Latest Posts

Extra Space – “Toothpaste”

January 31, 2024

Brooklyn based duo Extra Space brings us their latest with “Toothpaste.” Made up of Joey Puleio and Chris Kyle, who started playing together in 2023, they’ve been working toward an as-yet-to-be-released album Green Season. “Toothpaste”  is a fun, meandering piece that leans toward sparkly indie folk territory with hints of math rock twinkling sprinkled throughout. Country-adjacent guitars guide us through the brunt here, with the vocals sounding distinctly Oberst-esque – certainly not a terrible comparison. I couldn’t find much else on Extra Space, but definitely keep your eyes peeled. Folksy indie is definitely in vogue lately, but based on what I’ve heard so far, these guys seem to know what they’re doing musically and could certainly go the distance. In the meantime check out the twangy “Toothpaste” (and “Pace”) over on Soundcloud or Spotify.

James Wyatt Crosby – “Same Dream Every Night”

January 31, 2024

“Same Dream Every Night” is the latest single off of James Wyatt Crosby‘s January 26 album, Happy Memories. We’ve previously covered a different song off of this album, “Ashamed” and liked what we heard back in October (and that hasn’t changed with his latest). A piano focused track, “Same Dream Every Night” is a perfect intro song for Happy Memories with a gradual crescendo throughout – building and adding in tasty drums, guitar and bass. JWC’s vocals are ethereal on their own, but with an added effect, they real turn into a dreamy motif. Falling somewhere betwixt dream pop and chillwave (with a dash of electronica), you’ll find a lot to enjoy here if you’re a fan of LCD Soundsystem, Men I Trust, or Spoon. You can hear “Same Dream Every Night” over on Spotify and you can let us know your thoughts on the track over on our socials.

Ballsy – “Joe Millionaire”

January 27, 2024

Montreal native and musician/producer Isabelle Banos has an impressive resume so far with credits for music on several shows (Orange is the New Black, The Sex Lives of College Girls) as well as some commercials and the upcoming Sony Spider-Man spin-off Madam Web. Ballsy is her latest project, with a smattering of singles due in 2024 and her latest, “Joe Millionaire.” A vibrant composition showcasing her synth work and vocal skills, “Millionaire” is a great way to kick off the new year and to introduce yourself to Banos’ music if you’re unfamiliar. With lyrics that touch on our climate emergency, the somber mantra of the song is offset by its otherwise crunchy and upbeat disposition. Fans of fellow Canadians Metric would find a lot to enjoy here, or, if you like the rowdy tunes from Yeah Yeah Yeahs or The Linda Lindas. You can hear “Joe Millionaire” over on Spotify, along[...]

Memorial – “Corduroy”

January 27, 2024

Released January 26, “Corduroy” is the latest single from Jack and Ollie – the two halves of indie folk duo Memorial. A long distance affair in England, they’ve put out a steady stream of music since 2021 with the last being 2022’s self-titled album. “Corduroy” is a light track but chock full of sound; I heard piano, a brief string melody with a steady drum beat and strumming acoustic guitar. The lyrics are tinged with malaise and it hit me in the right spot, and I think it will with you too! Fans of Big Thief and their ilk, as well as Elliott Smith (rip) would find a lot to enjoy here. While numbers aren’t everything, nearly 100k monthly listeners is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Be sure to check out “Corduroy” wherever you find your music, but here’s the Spotify and Apple Music links for good measure. FriendsOfMemorial ·[...]

Naive Nature – “The Weight of the World”

January 22, 2024

The rare duo act in a sea of quartets and three pieces, Naive Nature is vocalist and guitarist Jackson Vincent with Jim Lorino (of Scoopsi) on drums. “The Weight of the World,” released January 19, is their debut single and it’s quite the noisy banger. I’m always hesitant when I see only two members for bands, for lack of sound or boring arrangement, but I’m usually proven wrong (as I was here). Leaning heavily into shoegaze and post-emo guitar flavors (if that’s a thing), “TWotW” lays into fuzzy distortion and and Vincent’s pitch perfect vocals waxing poetic about a friendship sputtering out and ultimately ending on bad terms. Fans of heart on your sleeve (or stomped on the pavement) emo of yesteryear (or today) would find a lot to enjoy with this track; same goes for fans of The Airborne Toxic Event, The Dirty Nil, and Placebo. For now, check[...]

Lunison – “Name 3 Songs”

January 22, 2024

Lunison is a three piece from Philadelphia made up of two Matts and a Greg, with the name being a portmanteau of lunacy and unison. “Name 3 Songs” is their latest track – a rockin’ play on the over asked gatekeeper vibe of “Oh, u like X band?” With a guitar riff you can’t help but sway your hips to with one hand in your pocket, “3 Songs” is infectiously catchy and well worth a listen to indie pop and garage rock aficionados. Fans of the of Spoon, Geese, or New Pornographers would find appreciation with Lunison’s pop hooks, as well as the dry wit that permeates through their songs. You can hear “Name 3 Songs” on Soundcloud, Apple Music, or Spotify. We’ve also included the YouTube music video below (yes, it’s an actual music video too).

JEEN – “So What”

January 20, 2024

Toronto-based musician JEEN brings us her latest, “So What,” released January 17 in anticipation of her February 2 album Gold Control. It’s a rollicking alt-rock track showcasing her warm vocals and a swirly, almost shoegazy blending of punchy sounds. It’s an interesting change from her previous effort we wrote about, 2021’s “Maybe I’ll Be Gone,” (which we also enjoyed). It shows growth into a more subtle approach to pop writing, whereas “Maybe…” leaned into the equally effective (as Nick put it) “rip-roaring guitars and a melancholy mood.” Fans of Bully, boygenius, or HAIM looking for a different take on pop would find enjoyment with JEEN. She doesn’t pigeonhole herself to one specific genre and isn’t afraid to try different sounds, so you’re sure to find more to enjoy (unless you literally only like *one* particular sound). Be sure to check out “So What” on Spotify or the handy dandy YouTube[...]

Hipsy Gap – “Uno”

January 17, 2024

Brooklyn-based five piece, Hipsy Gap‘s latest single is “Uno,” and for us at the blog it’s a certifiable banger. Oozing with guitar feedback and what I can only describe as “NY hutzpah,” Hipsy Gap sound like they’re ready to take over the world. There’s a particularly impressive guitar solo toward the end of the track that evokes 90’s era Smashing Pumpkins that I couldn’t get enough of. As per the band, the chord progression is an ode to “Only Shallow” from My Bloody Valentine, firmly cementing this as a 90’s shoegaze love letter, but of the fresh assortment and certainly not dated. Be sure to check out “Uno” over on Spotify, or the YouTube link embedded below and let us know if you want more shoegaze or shoegaze-adjacent tracks reviewed here!

Thea Dora – “Collected”

January 17, 2024

Danish musician and producer Thea Dora brings a fun indie pop gem with her debut single, “Collected,” released January 12. Evoking a sense of wonder and whimsy between the drum machines and her absolute dream of a voice, you’ll feel comfortable boppin’ along to this with headphones or on the dance floor. The closest comparison I can think of is Grimes, but fans of hyperpop or light electronica will find a lot to enjoy here. Speaking to the track, Dora had this to say: “I wanted to make something that was immediate, and made me want to dance and sing along. ‘Collected’ is in many ways an ode to letting people in and stop overthinking.” She surely hits on all marks, and you can hear it on Spotify or Soundcloud. Be sure to let us know if you’d like to hear more like Thea Dora! Thea Dora · Collected

Loose Buttons – “I Saw Jon Hamm At The Beach”

January 15, 2024

NY based indie rockers Loose Buttons brings us a new track, “I Saw Jon Hamm at the Beach” released January 11. Based on an actual story of seeing Jon Hamm swimming, in what could easily turn into an extended phallic joke, instead turns into a surprisingly introspective track. Speaking to the fortuitous sighting, front man Eric Nizgretsky had this to say: “It was one of those idyllic beach days — the sky blue, the air just right. And then, out of the corner of my eye, the man himself Jon Hamm. There he was, a perfect ‘symbol of the ideal man’ who, in reality, was just simply another beachgoer, casually playing kadima and sharing the day with his loved ones. As a huge fan of his work, seeing him out there, just being a regular dude, felt wonderfully refreshing. The whole experience debunked the ‘leading man’ facade I’ve often attributed[...]

Kai Bosch – “Tulips”

January 15, 2024

“Tulips” is the newest from London based Kai Bosch, and at just 21 years old, he’s already done quite well for himself. With a high production value featuring Bosch’s vocals with drum machine and effects mixed in, the whole track feels like a swirling dream. Falling in under the alt pop umbrella, “Tulips” is simmering banger tinged with sadness – having been written towards the end of a relationship. Specifically speaking to that, Bosch had this to say: “The song was inspired by the idea of flower pressings and how you can preserve the colour and beauty of something that is still dead nonetheless – and how I wish I could do that to the relationship I had with my ex.” Having been produced by Charlie Andrew of Alt-J, fans of that group will find some common interest. Followers of fellow UK group Foals would also find a lot to[...]

Day Video – “Needles and Pins”

November 17, 2023

Day Video is a solo project from David Yeend of Atlanta, Georgia and “Needles and Pins” is his latest track off of his extended play the Day Video EP. A soulful indie rock song with an infectious guitar lick, the lyrics a play awkward part of a relationship when you fuck up and are stuck walking on… wait for it… pins and needles (or needles and pins). Formed during the worst parts of the pandemic for many and finally seeing a proper release, this project is Yeend’s way of telling his own stories separate from his other project, the equally impressive (non-solo) Hearts on Speed. Mainly showcasing Yeend’s vocals, “Needles and Pins” keeps it simple with a steady backing drum beat and a warm guitar tone with an occasional background solo guitar. Fans of Pinback, Buck Meek’s less folksy tracks, or boygenius’ pop sensibilities would find a lot to enjoy here,[...]

Fan Girl – “American Cowboy Song”

November 14, 2023

Australian-based indie rock outfit Fan Girl brings us their latest track “American Cowboy Song,” and it’s a rollicking banger, to be sure. Coming in just over 2:30, it’s a perfect sandwich of blistering guitar glued betwixt (comparatively) a subdued intro and a boisterous outro. The drums, lead guitar, and synth form the crux of the aforementioned “blistering” portion of the song, giving me pleasant reminders of bands like Tired Lion, or, Jet and The Hives at their rawkiest. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say: “The song started as a silly, glitchy beat that we saw something in, and decided to flesh out and overcomplicate. In true Fan Girl spirit, we turned it into something more colourful, obnoxious and cheeky.” You can find “American Cowboy Song” on Spotify along with the equally catchy “MCF” – although a complete changeup from the zany controlled chaos of the former. If Spotify[...]

Razor Braids – “She”

November 14, 2023

Brooklyn-based Razor Blades brings us their newest track, “She,” and it’s a fun garage rock tinged banger. A vocal-forward track with non-stop (fuzzy and clean) guitar riffs, singer Hollye Bynum sings about meeting that special someone and how positively uplifting that can be. Queer, female, and non-binary identifying members gracing the lineup make this a well rounded group, able to bring their voices to a chronically underserved listenership – as well as just rocking the f*ck out for all. Fans of Alanis Morrissette, Pom Pom Squad, or The Cranberries would find a lot to enjoy here, along with anyone who enjoys a well executed garage rock romp. “She” is available on Soundcloud or Spotify, as well as a fabulously done music video embedded below. Be sure to check out their equally impressive backlog of songs as well! Razor Braids · She

Juno Dunes – “Dissolve”

November 8, 2023

New Orleans *maybe* solo act Juno Dunes, so-called “Louisiana beach music (or tropical shoe-gaze),” is the latest spin on the genre you didn’t know you needed to hear. “Dissolve” is their latest and it immediately brought my blood pressure down by twenty points and truly brought some much needed relaxation to my evening. Bringing the calm tones of bands like Real Estate or Goth Babe, you’re immediately transported by the warm guitar and laid back drum fills that feel like they’re fading into a sunset. Brought to life by Connor James Reever and a backing band, you’ll find nothing but chill vibes here with his whisper singsong voice. For us yanks in the north in November, you’ll appreciate the feeling Reever brings to our frosty lawns and hearts. Give “Dissolve” a listen over on Spotify or Sound Cloud, especially if you’ve had to scrape frost off of your windshield at any point[...]