Here’s an impressive one from Swiss act Al Pride. This octet (!) pairs a horn section, tight percussion, and groovy basslines into a juicy, nu-disco tinged package. Beyond that, “Go Down” got the music video treatment – it’s full of retro imagery, stuffed owls, lava lamps, and other 1970s kitsch. No matter what way you spin it, Al Pride is an experience – check out the vid below… They have lots more to offer on YouTube as well.
Ek & Horn sure know how to close out the summer – their latest jam “Galápagos” is a super-subtle electropop song that serves many purposes. Could you dance to it? Yes. Can you chill poolside to it? Yes. Does it feel ever-so-slightly somber, like its reminiscent or yearning for more? Yes. We especially like the ultra smooth vocals here, which often seem barely over a whisper, giving it a ghostly feel. Check it out below and be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.
Hong Kong-based TYNT is an eclectic indietronica act who specialize in emotional and melancholic tunes with tinges of shoegaze and industrial woven throughout. They caught our collective ears with the hypnotic pop energy of “PLUME.” TYNT have an uncanny ability to write distinctly pop-based songs with experimental facets tastefully splashed in. If you dig The Naked and Famous, The Depreciation Guild, or Slowdive – check this one out.
We think you should check out this cool collab between MIME and Jantine called “NOT IN LOVE.” Between Jantine’s singer/songwriter prowess and MIME’s impeccable DJ skills (and intriguing im-person persona), this one was destined to be great. “NOT IN LOVE” is full of airy synths and atmospheric vocals – packed with a ton of pure-pop energy and hooks to keep you going for days and days. Our favorite part – this one would fit as comfortably next to CHVRCHES as it would next to Ariana Grande. Check it out below. MIME · NOT IN LOVE ft. Jantine
Boston alt-pop singer musician Moni Grace recently shared her third studio effort, the conceptual HOW TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CONCEPT OF FORGETTING, earlier this month. The 3-track release focuses on the periods trauma, heartache and healing that follows from a failed love. The EP’s single and closing track “Jack + Rose,” a cheeky nod to Titanic‘s doomed lovers, specifically tackles PTSD related grieving process. Grace’s pop-punk influences shine on her raw take on the heartbroken singer/songwriter role. Fans of Julien Baker, Vanessa Carlton and even Saves the Day may want to give the track a shot. Give it a spin below. HOW TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CONCEPT OF FORGETTING by Moni Grace
Buffalo roots unit Rust Belt Brigade has announced the release of its forthcoming new record Howdy Hallelujah, Here’s The Thing, set to drop on September 18th. The album’s first single “Roll Call” plays heavily into the band’s bluegrass roots, once again employing local violinist Sally Schaefer to add some old timey sheen to the tune. As always, the group’s raspy vocals and foot stomping melodies highlight its rustic punk charm. Recorded at Mammoth Studios, the album finds the busking foursome embracing a more electric sound versus its normal live band studio work. Speaking of foursome, the makeup of RBB will soon change as founding member and vocalist Victor Castillo relocates the project out west to pursue future music opportunities in Colorado. In the mean time, the single is currently streaming on Bandcamp while all proceeds from track sales will be donated to Black Love Resist in the Rust. Listen to[...]
Just a year after dropping its debut album, Swedish alt-pop artist Empress Carnelian has returned with the Lynch-ian new single “The Only Human in the Room.” With lavish production normally uncommon for a bedroom recording, the transportive track is dripping in nostalgia with just a hint of eeriness floating in the distance. If Twin Peaks comes back for another season, don’t be surprised to see Empress Carnelian on the Roadhouse stage. Fans of Flock of Dimes and even Orville Peck should also give the spellbinding track a shot. Listen below. Empress Carnelian · The Only Human in the Room
Chicago multi-instrumentalist and producer Jay Park recently came out of his songwriting hiatus to unveil his EP August, the debut effort from his nimble and rebranded musical persona che bark. Shifting from upbeat, dance-floor ready jams to cuts of old school soul, the intriguing 9-track release is highlighted by smooth single “SNOOZY CRUSIN’,” a track that fans of bass maestro Thundercat may immediately gravitate towards. Park’s entire August EP can be streamed here. You can also listen to “SNOOZY CRUSIN'” below. che bark · SNOOZY CRUISIN’
Los Angeles surf-pop trio Bikini Trill has spent the better part of the year dropping single after single after having announced that 10 new tracks would be shared before the calendar turns. Whereas some of group’s new singles have been laced with electronics and dub beats, the three-piece goes for straight forward catchiness and layered harmonies on “Dead Friends,” the band’s sixth new track of the year. The sugary sweet tune would not sound out of place on a Springtime Carnivore album. Fans of the Dum Dum Girls, Santigold and Local Natives should all hear something they like in “Dead Friends.” Give it a spin below. Bikini Trill · Dead Friends
Experimental Atlanta act Orchid Mantis, the solo project of musician Thomas Howard, has followed up its ambient spring-released compositions on midi and tape with a slice of dream-pop that feels perfect for summer’s weary final weeks. Set to be included on a forthcoming release later this year, the fantastic “within and apart” is a languid track about breaking up and moving on. Dreamy undercurrents and jangly melodies add a sense of longing and nostalgia that fans of DIIV, Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing should eat right up. Keep an eye out for a proper LP by the year’s end, and in the mean time, stream “within and apart” below. orchid mantis · within and apart
New Orleans art-punk act Lawn is reading the release of its sophomore outing Johnny, set to drop on September 4th. The 90’s influenced recordings, featuring splashes of post-punk and hook-heavy college rock, are headlined by the bouncy new single “Summertime.” The jagged and timely art-rocker details an unfortunate racist encounter Venezuelan-born singer Rui DeMagalhaes experienced as a service in NOLA. Fans of Ava Luna, Art Brut and the Feelies should. Watch the video for “Summertime” below.
Gainesville, FL band the Hails continues to push its eclectic debut EP “He Seems Upset” with the funky new single “Heartbeat.” Shared on the August 25th, the 8-track offering is a bouncy collection of soulful alt-pop. The band names Frank Ocean as a major inspiration for the freshman collection, but this writer also hears a fair share of Rhye’s sultry R&B in the peppy new single. “Heartbeat” is a great gateway into the Hails confident blend of soulful indie pop. Give it a spin below. The Hails · Heartbeat
Following a near three year break, the Ithaca-bred trio (and local favorites) Jimkata has returned with its first batch of new music in four years. After sharing the single “Wanna Go” back in July, the now Los Angeles-based act has dropped another slice of ear candy in the track “Wait for You.” The vibrant and energetic song, led by a catchy hook that is a trademark of the electro-rock band, is accompanied by an equally impressive animated video. No word on whether the new singles will be a part of an upcoming release. Until then, watch the clip for “Wait for You” below.
Seattle rock outfit Naked Giants shared its second full length offering this month with The Shadows. If released a couple decades ago, the grunge-indebted collection of post-punk would have been a perfect addition to band’s hometown label Sub Pop. The album’s blissful lead single “Turns Blue” begins as contemplative head nodder until an arena-made riff lifts the track right into the rafters for its reverb heavy conclusion. Fans of the Horrors, Slowdive and the Smiths would all enjoy the band’s latest offering. In the mean time, check out the hypnotic clip for “Turns Blue” below.
Ottawa indie outfit dad sports recently signed with Grand Jury Music following a catchy run of singles shared this spring, and to commemorate the team up, the trio shared the video for dreamy “name & place.” The easy-going track of hazy jangle-pop should immediately grab the attention of fans of Day Wave and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, acts that seem to tap into the innocent nostalgia that dad sports does so well. The coming-of-age clip certainly owes some inspiration to John Hughes. Check it out below.