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deer scout – “sad boy”

June 17, 2017

deer scout leaves a bright mark on the Philly DIY scene with fluorescent blue lipstick and homey imagery in the video for her single “sad boy.” Lamenting existential woes that are sharply specific but commonly felt, Dena Miller brings a light and shiny quality to her music with whimsical electronic elements and buoyant guitar lines. The song provides a narrative to moody, artsy college boys sulking their way through young adulthood with a 40 in hand, and captures it all on film with stunning luminosity. Drawing parallels to big indie acts like Girlpool and Waxahatchee, “sad boy” signals a promising future for deer scout. This track has a sweet, addictive quality, so feel free to hit replay as we anxiously await another release.

Creature Camp – “Psychic Waves”

June 16, 2017

Alabama’s Creature Camp jolt us to life with their energetic track “Psychic Waves.” With the help of producer Daniel Farris (St. Vincent, Polyphonic Spree) the foursome infuse bright synthpop into their alt-rock foundation, creating an electrifying anthem for the masses. Sighting inspiration from artists like LCD Soundsystem and Joy Division, it’s easy to see where their rock-fueled intensity originates from. Tune into their video for “Psychic Waves” below and prepare to be swept away in the polychromatic zeal of it all.

Ryan Laetari – “Brand New Baby”

June 16, 2017

Channeling laid back vibes à la Mac Demarco, Wichita native Ryan Laetari touches on the follies of young love in his track “Brand New Baby.” Featuring zinging stereo guitar lines, mellow vocals, and a walking bassline to bring it all home, this track gives a nod to its writer’s Midwest origins while nudging into lo-fi indie rock territory. The song comes to us from Laetari’s latest album A Thousand Days, released May 13th. Find more of his easy breezy jams here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/322446196″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Swears – “Halos in Hell”

June 15, 2017

Twangy indie rock quartet New Swears set the soundtrack for shooting the summer breeze with their track “Halos in Hell.” The single hits the ground running with rustic rhythm guitars, hearty vocal harmonies, and strategic tape manipulation, bringing a taste of folksy comfort from up north in Ottawa. With a campy energy that’s guaranteed to lift spirits, we’re eager for more. Luckily, the wait won’t be for long with the release of the band’s debut LP And The Magic Of Horses, out June 23rd on Dine Alone Records.

MADELIN – “Pinnacle”

June 13, 2017

Brooklyn transplant Madeline Mondrala draws up triumphant synthpop under the name MADELIN. Her latest single “Pinnacle” is a prime example of this, combining vibrant synth lines with playful brass and cavernous drum tracks. Joining the prodigious list of musical SUNY Purchase alum, MADELIN set to work under the pseudonym that would produce a premiere EP, five music videos, and now an upcoming album. “Pinnacle” speaks on a sense of jarring nostalgia after revisiting a pivotal place. Mondrala continues, “It’s about that feeling of bliss when you’re at the peak of a beautiful experience, when time seems infinite. The moment on a rollercoaster right before the drop. When you look back it’s just a blip. Barely there. As meaningful and perfect as it is fleeting.” Join MADELIN on her ride below, and find the rest of her self-titled EP where all things are streamed. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/321776563″ 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 Plastic Faction – “Falter”

June 7, 2017

Fresh off the press, Albany’s pop punk pride and joy The Plastic Faction releases another gem from their upcoming LP, Trinket. In just over 2 minutes, “Falter” hits the ground running with captivating harmonies, meandering guitar lines, and salient electronic elements. There’s very little this band can’t do, encapsulating a sweet acoustic lament, an electropop banger, and an emo rock anthem over the course of a single song. If this is any indication of what’s to come, you won’t want to miss the rest of the album, set for release on June 22nd via Newlywed Records. Until then, head over to The Plastic Faction’s bandcamp to ride out the wait.

Surrender Signal – “Tired”

June 5, 2017

Fuzz rock collective Surrender Signal sends some sleepy sludge our way with their track “Tired.” The Denver based trio have an affinity for experimental meters and a dynamic range, and we get a taste of that throughout this single. “Tired” hits a unique contrast through hearty drumset work and rampant guitars coated in distortion, while listless vocals croon on overhead. The effect is a slow-burning ember, hooking you in from the start but never reaching overwhelming intensity. This track appears at the forefront of the band’s 9-track album Landgrab, released this past spring. Head over to Surrender Signal’s soundcloud for more fiery goodness. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319513479″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bleach Dream – “Fifth & Mainview”

June 3, 2017

Melbourne dream pop duo Bleach Dream sets the season aglow with their song “Fifth & Mainview.” After bonding over a love of music, friends Marty Greensill and Dave O’Kane combined their efforts to pursue the musical effigy they’d always dreamed of. Inspired by artists like The Cure, Wild Nothing, and DIIV, the two gradually honed in on their sound, using spare weekends to construct their album. Debut track “Fifth & Mainview” is pure wistfulness, wrapped up in hazy vocals, echoing guitars, and a prevailing bass line to convey a desire to be elsewhere. This is the first single off of Bleach Dream’s upcoming debut album Saudade, out later this month. Until then, hang in there with “Fifth & Mainview” below as we count the days. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/322263517″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Barack – “Lines”

June 3, 2017

European experimental folk artist Lorenzo Clerici has the kind of voice that takes you back to a softer, simpler time. Under the pseudonym Barack, he conjures up soaring melodies with delicate instrumentation. Barack’s latest single “Last” is no exception, funneling in saccharine falsetto with rolling acoustic guitar that grows in intensity. Somewhere on the emo-folk spectrum between Sufjan Stevens and Told Slant, this track is a refreshing sip of serenity with a bit of a bite, and he seems to have hit the sweet spot. Check out the video for “Lines” below for a more immersive experience, and be on the look out for Barack’s upcoming full-length album.

Dang Clēts – “Lines”

June 2, 2017

Dang Clēts find us at that sweet transition from spring to summer with their new single, “Lines.” The trio seems to siphon breezy rays of sunshine right into the track, highlighting velvety falsetto, golden guitar lines, and sparkling synths, all tied together with a light groove. This is feel good alt rock at its finest, marrying the laidback vibes of Beach Fossils with the neat and tidy refinery of Ra Ra Riot. It’s easy to see this isn’t their first rodeo. The band formed in 2013 at Tufts University where they cultivated their sound, and are making a resurgence with a debut single under their new moniker Dang Clēts. If “Lines” is any indication of what’s to come, we’re hoping for a speedy follow up. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315749948″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Beachwood Coyotes – “Face to Face”

June 2, 2017

L.A. quartet Beachwood Coyotes has quite a unique story of how they came to be. After a trippy midnight experience involving coyotes on the outskirts of Hollywood, lead singer Jason Nott found his musical muse. Known for their infectious brand of indie rock, the band is currently preparing for their upcoming EP with the release of their single “Face to Face.” Centering on sunny topics as stashing negativity for growth, this track acknowledges challenges while choosing to rise above. Right from the start the melody swoops in, accompanied tasteful harmonies, luminous guitar lines, and relentless percussion. If you’re hungry for more, be sure to check out their EP Scrubby, out later this summer. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319314159″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

isle&fever – “Keep Workin”

June 2, 2017

L.A. duo isle&fever funnel feel-good vibes through an energetic beat in their track “Keep Workin.” The band has made their mark on the Echo Park scene as a funk-fueled basement enterprise, blending vintage instrumentals with buoyant electronic elements. Members Donald Eley and Tiger Smith chalk up their inspiration to the hearty grooves of the 70’s and 80’s, while venturing into the new soundscapes of today. With the first of three single releases of the summer, isle&fever is gearing up for their upcoming debut EP, to be released later this year. Get your first taste with “Keep Workin” below.

Beauty Sleep – “All In”

June 1, 2017

Belfast’s latest indie pop sensation, Beauty Sleep, jolts us from our weekday slumber with their track “All In.” The song wades through deep currents of synth, where echoing percussion, shiny keys and astral guitar lines swoop in to pack a punch. The trio shows off their ability to captivate with a hook-ridden melody that doesn’t let up, supported by layers of instrumentation that swell overhead just to calmly settle back in. “All In” is at the forefront of the band’s upcoming debut EP Nature Will Eat Me, set for release this summer. With Beauty Sleep already attracting notice from notable sources like BBC Radio, this is definitely a band you don’t want to sleep on. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/323042454″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Wingtips – “Last Minute”

June 1, 2017

In lieu of the approaching millennium and all of its uncertainties, Chicago’s Wingtips draw up a pastel goth rager for the ages in the video for their track “Last Minute.” The plot centers on the unavoidable cyborg takeover and a teenage, hormone-fueled dash to live it up as if there’s no tomorrow. Triumphant waves of 80’s synthpop set the scene with the band front and center, keeping the party alive. It’s all very energetic, playful, and a little spooky, reminiscing an age that the duo was too young to partake in. Their sound revels in souped up synths, waves of guitar, and expressive vocals, all while sporting a soft grunge-meets-Tim-Burton aesthetic. If you, too, can’t get enough of Wingtips, be sure to check out their latest EP GREYAREA, available on Feeltrip Records on limited edition cassette.

Linn Koch-Emmery – “Forever Sounds”

May 30, 2017

Faintly melancholic, Linn Koch-Emmery’s single “Forever Sounds” taps into human nature’s nearsightedness over a bedrock of driving guitars and pounding percussion. Cheery pop melodies give the track a sense of buoyancy, while the lyrics are wrapped up in the all-encompassing present. “Forever Sounds” is the premiere single off Koch-Emmery’s debut EP, and sets the tone for HAIM-meets-Courtney Barnett-like breezy, rock-centered vibes. There’s a slow burning element to it; a deep intensity that can be masked by a chirpy chorus or spirited drum beat. But this track shows it can do both, bringing the heat with emotional depth and still sounding anthemically upbeat. Stay tuned for more alt rock vitality on Linn Koch-Emmery’s upcoming EP, out via Welfare Sound & Records later this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/324480151″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]