New Zealand punk rockers, Miss June, go hard in the visuals for their wildly melodic party anthem, “Best Girl.” Fronted by singer/guitarist, Annabel Liddel, the Kiwi Courtney Love commands the track with an irresistible and fun chorus that will make you want to do a keg stand. If you need a dynamite track that explodes like a party favor (and who doesn’t?), watch the video below. For more Miss June, visit their Bandcamp here.
Nerdiest or coolest band name ever? Either way, “Wizard Daughter” from Brooklyn act Teen Girl Scientist Monthly is a fun indie-jangle jam set off by delightfully squiggly keyboard accents. If you like what you hear via the widget below, be sure to swing over to their Bandcamp page – they just came out with a new album. Fans of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Motion City Soundtrack, or Diet Cig will dig this one.
If you are looking for a rowdy aural pick-me-up, check out the latest from UK funk-punkers The Bugles. “Give Up” is an absolute rager, pairing nimble basslines with ska-flavored guitar upstrokes and a distinct UK vibe. Fans of Kasabian, Bloc Party, or Vampire Weekend will find something to like here. Be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.
Harlan is the moniker of TN native Harlan Hutton. We’re smitten with her latest offering, “Fingertips;” it’s full of thick chorus-laden guitars and lilting vocals from the promising 21 year old. Her new self-titled album is available now (check it out on Bandcamp) – be sure to get acquainted with “Fingertips” if you’re already a fan of TOPS, Alvvays, or Crumb
Former Buffalonian-turned New York soul crooner, Quinton Brock, strikes an emotional chord with his touching new single, “Rush for Love.” Off his upcoming EP, Scooter, Brock enlists the help of legendary Stone City Band bassist, Jerry Livingston, to bring this thoughtfully heartbreaking rendition to life. The vocalist will give you goosebumps as he pours his heart over an emotional beat stitched together with measured trumpets and pining strings. Slow down your day and give it a listen below. Scooter is out tomorrow (June 21st) but you can have a taste today.
Omaha, NE indie rockers, The Real Zebos, come through with the retro dance track, “Your Ex Said You Can’t Dance.” Inspired by a local mystery man/dance machine, this five-piece will fill your eardrums with sprightly synths, a driving drumbeat and charismatic chorus. If your ex has been trashing you and your moves all over town, prove them wrong with this killer single below. Check out more of The Real Zebos on Spotify here and official site here.
Get swept up in the visuals for the wonderful art-rock opus, “Forever,” from London act, Famous. This is the first single on their recently released debut mini-album, England, and boy is it a good one. Vocalist Jack Merrett’s evocative vocals command a poignant and dazzling beat composed of striking synths and a groovy undertone. Watch it out below. Listen to England on Spotify here and visit Famous on Facebook here.
Paris synth-pop duo Their Names have crafted a deeply groovy sound, most evident on their latest single, “Closer.” The duo revels in warbly synths and disco-esque rhythms, giving this song a very tight, retro feel. Beyond the subtle tambourine and synth hits, the smooth vocals are what really makes “Closer” such a jam. Check it out below – “Closer” is out now on Cookie Records.
Canadian quintet The Drug Rugs charmed us with the upbeat indie pop of “Sandbar.” Full of deep swirly chorus tones and an upbeat, jangly demeanor, this fresh faced crew mixes elements of pop, psych, and indie rock. If anything, “Sandbar” is certainly indicative that these musicians are destined for good things. Fans of Best Coast, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, or Alvvays. Sandbar (Single) by The Drug Rugs
LA three piece The Haunts subscribe to the less-is-more ethos, aka “minimum members, maximum sound.” They manage to sound huge on their post-punky garage-pop single, “Proverbs,” a guitar-driven, reverb-soaked jam that is reminiscent of early to mid-aughts heroes like The Thermals or even the White Stripes. Be sure to stick around for the “woo” laden chorus.
Boston based indie rocker Gatch writes paradoxically sad beach music – case in point his catchy new jam, “Time Goes On.” Gatch backs up his simple vox with squiggly keyboards and a drum loop that brings early 90s pop music to mind. It’s a summery song with a retro feel that gave us that beachy feeling while still plucking on our heartstrings a bit – give it a listen below.
If you’re a fan of mad flow and breakneck beats, we recommend the latest from Costa Coast. The New Jersey native caught our ears with “Hereditary” – Costa’s aggressive style and nimble rhymes propel this one forward at maximum intensity. Be sure to stick around for the earworm “da na na na na” (and ras and las) in his choruses.
Feel the burn with the vibrant new visuals for the single, “Alright,” from German indie electronica aces, KYTES. This feel-good dance track will give you a reason to smile with its catchy and bombastic beat wrapped up in a positive and carefree message. This breath of fresh air is one you’ll definitely want to add to your workout mix so watch and enjoy below. For more KYTES, visit their SoundCloud here or Spotify here.
Nashville’s female indie pop duo, The Harmaleighs, swoop in with their sleepy and folky new single, “Don’t Panic.” Off their upcoming and deeply personal concept album, She Won’t Make Sense, this somber bedroom tune strikes a chord with emotionally intimate vocals and Americana instrumentals. Check it out below. She Won’t Make Sense is our August 2nd. Pre-order the album on their official site here and visit their Spotify here for more tracks.
Sleepy Soul is a mysterious duo who mixes a bit of soul, a bit of funk, and a touch of indie into their electronic jams. We’ve been jamming on “Still Can’t Dance,” which is a really cool song on its own (think Sylvan Esso or Phantogram), but it’s truly set off by its inspirational music video… It’s a familiar story, one where a young man learns to dance like a true champion. Stick around till the end for a surprise twist.