Latest Posts

Rees Finley – “The Band Broke Up”

January 28, 2017

For those of us feeling stuck in a rut, Rees Finley has been there, and has crafted an ode to the downtrodden in his latest track “The Band Broke Up.” Through a chronicle of relatable personal anecdotes, Finley serenades us into catharsis. The song features an endearing whistle track to keep it light, along with various classic pop elements that make this song infectious. This one-man band is proof of the light at the end of the tunnel that is one of life’s many low points, and he lays it all out on the table for everyone to see. This is easy listening at its finest – so plug in and remember, it only gets better from here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303331148″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

PLAZA – “Origami”

January 28, 2017

UK band PLAZA bring to light the musical result of a suppressed teen angst in their single “Origami.” They start strong with sparse instrumentation and soft vocal lines, then hurdle into distortion-heavy guitars and grungy vocals. They know the formula and they’re sticking to it. It’s gloomy and it’s pleading; it’s harsh and it’s angular, a full spectrum of emotion in one dynamic rock song. “Origami” is all about looking for an escape in the face of rapidly approaching adulthood, made clear from the first guitar strum to the last drum hit. Have a listen to “take [yourself] away from it all” and look out for more PLAZA this April. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303132738″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Snowball II – “Anais & Me”

January 28, 2017

L.A.’s Snowball II brings back the glory of the 90’s with their latest single “Anais & Me.” This full-fledged pursuit of indie rock bears marks of the garage and punk of yesteryear, bringing us back to rock in all of its pre-millennium splendor. Band leader/producer Jackson Wargo takes DIY to a whole new level, without giving any indication of an indie production. The track features hypnotic rhythm guitars and a punchy bass line, all tied together with jam-based vocals. A time-honored tale of boy meets girl, boy tries to win over girl through song about having her figured out. Take a trip down memory lane with “Anais & Me” and stick around for Flashes of Quincy out mid-February this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/298700333″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

joan – “Take Me On”

January 27, 2017

Indie-pop duo joan may be newbies in the game, but they are off to a strong start with the release of their premiere single “Take Me On.” The melding of eighties instrumentals with 90’s funk gives joan an old-school feel, with a dash of modern electronic influence. Co-produced and mixed by Tim Pagnotta, the track definitely draws parallels to hit-makers like Walk the Moon and Saint Motel. It takes on the classic theme of exciting love and makes it a party; two of music’s favorite things. Jump on the wagon soon, joan is bound to make a name among the big dogs and it’s only a matter of time. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304166099″ 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 Dahmers – “Night Crawler”

January 27, 2017

The spooky new single “Night Crawler” off The Dahmers upcoming album is a haunting conglomerate of grungy garage punk and indie rock for headbangers and horror-film fanatics. The band livens up lo-fi with tension-heavy themes and spunky guitar lines, along with some strategically placed clap tracks and screams. Despite the dark theme, this track unbeatably energetic and all-around exciting to listen to. Presumably taking the namesake of the famed serial killer-cannibal extraordinaire, The Dahmers are setting themselves up for a lengthy career of lighthearted horror punk. If you just can’t get enough, be sure to check out their album In the Dead of Night out March 24th on Lövely Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301806380″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ansible – “Rest Of Our Lives”

January 23, 2017

80’s pop inspired twosome Ansible bring a nostalgia for the past with a neo-synthpop flare in their latest single “Rest Of Our Lives.” The track invokes a theme right out of a 1980’s romcom, shouldering the last-stitch effort at a failing relationship before giving it up entirely. They craft their sound through a measured mix of lulling vocals, pulsing synth, and a pinch of distortion. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Tears For Fears and Genesis (post Peter Gabriel,) Ansible take their own spin on the genre, if only a few decades behind. This track may have retro influences but still manages to bring in an inventive and contemporary sound. Join the time warp and take a listen to “Rest Of Our Lives” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/281019783″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ruby Bones – “Heart of Darkness”

January 23, 2017

“Heart of Darkness” by New Jersey/Brooklyn’s Ruby Bones is all energy, all the time. As a frantic shot in the dark combatting aging’s cruel hand, the three-piece outfit garners their indie-rock sentiments to form the invigorating jam session that is this track. It acts as a reminder to hold on to your youthful vigor, because with settling comes bitterness and resentment. The band takes a quintessential alt-rock chorus and amps it up a few notches with rapid drum fills and roving guitar lines. Expect a debut full-length album fueled with vivacity later this spring. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287083261″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bad Wave – “Daniel”

January 22, 2017

The L.A. based duo Bad Wave recently released their futuristic take on indie pop in their single “Daniel.” The song’s theme surrounds songwriter Tucker Tota’s inventive premonitions for the future of his nephew while Patrick Hart’s production bring the electronic flare. The lyrics paint a picture of the inevitable robotic apocalypse, leaving Daniel the last man standing. Despite the subject matter, the track carries a hint of nostalgia over the passage of time, mixed with the results of post-teen angst. The crooned vocals take on a quasi-lullaby feel, while bubbly synths and bright drum beats keep the energy level high. At this point Bad Wave seems to be cranking out material like there’s no tomorrow; check out “Daniel” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/298163948″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mia Koo – “See You Online”

January 22, 2017

Music Industry guru Mia Koo is taking her turn as pop artist extraordinaire on her new single “See You Online.” With almost 15 years of experience wearing a variety of hats in the industry, Koo has indeed mastered the formula for a five-star pop hit. “See You Online” is the song of choice when gearing up to go out for a night on the town – just try not to drunk text your ex this time. Through a tempered mix of rousing vocal lines, a thumping bass and rhythm guitars, she creates the next party jam-meets-love song that’s bound to be filling up your speakers soon. Check out the track and look for Mia’s upcoming album Paragon, out Spring 2017 on Shining Star Records.

Mating Ritual – “How You Gonna Stop It”

January 21, 2017

This likely isn’t the first time you’ve heard the likes of Mating Ritual, and it certainly won’t be the last. With the announcement of his debut album, the man behind the band, Ryan Marshall released title track “How You Gonna Stop It.” Immediately confronted with infectious synth lines and bombastic drum beats, this song is all party, all the time; only slowing to lament aging as the irrepressible passage of time. It’s clever and it’s playful, with just a hint of cynicism seeping through the cracks. Marshall’s gravely vocals breeze through just to spew fiery phrases as if telling vivid story within each verse. Mating Ritual has already begun gaining momentum in 2016, and with the release of an introductory album, it seems sky’s the limit for 2017. How You Gonna Stop It is due out January 24th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297465165″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Army of Bones – “Don’t Be Long”

January 21, 2017

Delve into the rockier side of the UK’s indie scene with Brighton’s Army of Bones. Their latest single, “Don’t Be Long,” introduces the hype surrounding their upcoming album. This track does a great job in layering and expanding on an initial melody, through a sprinkling of guitar interjections and revamped vocal lines. It has all the heaviness of a rock song, while still being exceptionally easy on the ears. With a chorus Matt Bellamy (of Muse) would be proud of, “Don’t Be Long” hones in on the science behind the music, crafting the right formula for a passion-fueled and anthemic rock song. It’s neat and tidy, while managing to take you on a journey that’s wholly moving. Save the date for Army of Bones’ March 3rd album release featuring “Don’t Be Long.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300914323″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Past You – “Faith”

January 21, 2017

New York’s own Past You has crafted a brand of shoegaze-infused dream-pop that’s easy on the ears, if not on the heart. Their latest track, “Faith,” lightly intones through toxicity surrounding a codependency, stitching it all together with the despondent chorus of “I can be the one you used to love/ Let me tell you how I wish you were.” Heavy subject matter, quite in opposition to the song’s production. The track itself takes on an almost whimsical quality with looping synth lines and murmured vocals, making it easy enough to get lost in the trance of it all. Cipher through “Faith” on Past You’s upcoming EP. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296056668″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Jake Tittle – “Different Language”

January 20, 2017

Singer-songwriter Jake Tittle creates the perfect union of indie rock and folk with his latest track “Different Languages.” Tittle is not the first to take to song about his personal religious perplexities, but his clear-cut vocals convey an inquisition of hardened truths that speak straight from experience. In lines like “Jesus speaks a different language/ We’ve been feeling up the floor just trying to mimic him,” Tittle channels the imagery of a seasoned songwriter coupled with the skepticism of supposedly corrupt power systems that is often a theme of traditional folk music. This track uses it’s entire three and a half minutes to continually build instrumentally, until multiple vocal lines blur together into one cacophonous echo with sparkling synth lines carrying out its final chords. Listen to the artistic musings of Jake Tittle in “Different Languages” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295022911″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Kraków Loves Adana – “False Alarm”

January 20, 2017

Kraków Loves Adana’s single “False Alarm” is the latest dream-pop infused soundtrack for driving off into the sunset. This track features the classic dynamic duo; paired rhythmic guitar and drums, while the vocal line croons overhead. The most unique component of instrumentation is the choral synth, which in any other setting would sound overly tongue-and-cheek, but here gives the hook a driving momentum and a haunting quality. This is the type of song to lose yourself in, as singer Daniz Cicek pleadingly drones over the loss of light. The video artfully captures the Berlin-based duo’s play on movement and lighting, all too relevant to the song without seeming overly blatant. Keep an eye out for the single on the band’s third album, set to be released this March. Written by Cassandra Dailey

Thula Borah – “Confabulation”

January 19, 2017

Scottish four-piece Thula Borah have announced their upcoming EP, Near Life Experience with the release of the single “Confabulation.” The band shows their true affinity for indie rock with layered grungy guitar lines, coupled with fuzzy, reverb-laden vocals. Despite its rocky core, there’s a distinct smattering of classic pop sensibilities that gives this track a universal appeal. Likened to the works of So I Watch You From Afar, Hum, and Silversun Pickups, this band has an undeniable multifaceted draw with its incorporation of various musical styles and influence. Listen to “Confabulation” below, and keep an eye out for the EP, available January 27th via Kill Jester Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/294565535″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey