Latest Posts

Cooler – Buried

January 29, 2018

If the late 2000’s were a type of coming of age for the skinny jeans wearing, flatiron worshipping scene kids of the world, right around now is their approaching quarter-life crisis, and Buffalo trio Cooler is here to provide the soundtrack with their recently released EP, Buried. Cooler’s brand of indie-emo wears its careful cultivation like a fine wine, funneling that youth-driven angst into rigorous precision, vocal interplay, and a healthy layer of fuzz. As the band’s third release, it’s clear they’ve shot through the polite awkwardness of a new band learning their way and are joined at the head in a synchronicity that’s iron-tight. The EP shows off modern emo as multidimensional, if not more accessible to the mainstream. Through its five tracks, the band broods over a complex array of emotions, each with their own individual flavor and essence. “Will-o-the-Wisp” starts the ball rolling with hearty group vocals,[...]

Brian Green – “No Ordinary Style”

January 28, 2018

Brian Green may sound like a new name in LA’s indie rock scene, but he’s actually a bit of a seasoned pro. With a storied career of working with music’s big names like John Legend and Michael Bublé, this definitely isn’t Green’s first rodeo. Yet, his debut single “No Ordinary Style” marks his solo premiere, and we can’t get enough. If Savage Garden and Mac Demarco had a sonic lovechild, the result would sound something like this. Featuring drowsy guitar lines, vibey synths, and tidy drum tracks, Green cements a liquid groove that’s immediately captivating. There’s a clear 80’s flare to the track, swimming in reverb and featuring a melodic structure that stands the tests of time. It’s now Brian Green’s time to shine, and he’s taking that and running with it. If “No Ordinary Style” has you hooked, check out Green’s recently released sophomore single, “Lost In A Daydream,”[...]

Ditches – “Fear Shifter”

January 13, 2018

San Diego’s Ditches provides a deep-rooted and brooding track to muddle through the long winter nights with. “Fear Shifter” takes shape by way of gently listless vocals, dynamic guitar lines, and steadfast drum work to hammer home an emotional complexity that spans the gamut. The brainchild of seasoned musician Tim Donnelly, Ditches takes on a complex perspective that’s both omnipresent and deeply individual all at once, hinting towards a storied career of honing the songwriting craft. From his angst-ridden punk beginnings to now, Donnelly has settled somewhere in the indie rock spectrum, capturing a softness that’s as esoteric as it is enveloping. Delve in to “Fear Shifter” below, and stick around for Ditches’ upcoming EP Not Your Mirror, out February 1st.

Patawawa – “Patagonia”

January 13, 2018

UK trio Patawawa craft synth-driven disco to melt even the coldest heart with their single “Patagonia.” This track is all groove, all the time, featuring strident synths, bumping beats, and guitar lines to write home about. 2017 proved to be a big year for the band, earning nods from notable press, brands, and BBC Radio 6, while racking up millions of plays on spotify with their collaboration with French producer Tez Cadey. This year is already off to an exciting start, with the promise of even more vibey tunes off Patawawa’s upcoming EP Bedroom, an ode to the place where their musical cultivation is based. This is pure, unadulterated, DIY disco at its finest. New and improved, and just about as feel-good as they come. Stay tuned for the EP coming soon.

Peace on Earth – “Where We Are”

January 10, 2018

Spacey rock trio Peace on Earth head up their debut album release with their sweepingly atmospheric single “Where We Are.” Set in a subtle lo-fi haze, the track combines fuzzily sustained guitar, driving drum tracks, and gently impassioned vocals to make up their layered conglomerate of sound. There’s a dreamy, intangible quality to the track, making it easy enough to get lost in yet still seemingly just beyond reach. Like staring up into the sky at night, there’s something about the seemingly endless distance that makes you squint a little harder, trying to dive deeper with each skim through the cosmos. “Where We Are” captures that feeling, providing both challenge and discovery with each listen. Check out the track below, and keep an eye out for Peace on Earth’s new album, out January 17th via Gothenburg’s own Peephole Records.

Stonefield – “Delusion”

January 9, 2018

As HAIM is to sisterly American pop-rock, Stonefield is to Australian prog-rock. The band of four sisters make up an unstoppable aural force in their latest track, “Delusion.” Leaving behind their former psych-pop ways in favor of a heavier rock-meets-metal sound, Stonefield prove they can shred with the best of them and take no flak. Securely nestled into a minor tonal setting, “Delusion” plays around with degrees of distortion, vocal/guitar mirroring, and atmospheric synth lines. Featuring more of a free-flowing song structure, the band says the track is based on the “overwhelming feeling of knowing you are a speck in the universe, getting lost in your own mind.” If a moody musical escape is what you’re after, the Findlay sisters can certainly provide it. With their recent signing to Flightless Records, it will be interesting to see what’s next in store for Stonefield. Here’s hoping their newfound edge is here to[...]

Brother Moses – “Bowling”

January 9, 2018

Arkansas band Brother Moses concoct the ultimate coping mechanism for a broken heart via an alcohol-fueled evening of knocking pins in their single, “Bowling.” This track’s charm lies in its bubbly syncopation, melding playful guitar interjections with condensed crooning, and building in both complexity and fervency. The band keeps things exciting with changes in tempo and style, contrasting upbeat guitar pop with moody indie rock. As their first release of the 2018, it’s seems safe to say we can expect big things from Brother Moses this year. Until then, let the good times roll and jam to “Bowling” below.

Beechwood – “Heroin Honey”

January 9, 2018

Beechwood may seem like just another New York City band of misfits making drowsy psych rock, but the reality falls far from it. The trio’s track “Heroin Honey” seems to piece together the best of rock throughout the ages, tying in temperate group harmonies, arcing melodies, meddling guitar lines, and concrete percussion to drive it all home. There’s a definite 60’s rock flair to the track, amidst a bit of garage-punk groundedness, sunny pop structure, and dreamy psychedelia. The effect is like sunshine in the midst of a bomb cyclone-ridden winter: euphoric and hard to get enough of. Beechwood heads into the new year strong with the release of their upcoming album, Songs From the Land of Nod, set for January 26th. If you’re looking to feed into some height-of-rock nostalgia, this a band to keep on your radar.

Gentle Ivanhoe Death Skulls – “Green Hang Ten”

December 21, 2017

Stockholm-based Gentle Ivanhoe Death Skulls serves up a fresh take on indie rock-meets-dream pop with their single “Green Hang Ten.” The song combines lo-fi vocals, a formidable bass line, ambient synths, and fuzzy percussion to fill out a shoegaze-inspired sound fronted by prominent guitar tracks. It’s the kind of track that’s totally unique in execution, but has a crowd pleasing element that’s got a little something for everyone. Since their 2016 outset, the band has released two singles including B sides, with a debut album set for release next spring on Shiny Happy Records. In the meantime, dig in to “Green Hang Ten” below and check out Gentle Ivanhoe Death Skull’s other tracks on bandcamp.

Ruler – “Easy Life”

December 19, 2017

Seattle’s Ruler fits into the city’s historic music scene with years of pent-up ambition that pours through in their single “Easy Life.” The brainchild of frontman Matt Batey, Ruler supplies clarion vocal melodies, garage-rock inspired guitar lines, and drum tracks built for precision. There’s a definite light-hearted breeziness to the track, sending out a ‘let the good times roll’ spirit that immediately makes your day a little brighter. Despite the project’s recent inception, Batey is no stranger to Seattle’s musical bounds, spending the last 12 years fronting bands and cranking out releases. Those years spent cultivating a sound and building up a catalog seem to pay off here, where clever song structure and instrumentation plays tongue-and -cheek in a way that’s not overly obvious, but subtly addicting. This is Ruler’s third single release, with a debut album coming soon via Barsuk Records.

Western Scene – “Going Back”

December 16, 2017

LA indie rock band Western Scene provide a sun soaked followup to their first EP with a new single, “Going Back.” Channeling ambient rock soundscapes similar to M83, the band blends together soaring vocal melodies with running guitar lines and crisp percussion, providing momentum while giving the track a bright, uplifting feel. It’s the ideal soundtrack for taking in the world around you, from a lazy drive down the coast to a beginner’s anxiety-inducing skydive towards the ground. The song’s lyric video takes this feeling and runs with it, stitching together scenes from Google Street View as each setting slips by. This is Western Scene’s fourth single release since their 2013 debut EP, with word of a sophomore album on the horizon. Take in “Going Back” in all its golden panoramic glory below.

Corniglia – “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago”

December 16, 2017

Dreamy shoegaze duo Corniglia wistfully reflect on the past in their new single “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago.” Hailing from Perth, Australia, the band combines stirring, psychedelic guitar lines with languid vocals to make for a calming, yet emotive experience. Lead songwriter Matt channels his work in physiotherapy into the narrative, capturing a deep-rooted despondency that’s all too relatable via lead vocalist Chloe’s fluid croons. This track in particular, written about a battle with Alzheimer’s, grapples with the passage of time while smoothing things over with soothing melodies and ethereal sound quality. Not just a song, but a full and gripping experience both sonically and emotionally. Listen to “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago” below, and take in more of the Corniglia has to offer via their past releases here.

Ethica – “Alarm”

December 11, 2017

Russian dream pop quartet Ethica supplies a juicy guitar-driven jam with their latest single, “Alarm.” This track brings an edge to the typical indie shoegaze ethos, meeting silky smooth vocals with gritty guitar lines and pounding bass. They play up the contrast well, keeping things refreshing with subtle layers of synth and guitar countermelodies. The result is as much a sympathetic journey on the ears as it is a fiery release. We’re talking distortion-heavy instrumentals a la Muse, matched with the unwavering dreaminess of Alvvays‘ Molly Rankin’s vocal textures. Ethica is traversing new musical terrain, and we’re hungry for more of it. Be sure to look for the band’s upcoming EP set for release next year.

Esai – “Groove”

December 11, 2017

Hip hop wonder kid Esai spits full on fire in his single “Groove.” In just under 2 minutes, the 17-year-old rap aficionado manages to paint a full picture with clever lyricism delivered at the speed of light with perfect clarity. Citing influence from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, Esai takes the full storytelling potential and poetic abilities of the genre and runs with them. The track is set to a low-key, jazz inspired loop with high hat beats, setting the mood while his vocals whirl past. With four mixtapes and three albums under his belt, there’s no shortage of Asai material to sink your teeth into. Check out his latest self titled album for more witty and impactful tracks like this one.

Been Stellar – “Midwestern Holiday”

December 9, 2017

Michigan five-piece Been Stellar conjure up wintery images a la Home Alone in their latest single “Midwestern Holiday.” Stitching together elements of indie rock, lo-fi, and garage rock, the band knows how to make an impact by way of distorted group vocals and interwoven guitar lines, just in time for the most wonderful time of the year. What starts out as a subdued, almost listless long distance serenade, gradually transitions to an energetic and angsty ode to growing pains and lost love. It’s lends itself as a reminder that coming home for the holidays can be both a blessing and a curse. Check out the single below, and find more from Been Stellar here for additional jangly tracks to carry you through the season.