Latest Posts

Bleary – “sugar splint”

February 5, 2026

Based on name alone, Bleary sounds like it could be something cutesy or hazy (like that feel when you wake up bleary-eyed) but they are and they aren’t. Shoegaze is funny like that because it’s a little bit of everything! Their latest is “sugar splint” and I gotta say, it sounds pretty sweet (sorry not sorry).   Written partially during the lockdown and over the past four years, the tracks have had time to germinate and (as evidenced here) really grow into something spectacular. “sugar splint” is filled to the brim with sound and lots of geetar layers and is one of those tracks that rewards subsequent listens.   You can hear “sugar splint” below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify. A new album, Little Brain will be out in May of this year. yk records · sugar splint  

The Lives of Famous Men – “Lost in the Branches”

February 4, 2026

“Lost in the Branches” is the latest from LA based The Lives of Famous Men (they took a leaf from Portugal. The Man and mostly moved out of Alaska). “Branches” is one of those lovely amalgamations of indie rock and the *tiniest* hint of electronica, slightly reminiscent of Gibbard and his tunes, that just fires on all cylinders (just kidding, it’s definitely more than a tiny hint). I can’t always get behind a track where the synth features prominently in the chorus, but consider me hooked by the hook (it’s a damn good hook). Speaking to the track, the band is pretty clear about the subject matter:   “[Lost in the Branches]… is about algorithmic culture and how all-consuming it’s become. …trees were an apt metaphor, both for something organic and rooted in place, as well as the cold logic of nodes and branches that decide everything from the songs[...]

Theo Black – “Follow The Money”

February 4, 2026

“Follow The Money” is both the words uttered by Deep Throat in All The President’s Men and the latest track from Theo Black. He started the song in Vegas (ya know, the place that’s all about dollars) and used that as a jumping off point.   He paints a dreary picture about how money makes people dehumanize others in the pursuit of more, but does it oh-so beautifully. A sick bass riff propels the track forward while his vocals mesh with simple yet effective guitar and drums that take it the rest of the way forward. I’m a sucker for post-punk that finds a way to feel fresh even after all this time, which “Money” nails in spades.   You can hear it embedded below from Bandcamp or Spotify. You can hear last year’s EP Last Nite if you’re looking for more, with the synth drenched “Girls On The Internet” being[...]

Newman Bros Presents – Camping Trip!

February 2, 2026

Camping Trip! is a reiteration of an interesting 2014 concept album by Newman Bros Presents, a funk-punk band from Ithaca. The album demonstrates creative storytelling with intricate musical accompaniments that spans a handful of genres. To say NBP is a multimedia project is an understatement – Camping Trip! will be released as an album, a play, an illustrated children’s book, and even a pinball game (including an accompanying iOS version)! To add, their friends at Well Worn Boot released some fan-fiction about this multimedia effort that can be read here.   The album starts off with “The Opening.” Here, we meet our main character, a camp counselor named Paul Blart Jr., and his pet monkey, Toto. An upright bass and horn ensemble play behind the narrator as Paul and Toto move through their morning routine. Paul’s voice is raspy and young-sounding – it’s comparable to the SpongeBob SquarePants opening theme[...]

Showrocka, Corey Gunz and Mickey Factz – “Balance”

February 1, 2026

Showrocka and Mickey Factz are two rappers with great care for the craft. Factz opened up Pendulum Ink, a school for emcees to work on their craft, and Showrocka was their first valedictorian. “Balance” is a collaborative effort from the dudes and carves out some space for a hip hop veteran, and a leader in the art of rap, Corey Gunz. A harp arpeggio stays ready to burst throughout the capacious production, as each of the emcees also take their turn at blowing the lid off this track. Rocka and Factz trade verses, and you could tell they went into the booth trying to drop the best bar. Gunz’ technical ability has never been denied, but here on “Balance” he makes sure his pen game gets its proper time in the spotlight. This is a track for the true hip hop heads – pick out your best lines and scrunch[...]

Cape Francis – “Catapult”

January 31, 2026

“Catapult” is the newest release from Cape Francis, aka Kevin Henthorn. CF begun as a solo project to realign with his own musical wants and needs; definitely still going strong since 2017, so a tenure that’s certainly nothing to sneeze at!   I was frankly enthralled by Henthorn’s vocals – he showcases an impressive vocal range with a strong yet surprisingly chill build up that levels out at the end. Vocals aside, the [acoustic] guitar does most of the talking and meshes well with the collection of light drums and second guitar layer or synths (hard to tell sometimes, seriously).   You can hear “Catapult” below from Soundcloud, as well as Spotify and Apple Music. His next album, Plateaus is due sometime in the near future from Sleep Well Records.   Cape Francis · Catapult      

Retro Kid – “Think I Know”

January 31, 2026

Sometimes the catchiest tunes have the best back stories. Case in point is “Think I Know” from UK born, Danish based Retro Kid. “Think I Know;” probably about someone suspecting their lover is cheating on them, or maybe knowing… the plot to the next Game of Thrones novel? Nope, in this case it’s inspired by his sassy toddler who enjoys putting his socks in the dishwasher.   The track itself is dandy of an indie electronica song with a sick beat to boot. Tight drums do a lot of the heavy lifting along with swirly synths and ear-tickling effects that are reminiscent of Zero 7 or Still Corners. I love the wholesomeness which adds, rather than detracts, from the overall presentation.   You can hear “Think I Know” below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify. The year is still early, with an EP on the way in the near future.[...]

Vienna I – “These Habits”

January 28, 2026

UK rapper, singer and songwriter Vienna I doesn’t know a sound she can’t handle. Her latest track, “These Habits” floats from more conventional rap into the signature U.K. drill, with elements of some house with its groove. Vienna’s charisma pulses through the vocals of the track, with the grit of her personality perfectly contrasting the gleam of this sharply-produced track. Lyrically, “These Habits” Vienna puts herself on a pedestal, and she’s short for time with anyone who isn’t interested in her success. Give it a listen and toss it into your drill/workout/late night playlists. If you’re feeling Vienna, check her out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our 2026 Underground Rappers playlist a spin and find your next favorite artist.

Porch Coffin – “Family Portrait”

January 22, 2026

“Family Portrait” is Orlando based Porch Coffin‘s newest single off of their Dogs Bite EP. Far from being a happy go lucky track, it’s a slice of indie rock pie with a post punk crust, topped with some hints of Midwest emo sensibilities.   The band (a four piece, from what I gathered from their IG) paints a dreary picture but does it exceedingly well. This is mostly a guitar-forward affair with a small amount of reverb that gives an otherworldly effect, (like, “alien in your own skin what is going on around here” and not literally a different world).   You can hear “Family Portrait” below from Bandcamp, as well as Spotify. The rest of the EP is well worth a listen and a late 2025 album that may have gotten lost around that weird gap between Thanksgiving and New Years that feels like it just ended.   DOGS[...]

Synthetic Friend – “Renovations”

January 22, 2026

Natives of Winnipeg, Synthetic Friend is here in the new year with a new track off of a new EP. “Renovations” is the second track off of Catching the Outlines, and it’s one of our favorites this year!   Five piece bands can fall into weird overproduced messes with everyone doing something okay but not well. Here though, everyone brings something to the table and nothing ever sounds unnecessary. The build up to the guitar solo in the middle of the song is done perfectly and I have no notes. Emma Stevens gives us quiet and loud with the vocals, never missing a beat.   You can hear “Renovations” below on Soundcloud as well as Apple Music and Spotify. You should listen to the rest of the EP but if you only listen to one other track, I can’t recommend “Baby, You’re My Microwave” enough. It’s whimsical and hilarious and[...]

Wild Spelks – “305”

January 22, 2026

The word “pop” gets a bad rap sometimes and I hope you, dear reader, do not fall into this camp because you’re missing out on some fabulous music. That, or, one sneaks in a “pop-punk” or “dream pop” sublabel. Pop do be pop and it be poppin’. Japandroids, Saves The Day, Jimmy Eat World? The list goes on and, coincidentally, all happen to be in the same vibe-space as Wild Spelks (hopefully you didn’t forget about them, I’m getting there).   “305” is the latest from Wild Spelks, cleverly using the song title to reference what the band calls the “perfect pop-song runtime” (and we can’t disagree with them). The track itself is a masterclass of the genre, with all instruments getting their moment. Mainly driven by the guitar, the drums hold their own throughout. It’s the right type of upbeat that’s not blah or toxically positive.   You can[...]

Broke Royals – “The Weather”

January 20, 2026

Broke Royals hail from Washington, DC and have toured the US heavily for many a year. They’re still pumping out quality tunes – case in point, new single “The Weather.” Taking an obviously ’80s influenced approach, “The Weather” plays with pretty synth tones and chorus-laden guitars, evoking the era of excess without ever truly embodying it. In fact, the subtleness of this song was a conscientious choice – opting for confidence with a tinge of unease underneath.   “The Weather” is available now – check it out below via YouTube or on Spotify.    

Sister Void – “rewind”

January 19, 2026

Sister Void, colloquially known as Nico Mann, is an LA-based alt pop act whose “rewind” recently caught our ears. Ethereal, lightly gothy, and ruthlessly catchy, “rewind” is one of those songs that can slot effortlessly into any of your playlists. Workout? Perfect. Chill out. Vibes… But the real appeal here is that, beneath it’s perfectly-produced exterior, “rewind” has some profound deeper meanings – here’s a bit more from Sister Void regarding “rewind:”   “This song is about wishing you could go back in time and do things differently… After you go through a breakup, you have to pick up the broken pieces of yourself to put yourself back together, almost like you’re a shell of yourself or a broken version. It takes a long time to feel whole again on your own after giving so much of yourself away.”   “rewind” is available now. Check out the Spotify embed below,[...]

Matt Hylom – “Roller Skates”

January 18, 2026

Charlotte hip hop artist Matt Hylom embraces smooth grooves on his latest track, “Roller Skates.” Hylom has a refined, silky delivery that serves his lyricism perfectly on this track. Roller skating serves as a lyrical motif for him, referencing not only the skates themselves, but the carefree, loose act. He calls for the audience (and himself) to bring elements of it to their lifestyle. The track’s groove is as smooth as a clean lap around the town’s rink. Neo-soul radiates from the production, with a carefree opulence generated by the rich piano lines heard throughout the track. Listen to more smoothness from Matt on Spotify, and while you’re there check out our 2026 Rap playlist.

Ailbhe Reddy – “That Girl”

January 17, 2026

Ailbhe Reddy is ready to KISS BIG. That’s the name of her new album, anchored by her stunning new single, “That Girl.” Ailbhe’s style is lush and ethereal, anchored by a virtuosic drumbeat, but layered thick with electric pianos, gauzy synth pads, and of course Ailbhe’s lilting vocals. It’s accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Greg Purcell that perfectly compliments the airy goodness found within. Here’s a bit more from Ailbhe about what exactly inspired “That Girl:”   “This is one of the record’s emotional anchors. A study in how love shifts shape over time – how we start seeing each other less tenderly, and forget what we once adored.”   “That Girl” is available via YouTube (below), or, on Spotify.