradise,” the band brought in Producer/Engineer Ted  Young (Sonic Youth, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Kurt Vile) to record. The result is an explosion of shimmering, 80’s influenced indie-punk. The song ends in an explosion of reverb and melody along the lines of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Wild Nothing, or Yuck. “Nausea In Paradise” is currently available for purchase on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260797810″ 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 Hazy Seas – “Kite Dodging”

June 6, 2016

The Hazy Seas are a spry quartet from the upper peninsula of Michigan. Their new song, “Kite Dodging,” is a tightly wound number about a 1980’s-era sport kite. The playful nature of the song is paired with a set of ominous lyrics, juxtaposed with what can only be described as upbeat, cheerful and chimey indie pop. Fans of Foals, Two Door Cinema Club, or The Wombats would surely enjoy The Hazy Seas. Be sure to snag a free download of “Kite Dodging” from The Hazy Seas’ Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262735730″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Smashing Lads – “Easier Said Than Done”

June 5, 2016

Smashing Lads is a group of English men who just don’t want to go to work anymore (and neither do we). Their new video for “Easier Said Than Done” tackles the simple, age-old question of: “Why the hell do I have to go to work today?” Despite the lyrical content, the song is charmingly upbeat, and this particular quartet’s sound is comparable to classic rock bands like The Beatles and The Kinks, wrapped in a contemporary Kaiser Cheifs vibe. “Easier Said Than Done” is Smashing Lads’ stellar debut single. Check out their website for more info here.  

Luke August – “One Heart”

June 5, 2016

Look out Miike Snow! Luke August is a  promising solo act from Perth who decided to take an electronic approach on his new song “One Heart.” The song is about an unfaithful relationship; the lyrical content compliments August’s yearning vocal approach. Textured synths flesh out the rest of the song, reminiscent of the aforementioned Miike Snow, Cut Copy, and the 1980s. “One Heart” can be purchased from Luke August’s Bandcamp page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265176225″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tigertown – “Lonely Cities”

June 5, 2016

Tigertown is a Sydney-based quartet whose Lonely Cities EP recently found its way into our inbox. We were more than pleasantly surprised with the title track and the snappy accompanying video. Tigertown has been picked up by prestigious tastemakers Neon Gold,  and for good reason. Their nimble brand of synth-pop is reminiscent of other pop giants like Of Monsters and Men, Icona Pop, or lablemate Charli XCX. You can pick up Tigertown’s new EP, Lonely Cities, via iTunes. Give the video for “Lonely Cities” a click below.  

Lost Coast – “This Is Water”

June 4, 2016

“This Is Water” is the result of having one foot planted firmly in the club and the other in melodic pop music. Lost Coast has created a sonic landscape with “This Is Water,” a track full of swelling, growing, ebbing, and flowing. The result is a track that is hard and driving while still remaining subtle and reflective. Fans of Lane 8 or HVOB would dig Lost Coast’s brand of house. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263365957″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lukr – “Fucked Up Summer”

June 4, 2016

Disclaimer: we’re about to let a few f-words loose. Nashville crooner Luke Foley (aka Lukr) is riding the waves of his new summer-themed banger, “Fucked Up Summer.” In the video for the new tune, we see the impressively-bearded Lukr splitting time between his music city hometown and the graffitti-laden neighborhood of Bushwick in Brooklyn. Lukr is chasing that big pop sound and “F*cked Up Summer” is incredibly pop-minded, highlighting Lukr’s quasi-rough, southern-tinged vocals with a set of fucked-up-romance style lyrics. Check out the vid for “Fucked Up Summer” below. If you and your SO are feeling the fucked up vibes, you can snag a free download from iamlukr.com.  

Novi Nov – “Thinkin’ Bout Ya”

June 1, 2016

Pop-rap, or rap produced with commercial intent is a relatively polarizing genre. Everybody has heard a joke about Pitbull or Flo Rida sucking (even though “My House” bangs). In that same vein though, it’s hard to ignore the catchiness and charisma that an artist like Fetty Wap carries with him on all those singles. Pittsburgh rapper Novi Nov comes from the world of one of the most commercially successful rappers of the last few years in Wiz Khalifa. Though he hasn’t reached that status, he’s churning out some simple, enjoyable rap tracks with memorable, sing-songy choruses to plant into listeners’ heads. His latest single “Thinkin’ Bout Ya” describes a lady who won’t escape Novi’s thoughts. The chorus is a ton of fun and Novi doesn’t hold back on verses, switching between rapid and melodic flows. Light-hearted, commercial music is often the most fun, and that’s what Novi goes for and[...]

partycat9000 & awkward island & bimyo – “Hyperdrive”

June 1, 2016

Talk about a slice of TRAP heaven! partycat9000, awkward island, and bimyo. all found each other over the internet (what a glorious time to be alive, right?). Their collective electronica skills turned into a fantastic collaboration titled “Hyperdrive,” a hyper catchy number full of synth swells and dubstep wobbles. Ironically, the album art to this futuristic sounding track is a screenshot of a long-outdated operating system. “Hyperdrive” is up for free download via partycat9000’s Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262821187″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

2ndly – “Ionic Wind”

June 1, 2016

2ndly is a post-EDM act out of NYC whose “Ionic Wind” gets us feeling pumped up. The lyricless track has a very cinematic feel, almost as if a hero is in his preparation montage, ready to take down the evil villain. Dramatic? Maybe on our part… But 2ndly’s dancewave is chill, and it reminds us of Justice, MSTRKRFT, or Daft Punk in the best way. You can pick up “Ionic Wind” on 2ndly’s Soundcloud page for free. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/253680744″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Go Periscope – “Solar Flares”

June 1, 2016

Seattle and Buffalo may be on the opposite sides of the country, but our brutal winters are surely the same. “Solar Flares” from Go Periscope is the result of a few, frigid indie rockers yearning for warmer days. As it turns out, blurring genres out of winter boredom can often result in excellent synth-pop. “Solar Flares” is a purposely sun-soaked dance song in the vein of Van She, The Knocks, or St. Lucia. “Solar Flares” is currently available via Go Periscope’s Soundcloud for free download. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261701776″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rokenri – “Sullied Tide”

May 29, 2016

Rokenri is a Brooklyn-based band whose laid-back aesthetic is both haunting and intriguing. Their song “Sullied Tide” caught our ears this week, and for good reason. The tune is about trying to relax despite knowing there is an insane amount of chaos happening in the world. Rokenri’s songs are uniquely composed, but if we had to compare them, we’d say that they have the chill vibe of a Real Estate song, the choppy math-rock sensibilities of Maps & Atlases, and a slight tinge of Fleet Foxes’ knack for harmonies. Rokenri’s debut full length, Donkey Donkey, is out now. Pick it up for $1 at their Bandcamp page.  

Swimming Tapes – “Set the Fire”

May 29, 2016

Swimming Tapes are a group of London newcomers making sun-drenched indie rock along the lines of Real Estate, The War on Drugs, or Smith Westerns. If our comparisons weren’t enough, “Set The Fire” sounds like woozy nonchalance on a summer day. Seeing as how this is only their second single, if Swimming Tapes continues on with this knack for writing reverb-drenched indie rock gold, their future will surely be bright. “Set The Fire” is out now via London’s Hand in Hive records. You can pick up the single on iTunes here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265473294″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sunday – “Waiting For You”

May 28, 2016

“Waiting For You” is Sunday‘s first cut, inspired by the heat of the Californian desert. In reality, Sunday is the brainchild of Aaron Shanahan who has spent half a decade performing and composing music. “Waiting For You” could be a subdued club hit – a skittering beat blooms into cascading synth arpeggios, breathy vocals, and a strong pop sensibility. Fans of Washed Out or M83 might find solace in the lush texture of Sunday’s music. You can pick up “Waiting For You” for free via Sunday’s Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264540604″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Crystal Shipsss – “Holly”

May 28, 2016

Crystal Shipsss is one of those bands that can mix bubblegum pop and weird, lo-fi indie and get away with it flawlessly. “Holly” is a breathy number reminiscent of Galaxie 500, Slowdive, or even Of Montreal. What’s more is that “Holly” is a high-quality bedroom recording which gives Crystal Shipsss an even deeper sense of oddness and loneliness. Crystal Shipsss’ latest release, Holly, is available exclusively on Bandcamp for a “pay what you want” rate. The album’s official release is June 10th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262847601″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]