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Bonfire Vanity – “Key to the City of No Regrets”

May 14, 2024

“Key to the City of No Regrets” is the latest from NYC based four piece Bonfire Vanity, who are apparently very talented when it comes to song writing, song names, and band names. With a title like that there’s just no telling what you’re getting into, but thankfully your pals at the BLOG gave it a perusal. The verdict? A chill shoegaze jam with impeccably crafted vocals, showcasing (or… shoecasing) the entire band’s talents as all four members have songwriting credits. and can recommend it strongly. The track begins with a synth/guitar duo that meshes together and diverge throughout; intermingling with the vocals in a perfect balance betwixt. While four minutes is a little long for a punk track, it is the perfect amount of time for a shoegaze track. Fans of DIIV and Wild Nothing would find a lot to enjoy here, plus it’s always exciting to hear a[...]

Laurel – “45 Degrees”

May 7, 2024

45 Degrees is the latest from LA based Laurel Arnell-Cullen, aka Laurel, released in anticipation of her forthcoming album “Palpitation” due out June 14th. This is one hundred percent a delightful pop romp, with Laurel’s impeccable pipes blazing the way. I know I mention it a lot, but having played bass, I can’t help but notice the sick bass line throughout the track meshing with light synth effects and occasional fleeting guitar. Fans of Lorde, Charli XCX, or Florence + The Machine’s brand of pop would find a lot to enjoy, and then some, with Laurel’s talents. Speaking to the track Laurel had this to say: “The love you feel is so deep, yet the life you live in this love is lighthearted, heady, euphoric, and youthful. It sends you crazy when you are not near them, they are the one that can cool you down like a breeze on[...]

Paris ’82 – “Lost My Way”

May 7, 2024

“Lost My Way” is the latest single from Paris ’82, a project from electronica singer/songwriter Ethan Farmer. I couldn’t find much info on him other than his IG and X; but through the intriguing mystique, he seems like a cool dude from what I could see. The track itself is incredibly groovy and even me, who can’t carry a rhythm to save my life, was able to bump my head to the beat with little difficulty (I might even be able to dance, because it’s just that dang good). The song itself is about personal struggles and strength, giving an even more uplifting message to the whole shebang. Anyone who is into EDM, electronic music, or pop in general would find a lot to enjoy here, with Farmer’s approach encompassing all genres seamlessly. You’d be hard pressed to find a note out of place, as you lose yourself to the[...]

néomí – “talk shit”

May 7, 2024

“talk shit” is the latest from Neomi Speelman, better know by her stage name néomí, off of her album “somebody’s daughter.” We’ve covered her her previously here, and not much has changed on our thoughts; s stunning folk-bedroom-dream pop-aesthetic in the vein Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, or Big Thief. “talk shit” is an understated gem on an album full of them – a diamond in a field of diamonds, if you will. Instrumentally this is a guitar-forward track with a cool wispy effect thrown in (I think a guitar, but maybe a synth – you’ll see what I mean) that meshes incredibly well with Speelman’s vocals. She employs the less-is-more effect to great aplomb that you can’t help be sucked in by; the swirling vocals and effects are an auditory treat. You can see the music video embedded below or check out the track (plus the rest of the album)[...]

🐸Siblings🐸 x Heavy in Pocket x quinn bee – “Self Thru Hell”

May 4, 2024

“Self Thru Hell” is the latest from brother sister duo Quinn and Iko B, (aptly named Siblings) who may or may not be frogs – we’re still not sure. “Self Thru Hell” starts out with a thicc bass riff and brings in some effects and drums, giving off a 2010 LCD Soundsystem vibe. The beat even feels a little bit like it could have been a disco groove, which definitely takes some talent to wrangle into a track… It can often hop away from you (sorry, there may be like one or two more frog puns). quinn bee and Heavy in Pocket, the other artists credited on this track, both seem quite talented as well and well worth checking out in their own rights. Difficult to ascertain who did what on a track usually, but based on what I could see on Spotify this was written by Quinn Brodsky (quinn[...]

Ski Team – “Thank You Jalen Brunson”

May 4, 2024

Ski Team is the brainchild of Lucie Lozinski, and “Thank You Jalen Brunson” is her latest (Jalen Brunson is the point guard for the Knicks, for the sports averse). Hilariously written as a follow up and refutation to her previous song 2020’s “Knicks Suck,” this is a cheeky pop song and a love letter to a team that has caused no small amount of grief to their fans (but it’s okay, they’re in round two year). The track itself is filled with light poppy/jazzy accompaniment; a shimmering piano here, a bass riff thrown in here and there. Lozinski’s vocals are definitely the focus here though, because, quite frankly, she has a lovely voice that could give someone whose name rhymes with Sailor Tw““““““““ift a run for her money. The sports references will be lost on non-sports people, but a few pop culture references thrown in will elicit a giggle. Be[...]

Faded Shades – “What I’m on About”

May 4, 2024

“What I’m On About” is the latest from Faded Shades, a rockin’ trio based out of southern London. It was written about a debaucherous night in Amsterdam, specifically a “recollection of the frayed edges between tripping and reality” (gee, I hope they’re more careful; you might fall). This track is filled to the brim with energetic guitars and bombastic vocals; you can tell these guys punch way above their weight when it comes to sound. I of course mean this in a good way, like they know they belong in a stadium but will still rock you the fuck out with the same intensity at medium venue on a Friday night. It’s really easy to make the comparison to fellow countrymen Rolling Stones (or Oasis), or a rollicking act like Catfish and the Bottlemen, but these are shallow comparisons and don’t capture the whole picture. Give “What I’m on About” a[...]

The Legends – “Secret Shine”

May 2, 2024

“Secret Shine” is the tightly produced single from Swedish band The Legends. Spearheaded by Johan Angergård, who has his hands in a lot of projects including Club 8, who we’ve covered a couple times here and here. Additionally, he’s involved with Acid House Kings and Eternal Death and apparently has a penchant for coming up with excellent band names and being stylish as fuck. Seriously, do a Google image search of this man and tell me he doesn’t look friggin’ cool. The track itself is obviously some type of trick. My buddy Nick could probably explain why, but this track clocks in at 1:40 and does not feel that long or short. Paradoxical? Absolutely. Something with time signatures? Time travel? Who can say? The guitar and bass mesh together in a sort of post punkish/shoegazy harmony, reminding me a bit of bands like Alvvays or Best Coast. You can hear[...]

Joyer – “Wake Up”

May 2, 2024

“Wake Up” is the latest from slowcore brother duo Joyer, off of their album Night Songs. We’ve previously covered Nick and Shane Sullivan with their prior single “Star” here. Interestingly enough, “Wake Up” is the track right before “Star” on the album, with the latter providing a bit more upbeat energy from the former. “Wake Up” is very much a guitar-forward track, featuring a steady stream of distorted geetar that meshes oh so well with Sullivan’s whisper-like vocals (picture perfect, considering the subject). The last minute or so of the track gave me some early Modest Mouse vibes; a sort of extended outro that seems to end just as it coalesces. Fans of Yo La Tengo, They Are Gutting A Body of Water, or SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE would find a lot to enjoy not only with “Wake Up,” but also the album as a whole. You can hear the track on[...]

andstill – “たりない”

April 30, 2024

“たりない” or (from what I could gather) “not enough/insufficient” is the latest from mysterious indie group (or person) andstill. I’m usually pretty good with finding stuff on the internet, but andstill seems to be relatively new and is virtually nowhere that I could find. The track itself is, in a word, beautiful. In more than one word it’s an impeccably crafted bedroom pop track with a nice inclusion of electronica sensibilities. You’ll also be very confused at a certain point that I won’t ruin and think that you’re listening to an entirely different song (in a good way). I’m assuming Yuki Nitta, the person credited as the composer and lyricist, is probably the meat and potatoes of andstill. You can hear “たりない” on Spotify.

+/- {Plus/Minus} – “Gondolier”

April 30, 2024

“Gondolier” is the latest from +/- {Plus/Minus} and a follow-up from the first track released from the single, Borrowed Time. We actually wrote about that first track here, and the Blog’s opinion on +/- hasn’t changed much; a solid line-up of childhood friends with more than twenty years experience playing together (that, and they’re quite talented). While having some similarities with “Borrowed Time,” “Gondolier” is the more grounded of the two tracks but that’s not to say it’s boring (quite the opposite, in fact). Even at seven minutes long, “Gondolier” is the perfect warmup: the synth meshes well with a straightforward guitar with a steady diet of drums keeping the track going. The three minute mark is where things start to get trippy, so be sure to be sitting down (you’ll see what I mean). Fans of the late Elliot Smith, Tame Impala, or just good-old-fashioned indie rock twinkling will find[...]

Say Anything – “ON CUM”

April 28, 2024

I had heard that Say Anything was still around and rockin’ out, but this is my first opportunity to hear something brand spankin’ new since Is a Real Boy… (goodness, I feel old). Without too much knowledge of everything in between, this sounds like a return to form for Say Anything, and that’s certainly a good thing. We’ve all been through a lot since 2005 and “ON CUM” (LOL) reflects that. Speaking to “ON CUM” (lol) Max Bemis’ had this to say: “ON CUM” is an ode to the sanctity of having a second song on any uppity record that at least attempts to truly ‘knock.’ The ‘chopping steak’ beat being included is the evidence we weren’t content to only half-knock when ‘Monkey Wrench’ still exists.” The combination of Bemis’ voice cutting through the procession of guitars (so many guitars) and that trademark sass really brought me back, and will[...]

Kyle Andrews – “Unfocus Your Eyes”

April 28, 2024

Wisconsin based Kyle Andrews is a one man indie act from Wisconsin, and “Unfocus Your Eyes” is his latest. It’s a well-crafted indie folk track that maintains that impeccable lo-fi aesthetic while still sounding fresh and new (with a slight hint of bedroom pop). While he almost runs afoul of the adage “don’t trust someone with a first name as their last name,” the “S” ultimately saves him from that. Guitar lightly salted with a tambourine and brought together with a subtle (yet bumpin’) bass lick is probably the best way I could describe this track in a sentence. I could also further say that if you enjoy the offerings of James Mercer, Jeff Tweedy, or Conor Oberst, “Unfocus Your Eyes” would definitely be up your alley. Here’s a little more about the song from Kyle himself: “‘Unfocus your eyes’ informed me how I could write the rest of the[...]

Fast Blood – “Salvation”

April 28, 2024

UK based Fast Blood brings us their latest single “Salvation” in anticipation of their forthcoming album Sunny Blunts. True to their name, they are indeed fast (with the members presumably containing blood), as this is a non-stop track filled to the brim with frenetic energy. Very firmly a guitar lead track, singer Abi Barlow weaves in and out of the instrumentals and pushes forward with seemingly reckless abandon. This really brought me back to early AFI and aughts punk and emo, so fans of that time period would find a lot to enjoy here. This is an interesting follow up to their lead single, “Sexual Healing,” as it maintains the energy established but focuses itself differently and leans into the the melodic part of indie-punk (while also being a bit more accessible to music fans who aren’t into raucous punk music). You can hear “Salvation” on Spotify or Soundcloud, along[...]

Kynsy – “Money”

April 24, 2024

“Money” is the latest from Dublin based Kynsy and we gotta say it’s…. right on the money. Showing off some strong indie-pop sensibilities, the intro is all wailing guitars that build up and then drop to give Kynsy and the bass room to breathe. I was initially hesitant about a five minute track – she not only manages to keep me on the hook for the entire thing, but I jumped back in for a second listen (and third). Fans of Bully, SPRINTS, or Phoebe Bridgers would find a lot to enjoy here as this is truly someone who understands songwriting to an incredible degree (she also produces her own music, no small feat either). Give “Money” a listen courtesy of YouTube below or over on Spotify so you can add it to your girl boss pop playlist. Be sure to check out her other tracks too, because she can[...]