New Music

These Dead Machines – “Phantoms”

November 18, 2024

Manchester alt rockers These Dead Machines have a new single that delivers quite the ear worm on the chorus. Formed out of the disintegration of 1000 Evils, These Dead Machines arose during the vast lockdowns the world saw with the outbreak of COVID-19. The new single “Phantoms” is about dealing with loss and the complexities that can arise from it. People make an impact on your life and shape you into who you are as a person or artist. Without these influences, would you really be who you are today? This could be true for the ending of a relationship or a permanent loss of a loved one. Regardless, that time spent together inspires and impacts your outlooks and outputs. Fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, or Royal Blood would be into this one. Check it out below. These Dead Machines · Phantoms

The Spyrals – “Dream Believin'”

November 18, 2024

“Dream Believin” is the new single from Echo Park psych rock act The Spyrals. The California-based trio has a bit of a vintage lo-fi sound that would have been easily on a mid-2010s Burger Records compilation. There is a beach-y vibe to this with some nods to some 70s classic rock jams. “Dream Believin'” is the lead single from the band’s latest effort, Retrograde, which has high expectations as the band’s last album, Same Old Line, eared positive praise from critics and fans alike. Check it out below and give Retrograde a full listen over on Spotify.

Bimbo – “XOXO”

November 18, 2024

Marquette-based sibling art rock duo, Bimbo, released a new track that romanticizes the lost art of writing a letter. The lyrics are inspired by the band’s deep appreciation for the patience and effort that communicating via the post takes. You can really sit on and thoroughly form an idea or feeling, and there is no “delete message” option once you send an message (or confession of love) to a recipient. Wearing your heart on your sleeve can be quite an intimidating act in the times of Snapchat and Vanish Mode. The band’s sound has a bit like a disjointed, math-y Emily Haines fronting Pavement vibe. Check it out and write a letter to your crush. BE BRAVE! Bimbology by Bimbo

Bug Day – “Cockroach Kid”

November 15, 2024

Buzzing Rochester art-rock act, Bug Day, released a video for their new single “Cockroach Kid” at the tail end of October. The video, shot by Shepherd Moon Studios, goes deep into the seedy underbelly of cocklepicking industry. For the uninformed, a cocklepicker (or cockleman) is a fisherman who catches cockles (duh), which is another word for a European clam. The sleeper bit on this video is band’s incessant usage of a twig as the microphone. Fans of Cloud Nothings, Microwave, or Sleeping Bag should give them a follow. The band is active outside of the Rochester area, so they may be coming to a town near you (or Buffalo).

Big Soap – “Steve Rogers”

November 15, 2024

Norfolk’s Big Soap goes all Captain America for the hook on his latest single, “Steve Rogers.” With a menacing patience to his flow – Soap details checks off the modern gangsta rap must dos, laying out his grand plans to stay on top of his opponents. “This ain’t a rap verse, this is a master thesis… but like ads on a free version you have to see this.” “Steve Rogers” features those Griselda-flavored adlibs that’ll get stuck in your head immediately after you hear them. You’ll also hear a bit of Cam’ron here with the effortless delivery and space between his bars. This track features a plodding boom bap beat to get your head nodding – add it to your driving around playlist today. “Big Soap’s SoundCloud is flooded with new tracks and if you’re a Spotify-heavy user you can check out more from his discography there too. Big Soap[...]

CAROLA x 7KY – “ABC”

November 14, 2024

A is for Afterparty. B is for Bougie. C if for Champagne Crazy. Keep this in mind for all the new parents that are sick of the antiquated apple, bird, cat lesson plans. “ABC” is the new collab between Brazilian up-and-coming producer Carola and 7ky. Already a familiar face in the nu-disco / EDM scene, Carola has received praise from many of the big players such as Sofi Tukker and David Guetta.  This track is simply infectious and quite dangerous to write about on a Thursday afternoon. Plan on calling out sick tomorrow and start your weekend early, or be honest and tell your boss you stayed up teaching the ABC’s.

Sugar Soap – “Talk”

November 14, 2024

East Coast Australia’s Sugar Soap dropped a new single last week that’s been pumping out of our office speakers all afternoon. The single” Talk” is an upbeat indie pop number that touches on being true to oneself in a hectic world. It’s a bit more of a reminder to take a step back and live in the moment. Remember the appreciate the simpler things in life, which seems fitting to many during these unknown times in across the globe. If you are a fan of The Drums, Surf Curse, or Dayglow, this single is up your alley.    

3am – “Have You Tried Turning it Off and Back On?”

November 14, 2024

Jangly midwest emo act 3am have released the anger-triggering single “Have You Tried Turning It Off and Back On?” If you’ve ever had to call a help line for customer service, then you are well-aware of this rage-inducing question. 3am is based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan and have been writing anxiety influenced tracks since 2020. Their latest single (I won’t say it) is super mathy and reminiscent of California Cousins, Del Paxton,  or Taking Meds.  Check it out.

Phantom Sugar – “Punch Drunk”

November 14, 2024

Bounce-y Canadian fuzz pop act Phantom Sugar dropped the first single off their new EP Habitual. Released on Rockasaurus Records, the single “PUNCH DRUNK” is a driving Strokes-esque diddy with a tad of an earnest home producer appeal. The video below begins with some prime summertime goofin’ which hits different on this chilly fall day. Fans of San Cisco or Middle Kids would like this upbeat track. Check it out below and check out the full EP over on Spotify.

Stripes – “So Fucked”

November 10, 2024

Featuring a truly apropos song for the times, “So Fucked” is the latest track and undiluted experience from Brooklyn four piece Stripes. We covered them characteristically fun track “Operation: No Hell” back in October.  And, well, kinda like then, we like we hear (seems so long ago)!   The entire track is a masterclass in pop punk tinged indie rock. Izzy MK rants, raves, and really showcases her impressive vocals throughout. The underpinnings of “So Fucked” are a sublime blend of guitar, drums, and a massively underappreciated bass line throughout with their characteristic raw, indie-rocking sound.   Pretty sure because the F word is so bad, my usual embed didn’t work for “So Fucked” below from YouTube (so just click on the link, sorry). You can also hear it over on Spotify, along with the rest of the previously mentioned “Operation: No Hell.”            

J.S. Mahlon – “Wasteland”

November 9, 2024

Synth intros always give me a good vibe and J.S. Mahlon‘s “Wasteland” brings it in spades and keeps the synth vibe alive throughout. No nonsense guitar plays really well together with the synth, for whatever reason (must be the contrast). This must be the season for indie folk because this is one of several iterations on the genre I’ve heard over the past couple weeks (none two the same and all embracing what makes them special; i.e. Mahlon’s synth in this track). This actually reminded me a lot of a band we’ve covered previously: Dragon Inn 3 (who also makes great use of their synthesizer). Mac DeMarco or MJ Lenderman fans would find a lot to enjoy here, as well as Adrianne Lenker (who apparently taught Mahlon some songwriting tips at a workshop she runs?). You can hear “Wasteland” below on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music; whatever floats your boat.

Bennett Heidelberger – “100usd”

November 9, 2024

Nashville based Bennett Heidelberger has a new track out called “100usd” which, at least to me, brings to mind a lot of different thoughts behind the meaning. In this case it’s a very mellow, guitar-forward folk track about being owed $100 (presumably US denomination). The longer I listened, it really seems to go deeper than that (possibly an emotional equivalent to $100). Heidelberger’s vocals are imbued with a lovely warmth that’s difficult to quantify but you can feel it. He ebbs and flows with the crescendo and decrescendo and each word feels soulful and heartfelt. Fans of Alex G, Elliot Smith, or Connor Oberst and his folksier ambitions would find a lot to enjoy, as well as anyone wanting a relaxing yet poignant track to chill out to. You can hear “100usd” below on YouTube or add it to your steady flow of indie folk from us on Spotify or[...]

onlydigitally – “dumb dog”

November 9, 2024

“dumb dog” is the latest from Houston based onlydigitally and the second time in two months that we’ve heard from the band (“old dog” being the first… do you think it’s about the same dog?) As per the band, the track itself “expands on the inner dialogue of a chronic overthinker.” I’m very jealous of this inner monologue, at least the instrumentals – fans of Slow Pulp or Phoebe Bridgers will find lots to dig into here… Expect gentle acoustic and pedal steel geetar aka that sighing, “country sound” you hear a lot but always forget what the name is. Everything else is pretty spot on with how an overthinker might sound in their head (ask me how I know).   You can hear “dumb dog” below from YouTube or you can add it to your folk tinged playlist on Spotify, or Apple Music. The rest of their Trackstar EP[...]

redesign larussell

Showrocka + Larussell + D Breezy – “Resign”

November 9, 2024

People say “Remember when” is the lowest form of conversation. Those people are no fun. Showrocka, LaRussell and D Breezy reminisce on the good ole days  on “Resign” – a cheery, celebratory hip hop single from the trio. “Resign” is feel good hip hop at its finest, with a ubiquitous and timeless flavor to it. Choppy vocal samples and arpeggios create a lane for Showrocka and LaRussell to talk about sipping good and counting money while fondly remembering about yesterday’s problems. Production has a feel that would be equally at home in the late 90s Gang Starr album or in the late 00s on a DatPiff Curren$y download – it’s easy on the ears and friendly to the headbob. The emcees represent both coasts well in their output – take a look at a Showrocka, LaRussell and D Breezy on Spotify.

Nicki Knightz – “Step With Me” ft. JoeJas

November 9, 2024

East London’s Nicki Knightz is in the crib with your lady on her effortlessly cool single, “Step With Me.” Shedding the pink balaclava, but flexing her signature husky delivery, Knightz kicks off this track with a swagger-filled opening verse that reiterates how well taken care of your girl is when she’s in the care of Knightz. Nicki rides a retro boom bap beat that perfectly accompanies the 90s alternative rap vibes given off with her style and aethsestic. The track features an assist from fellow Londoner JoeJas, who takes adds a bit of a sing-a-long element to the song’s hook. The Knighthood Society rapper has plenty more visuals and tracks in her back catalogue – take a deeper look on Spotify.