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Gasoline Monk and Burn Herm – “Abacus”

Gasoline Monk and Burn Herm create a track equal parts Adult Swim and Aesop Rock for their new single, “Abacus.” Monk’s dizzying keyboard loops and Herm’s cryptic lyricism give the track an uncanny feeling – you know you like it but you’re struggling to wrap your head around what you’re hearing. It’s great for the hiphopheads who love to dissect lyrics while walking dimly lit streets. Gasoline Monk’s gritty, loose drum section will put a rhythm into your step while Herm lets you chew on lyrics referencing heretics, mathematical visuals, and “keeping an abacus.” I wish I was smarter. “Abacus” appears on Hermit and the Monk – a collaborative project from Burn Herm and Monk. You’ll hear more from the oracle of Herm while Monk seamlessly mixes in his psychedelic, jazz and electronic influences into the beats. Take a listen to it and more from these artists on Spotify.

TRiiiPSS – “colorss”

The Pacific sun shines bright on “colorss” – the latest single from alternative hip hop triplets TRiiiPPS. The trio, currently based on two different sides of the Pacific Ocean, combine influences from California and Tokyo (among other regions), to create light, bright alternative music that can land anywhere on the music genre spectrum. Their latest jam, “colorss” combines some Julian Casablancas-flavored drawl with radio-friendly guitar section for a good-time indie rock single that feels right at home on a FIFA soundtrack. “Colorss” ponders whether or not a potential mate sees you the same way – the subject of many a good track. See how you like it and check out more of the good vibes from TRiiiPSS on Spotify. 

Clover County – “Under These Conditions”

Athens-based singer/songwriter Clover County has a new single called “Under These Conditions” off their debut EP Porch Lights. The single highlights Clover County’s gentle delivery and is all about re-focusing and re-calibrating life. Under the surface, the lyrics touch on bucking traditional norms and expectations placed on someone  (ADULTS) and forging your own direction. Fans of Florist, Big Thief, or Shakey Graves would be a fan of this one. Check it out below or give the full EP a listen over on Spotify.     

Showtime Ramon – “Lap of Luxe

Sacramento rapper Showtime Ramon emits Final Boss energy on his latest single “Lap of Luxe.” Pounding piano notes, a booming bottom half of mix and an overly braggadocious figurehead? Yeah – “Lap of Luxe” feels like we’ve been posted up at a Mortal Kombat-type cabinet for an hour, our eyes are bleeding and it’s time to rip up Shao Kahn. Ramon delivers line after line of classic rap swagger, reminding his opponents on the chorus that they’re “Almost to the finish, their chances all the way ugly.” Ramon adds to the gaming atmosphere with “Fatality” coded backing vocals that have a cartoonish boom to them. Take a look into Ramon’s deep discography for video game, athlete and WWE references. Take a listen to “Lap of Luxe” below:

Go Hawaii – “Auburn”

When you are you’re looking hazy surf pop, you’re expecting the bands to be emerging from the West Coast or formed by some Brooklyn transplants. That’s not the case with Italian dream pop duo Go Hawaii, who just released the lead track of their forthcoming EP “Auburn.” Set for a January 2025 release date, the upbeat sunshine of this track is a contract to the lyrics which are about the slow and boring moments in life. Fans of The Smiths, The Drums, or DIIV should give them a follow on Instagram. In the menatime, check it out below. Go Hawaii · Auburn

These Dead Machines – “Phantoms”

Manchester alt rockers These Dead Machines have a new single that delivers quite the ear worm on the chorus. Formed out of the disintegration of 1000 Evils, These Dead Machines arose during the vast lockdowns the world saw with the outbreak of COVID-19. The new single “Phantoms” is about dealing with loss and the complexities that can arise from it. People make an impact on your life and shape you into who you are as a person or artist. Without these influences, would you really be who you are today? This could be true for the ending of a relationship or a permanent loss of a loved one. Regardless, that time spent together inspires and impacts your outlooks and outputs. Fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, or Royal Blood would be into this one. Check it out below. These Dead Machines · Phantoms

The Spyrals – “Dream Believin'”

“Dream Believin” is the new single from Echo Park psych rock act The Spyrals. The California-based trio has a bit of a vintage lo-fi sound that would have been easily on a mid-2010s Burger Records compilation. There is a beach-y vibe to this with some nods to some 70s classic rock jams. “Dream Believin'” is the lead single from the band’s latest effort, Retrograde, which has high expectations as the band’s last album, Same Old Line, eared positive praise from critics and fans alike. Check it out below and give Retrograde a full listen over on Spotify.

Bimbo – “XOXO”

Marquette-based sibling art rock duo, Bimbo, released a new track that romanticizes the lost art of writing a letter. The lyrics are inspired by the band’s deep appreciation for the patience and effort that communicating via the post takes. You can really sit on and thoroughly form an idea or feeling, and there is no “delete message” option once you send an message (or confession of love) to a recipient. Wearing your heart on your sleeve can be quite an intimidating act in the times of Snapchat and Vanish Mode. The band’s sound has a bit like a disjointed, math-y Emily Haines fronting Pavement vibe. Check it out and write a letter to your crush. BE BRAVE! Bimbology by Bimbo

Elemantra – “The Problem”

Perpetually-whirring Buffalo shoegazers Elemantra are back with a fresh new single, “The Problem.” Their impeccable pedalboard curation is on full display here, ranging everywhere from ghostly clean guitars to monstrous blasts of fuzz. Elemantra’s patented brand of all-consuming ambiance is on full display here, lush with nimble basslines, tight drumming, and those far-off vocals that make your favorite ‘gazers sound so mysterious – think Slowdive or MBV. Fans of all waves of emo, anywhere from Appleseed Cast to Citizen, will also enjoy “The Problem,” for its excellent execution of somber emotions and quiet/loud dynamics.   You can find “The Problem” via Bandcamp below, or, stream it via your preferred listening service – Spotify or Apple Music. The Problem (single) by elemantra

Bug Day – “Cockroach Kid”

Buzzing Rochester art-rock act, Bug Day, released a video for their new single “Cockroach Kid” at the tail end of October. The video, shot by Shepherd Moon Studios, goes deep into the seedy underbelly of cocklepicking industry. For the uninformed, a cocklepicker (or cockleman) is a fisherman who catches cockles (duh), which is another word for a European clam. The sleeper bit on this video is band’s incessant usage of a twig as the microphone. Fans of Cloud Nothings, Microwave, or Sleeping Bag should give them a follow. The band is active outside of the Rochester area, so they may be coming to a town near you (or Buffalo).

Big Soap – “Steve Rogers”

Norfolk’s Big Soap goes all Captain America for the hook on his latest single, “Steve Rogers.” With a menacing patience to his flow – Soap details checks off the modern gangsta rap must dos, laying out his grand plans to stay on top of his opponents. “This ain’t a rap verse, this is a master thesis… but like ads on a free version you have to see this.” “Steve Rogers” features those Griselda-flavored adlibs that’ll get stuck in your head immediately after you hear them. You’ll also hear a bit of Cam’ron here with the effortless delivery and space between his bars. This track features a plodding boom bap beat to get your head nodding – add it to your driving around playlist today. “Big Soap’s SoundCloud is flooded with new tracks and if you’re a Spotify-heavy user you can check out more from his discography there too. Big Soap[...]

CAROLA x 7KY – “ABC”

A is for Afterparty. B is for Bougie. C if for Champagne Crazy. Keep this in mind for all the new parents that are sick of the antiquated apple, bird, cat lesson plans. “ABC” is the new collab between Brazilian up-and-coming producer Carola and 7ky. Already a familiar face in the nu-disco / EDM scene, Carola has received praise from many of the big players such as Sofi Tukker and David Guetta.  This track is simply infectious and quite dangerous to write about on a Thursday afternoon. Plan on calling out sick tomorrow and start your weekend early, or be honest and tell your boss you stayed up teaching the ABC’s.

Sugar Soap – “Talk”

East Coast Australia’s Sugar Soap dropped a new single last week that’s been pumping out of our office speakers all afternoon. The single” Talk” is an upbeat indie pop number that touches on being true to oneself in a hectic world. It’s a bit more of a reminder to take a step back and live in the moment. Remember the appreciate the simpler things in life, which seems fitting to many during these unknown times in across the globe. If you are a fan of The Drums, Surf Curse, or Dayglow, this single is up your alley.    

3am – “Have You Tried Turning it Off and Back On?”

Jangly midwest emo act 3am have released the anger-triggering single “Have You Tried Turning It Off and Back On?” If you’ve ever had to call a help line for customer service, then you are well-aware of this rage-inducing question. 3am is based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan and have been writing anxiety influenced tracks since 2020. Their latest single (I won’t say it) is super mathy and reminiscent of California Cousins, Del Paxton,  or Taking Meds.  Check it out.

Phantom Sugar – “Punch Drunk”

Bounce-y Canadian fuzz pop act Phantom Sugar dropped the first single off their new EP Habitual. Released on Rockasaurus Records, the single “PUNCH DRUNK” is a driving Strokes-esque diddy with a tad of an earnest home producer appeal. The video below begins with some prime summertime goofin’ which hits different on this chilly fall day. Fans of San Cisco or Middle Kids would like this upbeat track. Check it out below and check out the full EP over on Spotify.