Ski Mask The Slump God – OOGA BOOGA!
Hip-Hop's ultimate enigma, Ski Mask The Slump God, came through on Halloween with the ever so festive “OOGA BOOGA!” Listening to how Ski Mask floats over the instrumental is like watching your favorite cartoon character come out of the screen and start dancing in your...
Orchid Mantis – “I Could Live In Sleep”
Orchid Mantis is back with another dreamy bedroom-pop soundscape - we'd say they've accomplished their mission statement of combining pop songwriting with ambient field recording on this latest offering, "I Could Live In Sleep." With a tight, neurotic beat propelling...
Small Town Sci-Fi – “Couldn’t Talk Right”
There's something delightfully quirky about the latest jam from Small Town Sci-Fi - "Couldn't Talk Right" is a mile-a-minute exclamation of mental health issues, pain, and an eclectic sincerity that can only come from a song this personal. It's done up in a warm,...
Dream Prescription – “Status Quo”
Dream Prescription are a NYC-based duo that craft a unique blend of synth-pop and post-punk; we think you should start with their latest song, "Status Quo." Between the laser precision of their icy synth stabs and and obvious ear for melody, "Status Quo" sounds like...
GRLwood – “Keep It Average”
Louisville, KY-based act GRLwood get anxious and raucous on their latest offering, "Keep It Average." With a gut-wrenching howl, singer Rej Forester teams up with the thundering drums from drummer Mia Morris for this soul-searching indie rocker. The duo uses their...
Seven Layer Piano Cakes – “Holy Water”
Seven Layer Piano Cakes is the alter ego of Justin Hoyt, a musician and college professor (!) whose latest offering, "Holy Water," caught our ears. In line with his gothy-meets-pop-punk disposition, "Holy Water" is a song about the apocalypse. When you're discussing...
Altalune – “October”
Altalune gets introspective on their latest offering, "October." Pairing gentle vocals with twinkling guitar and a heartfelt lyrical subject is never a bad formula, and Altalune executes it to perfection here. It's a warm, but somber affair - the whole song goes down...
Dead Patrons – “Lover”
Are South East London act Dead Patrons heavy, pretty, or pretty heavy? It's probably some combination of the three, but we digress - their latest offering, "Lover," is our latest recommendation. Built around a roiling tom beat; noisy, wall-of-sound guitar theatrics,...
Kevin Dorff – “Family Friend”
Iowan musician Kevin Dorff knows how to tell a story - he sucked us deep into the narrative of his latest offering, "Family Friend." Bringing to mind the endearing indie/emo of Front Bottoms; Modern Baseball; and Slaughter Beach, Dog with a hint of folksy Americana...
Kai Bosch – “Title”
London's Kai Bosch knows a thing or two about heartbreak and he evokes that brutal feeling in the alt-pop of his latest offering, "Title." Channeling his love for Lorde, Kai pairs a dark, dancy beat with his devastating lyrics for truly poignant results. Kai has a...
Merchant – “Feel Nice”
If you're in a bit of a rut and you need a tune to pull you out of your blues, you can always count on Merchant to lift your spirits. "Feel Nice" is the archetypal feel-good song - it's full of chirping birds, squiggly synths, and enough la-la-las to feel like you...
Kod!e – Cycle of Man
On October 1st, 2002, an artist named Kod!e was born into a life of makeshift homes & painstaking anxiety. To celebrate making it 20 years through this journey of life he calls the Cycle of Man, Kod!e decided to drop a 13 track album titled just that on his...
Brother Swan – “Spill”
LA-based crew Brother Swan hit us with the dizzying indie rock of "Spill" and we haven't been the same since. Spiraling guitars are the name of the game here, setting the groundwork for acrobatic basslines; passionate vocals; and a blistering tempo. Brother Swan fall...
Sweet Tempest – “Over Them Hills”
Every now and then a synth-based ballad comes and sweeps us off our feat - such is the case with Sweet Tempest and their latest single, "Over Them Hills." The Copenhagen-based duo harmonize over a crunchy synth backbone, singing about (what else) love and how profound...
mon cher – “What A Shame”
Denver's mon cher keeps it deceptively simple on her latest indie rocker, "What A Shame." Dark, rhythmic, and almost creepy, "Shame" channels the sassy energy of Yeah Yeah Yeahs with the added bonus of the I-don't-give-a-fuck attitude of Wet Leg. Chiming guitars,...
Leanna Firestone – “You Just Didn’t Like Me That Much”
Leanna Firestone is suspiciously logical on her latest offering, the effervescent "You Just Didn't Like Me That Much." In a cadence reminiscent of acts like Modern Baseball or The Front Bottoms, Leanna calmly lists all the different reasons (or rather, just one) that...
Blue Lupin – “Surface of the Sun”
Here's a nice, grungy one from UK-based act Blue Lupin. Chock full of perfectly washy guitar energy, "Surface of the Sun" brings to mind shoegaze-y acts like Pity Sex and Smashing Pumpkins while also channeling more dreamy acts like Japanese Breakfast or The Japanese...
moshimoshi – “Soon”
Here's a barnburner all the way from Finland - moshimoshi reached out to us with the unbridled energy of "Soon" and we were immediately melted by it's overwhelming urgency. Pair the throat-shredding screams of a band like Refused with your favorite math rock band...
elison – “Fruit Flies”
You don't always expect intimate indietronica to come out of Iowa, but elison are here to show you a thing or two about assuming. "Fruit Flies" feels like a warm hug - a buzzy, understated single that brings to mind 90s slowcore acts like Mazzy Star while...
LAPÊCHE – “Slight”
Here's a fun indie rocker from Brooklyn-based act LAPÊCHE - "Slight" is a guitar-driven song flush with a shuffling drumbeat and lilting vocals from singer and guitarist Krista Diem. The band clearly has a gift for melody, packing every inch of "Slight" with melodies...
Pasha X Coucheron – “Gold Chain”
I personally have never felt the primal urge to headbang anymore than the first five seconds into “Gold Chain” by Pasha X Coucheron. Introducing a club song so refreshing it’ll make the introverts feel like extroverts and the extroverts feel like dancing deities for...
dani mack – “Light on the Corner”
Dani Mack unexpectedly calms it down on this gently-strummed, folksy tune she's calling "Light On The Corner." Converse to the crunchy guitars found on her previous single, "Fleabag," "Corner" is a heartfelt and intimate approach that shows off Dani's more sentimental...
Kent Odessa – “Neighbors (feat. Jackson Reese)”
"Neighbors" by Kent Odessa & Jackson Reese was a breath of fresh air for the industry as a whole. Kent Odessa's vocals gave my ears a melodic high they haven't experienced in a while. Jackson Reese's innovative flows and casually rebellious delivery gives the...
Joe McGuire – “Build A House”
There's something down-home and familiar about the newest single from Joe McGuire... Now that we think of it, "Build A House" is surprisingly twangy considering the musician proudly calls Chicago his home. You can expect a chiming acoustic guitar; a deliciously warbly...
Sea Glass x Benét – “(I have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One”
Sea Glass and Benét teamed up for this plucky and dreamy offering they're calling "(I Have Jokes) If You Wanna Hear One." Built around a delay-driven guitar, "Wanna" sounds like a daydream haze, full of airy melodies and lackadaisical lyrics that make you feel like...
Eye Tiger – “Touchdown”
Chicago-based act Eye Tiger specializes in synth-driven, lo-fi indie rock and they caught our ears with their latest track, "Touchdown." Upon first listen, you'll be drawn to the gothy, 80s-post-punk-influenced vocal delivery, but upon further listening, you'll start...
Kraków Loves Adana – “When The Storm Comes (feat. Ruth Radelet & Adam Miller)”
Checking back in with our German friends in Kraków Loves Adana, this time on their gothy, dreamy new single "When The Storm Comes." They've teamed up with even MORE friends, Ruth Radelet & Adam Miller (formerly of Chromatics), to create this lovely tune. The song...
The Mobros – “SSO”
Camden, SC-based act The Mobros bring a raucous indie rocking energy to their latest single "SSO." This duo of brothers brings a unique blend of straight-up indie rock mixed with elements of pop songwriting and blissed-out psychedelia that perfectly compliments the...
Myles Smith (feat. Hex) – “alone.”
Through unforgivingly vulnerable vocals, the love-stricken Myles Smith speaks to those who grow stale in their room for days on end. With ever-so-delicate delivery, the London singer offers a shoulder to lean on whenever you feel “alone.” As we move closer to winter,...
Pohgoh – “Over/Under”
ICYMI, Florida-based Pohgoh's been on a bit of a hot streak lately (see our previous features of both "Hammer" and "Weeds"). Like "Hammer" and "Weeds" before it, "Over/Under" carries on the storied tradition of mid-to-late 90s emo - think heartfelt vocals; punchy...
The Moonjacks – “Wack”
Put a surfy pep in your step with the latest song from Californian act The Moonjacks. You can absolutely hear the California lifestyle beaming through every inch of "Wack" - between the stabby guitar work; punchy drum theatrics; and rowdy vocal presence, this song may...
Homes At Night – “Wasted On You”
Indiemo duo Homes At Night hit us right where it hurts on their latest jam, "Wasted On You." The emotion really pours out of this track, bringing to mind thoughts of fresh breakups; forlorn love; and drinking too much in the afternoon. Spitty guitars, passionate...
Herbert Walker – “Holesome”
If you're just looking to vibe out after a long day, we suggest the latest jam from Phoenix-based act Herbert Walker. The gently-delayed guitar chords that start the song set a perfect course for the rest of this tune to unfold - between the dreamily baritone vocals,...
Spring Suit – “Fear”
"Fear" by Spring Suit is one of those songs so utterly unique, it's hard to put into words how much we like it. Between the otherworldly arpeggiated opening; the soaring vocals; and the noisy indie rock (if you could call it that) underneath, "Fear" accesses a deep...
Melby – “Other Nations”
Stockholm-based quartet Melby are poised to jangle their way into your hearts with the charming indie-pop of their latest single, "Other Nations." Immediately, a swirling guitar lead caught our ears, laying perfectly overtop a punctuated chord progression. Along the...
Stone Beach – “Everything Expensive”
Canadian act Stone Beach are here with the dance-punk greatness of their latest single, "Everything Expensive." The quartet crafted something squiggly-but-danceable here on "Everything Expensive" - with it's thumping bass presence and swimmy guitar stabs, "EE" feels...
Goldhaus – “Fell”
Brooklyn-based electropop duo Goldhaus are here to get you moving, dancefloor or not. "Fell" is their latest jam, a synthed-out stomp tailor-made for the club... But we're over here listening casually because it's just that good. Expect a thumping beat, catchy...
Tasche & the Psychedelic Roses – “Dying Art”
Tasche & the Psychedelic Roses hit us up with their new single, "Dying Art" and we were immediately drawn to its whimsical vibe. With jaunty guitars, silky harmonies, and a retro sensibility that never sounds dated, Tasche & co. whip up a magical brew of...
Jack Moody x Modern Aerobics – “TELEPHONIC”
Here's another banger from Jack Moody (as Modern Aerobics). "TELEPHONIC" speaks for itself - with its neurotic Casio-keyboard beat and urgent guitar strumming, it brings to mind gothy 80s post-punk acts while still keeping a 2022 bedroom-pop aesthetic. It even has an...
Jack Vamp & The Castle of Creep – “On The Run”
Belgian wunderkind Arthur Boussiron is the voice you hear on the latest Jack Vamp & The Castle of Creep single, "On The Run." With the brattiness of Parquet Courts mixed with a bit of post-punk and new wave influence, "On The Run" sounds like a fuzzed-out...
Troy Braunstein – “Hypocritical Complaints”
Troy Braunstein is about to jangle his way into your heart with the dulcet tones of his latest single, "Hypocritical Complaints." Combining retro elements from the 70s punk and rock-n-roll with a modern-day garage rock sensibility, he has created something unabashedly...
Pet Snake – “Jacket”
Liverpool-based act Pet Snake (aka songwriter Evelyn Halls) finally struck out on her own and happened to create something magical. "Jacket" is her latest offering, a song that pairs influences ranging from folk; to bedroom-pop; to alternative music. Utilizing a...
Sylvia – “Fold Imaginary”
We couldn't help but love this "shy-gaze" (their words, not ours) from Australia's Sylvia. Recorded in a literal storage container (where the band practices), "Fold Imaginary" has all the elements of a captivating live performance in an actually listenable package....
Vibropath – “Overboard”
Here's a cool one from Rochester-based act Vibropath - they sent over the bedroom-pop glory of "Overboard" and we loved it immediately. With a warm, vinyl-record production to the track, Vibropath makes use of plucky guitars, Casio-keyboard drums, and an endearing...
Ari Abdul – “Hush”
20-year-old rising star Ari Abdul is crushing it in the alt-pop world - if you still aren't on the wagon, we recommend starting with her latest song, "Hush." Between Ari's omni-relatable lyrics and the song's dark-pop propulsion, "Hush" slinks through your speakers...
Tinted House – “She’s So Nice”
Dresden-based quintet Tinted House hit our inboxes with the golf-themed video for "She's So Nice" and we were immediately charmed. Between the woofy bass tone and the vintage-sounding synth splashes, this one has enough spunky indie rock energy to please fans across...
Yes We Mystic – “Head Rush”
There's something utterly urgent about the latest offering from Yes We Mystic. Full of spiraling guitars; string arrangements; synthetic bass; and a passionate vocal performance, "Head Rush" walks the line between euphoria and uneasiness. It's a dense and emotional...
Kendra Checketts – “Kinda, Sorta”
San Diego native Kendra Checketts hit us up with the fresh-faced pop of her latest offering, "Kinda, Sorta." The song is about the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling about feeling like you might mess up a first date (think lines like "But I maybe, kinda, almost sorta...
Joe McCarthy & The Faders – “Can’t Trust Myself”
If you're in the mood for a Springsteen-esque jammer, we recommend the latest from Joe McCarthy & The Faders, a song called "Can't Trust Myself." This song has all the hallmarks of middle America - a twinkling piano; splashes of synth; workhorse guitars; and a...
I Was A King – “Lo Pressure”
All the way from Norway, indie-poppers I Was A King blessed us with this jangly good time they've named "Lo Pressure." Bringing to mind indie pop greats from the 00s (think Belle and Sebastian, Shout Out Louds, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!), "Pressure" builds upon a...