Trippy, psychedelic, and mathy are three great words to describe Bat House… They are excellently represented by the kaleidoscopic video they’ve created for the song “Alright, Spaceboy.” This Boston quartet reminds us of Tame Impala, Pine, and Maps & Atlases, as evidenced by their swimmy brand of freak-out-prone indie rock. Give it a listen below. Their latest self-titled release is available via Bandcamp.
Garage pop quartet Dolly Spartans generates moody rock for the tortured soul in their track “It’s Not Easy.” What starts off as a soulful lament morphs into an angst-ridden protest, featuring a series of dueling guitar lines, spunky percussion, and dynamic vocals. It effectively represents a range of emotions, while forging a nearly 5-minute song that’s genuinely engaging from start to finish. These New Yorkers know how to channel an enduring melody and make it sound effortless. The band recently released their latest EP Time Sides With No One available everywhere digitally as of March 31st. It promises to be 5 tracks of pure, unadulturated indie rock with all proceeds going to ACLU Nationwide. So really, what’s not to like? [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/314712337″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Singer-songwriter Goldmyth creates catchy electropop with a twist. As a proficient harpist, harnesses her classical training to devise entrancing melodies in an electronic setting. The end result is the dynamic earworm that is “Lover’s Letdown.” It’s a captivating spectrum of exposed to raucous texture, ranging from a subtle acoustic-harp verse to a groove-filled dance chorus. This instrumental exchange is reflective of the song’s lyrics, mixing upbeat themes with vulnerability. If Goldmyth’s unique brand of pop has got you hooked, be sure to check out her recent debut EP Faded Dream for more heartfelt jams. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312780635″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Can we add Chackie Jam to the best band names of all time list right now? Real talk though, we like their new single “Hachi” a lot. This Belgian collective is all about writing “guilty pleasure pop” (their words not ours). We’re not even guilty about liking this ear worm, which sports retro beats and infectious synth lines. Feeling generous? Head over to iTunes and buy it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300041295″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
We’re digging the synthpop coming out of married couple Danny and Tiffany Preston, otherwise known as Rainbow Arabia. We think you should check out “Modern Contemporary,” which comes equipped with a colorful, CSI-inspired music video. Inspired by the purchase of an obscure, Lebanese synthesizer, the duo now specializes in writing fun, upbeat synthpop a la Empire of the Sun or Crystal Castles, with a touch of African and Caribbean flavor. Check ’em out on Bandcamp.
To look at the kinds of new and exciting music, both locally and nationally, that’s been emerging, one would have taken notice of the resurgence that post-punk of the late 70s and 80s has played. At the center of this has been The Jesus and Mary Chain. Fronted by brothers, Jim and William Reid, they released their first record, Psychocandy in 1985, but the band had been on hiatus since 1998/99, after their record Munki was released. However, The band have recently come back together and released a brand new record, titled, Damage and Joy, on March 24th. There’s always a certain trepidation when a band gets back together and releases a new album. The questions arise as to why; short on money, can they still play, what drives their creativity? One really interesting aspect of Damage and Joy is how it doesn’t sound dated, or more precisely, the way[...]
Liverpool’s Shrinking Minds perfect whiny garage rock in their latest single “Something Better.” What sounds like defiant teenage rebellion is actually a unique mix of encouragement and nostalgia. The UK trio have made a name for themselves as a band to watch, with a reputation for energetic live performances and numerous mentions on BBC Radio 1. It’s cheeky and assertive, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. Take in the bottled vitality that is “Something Better” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306352296″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Delivering hazy indie rock with guitar-driven edge, UK trio Dama Scout lose touch with reality in their track “Paper Boy.” Through a series of visceral imagery, the band wanders the line between sugary dream pop and edgy psychedelica, namely by way of grungy guitar lines, fuzzy distortion, and airy vocals. This song is auditory quicksand, continually immersing the listener until its final echoing strains have you sunk. This track is the follow up to Dama Scout’s two recent single releases “Forget It’s Good” and “All In Too,” and is set to be a part of RIP Records’ compilation RIP Introduces, on track to reach completion in 2018. Until then, catch “Paper Boy” along with other fan favorites via the label’s monthly releases on soundcloud and beyond. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315004662″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Singer-songwriter Ellex Bree exudes an underlying intensity in her latest folk-inspired track “Signs.” Through an array of soul-infused harmonies, idyllic lyricism, and holistic acoustic guitar, Bree weaves together a rustic web of striking imagery and heartfelt confession. Drawing inspiration from experiences roaming through the California wilderness, she holds on to a stripped, natural approach to production while exploring topics of transition, discovery, and love. Taking to heart artists like Feist, Ben Gibbard, and Sia, there’s an invigorating quality to Ellex Bree’s music that has something for everyone. Find more of her ethereal meanderings on her newly released debut EP Holdfast. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/314989391″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Australian indie-pop sensation Dominic Price, AKA Dead Language brings the party to a funeral (literally) in his latest video for the track “The Man Who Killed My Father.” The video features an energetic karaoke-style sing along set at the protagonist’s father’s funeral, slowly shifting from teary eyes to shaking hips. The song itself explores some dark subject matter, but manages to keep it light and animated with classic pop and disco-inspired themes, which is all the more reinforced through the solemnly playful video. “The Man Who Killed My Father” precedes Dead Language’s upcoming album release for Like Heart, set to drop on April 26th.
Garage rock trio Tinnedfruit hits hard with the video for their single “Sad Boys.” The track comes off as a flat out sprint to the finish line, fueled with angst-ridden energy and punk influence. In the brief span of under 2 minutes, Tinnedfuit wallow in their woes through a stark bravado of youthful aggression. It fleshes out all worries and acts as a timely and intense stress reliever. If you like what you’re hearing, head over to the band’s bandcamp to take in their recent album release Sorry Guys in its entirety.
Russian electropop dreamers D-Pulse channel fluid ambience in their track “Anna.” The song captures all that is soothing while encapsulating funk, gradually adding distinct motifs and building melodically until the song’s eventual distortion-laden finale. “Anna” is the second single from the band’s upcoming album and really takes advantage of the dynamic and evolutionary abilities of electronic production. It’s gentle and mystical, but manages to continually add a new element of intrigue, be it a rhythmic bass line, an angelic synth melody, or a striking guitar solo. Take in the video for “Anna” below, and catch D-Pulse’s sophomore album Serpentine out now as of April 7th.
Frontman Michael Hulstein’s solo project Ojai has morphed into a full-band endeavor, further reinforced by the release of “All I Can Ask,” the first single from the band’s upcoming LP On The Mend. It’s a valiant take on sleepy indie rock, with lackadaisical vocals, bright chord progressions, and shimmery drum lines. With all the makings of lazy day in the sun, this track comes just in time for the turn of the seasons. More from Ojai can be found on Spotify, and be sure to check out the new album scheduled for release on May 5th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311461595″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Vancouver’s ISOMERS brings the subtlety of indie/alternative to synth-intensive electropop in his latest single “Entropy.” As composer/producer/musician Ian Somers’ brainchild, ISOMERS’ tracks seem to hold on to a genuine and heartfelt quality that can sometimes get lost in intensely electronic settings. His tracks often feature friendly collaborations and this track is no exception, including backup vocals from Natasha Thursk of Catlow and Kurt Dahle of The New Pornographers, and Michael Hardy on synths. “Entropy” is the fourth single from ISOMERS, and promises to bring a sense of smooth destruction, as the track is so aptly named for. Take it for a spin below.
Buffalo garage pop group American Low have been rather quiet for a while, but frontman Mike Brady has reemerged with a more stripped down approach with their new single “settle_down.” The track is pop infused Americana, combining a folky compositional vibe with a polished and radio friendly production. Its a fun little tune, complete with uptempo strummed acoustic guitars, shaker and tambourine accents, a catchy melody and just the right amount of speaker candy. Check out the song below and keep up to date with American Low over on Facebook. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315782702″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]