German synth pop duo Fye & Fennek really know how to write a synth pop banger. “Better Lover” is sure to get your head nodding – full of a driven synth bass and curiously sexy vocals dripping with desire. “You treat me like a yo-yo” will be replaying in your head all day. Check it out below.
We can’t help but love this warbly synthpop nugget from Anchorage, AK synth wizard Paul Jacks. “In Other Words” is padded with flickering synth waves, vaguely distant vocals, and drums with a lite 80s flair. Def a good one for a twilight summer drive with the windows rolled down. Check out “In Other Words” via the Soundcloud widget below.
Falling somewhere on the spectrum between post-punk and shoegaze, gauzy act Stray Fossa happened to catch our attention with their latest offering, “Eyze.” A hush-hush vibe really sets this one apart from the pack. Despite it’s understated sensibility, it’s actually a pretty driven track. Certainly worth a listen – check it out via the widget below and swing by their Bandcamp for a download. Eyze by Stray Fossa
Great News is a fantastic Norwegian act making upbeat, synthy indie music. “TV” is a super peppy jam, full of synth blasts, driving bass, and more than enough 80s neon influence. Great News manages to capture the campy, big-hair vibes of the 80s and smash it together with modern indie rock sensibility. Check it out below.
Lo-fi dream pop outfit Borger just released their debut EP titled Camp. With a healthy amount of fuzzy DIY vibes, it’s a must listen for fans of Beach House, Cults, and Real Estate. The album opens with “when you smile,” which features a gradually building texture, and does an excellent job of setting the vibe. On “nat geo,” lead singer Mackenzie Harris’ vocals float effortlessly over the hypnotic textures. “pollen,” drifts along with a gentle lilt as does “vineyard” although both songs achieve this through different means. “mr. rogers” brings us back to the subtle driving textures present at the beginning of the album. One of the most interesting tracks on the album is the closer “strawberry.” An instrumental ambient track, it stands in stark contrast to the rest of the album in the best way. In a way, it’s almost teasing “when you smile” in the way it gradually[...]
We’re not sure whether to be more smitten by the dreamy synth pop of “It’s Not True Love” or the incredibly provocative music video… But either way, we’re taken by Bye Beneco on her latest jam. Full of soaring vocal melodies and impressive synth work, “True Love” is sexy in every sense of the word. Check out the vid below… just try not to get too hot ‘n bothered.
Canadian trio Close Talker will wash your woes away with their reverb-soaked brand of indie rock. We recommend their latest song “Pace,” which comes complete with a steamy music video full of car crashes and interpretive dance. Fans of Coldplay, Interpol, or Tokyo Police Club might find common ground in this one – give it a listen/view below.
DJ Pharris, Young Dolph, and G Herbo blew our minds with their Worldstar Exclusive, “Boss.” Pharris’ claim to fame is a co-production credit on Kanye West’s “Fade.” This one is packed full of character like Dolph’s one-of-a-kind voice and Herbo’s distinct delivery. Put this one on your Spotify playlist and feel like a “Boss” yourself.
If you’ve got your ear to the ground for lighthearted indie jams, let us recommend “Unholy” by Hollie Col. Fleshed out with Hollie’s lilting voice, a bouncy bassline, jangly guitars, and a pad of synths, “Unholy” is a burst of sprightly indie energy with an ever-so-slight tinge of alt folk. Check it out below!
Mating Ritual caught our attention with the raucous electronica of “Future Now.” Featuring a hazy music video full of synths, cowboy hats, and shell pink basses – “Future Now” is full of sing/scream hooks and upbeat energy. This is a good one to crank if you want to get your blood pumping. Check it out via the YouTube widget below.
Dutch act Eckhardt and the House caught our ears with the upbeat indie-pop of “Lonely.” Fans of Metronomy, Two Door Cinema Club, and MGMT will enjoy this song – it’s full of funky wah-bass and airy, yet catchy vocal melodies. This one in particular is set off by some lovely female harmonies from Bella Hay, check it out below.
The City of Good Neighbors is full of creatives, from artists, to poets, photographers and musicians. We clearly have a expansive and diverse group of people making contributions to the community to make it a better place. One of Buffalo’s newest band, Canetis (pronounced ca-nay-tis) is a recently minted quintet with who have released an equally shiny and polished single, “Warning Call’ to match. Their sound combines the angled jabs and cut of old-school alternative rock with the shimmer and sleekness of The Smiths or Gleemer. The group, consisting of Brendan Hoare, Mike Butler, Matt Sacha, Matt Broconier, and John Grennan, will make their live debut July 19th over at Nietzsche’s with SMUG and Hundred Plus Club. Written by Mike Rakiecki
Indie-rockers Halo Nellie have just released their new single “Sick on the Floor,” following up last month’s release of “Cold Room.” With a driving beat, the band creates an energetic texture that does an excellent job of showcasing the vocals. With the perfect amount of jangle and fuzz, it’s a very fun listen and a worthy addition to your Summer playlist. Hopefully this is leading up to the release of a full length, and that will definitely be worth checking out. Catch them at their next show on July 18th at Mohawk Place alongside The Vaughns, Clever Girls, and Velvet Bethany. Sick on the Floor by Halo NellieWritten by John Smigielski
Icelandic pop songstress Hildur caught us off guard with her poppy ode to relationship salvaging, “Work.” This song is a lovely pop ditty and Hildur’s effervescent delivery is particularly strong in the staccato chorus – “I just want to make us work, work, work; ain’t no logic to us taking a vacation.” It’s an ear wormy shout-out to all the good couples out there putting in time to lift each other up. Check it out via the widget below.
Move over Chevy – this ain’t no car commercial jingle. “Like a Rock” by Dave Lepage is a peppy indie pop number that brings to mind summery afro-poppers Vampire Weekend. Pairing a blistering tempo with a sunny disposition and riffs for days, we think Lepage is up to something good. “Like a Rock” is the lead single from Lepage’s latest release, Wave Deux – check it out here.