Latest Posts

Slipped off Silk – “Again & Again!”

June 18, 2024

Michigan based Jonathan Martin, the brains behind Slipped off Silk, brings us his latest with “Again & Again!.”  Lead by a catchy as f*&$ synth that eventually leads up to a rollickin’ guitar solo, Martin manages to fit a lot into a relatively short runtime of 2:35. While this may seem like punk song length, this is unabashedly an indie pop track through and through. Somehow managing to be both morose and uplifting, it’ll be sure to lift your mood and/or match it. Fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Hot Mulligan, or one of my personal favorite pop acts from the early aughts, Rooney, would find a lot to enjoy here (to be frank, if you know Rooney you’re a-ok in my book). You can hear “Again & Again!” down below from YouTube or on Spotify. With allusions of “more to come” on his Spotify page, be sure to stay[...]

Lozenge – “Aubrey Plaza”

June 16, 2024

“Aubrey Plaza” happens to not only be one of my favorite actors, but also the slappin’ new single from UK based trio Lozenge. I felt transported back to the 90’s with this track what with the insane amounts of feedback. Feeling like somewhere between Bleach era Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins’ Gish with a dash of Silversun Pickups, it’s quite the musical experience. I could go on a whole thing about this song but it’s one of those “please trust me and listen.” You’ll appreciate the slick bass line if you care about that sort of thing, but the focus is really the geetars wahhhhhing away. If this was a cake, the guitar layers would win every season of cake boss. Go ahead, listen, tell me this doesn’t blow your mind. If it doesn’t you’re wrong and you should get your ears checked. You can hear “Aubrey Plaza” below from YouTube,[...]

liarbird – “no one will remember me”

June 16, 2024

“no one will remember me” is the latest from Melbourne-based liarbird. Tackling some heavy subject material – escaping a domestic violence relationship while also being an ode to a late friend, this track certainly feels powerful and meaningful. The guitar and vocals are dirge-like and oppressive, but in the best way possible. The first half of the “no one…” is subdued yet biting – employing a simple yet effective guitar line along with liarbird’s powerful vocals. This leads into a heavily layered guitar wailing away while still matching the vocal range from the first minute. You’ll come back to the beginning for the latter part and fade away with the outro. Think of this like a heavier version of Wednesday with the folk undertones taken out. It feels authentic and not at all contrived, which can sometimes be difficult when playing like this. Be sure to give “no one will[...]

TENDER – “Go Steady”

June 15, 2024

“Go Steady” is the latest track from TENDER’S newest release, FLUX. Made up of UK based artists James Cullen and Dan Cobb, chillwave fans will really enjoy the bumpin’ beat and effects driving the action on this track. In this tasteful and mysterious call out of toxic masculinity, the duo spins a captivating trip-hop web elevated by intriguing vocal textures and catchy string accompaniments. This is definitely a good jumping off point for someone looking for a more electronic rotation – you can even help smash the patriarchy while you enjoy it. You can hear “go steady” below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify, as well as the other three tracks off of the single. Be sure to let us know what you think and if you’d like to hear more like it!

Dance Yourself Clean – “Karma”

June 14, 2024

It may have been a couple years since we last covered them here, but Dance Yourself Clean is back on our radar with “Karma.” Initially beginning as an indie dance party in Seattle, it has grown up to release original music and remixes, but retains the dance party vibe. I’m not too keen on any names/major players but the track is attributed to Andrew Verner, Joel Albers, and K Merges as the writers. The beats are phat with plenty of perfectly layered effects and sugary vocal hooks that you’ll easily find yourself vibing with, either on the dancefloor or with a good set of headphones. You can hear “Karam” over on Spotify or the YouTube embed below.

Rose Hotel – “King and a Pawn”

June 14, 2024

Atlanta based Jordan Reynolds is Rose Hotel and her chess-flavored track “King and a Pawn” is her latest single. I have a feeling she isn’t literally talking about a thrilling game of chess, and probably using chess as a lens through which to examine a relationship… You can decide though. Clocking in at just over four minutes, you’ll have Reynolds’ dulcet tones leading the charge with an ensemble of drum/bass/guitar backing her up. Make no mistake: while the instrumentals are impressive this is a lyric-forward track. And why shouldn’t it be? Reynolds carries this entire song on her back with seemingly zero effort and ignoring that just seems silly. Fans of folkier indie like Big Thief, Waxahatchee, and Maggie Rogers will find a lot to enjoy here. You can hear “King and a Pawn” below from YouTube or over on Spotify. If you’ve enjoyed this track you have the entirety[...]

The Parade – “Shame”

June 14, 2024

Stockholm based band The Parade bring us their latest with “Shame.” Speaking to the track, the band had this to say: “We wanted something that seamlessly blends catchy hooks, lush arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics. The song will hopefully transport listeners to a world of youthful optimism and boundless dreams, inviting them to embrace their own aspirations and celebrate the joy of music discovery.” I can assure you that this is 100% true. A true pop gem, “Shame” is layered with effects and is fairly straightforward; a catchy house piano hook with the chorus is simply infectious. With only two tracks out so far I don’t have a lot to go on but this band does have some range. The other recently released track, “I’m a Dreamer” is similarly poppy but follows a different path. Between the two songs, you’ll be able to form a solid opinion and (obviously) be hankering[...]

Boy Ferguson – “Grown Man”

June 12, 2024

London-based Boy Ferguson is the brainchild of Oliver Gale, and “Grown Man” is their latest and FIRST single. Per his bio, he composes music for commercials but enjoys making music for himself as a creative outlet. His strength as a composer really shines with this track with a fine layering of guitar, synth, and bass. Small details emerge on subsequent listens; particularly how well he treats his voice like another instrument to push the track forward with his impressive vocal range. This feels very much like an homage to the pop acts of yesteryear, particularly Sting and the Police or maybe Peter Gabriel, but does enough to stand on it’s own and forge forward with his own take on the pop genre. Be sure to give “Grown Man” a listen and keep your eyes peeled for more if you like what you hear! We’ve included the track below from Soundcloud[...]

Eliza & The Delusionals – “Falling For You”

June 12, 2024

Australia based Eliza Klatt, the “Eliza” in the three piece Eliza & The Delusionals, brings us their latest single “Falling for You.” Sure to give you the warm and fuzzies, this pop bop is filled to the brim with Eliza’s impressive vocals and strong bass licks carrying the beat. I’m sure you’ll hear guitar and drums along with an impressive horn solo, but this is all second fiddle to Klatt’s pipes. Fans of artists like Mitski and Lana Del Rey will find some common ground with this track, as well as other highlights from the band like “Just Exist” and “Motion Sickness.” If you’ve been swayed by my words, be sure to give “Falling for You” a listen over on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube down below. For those of you distrustful: you can’t trust me so what makes you think you could trust you?

Great Klons – “Twilight Gardener”

June 11, 2024

The newest from Great Klons is “Twilight Gardener.” The project is band helmed by Scott Klon as a solo effort, but certainly doesn’t sacrifice any sound. Klon is almost certainly a child of the 90’s and he’s got the chops to show it; the guitar feedback and straightforward hooks would have been at home in any liberal arts college that I’m familiar with. That isn’t to say Great Klons are copy cats or just rehashing old ideas, nay! Building on and growing what has come around before is how we get great new music. The low-fi aesthetic employed here, along with the chill abandon, is most welcome in a time where music can often sound overproduced. Obviously a guitar guy by trade, listen to the layers and the simple brilliance of the bass and drums keeping beat – a novice effort this is not. Fans of Parquet courts, Guided by[...]

Maria Køhnke – “State of Confusion”

June 5, 2024

Maria Køhnke is a Danish based musician is back with her latest track “State of Confusion;” her first since 2023’s “Sportscar.” At it’s core, “State of Confusion” delves into the pitfalls and meaninglessness of dating these days (for those of you who DON’T know it’s a lot of ghosting and gaslighting). Musically, the production value is quite strong with Køhnke’s vocals melding together with the synth and guitar; wispy and ethereal yet still managing to catch you with impressive hooks. The measure and control shown are equally impressive, as the track simmers but never boils over and makes you wonder what the rest of the EP will look like (kinda like a good single should). You can hear state of confusion on Spotify, Apple Music, or down below from YouTube. Can confirm that this is a great track to listen to both while sitting pensively or driving on the expressway[...]

Snoozer – “Love’s Permission”

June 5, 2024

Based out of Pennsylvania, Snoozer (aka SNZR) is brother/brother duo Mike and Tom Kelly, and “Love’s Permission” is their latest. Chock full of that excellent guitar “phuzz,” you’re treated to a solid three-plus minutes of delightfully rambling shoegaze. Understated and chill for the first third of the track, things start to open up and get loud and weird in the middle and end. Fans of bands like Slowdive, Modest Mouse, Bright Eyes, or anything in that fine line between shoegaze and slacker rock will find a lot to enjoy with the brothers Kelly. You can watch the music video (yes, an actual music vid!) for “Love’s Permission” down below, or listen to the track on Spotify. If you like what you hear, their full album Mid-Earth is out on Friday the 13th in September. With the band forging forward in earnest with a second major release in as many years,[...]

The Gold Watch – “What Do I Do”

June 5, 2024

The Gold Watch is a project by Spencer Pope and “What Do I Do” is their latest single released from their album Missing. Right off the bat, I’m hooked by the heavy synth presence that sticks with you throughout the track. The rest of the 3:43 is chill vibes all the way with some light background drums and Pope’s dulcet tones dancing harmoniously with the synth. As per the artist, the track is: “…about feeling powerless to help someone in a relationship…” Certainly something many of us can find relatable on some level. You can hear “What Do I Do” on Spotify or down below from YouTube. If you enjoy this, the rest of the album is well worth a listen (Look Out Mars was another favorite of mine). Fans of Arcade Fire would find a lot to enjoy here, with the rest of tracks being varied so you won’t[...]

Lean Tee – “bad dream/lethargy”

June 4, 2024

Baltimore based Lean Tee‘s new single, “bad dream/lethargy,” is not only spot on with describing my morning, but also managed to help freshen my day with their unique brand of “emo-eclectic.” The intro guitar riff is simple yet perfect and could easily find work with a supporting role on the next Wes Anderson film. The shoegaziness of the track slides over a bit for a fun drum beat that sounds lifted from a 90’s hip hop track, which was what really sealed the deal for me. You’ll find yourself boppin’ along in no time and, like many morose sounding songs, find yourself a bit better off after a listen. Fans of Alex G or Pinegrove would find a lot to enjoy here, with a new layer unlocked on each listen. You can hear “bad dream/lethargy” down below from YouTube or over on Apple Music and Spotify. If you enjoyed it[...]

Rupe – “My Friends”

June 4, 2024

LA based (that is, Louisiana) Rupert Lange, better known under his stage name of Rupe brings us his newest track “My Friends,” a lovingly crafted bedroom pop song. Rupe brings the Day Wave vibe with his DIY work ethic – having written, recorded, AND engineered all of his music. While the full accompaniment of bass and drums adds plenty, make no mistake: this is a guitar track through and through (and we’re not mad about that). You’ll find a lot to enjoy with Rupe, especially for fans of Real Estate or the aforementioned Day Wave. At only 25 and still making music, there’s hopefully a lot more to come from Lange as he continues to share his craft with the world. You can hear “My Friends” below from SoundCloud, as well as Spotify and Apple Music. Be sure to check out his slew of other singles as well; including “goodbye,[...]