Talk about left field – we couldn’t help but be drawn to the offbeat electropop from ooi on their avant-garde summer jam, “Sharks.” “Sharks” tells the one-of-a-kind story of an albino alligator with a sweet tooth, a penchant for snakeskin, and a love for coke… It’s a little bonkers for sure, but we think you’ll dig their mid-tempo sonic textures and unique sentiment. Check it out below. P.S.: It’s pronounced “owi.” Be sure to add “Sharks” to your Spotify playlist.
A quick scroll through Melbourne-based singer/songwriter Ro’s Facebook page and you’ll see that she’s been pretty jazzed on the release of her confessional single, “Diary.” We are too – “Diary” is a neat little slice of low-key indie rock. Tight drums, squiggly guitars, and Ro’s distinct, ever-so-slightly hushed vocal delivery make up the backbone of this track… About the song, Ro says, “Wouldn’t it be awesome to just hand your diary over to someone and get the ‘this is me’ part over and done with? Maybe it’s a shitty life hack, but it’s a life hack nonetheless.” Well said, Ro.
Rochester’s Cavalcade is trekking out to Buffalo tonight to play what is sure to be a wild set. Having been around for a decade and change, this quartet mixes the free spirit vibes of Frank Zappa with the wild, sometimes discordant sounds and shout/speak vocals of The Dismemberment Plan. Joining them will be fresh, indie janglers Little Summer (ex-Unwelcomed Guests, Mallwalkers) and progressive funk duo Ish Kabibble. Tonight’s show is at Milkie’s Elmwood Lounge at 9pm. The door price is mysterious, but we would suggest bringing along at least $5 for admission. The Switch by Cavalcade
Syracuse’s Trench have been very busy since their formation in 2015. After racking up 27k views on the music video for “Seaweed,” a second pressing of their debut EP, and a successful tour of the East Coast, the band is gearing up to release their debut LP, Ritual Love. Lead single “Bend” is the perfect foot to put forward, a beautifully-heavy demonstration of Trench’s penchant for quiet/loud dynamics. The band ebbs and flows, building tension with subdued, droning verses before exploding into larger-than-life choruses layered thick with distortion. Pairing influences from bands like Hum and Explosions in the Sky with contemporary flavors like Nothing or Citizen, “Bend” is dark, ethereal, and emotive – a perfect introduction to Ritual Love, due out 9/21 via Flesh and Bone Records. The underwater camera work of “Bend” is reminiscent of Trench’s post-rock, shoegazy sound, juxtaposing swirly, chorus-and-reverb-laden guitars with cinematography to match. Shot and directed by Dani Nuckols, the video is meant to evoke a certain[...]
L.A.’s Overjoy provide a dose of ethereal, groove-ridden production in their single “Same.” Dripping in resounding synths, airy vocals, and crisp percussion, this track paints pictures with stark imagery that is simultaneously matchless and accessible. The electronic trio know how to play to their individual strengths, tying together earthy instrumentation, time-tested melodies, and misty vocal lines in a way that hits home. The band has come a long way since their 2015 outset, and seem to have reached new levels of refinery in their delivery without coming across as overly manufactured or artificial. “Same” is half of Overjoy’s recently released EP under the same name, their premiere release on One/Half Records. Check out the track below, and find more swirling and spiritual releases like this from the band here.
Liverpool duo Her’s pave the way for their upcoming debut full length with a dusky and introspective single, “Low Beam.” The track captures their classic eerie slacker rock sound while mulling over feelings of isolation in a world that praises ‘tough guy’ masculinity. Their driving lyricism takes root in a bed of jangly surf rock guitars, sharp drum lines, and gloomy vocals, meeting playfulness with nostalgia. Her’s has already stirred up quite a name for themselves in the indie rock world with their last release, Songs of Her’s, with nods from BBC Radio 1, The FADER, Stereogum, and more. If “Low Beam” is any indication of what’s to come, this upcoming album could make an even bigger splash. Take this narrative Brit-rock single for a spin below, and keep an eye out for Invitation to Her’s, set for release on August 24th via Heist or Hilt.
Eldoradio have a classic Brit-rock sound, despite their Swedish origins, that is as distinct as it is invigorating. The proof lies in their recent single “City Lights,” telling the well-worn tale of long nights and youthful indiscretions. There’s a hint of a punk flare there in the layered vocals and bombastic drum work, matching well with the band’s distortion and scrappy guitar lines. Eldoradio previously hit their stride with a singles “Black & Blue” and “Youth Cult,” but this track could prove the third time really is the charm. Already making a name for themselves across Scandinavia and Europe, it might be time we spread the craze over here in the states. Be sure to feast your ears on “City Lights” below – this definitely isn’t a band you want to sleep on.
Swedish producer Hovzter plays into his strengths with a classic electro-dance track, “Left Me Broken.” Featuring vocals by Mariana Lin, the single’s impact lies in its stark dynamic contrasts and beat drops. Hovzter works with instrumentation in a way that leaves you on the edge of your seat, gradually cascading levels down, only to soar back up with the return of the chorus. It’s a good mix of lulling vocal harmonies and ballad-like piano lines, piled up against buzzing synths and steadying beats. As Hovzter’s sixth single release to date, he has already manifested a developed and expressive sound. Only time will tell where his refined brand of EDM will take him next. Until then, get hooked on “Left Me Broken” below.
Garage-punk quartet Poster Parents grapple with passivity in their latest single, “Hostility.” The Phoenix, AZ natives combine punk rock angst with mellower indie rock instrumentals, giving the track a bite that’s still easy enough to swallow. Citing inspiration from the likes of PUP and Joyce Manor, the troupe harness the quiet intricacy only indie musicians can bring, alongside a raucous energy that never quits. If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to check out Poster Parents’ bandcamp page for more from the band, including their debut EP Demo. “Hostility” could be just the boost of sonic caffeine you need to get through the day.
The collaboration between Vandelux and Jurassic 5’s Marc 7 is testament to musical worlds colliding, blending a classic hip hop flow with pulsing electronica in their track “That Look.” This partnership stemmed from Vandelux’s original remix of Jurassic 5’s track “What’s Golden,” eventually bringing the two together and resulting in what will soon be a full collaborative album. Whatever these guys are doing in the studio, it seems to be working. Get a feel for their evolutionary brand of electro-hip-hop below, and stay tuned for more tracks from Vandelux and Marc 7 on the horizon.
A funky electropop collaboration between Swedish producer Bacall and solo artist FrankK has produced the catchiest of summer tracks with “Ferarra.” The single acts as commentary on today’s instagram-driven fame and the carefully posed artificialness of it all. Since 2016, Bacall has created a name for himself around the house and EDM scene, charting high on Swedish radio with his single “Africa.” This track could give that record a run for its money, combining 1970s disco-pop with sunny electronica, amidst FrankK’s dynamic vocal stylings that know how to draw out an impact. This could certainly be the start of a long and prosperous partnership, and only time will tell what the duo come up with next. In the meantime, get a taste for “Ferarra” below.
Some of the best bands stem from a group of friends hanging out and playing around with instruments in their spare time. That pretty much sums up the story of Massage, a band of five pals in L.A. that seemed to come together both accidentally and out of necessity. Their mellow brand of indie rock features rolling melody lines and meandering guitar tracks, specifically in the band’s recent single “Lydia.” There’s a perceivable 90s rock touch to the song’s production, while simultaneously paying homage to Massage’s musical idols like The Feelies, Twerps, and The Go-Betweens. It’s got a campy, down-to-earth quality that will have you singing along in no time. Check out “Lydia” in all its homespun garage rock glory below, and be on the lookout for the band’s upcoming LP, Oh Boy.
Riding the high of his recently released sophomore album, Australian producer Ben Browning scouts his sound as a solo artist with title track “Even Though.” Drawing a perceivable tie to the melodic stylings of ‘70s psychedelia hit makers like Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson, Browning’s sound lands somewhere between breezy surf rock and spacey psych-pop. Harmonized vocals lines dive through waves of synth, bubbly guitars, and cavernous percussion, becoming more and more celestial with each passing beat. The track’s vintage sound is due in part to rewound tape effects, adding only to the song’s prismatic quality. As his second full-length release, Browning is setting the tone for his trademark aside from his work with Cut Copy, and we’re liking what we hear so far. Test the waters with this track below, and find the rest of Even Though here.
Buffalo three-piece SMUG is fast, fun, and punk rock, clearly evidenced by their new music video for single “All Used Up.” As a band, SMUG embodies all of the rebellious cornerstones of pop-punk music – a DIY, fuck-you attitude bolstered by open-throated guitars and infectious vocal melodies. In true DIY fashion, “All Used Up” was shot entirely by themselves (and for themselves). The video finds the members of SMUG down on their luck – and whether that means getting beat up or just stepping in something smelly, the sentiment remains the same. All in all, its clear that SMUG had a good time with this one – check out the vid via the widget below. As always, if you like what you hear, be sure to swing by SMUG’s Bandcamp page to show them your support.
Back Talk sent us over a phat remix of Oliver Tree’s “Movement” and we couldn’t help but recommend it to y’all. “Movement” is a true party anthem, mixing the fervor of the Beastie Boys’ delivery with modern-day dance-electronica vibes. If you’re trying to get amped, look no further – give Back Talk a stream via the widget below. Back Talk has a lot to offer – check it all out via Spotify.