Latest Posts

Casual Confrontation – Marriage Culture

September 22, 2023

Casual Confrontation is the stage name of Frankie Diez, a Romanian born artist who grew up in Puerto Rico and Miami before landing in Nashville. He’s here with his latest album, Marriage Culture, a sprawling and expansive 17-song offering that promises a look at the institution of marriage from all sides. A producer and classically trained pianist, Frankie has released and produced three albums previously under his own moniker and also had cowriting credits with other artists. He touts his songwriting and producing prowess and that he also “…aim[s] to help artists say exactly what they want and need to say in the form of a song, giving them a space to let their words, feelings, and emotions flourish without boundary or judgement.” This sentiment translates well in Marriage Culture – Diez explains below: “‘Marriage Culture’ explores the concepts of marriage as an institution, one’s desire for connection with others[...]

Idledaze – Sandbox

September 20, 2023

Sandbox is a seven song EP from Whitewater, Wisconsin-based one man band Idledaze, released in anticipation of a full length album due out spring of 2024. Idledaze performs as a solo act but also does cover projects as a the Idledaze Trio with a setlist that spans everything from Alice in Chains to Zeppelin. Sandbox as a whole trends toward a bluesy flavor with a country-tinged edge, especially with the fun 90’s feeling video made for the track “Hot Feet” that you can see over on YouTube. Interspersed throughout the rollicking bass lines and meandering guitar is Idledaze himself amongst a montage of oil paintings and a Chicago go-go dancer (hence the name, not a reference to Quentin Tarantino’s favorite body part). Evidently a big oil painting guy, the album art for Sandbox is based on artwork done by his sister. The first track “In The Mood” feels like an[...]

Pale Puma – “Cast a Shadow”

September 14, 2023

Bringing you a rare double shot, we have ANOTHER Pale Puma track hot off the presses; their other song was “Down by the River,” (which I wrote about here). This one is “Cast a Shadow” also off of their September 8th album Haunted By Dreams That Were Never My Own and while in the same vein as “Down by the River” it’s definitely the shinier of the two. The chord progression and steady drum beat gave me the same feeling of playing an epic video game or journeying into a decisive battle with the BBEG in Dungeons and Dragons with my friends (editor’s note: BBEG means “Big Bad Evil Guy” in D&D parlance, and Chris is a friggin’ nerd). A galloping drum beat and haunting guitar work certainly add to that mysterious and adventurous feeling. If you’ve already listened to “Down by the River” and enjoyed it, this one is a[...]

Bazemore – “in your arbor”

September 13, 2023

According to an unverified post on the genius.com page listed on his Instagram; Bazemore is based out of Baltimore and is a triple threat of producer/musician/sound engineer. His latest single is “in your arbor,” and it’s a simmering, noisy romp with ALL of the guitar layers and ALL of the feedback. It’s a mashed-together conglomerate of shoegaze and EDM that shows off Bazemore’s composition chops – the way he builds the guitars/effects/drum machine to a rousing crescendo shows a true mastery of his craft. Fans of M83, My Bloody Valentine, or my personal favorite Beach House would find a lot to enjoy here. While shoegaze typically eschews a gentle electronic beat for sheer noise, you can’t help but ignore the driving rhythms and washy presences here. You can hear “in your arbor” on Spotify, Apple Music, or if you’re thrifty like me, here’s the YouTube link.

tiger del flor x MKSTN – “like we’re an indie movie (url remix)”

September 13, 2023

“like we’re an indie movie” is a track by Hollywood based tiger del flor and Toronto based MKSTN – quite the long distance affair! As if the track wasn’t good enough, it’s been given the remix treatment by url – an impressive artist in his own right with a deep catalogue of collaborations and originals. The remix does a good job of keeping the meat and potatoes of the original track more or less intact and adds a bit more extra flavor and pizzazz a la squelching bass synths, airy synth touches, and bedroom-pop drumming. TDF’s lyrics are hauntingly longing – if Timothée Chalemet, Greta Gerwig, and Sofia Coppola were combined into a romantic indie movie this would definitely be on the soundtrack. url turns up the bass and ensuing funk up to 11, something fans of EDM music in general or Daft Punk or Chemical Brothers would appreciate. You[...]

Pale Puma – “Down By The River”

September 11, 2023

Amsterdam-based four piece dreampop band Pale Puma brings us their newest single “Down By The River” off of their recently released album Haunted By Dreams That Were Never My Own (September 8, Excelsior Recordings). Shimmering guitars backdropped by slick bass create a shoegazy vibe with singer Django Duijns’ echoing voice wallowing in (calm) despair. Feeling somewhere between an upbeat Interpol or less upbeat Alvvays, Pale Puma’s sound is unique enough that they stand on their own quite well. The album itself is well worth the listen if you enjoy “Down By The River,” which you can find over on Spotify. My next favorite was probably “Sea of Discontent,” especially for letting bassist Remy de Kok shine a bit more. Be sure to let us know what you think over on our social medias – Facebook or X (aka Twitter, seriously that was the silliest rebranding of all time).

Helenor – “Bad2”

September 6, 2023

Brooklyn born musician David DiAngelis, the brains behind Helenor, brings us a nice diddly of a bedroom indie pop gem with his newest track “Bad2.” Beginning with a hooky lo-fi synth (that reappears throughout the song) DiAngelis wastes no time establishing a steady pace, bolstered by acoustic guitar, that builds upon itself. Speaking to the track, he had this to say: “This is a soundtrack for pretending you have the ability to be present…. ‘Bad2’ is a ball and a chain and a weighted walk through a vitamin D soaked summer day.” “Bad2” gave me Real Estate vibes, but slowed down and deconstructed. Fans of Alex G, Bonny Doon, or even MGMT would also find a lot to enjoy with “Bad2” and the rest of DiAngelis’s impressive catalogue. You can find that and more over on Spotify or YouTube if that’s your music listening preference.

Martha Rose x GRIP TIGHT – “Come On Over”

September 6, 2023

Berlin based musician Martha Rose teams up with collaborator Benjamin Luke Gregory, aka GRIP TIGHT, another artist who makes his home in Berlin by way of London. They’ve worked together previously on another single, “Never B Mine” and keep the magic going with the breezy lo-fi stylings of “Come On Over.” Contrasting the two songs is initially difficult, but “Come On Over” mostly stays in it’s synth-based dream pop lane – putting more focus on Rose’s vocals. It’s an incredibly sexy, synth-laden track that puts Rose’s haunting voice front and center, based on a mythical (or real?) “party” (re: orgy) on Mt. Olympus. Fans of Blue Hawaii, TOPS, or Grimes looking that “next big band” would certainly find a lot to enjoy here. Rose and Gregory have an ear for composition and have the sound of artists punching well above their weight with a polished yet not overwrought vibe. You can[...]

GRRL GANG – “Better Than Life”

September 2, 2023

Grrrl Gang, a power punky trio from Indonesia, brings us their latest track “Better Than Life” off of their new album sharing the same name. We previously covered them here, and had nothing but good things to say then… But to be fair that was mid August and we generally don’t turn on a band that quickly! You’re immediately assaulted with the full force of the entire band playing their hearts out and singer Angeeta Sentana droning and screaming into the mic a la Karen O. Just when the song reaches its peak, it’s over and you’re onto the next song. I can definitely get behind a song that grips me like that and manages to simultaneously give me what I need while leaving me wanting for more. I got some Sonic Youth noise vibes with with a touch of Ramones with this track, especially with it coming in at[...]

The Lovelines – “May Be Love”

September 2, 2023

Mysterious sister/brother duo, by way of Germany and Florida, The Lovelines bring us their latest single “May Be Love.” I found in it a fun, meandering piece that was honestly *so* relaxing to listen to that I felt like I was on vacation. The wavy guitars interspersed with the sister’s (no idea of their names, unfortunately) singing creates a soothing atmosphere that dream pop aficionados will most definitely enjoy. It’s a perfect, sauntering, dog days of summer vibe for that one last hangout by the pool. I think the most accurate comparison is probably Alvvays with the jazz vibe turned up like 30%. This was honestly a great stepping off point and I found some of their other tracks such as “1-800-LOVELINE” and their biggest hit “Strange Kind of Love” to be equally awesome. Be sure to check out “May Be Love” over on Spotify or Apple Music.

TELLL – “Garlic”

September 2, 2023

Mysterious collective TELLL, coming by way of Austria, brings us a slow burn, folk-tinged indie gem with their single “Garlic.” Morose to a fault (in the best ways), it’s the perfect end of summer slow jam and an easy shoe-in for an end of summer playlist. Big Thief with Adrianne Lenker turned up to 11 (on the morose monitor) is the best comparison I can think of, specifically the observations as the singer looks back on a failed relationship. This part of the song really gutted me: Did you cut your hair or leave it Like I always said you should Is your cat still on a diet Or did you give up on that plan? Do you sometimes, sometimes think of us? The subtle instrumentals give singer Änn plenty of room to shine and leaves room a instrument to shine at points (spoiler, it’s a trumpet). It’s obvious the[...]

Nick Cosic – “Submerged”

August 21, 2023

“Submerged” is the latest single from Serbian based musician and modular/vintage synth fanatic Nick Cosic. An electronic music producer and DJ by trade, leaning into techno and progressive house, he is a leader in the Serbian music scene and helps develop artists and is a frequent collaborator. Musically the song is… pure synth and drum machine with a noted modular sound – you’d be hard pressed to find any failings as it is impeccably produced and, outside of it’s total electronic vibes, evokes Daft Punk and/or post-punk Give “Submerged” a listen on Apple or Spotify. If you like what you hear, definitely check out his wealth of other tracks or his YouTube channel. Be sure to let us know if you’d like more electronic music too, over on our Insta or X.

SHIA – “Something’s Behind Me”

August 21, 2023

Shia Shania, the Shia behind SHIA, is self-professed history buff, sword collector… Not to mention running a talent agency. She somehow finds time to make some boppin’ beats. She brings us a drum machine and synth drenched pop track with “Something’s Behind Me” off of her Doom EP (August 18). While the lyrics are partly inspired by Netflix Horror sensation Stranger Things (itself an ode to 80’s horror), the fear of something behind you could unfortunately easily translate to the experience of any woman ever. I may be grasping at straws, but the cover art of the EP brings to mind the Japanese horror manga Uzumaki by Junji Ito. Despite the horror-inspired sensibilities, “Something’s” is actually a pretty upbeat track with an ultra-catchy bassline. Fans of Grimes looking for some more indie sensibilities or even Metric would find a lot to enjoy with SHIA, or anyone looking for that fun[...]

Coma Girls – “Candles”

August 20, 2023

LA transplant Chris Spino, better known under his project name Coma Girls, brings us his newest single “Candles.” Wearing many hats – from lo-fi to psych-folk to now more folk rock flavor, this is a fun way to make music and a great way to bring in fans of differing tastes into the fold. Fairly straightforward but showing his vulnerable side through lyrics, the back third of the track shows Spino turning up the distortion and putting on a real show. Fans of the folkier bits of Connor Oberst/Bright Eyes would find a lot to enjoy here, as well as Big Thief. Be sure to give “Candles” a listen on your streaming platform of choice (Apple, Spotify, Soundcloud) and check out the forthcoming album Crystal Pistol if you like what you’ve heard so far!

Honeycrush – “Stars”

August 20, 2023

“Stars” is another recently dropped single, this one from New York based Alexandra Antonpoulos – better known by her stage moniker of Honeycrush. This is released in support of her upcoming EP, Milk Teeth, due out October 17. The gently strummed guitar stays just beneath the surface of the song, giving room for Antonpoulos’ wry vocals to shine, evoking similarities to to Fiona Apple or a stripped down boygenius. The emotional kick is tempered a bit by the quieter vocals, but that approach still hits hard. Speaking to the track, Antonpoulos had this to say: “When I was writing Stars, I was dealing with a months long episode of severe anxiety which left me feeling completely detached from my physical self. It also recalls a very late, very hazy night I found myself by the Hudson River in some park where I was definitely not supposed to be in the state I[...]