Latest Posts

Blondes – “The Basement”

April 27, 2023

Blondes hail from Nottingham, England and “The Basement” is the second single released in advance of their In Separation EP, due out July 14th. Blondes have received prior acclaim from BBC Radio 1 for their other single off the EP, “Love in the Afternoon.” This one, however, started as a demo during lockdown but soon found its wings betwixt going back and forth remotely. When asked, the band said: “…it’s a song about feeling isolated and looking for a way out, which I imagine was a very well known feeling for everyone at that time.” Deliciously layered guitars with a thumping bass line keep this song fresh and interesting. While some have (rightfully) compared these effects to The Cure, “Basement” leans in more of a dreamy indie-pop sound (think mid-era Turnover) but still captures the creeping isolation we all experienced during the Covid-19 lockdowns. You can listen to “The Basement”,[...]

Sun Kin X Guppy – “I’m In The Band”

April 27, 2023

An L.A. band collab betwixt Sun Kin and Guppy, with the common theme (other than this banger of a song) of Kabir Kumar. Sun Kin is Kumar’s solo effort whereas Guppy seems to be his more collaborative endeavor – and it just friggin’ works here. “I’m in the Band” starts with dulcet synth tones that gradually gives way to a beautiful mix of sliding guitar and understated bass and drums. The story woven throughout is inspirational to any kid who has picked up an instrument and dreamed about being a rock star; perfectly capturing the first time you show up to a venue, “Hands full of gear on the loading dock/ filed up with fear and intrusive thoughts/ oh. sorry. i’mintheband” [fake editor’s note: it me]. Ultimately, this track is about the furtive steps any artist takes when expressing themselves and how difficult it is to make yourself vulnerable but[...]

The Moonjacks – “Fishnets”

April 24, 2023

“Fishnets” is the newest single off of California trio The Moonjacks‘ upcoming album; a follow up to 2022’s Bad Guy Stuff. The intro, accompanied by a ukulele, paints a pretty picture of a girl “smoking blunts and drinking PBR” that could easily veer off into tawdry territory, but avoids that pitfall and goes the wholesome route. “Fishnets” continues with addition of the rest of the band, driven by warm pop guitar and a fun piano track that sneaks in between the bass and drums – check out our previous feature of “Wack” if you need more solid proof. The Moonjacks are at their best when they’re having fun, and while it’s unclear if the story behind this song is based on true events, it’s absolutely crystal clear they’re enjoying themselves here. If you haven’t listened before, this is a great jumping off point. Be sure to check out “Fishnets” and[...]

smalltalk – “Ur Letter”

April 18, 2023

Based out of Savannah, Georgia, smalltalk is the solo project of Andrew Keith (but also a full band per the band’s Facebook post as of February 26th of this year). We are promised a mishmash of “…80’s british rock, punk and shoegaze to create a unique sound…” which certainly holds true. “Ur Letter” comes from their latest EP, Rosemary, released March 31st and showcases (or, erm… shoe-cases) the shoegaze-y part of their self-described sound. Fans of Dinosaur Jr. or, not so surprisingly, bands like The Clash or My Bloody Valentine, would find lots to enjoy in smalltalk’s layered and eclectic sound, full of gigantic walls of guitar noise and neurotic drumming patterns. You can hear the divide listening to “Ur Letter” (and the rest of the Rosemary EP, which leans heavily into the shoegaze influences) against their 2021 effort, Dandyism, which feels a bit more like a dank joint stuffed into[...]

Juliana Madrid – “Big Plans”

April 18, 2023

Texas-based Juliana Madrid, by way of Dallas, brings a wispy, yet full-bodied indie pop ditty that scratches the dream pop itch and then some. “Big Plans” is off of her forthcoming sophomore EP from New York-based record label Neon Gold Records – a crew that has helped break such acts as CHVRCHES, Passion Pit, and Charli XCX. Fans of the aforementioned indie darling CHVRCHES would definitely find lots to enjoy with “Big Plans,” as well as the rest of Juliana’s catalogue, which can be found on Spotify or Apple Music. I have more than a few friends in bands and who write their own music. Let me tell you: at just 21, to have this steady of a grasp on sound, not to mention a lyrical depth and strong ear for composition, is simply impressive and more than enough to get me hooked. If you’re in the area in the[...]

Interbellum – “The Storm”

April 16, 2023

Hailing from Beirut, Interbellum is a project helmed by Lebanese singer-songwriter Karl Mattar. “The Storm” comes from his group’s third album Our House is Very Beautiful at Night which was recorded during the initial Covid-19 lockdowns throughout 2020-2021. This album came together with backing member Pascal Semerdjian recording his drum parts in Lebanon while Mattar recorded vocals and the rest at his home in Berlin. The cheery vocals and cheekily strummed guitar in their single “The Storm” coalesce into a definite pop rock gem tinged with some some of the hardships that come along with the Very Real Global Pandemic™, but also the (ongoing) economic crisis within Lebanon still reeling from a civil war. It’s an interesting juxtaposition between a very real, very depressing topic and the sunny, jangle-pop that Interbellum conjures, but that’s part of the magic here. Fans of Alvvays, The Shins, or even The Beatles would find lots to[...]

Quit Yourself – “Strung Out & Grinding Your Teeth”

April 10, 2023

Quit Yourself brings a fun, energetic emo ballad in the form of “Strung Out & Grinding Your Teeth,” the first single from their upcoming EP, IT GETS WORSE BEFORE IT GETS WORSE. Most of the words I just used don’t entirely do justice to this impressive effort, so I’ll switch gears a bit with a story: It’s sometime in the early aughts and a dear friend named Kelly gave me a copy of Taking Back Sunday’s Tell All Your Friends that quite literally changed my life (for the better). Comparisons can sometimes be forced or, “eh, I kinda see that,” but in this case, I believe it to be a fair one. Quit Yourself isn’t a TBS clone by any means, but the frantic intro with soulful lyrics; melodic call-and-response vocals; and tapped guitar leads improve that nicely-paved road with enough fervor and passion to stand out on their own.[...]

Quiet Sonia – “Sparks”

April 9, 2023

As per their Instagram: “Quiet Sonia is a Copenhagen-based seven-piece experimental chamber-rock group”. In my wildest dreams I don’t think I could come up with such a combination of words to describe a musical act like them, yet here we are! “Sparks” is the first single off of their upcoming debut album and was, in true chamber-rock group fashion, recorded live in (and I am not making this up) a candle-lit studio over a weekend at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. I have friends in bands who would give their teeth to record something this beautiful in live takes, not to mention over a weekend! Anyone who has an ear for high production folk-tinged post punk fused with an orchestral arrangement will find this tantalizing. Vitamin String Quartet mashed together with Arcade Fire is the most accurate description I can think of, but still doesn’t do justice to what[...]

Animal Scream – “Strangled Up In Two”

April 9, 2023

Hailing from Pittsburgh, Animal Scream is made up of duo Chad Monticue and Josh Sickels.”Strangled Up in Two” is a banger of a track from that literally starts off with a BANG and doesn’t let off the gas, except to occasionally allow you to catch your breath. This comes from their most recent album Heartbroke Motel (April 7th) from label American Hermitage, also out of Pittsburgh, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The raucous cacophony in “Strangled” brings to mind Death From Above 1979, Parquet Courts, and a hint of Thom Yorke – with a beat that is simply infectious, just tell me with a straight face you couldn’t dance to this song all night long. The duo’s (successful) experiments with sound throughout Heartboke Motel similary don’t disappoint and listeners of anywhere from Grimes to Animal Collective would find enjoyment in the eclecticism. Be sure to check out “Strangled Up in Two”[...]

Cupid Girl – “I Drop Everything”

April 9, 2023

Cupid Girl is the project of Norway native Julie Engelsviken, and in three minutes with “I Drop Everything,” shows us her solid indie-pop chops. Songs like this always bring me a certain degree of joy because you can hear everything from relatable lyrics, to the plucky guitar, and lush synth leads, just-so-tightly produced to perfection. With her swaying dream-pop vocals, Engelsviken evokes some similarities to fellow Norwegian artist Girl in Red (or even HAIM) but with with 23% more 80’s influence thrown in. “I Drop Everything” also brings to mind “I Can’t Stop;” a fellow 80s-tinged track we recently reviewed by Dragon Inn 3. With a decent following over on Spotify and a strong collection of songs released within the past two years, be sure to hop on over to Spotify or Apple Music to hear this and more from Cupid Girl. Come for the incredible production value, stay for[...]

Nathan Connolly – “Fires [feat. Simon Neil]”

April 4, 2023

“Fires” is the debut single off of Nathan Connolly‘s upcoming album The Strange Order of Things. You may already be familiar with Nathan from his turn as Grammy-nominated Snow Patrol’s guitarist, as well as his previous project Little Matador, but Connolly finally struck out on his own for this groovy indie rock jam. “Fires” features a guest appearance from Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro (as well as shared songwriting duties) and the duo brings the gravitas you would expect: powerfully layered guitars; big melodies; and uplifting, heartfelt lyrics. If “Fires,” along with his previous work, is any indication, not only will this be a fantastic album but certainly one worthy of an addition to your summer playlist. Keep an eye out for Strange Order of Things out on 4/21 through Third Bar Records. In the meantime you can hear “Fires” on Spotify and stay tuned for more updates on Nathan Connolly’s[...]

Savagery – “Void”

April 4, 2023

I’m going to be completely honest with you, dear reader, I know next to nothing about the (presumably) one-person act known as Savagery. Honestly though, it’s kind of refreshing to have an artist present their music and just leave it at that. Here’s what I do know: Savagery seems to be composed of one person who has a strong understanding of composition. Their dulcet tones intersperse throughout a carefully curated midi-flavored track, layered with subdued guitar/drums/bass that create a sort of low-key, electronica/shoegaze-y mix. As described upon receipt of this track, this is “pop music, gone awry” (an apt description of shoegaze, to be sure). “Void”, along with the rest of Savagery’s tracks would be a good fit for someone who enjoys the amalgamation of sounds from bands like Beach House, Porches, or even Cocteau Twins. Be sure to delve into the mystery of of Savagery on their Soundcloud, Spotify,[...]

American Trappist – “Seg Fault”

April 4, 2023

01000001 01101101 01100101 01110010 01101001 01100011 01100001 01101110 00100000 01010100 01110010 01100001 01110000 01110000 01101001 01110011 01110100 00100000 00101101 00100000 00100010 01010011 01100101 01100111 00100000 01000110 01100001 01110101 01101100 01110100 00100010 Philadelphia-based American Trappist bring us a fun alt-90’s inspired single “Seg Fault;” so named for when a computer program loses track of memory and tries to write or read from an inaccessible part of memory or segmentation fault. [The computer based title is also the reason I so cleverly started this blog in binary (computer code 1’s and 0’s)]. The title fits well with the theme of changing over time, yet trying to maintain your sense of self, without losing who you originally are. The discordant intro sets the stage while meandering yet thoughtful guitar provides the perfect backdrop to Joe Michelini’s focused wailing that evokes Dinosaur Jr. or Pixies, with perhaps a dash of Deerhunter. Be sure to[...]

Mother Sun – “Yellowbee”

March 28, 2023

Take a deep breath and hold it in, because this hits nicely. “Yellowbee” from Mother Sun is a chilled mellow high of a song that will absolutely pick you up and float you away to wherever you find yourself the happiest. Ostensibly, lead vocalist Doherty’s musings on a colony of bees, the delightful layering of repetitive (yet delightful) synth, guitars and *checks ears* an improvisational saxophone throughout?! I listened to this song three or four times and I heard something a little different each time; this is a track that rewards repeat listenings. I particularly enjoyed the simple yet effective chord progression that was employed throughout that made me feel like I was part of the hive. Fans of Porches or Panda Bear (or Animal Collective, for that matter) would feel at home with “Yellowbee,” as well as many of the tracks Mother Sun have laid down already. Be sure[...]

O Slow – “These Dreams”

March 27, 2023

Hailing from California and currently residing in Brooklyn, O Slow is multi-instrumentalist Jacqui Miranda’s solo effort that shines brightest when it’s at its darkest. “These Dreams” is a delightful masterclass in mixing wispy, haunting lyrics with a collage of sounds anchored by a steady piano throughout. Jacqui brings us into the tangled web of a transcontinental move and the accompanying mixed feelings associated with being the country mouse who moves to the big city. The melding of sounds and her voice evoke a comparison to bands like Beach House or even an alternate-reality Alvvays that leaned into darker tones. You should absolutely listen to “These Dreams” with a nice set of headphones (like I did) for the full effect. It was a good type of disconcerting that made me feel the unease Jacqui delivers throughout the track. You can hear this and more over on Soundcloud or Spotify. Also be[...]