New Music

Cool Sounds – “Shake”

May 10, 2016

Jazz-gaze act Cool Sounds creates smooth, strangely nostalgic music. Hailing for Melbourne, the quartet’s new single, “Shake,” has us yearning for more. Cool Sounds switches seamlessly from breezy guitar-pop to somber, jazz-infused indie rock, driven by the band’s use of a breathy saxophone. Fans of Here We Go Magic, 1970’s jazz-pop, or The National would dig this. Cool Sounds’ debut LP is due out later this year, but in the meantime check out “Shake” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260936828″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Stranded Mermaid – “Lynx”

May 9, 2016

Stranded Mermaid are a Swedish band inspired by odd instruments, dreamy soundscapes, and percussive beats. “Lynx” immediately caught our ears for sounding primal, almost like a tribal chant. That shouldn’t be surprising, as SM’s latest release is titled Pagan Rituals I: Animal Worship. Their songs explore the instinctual relationship between human and animal characteristics. You can pick up Pagan Rituals I: Animal Worship from on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259810563″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

HALA – “Club Soda”

May 9, 2016

HALA‘s slacker rock game is strong. Incredibly strong. “Club Soda” is the first single from HALA’s upcoming release, written while isolated inside during a brutal Detroit winter. “Club Soda” is a love song, with lyrics such as, “You’re not my club soda, you’re my fancy wine.” Sure it’s a bit tongue and cheek (and yes, there are a few puns), but we think HALA’s intentions are pure. We also really like his song. HALA’s new album, Spoonfed, will be out on May 13th via Balaclava Records. Till then, enjoy the smooth VHS vid for “Club Soda” below or check out his discography here.  

Gold Spectacles – “Even”

May 9, 2016

Once the weather is nice all I want to do is listen to is pop, and London-based producers Gold Spectacles have just what I need. The duo’s latest single “Even” is a slice of dream-pop heaven, with gentle funk-y bass, heavy sample work, and baroque undertones. Don’t let the song’s lighthearted vibe deceive you, “Even” is all about obsession into delusion. Fans of Hess is More,  Black Light Dinner Party, or laid Passion Pit would be into Gold Spectacles. The pair’s debut EP Flaws and Vision is out at the end of the month via Specky Records, but in the mean time check out “Even” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258415361″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

THØSS – “The Meter”

May 8, 2016

UK’s THØSS just released “The Meter,” a bouncy explosion of soaring harmonies and sunny guitars. THØSS is just coming down from the high achieved with of his initial hit, “IWITW,” which amassed over 350,000 total plays. We think “The Meter” is destined for similar success. THØSS very well might be the architect of your song of the summer with they way he plays with start/stop rhythms, colorful melodies, and catchy falsetto delivery. RIYL Darwin Deez, Jukebox the Ghost, or Scissor Sisters. “The Meter” is the second song from THØSS’ upcoming release, Benchwarmer, due out later this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259976126″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Graveyard Club – “Nightcrawler”

May 8, 2016

Graveyard Club is a Minneapolis quartet who seem to be taken by all things occult. Beyond the haunting keyboards layered throughout their dark brand of synthpop lies an interest in sci-fi, 50s crooners, and 80s-style pop. “Nightcrawler” is the perfect amalgamation of these interests, having literally been recorded in a 19th century haunted mansion. One listen to “Nightcrawler” and you’ll begin to notice the gothic and romantic imagery worm its way into your ears. You can pick up “Nightcrawler” from Graveyard Club’s Bandcamp page here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/255748461″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ohms – “Changed My Face”

May 7, 2016

Blending together fast tempos, gritty feminist punk, and a tinge of sparkly glam, Melbourne’s Ohms are a visceral female-fronted punk experience. The quartet’s “Changed My Face” caught our attention earlier this week, taking note from other bands with fellow “I-don’t-effing-care” front-women like Courtney Love, Veruca Salt, or L7. “Changed My Face” is about using plastic surgery as a crutch to avoid dealing with deeper issues (here’s looking at you, MJ). Ohms’ newest untitled offering can be found here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257897813″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Leitbur – “I Need You”

May 7, 2016

LA’s Leitbur (pronounced light-brrr) is on a roll, producing perfect nu-80s synthpop. They recently released a stellar LP, Antique Travelers. Track three, “I Need You,” is a feel-good summer jam if there ever was one, combining retro beats, catchy synth lines, and a huge chorus. What’s more, the song is celebrating the duo’s upcoming marriage. Judging by “I Need You,” we think they’re starting off on the right foot. We think you’d like Leitbur if you’re a fan of Chvrches, M83, or any music released in the year 1984. You can pick up Antique Travelers here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258477489″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fellow Creatures – “Wouldn’t You Like To Know”

May 6, 2016

Somehow, the circuit-bending weirdos in Fellow Creatures have found a way to turn odd, lurching synths and pulsing guitars into something quite palatable and enjoyable. The Washington, DC quartet is adept at genre-blurring, focusing heavily on writing memorable melodies and pleasant harmonies without sacrificing any of their instrumental quirkiness. Fans of Yeasayer, City and Color, or Menomena would be pleased by Fellow Creatures’ antics. “Wouldn’t You Like To Know” has been turned into a music video which you can enjoy below. You can pick up their self-titled album, Fellow Creatures, on Bandcamp.

TORCHES – “Future”

May 6, 2016

TORCHES are a duo from LA that makes danceable indie pop tunes. They are inspired by a sentimental attachment to music in their past but driven by their dreams of the future. Not convinced? A listen to their most recent offering, “Future,” might change your mind. Mixed by Chandler Harrod (Best Coast, Local Natives) and mastered by Steve Fallone (The Strokes, TV on the Radio), “Future” has quite the pedigree. RIYL: Foster the People, Grouplove, or Phoenix. You can pick up “Future” on iTunes here.  [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258464843″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

LISHI – “Monster Kids”

May 5, 2016

In terms of haunting and mysterious noir-pop, LISHI is at the top of her game. LISHI is an anonymous project, combining both musical and visual experiences into something ethereal and beautiful. “Monster Kids” is her first effort, and finds the character accepting her faults and eventually coming to terms with them. We are particularly mesmerized by “Monster Kid’s” chorus, anchored down by a wonderful blue note. “Monster Kids” is currently available for free on LISHI’s Bandcamp page.

Capyac – “Speedracer”

May 5, 2016

Capyac creates funky, nu-disco tunes that are near impossible to resist. “Speedracer” is their infectious new single, a smooth jam that finds Capyac grooving on par with fellow electro-funkers Daft Punk. The duo more than accurately self-identifies as “balloonwave,” but in case you’re not familiar with that particular genre, fans of Justice, deadmau5, or dancing the night away might find solace in Capyac’s tunes. Capyac’s new album, Headlunge, will be out later this month on May 28th. Until then, you can buy “Speedracer” here.

MLE – “Moonlight Desires (ft. Walsh)”

May 4, 2016

It’s a slow morning over at blog HQ, but that’s not stopping us from pumping mood music. This morning’s mood is inspired by 80’s electro-pop cover jam, “Moonlight Desires,” originally by Canadian singer, Gowan. The cover is a collaboration between MLE (aka singer Emily Dunlap) and Walsh, an electro-producer. “Moonlight Desires” is all about wanting someone and the obsessiveness that takes over your mind. Enjoy the dark disco vibes below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257306082″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Julian Lamadrid – “Krule Love”

May 3, 2016

Naw this isn’t a King Krule premiere, but Krule definitely inspired this new track from whiz kid Julian Lamadrid. Born in Mexico, raised in UAE, and currently stationed in Dubai, JL blends smooth R&B and ambient synthpop on his tongue and cheek tracks. Lamadrid shamelessly delivers one-liners like “you got me harder than a Flintstone.” The song is actually about balancing life between the “sweet love” of your bros and the “Krule love” of your bae. You can pick up “Krule Love” on Bandcamp here, or watch the official music video below.

Database – “Nights Off ft. Tidal Caves”

May 3, 2016

Database’s latest collaboration with Tidal Caves is the sound of 11:34pm on a Saturday night. The track, “Nights Off” is an electro-pop gem, heavy with swaggerin’ psuedo-obnoxious talk-rap a la UFFY or a good Millionaires, with Kesha’s “whatever mentality” and 90’s house on the chorus. “Nights Off” can be found on of the forthcoming Database album Vivid Exposition. Give it a listen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/256715822″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]