Latest Posts

Yacht Punk – “Need a Reason”

October 15, 2018

Inspired (at least partially) by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, (and also by Queens of the Stone Age, Foals, and HEALTH), “Need a Reason” by Yacht Punk is one of our most recent obsessions. Pairing frantic guitars with a throaty, chorus-laden bass tone, “Need a Reason” was crafted to sound like “the feeling of floating through space uncontrollably.” As with any other song, this one is best experienced for yourself – check it out via the widget below. Be sure to add “Need a Reason” to your Spotify playlist.

Pizzagirl – “Gymnasium”

October 15, 2018

Pizzagirl is no stranger to the blog – in fact, we’ve covered his songs thrice already. This time around, we’re lauding the fantastic “Gymnasium.” Full of pan flute samples and 80s-inspired drum machine percussion, Pizzagirl channels the late 2010s aesthetic of Porches or Clairo with the 80s pop sentiment of Phil Collins. Peep it for yourself below. Check out all the fresh merch Pizzagirl has to offer here.

Darryl Rahn – “Reason to Run”

October 15, 2018

Utica-born, Brooklyn-based Darryl Rahn sent us over the breathtaking folk of “Reason to Run” and we knew we had to share. Pairing a warm acoustic guitar with his soothing tenor vocals, “Reason to Run” continues Darryl’s trend of releasing solid material (having released three full-length albums independently). If you’re looking for the soundtrack to a peaceful fall day, you’ve found it – check it out below. Learn more about Darryl here.

Doctors – “Slip”

October 15, 2018

Doctors are a fairly mysterious indie pop act from New Orleans. We think you should check out their latest music video, the vintage-looking home footage compilation that makes up the cinematography for “Slip.” Beyond the video treatment, “Slip” is an upbeat, shoegaze-inspired jam full of washy guitars and echo-chamber vocals. Fans of Slowdive, Pity Sex, or The Depreciation Guild will dig this one. Give Doctors a follow on their IG.

Anamon Drops Album, New Single “In 3”

October 11, 2018

Most rock songs are written with a particular, predictable pattern in mind – a rise and a fall, a bob and a weave. “In 3,” the new single from Rochester’s Anamon, is more like 5 quick punches to head – unorthodox, but effective. “It’s not real,” croons vocalist Ana Emily over chimey guitars and a headbobbing beat as the song begins. It’s a straightforward enough beginning, but before a minute and a half is up, the song has gone through three total changes already, settling on a shifting dance-rock groove which Monaco looms over, threatening “I’ll send you back to hell, boy/Don’t even try to test me.” By the end, “In 3” has erupted into near-total chaos, with a screaming saxophone ditching melody for noise as the whole band turns up. You’ll be wondering how you got there after three minutes and forty-seven seconds; give the song a few more[...]

Lunar Landscape – “Les Nuits Célestes”

October 11, 2018

French act Lunar Landscape effortlessly transverses the worlds of classical piano and shoegaze-inspired indie rock. We’d like to direct your attention to the penultimate track, “Les Nuits Célestes,” a five-minute instrumental epic full of echoing guitars and an in-the-pocket rhythm section. Fans of Minus the Bear, Explosions in the Sky, or Russian Circles will enjoy this one. The infinite pleasure of being is available via Bandcamp. Check it out. The infinite pleasure of being by Lunar Landscape

RYMO Releases Folksy Debut LP, Pinko Punk

October 10, 2018

Acoustic singer/songwriter RYMO (aka Ryan Morris) wears the DIY badge of honor proudly. Having grown up learning the spectrum of musical performance and production, Morris has now settled down in his native Nashville studio, ready to hit the ground running. Pinko Punk is the first full release from this TN wunderkind, a nine-song lesson in dynamics and delicateness, peppered with a few obscenities for good measure. LP opener “Sideways” is a lovely introduction to RYMO’s gentle acoustic folk. Laced with a plunking water-droplet-synth, the song slowly crescendos until it is fleshed out with the most dynamically appropriate of drumbeats. Perhaps most notable in this otherwise lighthearted-sounding song is RYMO’s choice of chorus – “Well, fuck me sideways…” It’s a unique (but very satisfying) juxtaposition of soft acoustic folk and foul-mouthed poetry. Despite the nautical theme, “3 Day Cruise” trades water-droplets for airy synth pads. Songs like “Cruise” and track two, “When She Leaves”[...]

Carpool – I Think Everyone’s A Cop

October 8, 2018

Rochester quartet Carpool combine the urgency and emotion of emo with the washy bliss of shoegaze. With reference-a-many to smoking, sex, and wearing your heart on your sleeve, their debut LP I Think Everyone’s A Cop perfectly captures a moment in time. It’s a seven-song offering full of strong songwriting and even stronger emotions; see below. Opening track “Cigarette Cough” opens with a short skit before launching into a sloshy, mid-tempo rhythm. Carpool doesn’t skimp on the emo; their songs are certainly full of heartfelt vocals layered over guitar-driven skeletons about love and cigarettes. What really sets this particular group apart is their tasteful use of effects. Guitars are laden with swirls, noisy fuzz tones, and echo-chamber reverb tanks. Sidenote: I think these guys really like cigarettes. Track two, “Another Song About Rachel,” has a surprisingly straightforward fuzz chorus about making love to your s/o and listening to Morrissey. Moments like this particular chorus[...]

Indoor Cats – “Bloodshot”

October 5, 2018

Chapel Hill quartet Indoor Cats hit us up with the 10th track from their self-titled debut LP; it’s a guitar pop track with hints of FIDLAR, Beach Slang, and Guided By Voices worked in. In its own right, “Bloodshot” is a succinct, pop-minded jam that finds the Indoor Cats experimenting with quick tempos, reverbed-out vocals, and jangly guitar tones. Be sure to give it a listen below. Swing over to Bandcamp where you can pick up a cassette or digital dl from the Cats. Indoor Cats by Indoor Cats

Ouster – “You Don’t Want Out”

October 5, 2018

Sometimes a mystery song will captivate us greatly – such is the case with Ouster‘s latest offering, “You Don’t Want Out.” A twangy number reminiscent of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Neutral Milk Hotel, or Guster, “You Don’t Want Out” sounds like a true, lo-fi, down-home recording (in a good way!). Check it out below, or swing by their Bandcamp to support them to the fullest. Muted Window / Hollow Dive by Ouster

You Folk – “Nolo Contendere”

October 5, 2018

Chicago quintet You Folk specialize in sad indie rock, case in point “Nolo Contendere.” Originally a solo project for frontman Daniel Lee, the band has since been rounded out by  guitarist and back-up vocalist Travis Schuster, bassist Rebecca Young, keyboardist/guitarist Evan Lyman, and drummer Bryan Kingsley. “Nolo Contendere” kicks off with a 7/8 groove before fleshing out into something lush and swirly. Fans of Pedro the Lion, Death Cab, or Broken Social Scene will like this one. If you like what you hear, You Folk has a Bandcamp page – check them out there.

Cursive – “Under the Rainbow”

September 30, 2018

Veteran and celebrated post-hardcore indie rockers, Cursive, are back after years of silence with the raucously nihilistic anthem, “Under the Rainbow.” Found on their upcoming studio LP, Vitriola, this isn’t so much a call to action as it is the venting of anger and frustration over the current state of affairs. Lead singer and guitarist, Tim Kasher, lashes out at income inequality on this particular track and clashes with grippingly melodic car crash instrumentals. Cursive is mad as hell and you’re going to hear about it in fantastic fashion below. Vitriola will be released October 5th and supported with a US winter tour. Check out dates on Cursive’s official Facebook here.

Dangermaker – “Pressure”

September 30, 2018

San Francisco four-piece, Dangermaker, uploads the glitchy visuals for their wonderfully retro and instantly addictive electro-pop track, “Pressure.” Off their upcoming sophomore LP, Run, this ultimo dance record is stuffed with laser show synths, livewire riffs and mesmerizing vocals. Give yourself a jolt to the system and say hello to your new favorite song below. Run is out October 5th. For more magnetic Dangermaker tracks and info, check out their official site here and Spotify here.

Jesse Konrad – “Crack My Code”

September 30, 2018

Tucson, AZ alt-rock solo act, Jesse Konrad, will make you feel alive with his passionate new single, “Crack My Code.” Get ready for comfortably melodic strings, stormy drums and Konrad’s buoyant vocals that crescendo to an electrifying chorus. It will feel like lightning running through your veins and enough to lift your spirits high. Give it a listen below. For more Jesse Konrad tracks and info, visit the multi-hyphenate’s Spotify here.

The Good Few – “Nowhere”

September 29, 2018

Big Apple alt rockers, The Good Few, are back with their latest dynamite record, “Nowhere.” Vocalist and guitarist, Kevin Crowell, lights the fuse by crooning over jubilant, lighthearted tabs while drummer, Chloe Arnow, fans the flames with steady, combustible beats. As the wick burns away, the track finally explodes into genuine energy and emotion that will send shockwaves through your ears and heart. Crank it up and rock out along to this one below. For more tracks from The Good Few, check them out on Spotify here.