Latest Posts

The Fine Lines – “Wanderlust Kids”

May 18, 2017

In a brief two and a half minutes New Jersey indie rockers The Fine Lines funnel intrinsic guitar line after guitar line while brooding over the world’s harsh realities in their single “Wanderlust Kids.” Formed by four friends in 2012 at Drew University, the band boasts big name influences like The Beatles, The Strokes, and Brand New. They released their single “Gold” earlier this year, with this track following up in anticipation for their debut EP Palm Tree, released on May 5th. “Wanderlust Kids” is a bright and intricate beacon amidst the masses of spunky indie rock tracks that is sure to leave a mark. Check out The Fine Lines’s brand new EP for more normative defiance. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319566850″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hugh – “GO”

May 18, 2017

London’s electropop quartet Hugh fuels a cozy guitar-synth pairing and magnetic vocals in their single “GO.” In a compelling vocal collaboration with Benin City’s Joshua Idehen, the group channels a style and emotion that brings to mind 80’s pop domination, while still sounding subdued and introspective. Singer Izzy Brooks refers to the track’s inspiration as an initial encounter feeling similar to being submerged. She adds “I remember there was green light flooding in from the surface, my lungs hurt and the excitement was so heavy it almost felt like I couldn’t breathe. Though I knew I probably should have jumped out, I stayed down beneath the waves, facing this person who had this hypnotic hold over me – it was crazy”. Sink into Hugh’s “GO” for a brazen and consuming experience below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/320727997″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Σtella – “Way To Go”

May 18, 2017

Beach pop artist Σtella draws up a playful and dancey experience in her video for the song “Way To Go.” The Athens singer-songwriter brings in splashes of brassy synth, surfed-up guitars and lackadaisical vocals to muster a tongue and cheek tune with a dash of moxie. This is all blended together and siphoned into the video, which indulges on coastal city wanderings around dusk that are equal amounts campy and cool. Founded in 2012, Σtella’s endeavors now account for three other band members and numerous collaborations with other Greek artists. Take in what Σtella has to offer below.

Stress Dolls Drops After the Party

May 16, 2017

Stress Dolls and Steak & Cake Records have teamed up on two tender, confessing gentle electronic tunes. These songs were written by  Chelsea O’Donnell of Stress Dolls  and punched up and arranged by label owner/producer Brandon Schlia. The first track on After the Party, “Bruises,” lights up the room with a like a light shining through flesh. The drums pop and bounces from the speakers with delay proving to be the most utilized effect. When the chorus comes in, O’Donnell’s unique vocals spill a message desperate with indecision. “Your bruises…” is ooh-ed delicately atop a failing synth note. Following “Bruises” is “Alaska 2.0,” a sub-two minute ticker that promises to keep your mind locked in space. The sound crawls, but the atmospheric synths are enthralling. This is the second incarnation of “Alaska,” previously released with an indie rock flavor on O’Donnell’s retired moniker Wolf. The new rendition of “Alaska 2.0”[...]

The Foreign Resort – “She Is Lost”

May 16, 2017

Brooding new wave alt-rockers The Foreign Resort stew over a broken relationship in their track “She is Lost.” Through a series of expansive guitar lines, crisp drum work, and hearty vocals, the Danish trio illuminates a road to recovery from the other side of the tunnel. Combining post-punk vigor with opaque synth-pop, The Foreign Resort yields a vintage sound that stands out from the rest. The result is a deep and multifaceted single to spearhead the release of their next full-length album. Find more from the band on their previous album New Frontiers. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310477175″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Groves – “Savour”

May 16, 2017

A rising star on the UK math rock scene, South London band Groves make calculated electronic moves in their latest single “Savour.” From their inception in 2014, the five-some has harvested their sound organically through the evolution of performing live shows. Peppering in refined techno elements to their grassroots instrumental experience shaped Groves into their subtle electro-rock prerogative of today. “Savour” features silky-smooth vocals, reflective synths, and a meticulous bass groove, reflecting their laid back yet invigorating ethos. On the road to becoming the next Tame Impala or Two Door Cinema Club, we’re destined to be hearing a lot more from Groves very soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319202875″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Djustin – “New Preset”

May 15, 2017

We think you should check out the infectious electronica of Swedish/American duo Djustin. The duo combines singer Rose Suau’s ethereal voice with producer Johan Angergård’s infectious instrumentals. “New Preset” is sure to hook you in with its sick electro pulse, full of memorable pop melodies and thick, lush synth work. If you dig it, buy it here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315700202″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Marlon Brando Island – “True Heroes”

May 15, 2017

We’re really digging this banger from London trio Marlon Brando Island. “True Heroes” reminds us of the fervor that you might expect from TV on the Radio or METZ. They combine energetic guitar and bass ambiance with passionate scream/singing. The trio considers the razor-sharp lyrical content and emotional rise and fall of “True Heroes” their epic, and we can’t help but agree. Check it out on Spotify too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311398734″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

SYRE – “Next To Me”

May 15, 2017

Canadian producer SYRE sent us his ultimate chillout track “Next To Me.” This song pushes the limits of sound design and the EDM genre as a whole, combining chillwave sentiment with catchy, detuned vocals and swelling synth patches. Our recommendation: sit back, close your eyes, and let SYRE’s soundsmithing do its job. Add “Next To Me” to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/316588805″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Folkfaces – How Long?

May 15, 2017

Folkfaces is a Buffalo band that falls beyond the typical confines of categorization. Their unique blend of americana, folk, and jazz is loud, rustic, and organic; there is an inherent genuineness to their craft. If I were looking for an easy way out, I could slap a “roots rock” label on them and call it a day, but with elements of ragtime, alt-country, and alt-gypsy involved, their music defies that boundary effortlessly. It is best to define them as undefinable, and give them an honest listen. They’d probably like it that way, anyway. Their latest album How Long?  sprawls 8 tracks over their road map of musical genres, and with multiple songwriters and musicians at the helm on any given track, the influence varies greatly. From the back-country banjo charm of “Institution Blues” (this one may sound familiar, as it was released as a single earlier last year), to the rowdy foot-stomping pandemonium[...]

Chiddy Bang – “Full Speed Ahead”

May 11, 2017

It’s been seven years since Chiddy Bang was at the height of their career. Popular with music blogs while leading a wave of poppy, sample-heavy frat rap, rapper Chiddy and producer Xaphoon cranked out infectious track for a hot couple of years before disappearing. Since then, Xaphoon has moved on and Chiddy has revamped his sound for his single “Full Speed Ahead.” Chiddy’s lighthearted flows are as welcome as ever as he reflects on his early days on the scene. Though he might have been out of his element in the early days, Chiddy’s happy with his path and eager to use those old experiences in his drive back into the game. “Dull Speed Ahead’s” chorus is a perfectly poppy contemporary  hook, and Chiddy’s lyrics have gotten sharper as he’s progressed as an artist. It’s great to see Chiddy bringing the positive vibes once again.

Sister James – “Sick Dog”

May 11, 2017

Indie rock conglomerate Sister James puts the edge in DIY via their latest track “Sick Dog.” Forged through the combination of various Brooklyn indie acts, Sister James melds the songwriting styles of Quinn McGovern and Ben Carbone to construct stirring rhythmic instrumentals and ponderous vocals. The switch between distortion-heavy shredding to refined strumming and hushed tones is nothing if not effective in, encompassing the band’s dynamic quality and driving listener intrigue. The band harnesses a multifaceted sound that’s hard to nail down, ultimately making them all the more appealing. Provokingly moody, “Sick Dog” is an adventure for the ears. Sister James is set to release their debut cassette release Look Away on May 12th. Throw a pre-order in over on bandcamp and check out the single below. Look Away by Sister James

Motion Trap – “Molecule”

May 10, 2017

Indie dance pop duo Motion Trap’s latest track “Molecule” is all groove in all the right places. With thick layers of brassy synths, rhythmic guitars, and powerful falsetto, the track manages to come off as cool and suave, while still begging you to get up and dance. The band harnesses their eclectic genre experimentation of past releases to create a sparkly and refined sound all their own. The Colorado natives pride themselves on the organic instrumentation of a live band, while spicing things up with digital exploration. Motion Trap clearly know what they’re doing, and “Molecule” seems to be the culmination of all of their well-molded efforts. See for yourself below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/309500800″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Duncan Lloyd – “Heads of The Bastille”

May 10, 2017

In a choice blend of indie-rock and a tinge of jazz inspired intuition, Duncan Lloyd ruminates on a love that’s slipping away in his track “Heads of The Bastille.” Lloyd’s fluid vocals and tranquil guitar lines give way to playfully syncopated keyboard interjections and an ascending bassline that draw up the song’s lighthearted tone. The lyrics, however, delve into a more solemn, resigned stance on the inevitable crumble of relationships. “Heads of The Bastille” comes at the forefront of Lloyd’s upcoming album I O U O M E. He summarizes, “From ‘Heads of The Bastille’ onwards, these songs come from a more personal perspective and it’s fair to say there is a lot of longing in them. They were mostly written in motion, travelling on long journeys, often late at night when ideas tend to mutate & evolve in a way which is less black & white, where finer subtleties[...]

Joseph of Mercury – “Find You Inside”

May 10, 2017

At first listen, the initial intoning of Toronto’s Joseph of Mercury’s vocals is purely sensual. This slinky baritone draws comparisons to the power-crooners of yesteryear like David Bowie, Morrissey, and Leonard Cohen. His newest single “Find You Inside” encapsulates a 1970’s groove in the most-millennium era, while managing to include all of the original iconic sex appeal. It’s dark, sultry and alluring, all wrapped up in a mysterious and elusive gauze. The chorus drives it all home with a soulful ascent to the melodic heavens, all while maintaining that retro height-of-pop feel. Explore Joseph of Mercury’s emotional intensity in “Find You Inside” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/317292887″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]