Funky UK act Hot Pocket teamed up with Lautier to deliver a dance floor must for your spring 2018 playlist. The video for the single gives you a fly-on-the-wall experience, being a largely unnoticed bystander in a busy apartment. If you are into Jamiroquai, then buckle up because Hot Pocket might be your newest obsession. Check out “Live Without” below and keep up with the band’s Spotify for future material.
Albany’s Hate Club are keeping their torches lit. Their latest effort, A Clear Mistake, marks their fourth release in only two years. Besides highlighting their admirable work ethic, A Clear Mistake presents a conceptual recording of a difficult aspect of the human condition; Mistakes and Regrets. The cover art, flames engulfing a home, signify the watershed moment of life irrevocably changing, and sets the stage for the aptly named first track, “Hot Take.” Chugging drums from Ian Kerr-Mace build throughout the verse, while Noah Bondy tells a hard truth, “Relationships sour, we count down the hours alone”. The chorus opens up in Nirvana-esq fashion, with an equally tough pill to swallow, but lubricated with harmonies by Bondy and Audrey Goodemote, “All your favorite bands have moved away.” Track two, “Earth Signs,” a structurally rich song with a 1/2 time signature intro and bare bones bassline verse from Alex Brooks then[...]
Rochester psych pop quartet Maybird just released “Gonna Lose Your Mind,” the first single off their forthcoming album. This release will be a follow up to their 2017 EP Keep In Line, which was produced by Patrick Carney, best known for his work with The Black Keys. Maybird was first signed to Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records back in 2016. “Gonna Lose Your Mind” features lush psychedelic textures, and the unique addition of a horn section. Lead singer Josh Netsky’s vocals dance effortlessly around the track, and are joined in a haunting duet during the chorus. The result is a track that will appeal to both new and longtime listeners. Keep an eye out for their new album, dropping May 3rd on 30th Century Records. Written by John Smigielski
Rising Americana singer-songwriter Matthew Pinder has done it again with his latest single “St. Paul, MN.” Pinder secured a spot in many playlists when Spotify picked him up for a specialty “Folk & Friends” playlist earlier in the year. The talented musician is following up with equally promising material with the new single “St. Paul, MN.” The single is all about being lost in life. The album Give Me Some Time is due out April 12th, but in the meantime enjoy the “ST Paul, MN” below.
In the interim since Buffalo’s Chevron Bloom debuted their first recording, they’ve packed on some muscle with the addition of veteran axe-man Gerald Thomas, and the now-foursome has just released a second recording—another EP titled Henry. While this enhanced instrumentation affords them a bit more range and complexity, Henry remains largely rooted in their established lush and spacey indie rock sound, while marking a progression towards a slightly darker and more urgent place. However, unlike many other bands carrying on the torch of the 90’s shoegaze sound, Chevron Bloom crafts their dreamy soundscapes through solid and original songwriting rather than relying on a wall of effects noise and sonics, and that gives this album a unique soul and character. The raw sparkle of Galaxie 500 is a palpable undercurrent in these songs—especially in frontman Jay Sallese’s vocal delivery—but they also channel the moody intensity of late-era Unwound, especially on “Halfway[...]
Hell’s Kitchen based emcee Marlon Craft released a new track earlier this month all about the grind of life. “Do the Work” is about how convenient life is living in a bubble and not considering some of the issues within the United States and worldwide. It’s a lot easier to maintain ignorance than read about social justice issues. “Do the Work” is about getting woke and actually researching and making a change in your life for the better. Fans of Atmosphere and other sharp emcees would be into Marlon Craft. Check it out below.
Melbourne-based singer/songwriter Charlie Lane released an earnest track earlier this month and it was quick to catch our ears. The single, “Faker” is all about succumbing to mental health issues while balancing a relationship. In “Faker” the relationship falls apart due to the partner not being able to adjust to the illness, nor wanting to understand it. Basically, “Faker” is all about that – covering up real issues with pleasantries because it’s easier to deal with that way. If you are a fan of Snail Mail, Alex Lahey, or Lucy Dacus, then you would enjoy Charlie Lane. Check it out below.
Rochester-based songwriter Ian Proper has just released “Starry Eyes,” the debut single from his newest project Lover’s Walk. Proper, previously known for his work with Sports and The Young Couples, has found a mature sound that blends indie-pop sensibilities with a driving eighties energy. With a tasteful use of harmonies, and seemingly effortless hook, “Starry Eyes” is a promising showing from Proper. Keep an eye out for a full release, as it will be interesting to see what direction this project will head in. Starry Eyes by Lovers WalkWritten by John Smigielski
Sweden’s Stereo Explosion has a brand new disco psych single that has to be on your radar. The trio, consisting of Jens Andersson (Vocals), Martin Axén (Drums) and the mysterious Jepson (guitar) have carefully crafted a festival-y single combining their love of organic dance music and elements of jam. “We need to spend some time together” is just about that, coming together and enjoying the moment. Keep your ears peeled for the killer introduction of the flute towards the end. Fans of LCD Soundsystem or Black Moth Super Rainbow would enjoy this one. Check out “We need to spend some time together” below.
Gothenburg-based indie act Beverly Kills released their fresh new single “Revellers” earlier this month and boy is it a banger. The track is a raw, post-punk feel while drawing the accessibility of Bloc Party or Editors. “Revellers” lyrics were inspired after guitarist John Jonsén thought more in-depth about the Bystander Effect, a phenomenon where everyone else thinks someone else will act during times of crisis or trouble. The band will be releasing a limited edition 7″ vinyl through Aussie record label Hell Beach, but in the meantime enjoy “Revellers” below.
Reynier, the moniker for Aussie Jordan Burns released his latest track “Lukewarm” earlier this month, combining forces with KESMAR. The track is all about feeling not into a relationship after a long time and basically just phasing out. KESMAR’s smokey vocals shine on the track. Sound wise this song has a ton of potential, drawing comparisons to Empire of the Sun, Cut Copy, or M83. “Lukewarm” is the first single off the forthcoming EP Surrender, but in the meantime check out the stream below.
Fredonia’s own fuzz-punk trio Karrot Kake just released their new single, “Autopilot,” via Nonexistant Records. Karrot Kake was founded when members Jon Fridmann and Kaleh Mendez-deMello were only in 5th grade. After adding Jon’s brother, Mike, Fridmann, their lineup was set, and the trio has been steadily turning out records ever since. The new single “Autopilot” features its’ fair share of swinging acoustic-guitar work, starts off with just that. Before you know it, drums and electric guitar enter, as does Mendez-deMello’s vocals, which are akin to Wayne Coyne or Jello Biafra. The simple arrangement is sure to sucker you in with an airy and approachable verse, before the band kicks it into high gear and into full-fledged folk- punk mode, where you can tell the band likes to live. The remainder of the track is full of energy, as a fury of edgy near-screaming vocals and frantic drum work keep you[...]
Covey is the moniker for former UK-based multi-instrumentalist Tom Freeman. Since moving to the US in 2010, the singer/songwriter has been hard at work crafting gentle indie rock tracks, with “Gecko” being no different. “Gecko” has a sound you can get lost in, a la Wild Nothing or Beach Fossils. This is the first single from Covey’s new album, so check it out below and be on the lookout for more from the release.
Former STRFKR member Patrick Morris has debuted his new project and first single titled “I’ve Been Cleaning Your Room.” After years and years of touring with the huge indie pop act, the grind had gotten to him. With this, he left the band, relocated to his wife’s home country of Norway, and went back to basics. What emerged was a new power pop act titled Class Photo. “I’ve Been Cleaning Your Room” is a pop song about crossing boundaries and literally cleaning someone else’s room, looking through all of their trinkets and mementos. The sound is simple and infectious, a la Weezer’s early material (way before “Africa.”)The new single is released via 9AM Records. Be on the lookout for Class Photo’s debut release set for later in 2019.
Local mainstays The Tins are back with a new single titled “Boulder Soul.” Since we’ve last checked in with the band, the trio has grown to a quartet, adding Aircraft’s Justin John Smith to the line-up. The band is constantly evolving and changing up their sound, making the project consistently interesting. “Boulder Soul” starts out with a bounce-y rhythm section a la The Cure’s “Close to Me,” adding a carefree, dancing key line. Lyrically, it’s about feeling restless and anxious and overall lost in life’s purpose – a feeling many of us can identify with. Be on the lookout for more of The Tins’ new material and their upcoming show with The Demos, The Leones, and Leyda on Friday, April 5th.