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PEPTALK – “Long Haul”

November 8, 2023

Australia-based three piece PEPTALK brings us their latest track “Long Haul” and it’s a delightful pop jam, showcasing the band’s sugary songwriting credentials. Having collaborated with artists the world over, most notably with fellow countryman LDRU, they are here to kick ass and are undoubtedly succeeding. Running a gamut of melodies and excellent lyrical pop with some great beats, it’s impossible not to find yourself to feel the vibe from this upbeat, coming-of-age banger. Citing artists such as Remi Wolf and HAIM as influences, you can start to get an idea of their vibe but it’s best experienced straight from the source. Give “Long Haul” a spin over on Spotify or Sound Cloud and be sure to check out the rest of their impressive catalogue if you (undoubtedly) like what you hear! PEPTALK · Long Haul

LOR – “The Same Shit”

November 8, 2023

LOR is the project of Taylor Harrison, who, if not for a LinkedIn profile, has me convinced he’s a deep dark electronic being singing songs of a dystopian future (think Blade Runner vibes). “The Same Shit” is his latest track and the squelchy indietronica matches up with the spooky fall vibes and the aforementioned Blade Runner aesthetic. Speaking to the track, LOR had this to say: “I went back to my indie electronic roots with this one – I imagined the vibe of the murky alleys of a dystopian world in the midst of rebellion… I tried to paint a picture of resilience and defiance from the shadows.” The best elevator pitch I could think of would be if you crossed the eclecticism Daft Punk with darkness of Trent Reznor, which just barely scratches the surface. Be sure to give LOR a listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

A Days Wait – “Signals”

November 8, 2023

“Signals” is the newest song from Canadian indie pop band A Days Wait, released ahead of their new album. We previously wrote about them here (thanks Nick), and enjoyed what we heard back in ’22 and haven’t changed our minds. This understated yet mournful sounding jam is filled to the brim with wispy guitar and a slick bass line that form a sturdy backbone but don’t overpower singer Adam Alfano’s dulcet tones. As per the band, the proceeds from (presumably the album) will go to charity, which seems to be a common theme with their music. I’m not rightly sure on the charity, but I’m gonna go with something worthwhile and heartwarming. You can hear “Signals” on Spotify or YouTube. Be sure to let us know your thoughts over on our social media! A Days Wait · Signals

Bad Veins – “Wendy”

November 3, 2023

Bad Veins is a Cincinnati-based band from the mind of Ben Davis, and “Wendy” is the first single off of their upcoming album Imposter (December 1, Dynamite records). The track itself is a crisp sounding, 80’s-tinged, synth forward track with some robotic auto tune sounding vocals thrown in for good measure. Imagine if Daft Punk was about 60% less electronic and throw in a dash of Grouplove, and you’d have “Wendy” (in a nutshell). Davis plays things pretty close to the vest, as much as a musician can, speaking to that he said: “I am in constant fluctuation back and forth as to whether I want to be a public person, or just keep to myself. I had no career ambitions when I first started Bad Veins. I just enjoyed making music in my attic. So, there is always the feeling of ‘imposter syndrome’ when I have to do music[...]

Vlimmer – “Teerritt”

October 30, 2023

Coming to you from Berlin, Vlimmer’s latest single “Teerritt” is from his August 25 album Zerschöpfung. We previously wrote about him a few years ago here, and loved what we heard then – not too much has changed in that regard in the ensuing years. The track itself is a masterclass in the gothier musics – specifically post punk/industrial/darkgaze. Picking up where bands like the Cure and Joy Division left off sort of starts to give you the idea of the sound, but not the whole picture. The drum machine, sorrowful lyrics, and synth are all there – along with Vlimmer’s impeccable attention to detail throughout. Speaking to the song (and the meaning behind the word teerritt) Vlimmer had this to say: “‘Teerritt’ is literally about being so exhausted that you lay down on the tar of the street. And when you crawl across it becomes some sort of really slow[...]

Steven Van Betten – “Friendship”

October 30, 2023

Based out of Los Angeles, Steven van Betten‘s latest single is “Friendship” off of his debut album Friends and Family (October 28, Future Gods). Bringing that fuzzy vintage folksy feel, “Friendship” features van Bettern’s soothing vocals with guitar but also throws in catchy synth. With each verse corresponding to a different friend you’d think this would turn into a “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” type scenario, but, as van Betten helpfully points out, “… but I’m trying to be in bed by 11/ someday I’ll write a verse for all of my friends and the song will be never ending…” Fans of Sufjan Stevens or Neutral Milk Hotel will find some similarities they can latch onto here, between the composition and musical style. You can hear “Friendship” along with the rest of the album over on Spotify or Soundcloud. Future Gods · Steven van Betten – Friendship

Bo Milli – “Chewing Gum”

October 25, 2023

Fresh off her latest EP, Making Friends, Emilie Østebø brings us her latest single “Chewing Gum” under her stage name Bo Milli. Hailing from Bergen, Norway, we’ve covered Bo Milli a few times (you can find those here). “Chewing Gum” is a fun track with a rollicking guitar that gives way to a slick bass line that would make my bass player friends go “nice.” I felt the grunge 90’s vibe with Østebø’s focused yet relaxed boppin’ lyrics. While being grouped in with other indie luminaries Soccer Mommy, Bully, and Phoebe Bridgers may seem like a daunting task for a 23 year old, she had this to say: … Just kidding I have no idea. I’m sure it’s probably flattering or humbling at a certain level but just let her make her music. She did have this to say on the track though: “‘Chewing Gum’ is a macho-anthem expressed with unconvincing[...]

Ruth Radelet – “Shoot Me Down”

October 25, 2023

LA-based Ruth Radelet, she of The Chromatics fame, brings us her newest track, “Shoot Me Down.” Boasting a wispy dream pop aesthetic, Radelet’s voices cuts through the synth and guitar as she bares her soul about a not-so-great evening. Speaking to the song, she had this to say: “Although this song is very personal to me, I think it tells a story that many people can relate to. It started out as a sad girl piano ballad, written after a particularly bad night, and in the end became one of the most fun tracks I have ever worked on.” You might laugh, but the intro reminded me a bit of The Edge’s unique strumming found on a lot of U2 albums, while the song overall gave me a Beach House or Warpaint vibe. Quiet and understated, you can tell Radelet is still very much a master of her craft both[...]

Best Noodles In Town – “Host”

October 25, 2023

Indianapolis emo/alt three piece Best Noodles In Town (BNIT) recently dropped their track, “Host,” and we at the blog were pretty dang impressed. Released October 17, “Host” showcases the band’s slick composition of polished guitar and heartfelt vocals that bring to mind Hot Mulligan or Microwave while also channeling the New Found Glories of yesteryear. As a whole, you can tell they’re giving it their all at being an original act and not just a rehash of the emo acts of the aughts. They sneak in a backup screamo scream partway through the track that sounds fantastic and, having tried to sing along to screamo, I can say a proper scream is harder than it looks. Be sure to check out “Host” over on Spotify or Bandcamp, released in anticipation of their EP due out at the end of the year. Best Noodles In Town · Host

Fake Shape – “Black Bear”

October 25, 2023

Hamilton, Ontario based indie experimental four piece, Fake Shape, brings us their latest single “Black Bear.” With the basic drums/bass/guitar that most bands implement in some way or another, Fake Shape also incorporates the trumpet adjacent flugelhorn. Side note, I’m sorry to anyone who ever taught me about music in high school because I’m sure you mentioned a flugelhorn at some point and I wasn’t listening. The beginning of the track starts out with nice diddly of a wispy guitar and very tight drums leading the charge with vocalists Chester Edington and Olivia Brown coming in for a harmony. For me, Fake Shape answers the question “well what if Radiohead was born in Canada and was about 20% more jazz influenced.” The piece crescendos to about the 2:20 mark and a trumpet solo takes over, eventually giving way to some bass limelight. If you’re not impressed with this track, you[...]

Courtney Farren – “I Must Like It”

October 19, 2023

Released October 6 in anticipation a full length effort next year, Courtney Farren’s newest single is “I Must Like It.” Originally from the Bay Area in San Francisco, she has found herself anywhere from Boston to Croatia (and currently back in California). With this wanderlust comes experiences, which fuels her creative juices as an artist. With some truly awe inspiring compositions, Farren’s vocals bring to mind artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Lorde, and Florence & The Machine. Not merely a rehash of old ideas or borrowing from other artists, she blazes ahead creatively with a fresh look ahead for the indie pop aesthetic. Be sure to check out “I Must Like It” over on Spotify or Apple Music. If you’re feeling the vibes there, dig deeper on her previous effort from April of this year with Rabbit King. 

Frogs Show Mercy – “Chester’s Privilege”

October 19, 2023

A band we’ve covered previously (here and here), Frogs Show Mercy brings us their latest single “Chester’s Privilege.” Beginning with a sample of an interaction they had with Instagram personality Chester Stone, it immediately switches gears to some raucous geetar and some bellowing vocals that will have you feeling like it’s the early aughts all over again. You might feel a slight buzz from the breakdowns and changeups, but the penultimate twist comes around the 2:40 mark…. And I won’t ruin it for you. Suffice to say, you might think you’re listening to an entirely new song. Lots of great energy from this Miami group, please give it and some of their other tracks a listen especially if enjoy bands such as Dismemberment Plan, Tigers Jaw, or Title Fight. Hear “Chester’s Privilege” over on Spotify or Apple Music.

Easy Bear – “In My Head”

October 19, 2023

A mysterious three piece based out of Santa Barbara, Easy Bear describes their sound as “…like rock and/or roll” which is…100% accurate. Their latest single, “In My Head” is an electric track chock-filled with all of the guitars. Occasionally giving way to a brief respite with a tight bass riff, the calm doesn’t last for long as they launch into another chord-laden layer of awesome. Evoking a sort of post grunge/emo tinged power pop feel, you’ll definitely enjoy the hooks and energy the band brings a la Hollerado or Arkells. You can hear “In My Head” over on Soundcloud or Spotify. Easy Bear · In My Head

Virgo Rising – “Shoes”

October 19, 2023

Manitoba based four piece Virgo Rising brings us their latest single “Shoes” off of their October 13th EP Vampyre Year. Simply put, this is a sublime, guitar-forward bedroom indie rock song guided by vocalist Emiy Sinclair’s dulcet tones. I said to myself whilst listening, “Self, ya know each note and minute sounds present, so deliberately placed, and painstakingly put together.” Oddly enough as I started reading more about the band I learned that this… was not only true as my ears heard it, but there was a bit of a backstory too. As per the band, they implemented a veto system on crafting Vampyre Year that initially worked a little too well and went back to the drawing board. Coming back fresh after a year away from recording, the band reworked the EP from scratch and made it a cohesive group effort. As far as comparisons go, the sound and attention to[...]

Kitchenette – “If I Can Dance”

October 15, 2023

Kitchenette is a Netherlands-based five piece led by frontman Chris O. Kikic, who originally hails from Bosnia. Released October 6, “If I Can Dance” is a super chill guitar-forward track that makes way for Kikic’s haunting/wailing vocals. Their subtle yet danceable style brings in comparisons from The War on Drugs, to Kurt Vile, or Real Estate; enjoyers of these artists will certainly find a lot to enjoy from Kikic et al. We were particularly drawn to the bouncing bass line and swimmy, spiraly guitar leads that weave in and out of the song’s skeletal structure. Certainly leaning into the dreamier vibes in all of the best ways, “If I Can Dance” is about getting yourself back out there – here’s more from Kikic: “It’s about jumping into the waters again, dancing even if you can’t dance, trying out new stuff and going for it. Being in the world and with[...]