Latest Posts

Living Set – “Last Wave”

August 23, 2025

Living Set is here to lull you into a false sense of security before getting noisy. That’s the m.o. of their latest offering, “Last Wave” – a cryptic and haunting dream-pop-meets-shoegaze song built around a softly plinking arpeggio. Far off vocals lure you in over a lullaby of ascending synth notes… But before you know it, the band steps on their fuzz pedals and bliss out in a wall of shoegaze fervor. It’s bittersweet and catchy… And speaking of m.o.s, that happens to be ours.   “Last Wave” is available via YouTube (below), or, you guessed it, Spotify.  

Stray Fossa – “I Was There”

August 23, 2025

Since we first featured them in 2018 (and again, and again), we’ve been wondering how Fossas become stray. Dumb jokes aside, we’re loving yet another single from Stray Fossa a jewel toned jam they’ve titled “I Was There.” This song feels a little bit like what Turnover should have become, with a hint of DIIV and Real Estate for good measure… Expect glassy-eyed vocals laying perfectly atop glassy-toned guitars. The whole thing is a smooth and… glassy affair, with a somber/longing feel that’s just intriguing enough to not be able to put your finger upon.   Peep “I Was There” via the convenient Soundcloud widget below, or, head over to Spotify.   Stray Fossa · I Was There

nep – “All Around Beauty”

August 23, 2025

nep is a rising force in the indie pop world and we’re digging her latest offering, “All Around Beauty.” Effervescent vocals and pleasantly-driven indie rock brings to mind the music of Wet Leg, Diet Cig, or Soccer Mommy if she was a little bit happier… nep owns the party girl aesthetic in the music video, but it’s a fair depiction of her real life aura (note the excess exclamation marks) – here’s more about the song below:   “This song is about college parties and being a total mess. I have never not been a messy person and I kinda just wanted to write a song that’s like, if YOU get to be messy then so do I!!!!!!”   “All Around Beauty” can be found via the clandestine YouTube link below, or, on Spotify or Apple Music.  

Ruste Juxx – “Cruisin”

August 22, 2025

Brooklyn rapper Ruste Juxx is the “James Brown of the Underground,” and he’s leading with the darker side of James’ personality. His latest track, “Cruisin” is a reminder of the gangsta mindset that guides Juxx through his day-to-day. Whether he’s talking about his shares of the profit, his henchmen, or why he’s actually out for a joyride (“Talkin’ to the cops like a snitch, [now] you in the trunk!”), street authenticity seeps through every line of pen. The atmosphere Juxx creates with his bars stretches into production too -There’s a really dope panning effect on the hook here that makes you feel like you might be the one stuck in the truck while Juxx and his partners conduct some business around the car. Extra details like this make “Cruisin” a highly memorable single from a veteran of the scene. “Cruisin” kicks off the ONCE UPON A CRIME EP from Juxx where[...]

Stephen Babcock – “Osaka”

August 20, 2025

It’s a Bab-man summer – Stephen Babcock that is – and our Rust Belt bub is back with yet another banger. Inspired by a late-night moment in Japan, “Osaka” details what it means to get lost, grow up, and let go. Bab/Bub keeps it simmering on “Osaka,” trading his acoustic guitar for a driving bass part, but still keeps that bubbling-under vibe that makes his music so listenable. Keep your ears peeled for some spicy harmonies, and an appreciation for the super tight drum sound that gives the whole affair an extra intimate vibe. Fans of The American Analog Set, MJ Lenderman, or Jack Johnson will surely get down with the vibes here.   Check out “Osaka” in all the usual spots.   Stephen Babcock · Osaka

Doug Gatta – “Endless Summer”

August 19, 2025

Is summer winding down yet? Doug Gatta does (or doesn’t?) think so – his latest offering is the midwestern and metaphorical “Endless Summer.” Twangy guitars and Doug’s pleasantly-raspy vocals power this one forward – it’s got a hopeful-but-cautious message that is perfect for this kind of emo-tinged, Americana-laced indie rock. Here’s a bit more from Doug about where he was coming from when he wrote “Endless Summer:”   “This song is about how we’re all addicted to distraction, entertainment, phones, pornography, dopamine etc. How it may feel good in the moment but ultimately numbs us out and leaves us in a fog.”   “Endless Summer” is available now on all your favorite platforms – try YouTube below, or Spotify or Apple Music.  

Nando Smoove and CAV – “Reparations”

August 19, 2025

Brooklyn’s Nando Smoove has his own ideas for reparations: “Fuck a piece, we want the whole world. To be better for these boys and girls.” His macro mindset is reflected in the lyrics of his latest single, “Reparations,” where Smoove and featured artist CAV discuss societal and cultural figures that have impacted the African-American experience. Where can they stack up with their impact? Is all cultural impact positive? Michael Jordan, B.I.G. and even Jerry Stackhouse get brought to the discussion on this highly introspective conscious hip hop track. If you’re into “Reparations,” take a listen to Nando Smoove and CAV on Spotify. You’ll find both of these artists on our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist – updated every single week.

Foot Ox – “Bed Of Violets”

August 18, 2025

Ever wanted to know what a “Bed of Violets” was? I can’t say that I did, but after hearing the latest from Foot Ox, I’m equal parts intrigued and mortified. Pretty chill sounding, indie folk, little bit of synth (that reminds me of Napoleon Dynamite), and just generally good vibes. Behind the good vibes though? *Darkness* You can’t appreciate the light without the dark though, and if everything was gooey good feelings life would be boring. Speaking to the track, front person Teague Cullen had this to say:   “It’s about the struggle of facing a dark force in life and overcoming it. Even though the lyrics themselves might not be overtly hopeful, I feel like the orchestration and the strings bring a sense of something vast and beautiful.”   So apparently August 29th is the new August 11th. My editor either gave me the wrong release date for Foot Ox’s[...]

Lindsey Rose Black – “CUNT HONEY”

August 18, 2025

“CUNT HONEY” is the latest single from Lindsey Rose Black, and I’m honestly here for it. She uses clever word play to work through the trauma of growing up in small town Bible Belt USA with a uterus (spoiler alert: it doesn’t sound very fun, but makes for great music). This is pop music with a country mouthfeel of the highest order and a very fun romp that I didn’t know I was looking for but found it anyways.   I’m pretty smart, but I couldn’t quite figure out what she meant with the line “donut mango cherry peach.” I asked my girlfriend and she told me to ask the internet.   You can hear CUNT HONEY below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify. If you’re offended by the word “cunt” or women discussing menstrual cycles with a catchy pop hook, then fam I’m sorry, but this may not be[...]

Louis Davis, Jr. – “ROOTIN'”

August 18, 2025

“You know all the answers, you ain’t gotta ask.” This line kicks off Bay Area wordsmith Louis Davis Jr.’s latest track single – an uplifting, motivational, and supportive banger in “ROOTIN.'” Louis’ verses tie back to the title of the track, assure his audience that answers lie within, and sacrifice and commitment are the keys to growth. You can’t expect to reach the top without laying the groundwork, and “ROOTIN'” reminds the audience that the grind starts before the shine starts. The double entendre here is that roots are essential starting points for success, and that Louis is rooting for his friends, enemies, and community to apply the learnings he shares on the track. Warm orchestral strings and heaven-sent keys pace the production here – matching the righteous tone that Louis delivers throughout the track, especially on the spoken word section in the back half of the track. If “ROOTIN'”[...]

Melanchro – “Pain Playground”

August 17, 2025

Up-and-coming cloud/emo rapper Melanchro values a good melody. The earworm chorus of his latest track, “Pain Playground,” rightfully dominates the 1:35 runtime of the track. Melanchro’s earnest and emotional pleas to himself get masked by vocals that expertly tap the catchy snarls of the 2000s emo-pop scene. In spite of its catchiness and in reference to its title, “Pain Playground sees the artist stuck on the merry-go-round of heartbreak, and he’s “pretending nothing’s hurting me, but that lie cuts way too deep.” You’ll be putting this one on repeat to get another taste of that hook. The LED Gengar constellation cover art goes hard as hell, too. Take a listen to this one on Spotify, and catch some more alternative hip hop tracks on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist.

Cerdarious and antonenow. – “GET RIGHT”

August 12, 2025

Compton artist Cerdarious teams up with the balaklava-clad rapper antonenow. for a tight new track, “GET RIGHT.” Clarity, motivation, and optimism pace the pens of each of these artists. Over two rapid-fire verses (with a literally breathtaking verse coming first), Cerdarious and antonenow. encourage friends and listeners to take a beat and trust the process, and stay focused. Life’s too short to get caught up, as referenced with lines like “I hope you live your life to the fullest and don’t regret it.” But a little extra money would help too, and both artists take a line to be realistic about that.  “GET RIGHT’s” beat is a hidden star, boasting a beautiful vocal sample that sounds like someone just put some money in a jukebox. If you’re feeling this track and want to hear more from these alternative hip hop artists, be sure to check out both Cerdarious and antonenow.[...]

Jack Manley – “Way Loud”

August 12, 2025

We’re lucky to still have Jack Manley – written after a near-fatal drug overdose, his latest offering, “Way Loud” is a powerful meditation on the “long road back to yourself.” Working in conjunction with that powerful context, the post-punk meets shoegaze of Manley’s music provides a perfect backdrop for this anthem of recovery. Dark and mysterious without ever losing its strong sense of melody, this is the kind of song that digs deep into your psyche… Moreover, as Manley puts it, “Way Loud” isn’t a cry for attention, it’s the sound of someone still trying to stay alive.   “Way Loud” has a lovely music video (embedded below), or, you can check it out via Spotify.  

Tuxis Giant – “Days”

August 10, 2025

“Days” is the latest from Tuxis Giant, and I’m here for it just as I was back in May when I reviewed their other single “Last Laugh” (here). Matt O’Connor was inspired by Spirited Away and other Miyazaki films, specifically that “…even the smallest moments contain their own sacred weight” – which also happens to be the main thesis of the album.   The track itself feels, appropriately, like it could fit into anime or a JRPG. The main guitar riff made me feel like I had a video game paused on a level with a thumpin’ tune and I just wanted to stay there to keep experiencing it. The chord progression definitely got stuck in my head and the temptation to start playing along was difficult to ignore.   You Won’t Remember is out August 15th. The music video (well worth the watch, tbf) is embedded below from YouTube, and[...]

Bad Self Portraits – “All Bark, No Bite”

August 10, 2025

Seems like just last month we wrote about Bad Self Portraits….. and that’s actually 100% correct. We covered “Pensive” (here) July 17th and enjoyed the hell out of that; “All Bark, No Bite” follows suit (meaning, we enjoyed the hell out it too).   The distortion on the intro had me thinking we were going into a grunge tinged anthem… and I was sort of right (more Stephen Malkmus, less Nirvana, with a smattering of Slowdive for good measure). The tempo slows down and takes on a more intimate feel with vocals from Ingrid Howell, with brief guitar solo interludes. The band certainly leans into a storytelling heavy style (which I love) but I found while zoning out that everything works incredibly well when I’m not listening to the words too! Definitely still listen to the lyrics – these ones are particularly powerful.   You can watch the music video[...]