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D-Pulse – “Anna”

Russian electropop dreamers D-Pulse channel fluid ambience in their track “Anna.” The song captures all that is soothing while encapsulating funk, gradually adding distinct motifs and building melodically until the song’s eventual distortion-laden finale. “Anna” is the second single from the band’s upcoming album and really takes advantage of the dynamic and evolutionary abilities of electronic production. It’s gentle and mystical, but manages to continually add a new element of intrigue, be it a rhythmic bass line, an angelic synth melody, or a striking guitar solo. Take in the video for “Anna” below, and catch D-Pulse’s sophomore album Serpentine out now as of April 7th.

Ojai – “All I Can Ask”

Frontman Michael Hulstein’s solo project Ojai has morphed into a full-band endeavor, further reinforced by the release of “All I Can Ask,” the first single from the band’s upcoming LP On The Mend. It’s a valiant take on sleepy indie rock, with lackadaisical vocals, bright chord progressions, and shimmery drum lines. With all the makings of lazy day in the sun, this track comes just in time for the turn of the seasons. More from Ojai can be found on Spotify, and be sure to check out the new album scheduled for release on May 5th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311461595″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ISOMERS – “Entropy”

Vancouver’s ISOMERS brings the subtlety of indie/alternative to synth-intensive electropop in his latest single “Entropy.” As composer/producer/musician Ian Somers’ brainchild, ISOMERS’ tracks seem to hold on to a genuine and heartfelt quality that can sometimes get lost in intensely electronic settings. His tracks often feature friendly collaborations and this track is no exception, including backup vocals from Natasha Thursk of Catlow and Kurt Dahle of The New Pornographers, and Michael Hardy on synths. “Entropy” is the fourth single from ISOMERS, and promises to bring a sense of smooth destruction, as the track is so aptly named for. Take it for a spin below.

Alice Ivy – “Get Me A Drink (ft. E^st & Charlie Threads)”

It’s always refreshing to see more women producers get recognition for their work in a fairly male-dominated sector. On that note, we’re incredibly excited to delve into Melbourne artist/producer Alice Ivy’s track “Get Me A Drink (ft. E^st & Charlie Threads.)” It’s a hypnotic electronic experiment with striking effects, consuming synths, and intensely low-key vocals, featuring a dynamic collaboration with Melbourne rapper Charlie Threads. Alice Ivy has been making her way touring around the world, including the US and Singapore, and is on track for another brief North American tour before settling down to finish her debut album, to be released this year. Until then, dive into “Get Me A Drink” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311418233″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Safe To Swim – “Struggling”

UK band Safe To Swim delivers a much needed dose of fuzzy alt-rock with their latest track “Struggling.” There’s a distinct edge to the song’s winning melodies, featuring lyrics that cut to the core. Frontman Jim Filippides reveals “’Struggling”’ is about a relationship I was in where we were constantly trying our hardest to keep up with each other and fit in with the crowd. We thought it was doing no harm at first but we eventually realised that our hard efforts were only bringing more misery and issues into our lives.” Undoubtedly a song that hits home. Safe To Swim has been keeping busy pouring the equivalent of blood, sweat, and tears into creating new material, set to make an appearance later this year. Hone in on some of their hard work below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310295873″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cigarettes After Sex – “Apocalypse”

Brooklyn’s Cigarettes After Sex are back with their latest single “Apocalypse,” off their upcoming self-titled LP. The brooding, gentle stylings of the band, fronted by songwriter Greg Gonzalez, lend an ear to their dreamy imagery and soothing instrumentation. Influenced by the likes of Trinity Session, Red House Painters and Cocteau Twins, Cigarettes After Sex brand themselves as true romantics with a hint of moody indifference that leaves you craving more. Find more like “Apocalypse” on their bandcamp, and look for the new album out June 9th via Partisan Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/313439212″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: The Traditional

Buffalo’s own The Traditional are back on home turf in honor of their latest album release. The band is celebrated as an angst-ridden, emo alt-rock ray of hope for the Western NY music scene, honing in on an organic, authentic sound that’s often hard to come by. The trio holds true to the ideal of producing genuine, soul-bearing music for anyone willing to listen, and their hardworking, grassroots mentality shows. With a sound similar to The Used, Brand New, and The Wonder Years, The Traditional pride themselves on having many influences but holding true to their very own unique sound. This band has a reputation for creating energetic, raw, and honest material, and their live performances are no exception. In honor of the March 17th release of their latest EP The Queen of Heaven, The Traditional have decided to lend their time and talents at The Waiting Room this Saturday[...]

Hills – “Desert Driver”

In a whirlwind of ambient instrumentation and ethereal vocal harmonies, Austin’s folk-rock solo project Hills sings the modern western blues in his single “Desert Driver.” Hills’ Aaron Zachary takes influence from a variety of sources, including country, rock, folk, and the occasional sludge metal. The song hones in on the sharp lyricism and emphasis on storytelling that is so often associated with folk, while spicing things up with subdued synths and a bone-rattling guitar solo. Affectionately referred to as “bootgaze” the music of Hills draws up a unique concoction of alternative and folk, resulting in some dreamy desert pop. Take the genre for a spin with “Desert Driver” below, and keep your eyes peeled for a debut album, out this May. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312413960″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DANSU – “LOST IN THE CITY”

Bubbly indie electropop act DANSU bridges the global divide in the video for their single “LOST IN THE CITY.” The Amsterdam trio have an established influence in Japan, and are caravanning their vitalizing melodies from Western Europe across the Atlantic. Drawing ties to indie pop pros like Ra Ra Riot and Dresses, DANSU brings an electric energy similar to waking up to the sun. The video features a metropolitan love story of self discovery, while highlighting the hustle and bustle of city life in Tokyo. Take in the video below, and stay tuned for more from DANSU as they blaze their trail to North America.

Jay Pray – “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything)”

Following the March 3rd release of his debut full-length album, Jay Pray projects some colorful synthpop onto the small screen in his video for the track “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything.)” In an energetic exploration of the sensual and the mundane, Jay Pray takes everyday indie-pop and cranks it up three notches, swimming in all-encompassing synths, crooning vocals, and a commanding guitar solo. This is the kind of song that sucks you in, all too willingly. For more from Jay Pray, delve into his self titled album and experience the visual experience of “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything.)” below.

dreamcatchr – “Plans”

Seattle’s indie rock 5-piece dreamcatchr takes us on an intensifying and energetic adventure in their track “Plans.” The group, founded by guitarist Raven MacDaniels as an initial songwriting venture, has morphed into a full-fledged alt-rock band carving their name throughout the Pacific Northwest. “Plans” artistically plays with texture and tempo, revving up to speed with sunny guitar lines and expressively layered vocals, just to gently trail off into measured sense of finality. This song hovers at the forefront of the band’s recent sophomore EP Do Dog Ghosts Exist? released March 17th. Dive into dreamcatchr below for some exciting and strategic indie rock. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307970448″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bantug – “Just Like A Dream”

Indie-pop solo act Bantug delivers soaring melodies in a soft electronic setting via her latest single “Just Like A Dream.” Off of her recent March 31st EP release, Bantug brings a bright and enticing perspective to topics that stand the test of time. Having a background in psychology allows her to explore a variety of subject matter from anxiety to dreams, tying the whole package together with candy-coated vocals, driving guitar lines, and celestial synth work. Explore Bantug’s fresh pop perspective in “Just Like A Dream,” and be sure to check out her new EP Blue for more, catchy goodness. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315339958″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lynette Williams – “Au Revoir”

In a unique bend of folk and jazz influences, singer-songwriter Lynette Williams crafts a haunting ballad of complex emotions in her song “Au Revoir.” Blurring verses and chorus between English and French, Williams allows for a direct look into her past, as if being watched on a dim, black and white screen. Written and produced in her living room, she creates at once an honest account and a striking brand of storytelling. Everything about “Au Revoir” and recent EP Love Thee, Not Chaos is entirely her, making it all the more soul-bearing and raw. Delve into all that is Lynette Williams below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297986714″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bent Denim – “Miss You, Kid”

Sleepy ‘NyQuil pop’ duo Bent Denim patents the soundtrack to your next lucid dream with their latest track “Miss You, Kid.” The song feels subtly out of focus, surrounded in a cloudy fog of murmured vocals, faint synths, and haunting harmonies, all while smooth guitar lines and understated percussion keep it all anchored to reality. There’s a sort of intimacy and realness to the thoughtful sluggishness, like slowly sinking into something warm and comfortable. If you like what you’re hearing, hang in there for the April release of their EP Diamond Jubilee and allow Bent Denim to soothe away all your springtime worries. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310937967″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DYAN – “What Fiction Is For”

Indie pop trio DYAN hits hard with the first release since last summer’s debut album with single “What Fiction Is For.” The song is a buoyant cocoon of synth, reverberating vocals, and cushy drum hits, later adding a bit of an edge with cutting, distorted guitar lines. It covers a unique combination of light and dark, heavy and soft, sweet and bitter. There’s a real sense of natural down-to-earth instrumentation, paired well with hints of electronica. Find more of DYAN on bandcamp, with their album Looking For Knives. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/309101802″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]