Latest Posts

courtship. – “Sail Away”

March 4, 2017

L.A. based indie band courtship. jumps back into the game with their third single “Sail Away.” The track envelops you with shimmery harmonies, distorted effects, and sharp percussion. There are a lot of elements at play, but they all manage to keep interest piqued and the groove pulsing. The duo harnesses classic elements of guitar-driven alternative music, but brings in pop influence with foundation-building synths and electronic drum hits. Dive in to courtship’s “Sail Away” below. What’s not to like? [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/309979581″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Catastrophe & Cure – “Blank Spots”

March 4, 2017

Intense yet mellow, Catastrophe & Cure is back at it again in the indie electro-pop realm with their track “Blank Spots.” The Austrian six-piece brandishes a fully DIY production, while still sounding polished and cultivated. It’s a perfect blend of lulling vocals and brassy synths, toeing the line between dreamy and electrifying. Keep an ear to the ground for the band’s upcoming LP of the same name, we have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.

Silver Liz – “One and Twenty”

March 4, 2017

Silver Liz brings us a sweet slice of bedroom pop with their new single “One and Twenty.” Garnering a more refined sound than their earlier lo-fi noise pop tracks, the duo slips into indie pop with clashing guitars, electrified drums, and ambient synths. The songs traded-off vocals have a way of calmly enveloping you, while the band manages to spice things up with an atypical, expanding song structure. It has a tranquilizing quality, but manages to nudge out of the texture when it counts. Expect more where this came from on Silver Liz’s upcoming full length album, to be released later this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310110136″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

HIDEOUT – “I Got Your Message”

March 3, 2017

Last time we checked in with Manhattan based glam-popper Hideout (known colloquially as Gabriel Rodriguez, who is also a member of Cults), we were raving about his cosmic jam, “Changing Us All.” This time around, we’re digging the collage-like appeal of his latest video for the song “I Got Your Message.” Adding a colorful and creative visual appeal to his delightfully spacey indie rock, this jam will appeal to fans of Kurt Vile, The Walkmen, or Bombay Bicycle Club. Hideout’s Bandcamp page can be found here.

Jesca Hoop – Memories Are Now

March 3, 2017

Less than a year after the release of her duets album with Sam Beam, Jesca Hoop is back with an album of her own. Memories Are Now is the singer-songwriter’s fourth overall solo studio album, and solo debut for Sub Pop records. The new release is arguably her most realized and finely produced collection of songs to date. The veteran is known for her experimentation across an array of genres, from folk to jazz, rock to pop, blues to electronic and beyond. On Memories Are Now, she weaves her familiar eclectic tapestry, with some added layers. Mantra-like passages draw influence from African rhythms, and ambient overtones round out these compositions. Overtop of it all floats Hoop’s signature mid range voice, ethereal and lilting. Lyrical, she is socially engaged, rooted in the Now, and offers a tinge of political awareness. Her sly, grungy electric guitar licks pair well with the biting[...]

Her’s – “Speed Racer”

March 3, 2017

With its frantic beats and wonky surf vibes, we’re clearly vibing on Her’s‘ latest offering, “Speed Racer.” The song is a fast paced and lighthearted romp about one night stands and being a wild young thing. Combining sultry baritone vocals with a signature descending guitar/bass riff, this one is a perfect way to get yourself feeling froggy. Swing by iTunes if you dig it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307717890″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lazy Legs – “Soft Skull”

March 1, 2017

Ready to shred your ears? Chicago power trio Lazy Legs hit us up with “Soft Skull,” a crunchy and frantic blast of shoegaze energy. Think a wall of thick guitar noise and wild drums coupled with ghostly vocals… right up our alley. Fans of True Widow, Pity Sex, or No Joy will like this one. Swing by Bandcamp to snag this one. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/288685971″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

inHarmony – Firework (Hollywood Principle Remix)

March 1, 2017

We think you should check out this killer remix by 18-year-old wunderkind inHarmony. The German youngster specializes in acid jazz, soul, and r&b, which certainly comes out in his remix of Hollywood Principle’s song “Firework.” His addition of insanely funky slap bass is a major highlight, but all in all this is the kind of remix that gets you moving and grooving. Swing by the link here for a free download. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305396589″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dappled Cities – “Stone Men”

March 1, 2017

We think Aussie quintet Dappled Cities should be on your radar – we’re digging their latest jam, “Stone Men.” Combining swelling retro synth swells, a thumping bassline, and a chill vibe overall, this one is perfect for relaxing on your commute home. Fans of Phoenix, The 1975, or MGMT will find common ground in this one. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/308778695″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Roger Bryan and the Orphans Drop New Single “WhyLife”

March 1, 2017

Buffalo americana act, Roger Byran and the Orphans, are back with their first new recording since 2014. Coming back from their break, the band just dropped a super catchy new track, titled “WhyLife.” While there’s no drastic changes sonically from their past releases, they remind us that they are still capable of writing an insanely catchy song. Bouncy and driving, the track is a perfect example of what Roger Bryan and the Orphans are all about. According to the band’s bandcamp, this version of “Whylife” is different compared to what will appear on an upcoming release, presumably out later this year. If you’re into alternative / americana acts like Ryan Adams or The Replacements, do yourself a favor and check out the track below.

Mansa.wav – “Heat Wav”

February 27, 2017

Long Island rapper Mansa.wav’s smooth flow gives him a versatility that shines on his single “Heat Wav.” Wav’s sing-song delivery is on point, and makes for the killer hook “When I drop the mixtape we be chilling in a heat wave.” Mansa’s got a lot of charm in his lyrics (“I’m really straight suburban so it’s fuck what the streets say”) and his one-liners have their own Mansa flavor to them. DJ Flippp’s production gives Manza the perfect landscape to play with his flow, and “Heat Wav” is a a great listen because of it. The track comes from Mansa’s VSW 2 project, check it out below.

Patch Kid – “This Old Bird”

February 27, 2017

Patch Kid is the mathy indie rock brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Sam Palumbo. Mostly written in the brutal winter of 2015, the songs on his debut Bad At Friends are a reflection of Palumbo’s transition from Philadelphia to NYC, and the struggle to find balance between making new friends while keeping your old ones. We recommend “This Old Bird” for its noodly guitar work and unique chord progressions. You can also check out Patch Kid on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/288773464″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

CD-ROM – _001

February 27, 2017

Rochester synth punk outfit, CD-ROM offer up a multi-textured and infectious on their debut EP titled, _001. Assembled together like Voltron from various Rochester bands, Green Dreams, Leus Zeus, and Sports, CD-ROM consists of Jesse Amesmith on vocals, Nate Briscoe on bass, Trevor Amesmith on drums, Mike Turzanski on mono synth, and Kevin Burns on poly synth. _001 was self released by the band on February 18th. With a run time of almost 25 minutes, _001 is pretty dense for a debut EP, and that’s a plus because there’s a lot to unpack with this record. For one the group does not have a traditional punk set up going. There’s really not much of a guitar to speak of. Instead it’s synths trading back and forth that are backed by solid drumming that keeps the tight rhythms locked in. The bass here is really interesting because at times it’s in[...]

Tr38cho – “Big Twinkie”

February 27, 2017

Buffalo’s Tr38cho (Tre Ocho) needs just one verse to make waves on his single “Big Twinkie.” Taking influence from legendary lyricist Eyedea, Ocho fits in punchlines and commentary into the minute and a half track, with statements like “I’m from the part of the city they aren’t trying to gentrify.” The instrumental has a grimy 90s NYC feel to it, and the Ghostbusters Twinkie scene leads in and out of the song. Give it a listen below.

El Capitán – “Sun Tzu”

February 27, 2017

California rap duo El Capitán identity is expertly represented in their single “Sun Tzu.” The track’s production has a country twang, built around desert guitar strums. The mental image of a tumbleweed crossing the sand will enter your brain when you hear this song, guaranteed. Abhi the Nomad takes the first verse and rips of a string of tight lines and then Local Foster takes over before a the beat flips and the energy blows. Both Abhi and Foster flow with relaxed, sharp intensity and are prone to quick-witted lines and “researching the cure to the common rapper.” “Sun Tzu’s” video is a cinematic epic and worth the watch regardless of how good the tune is. Press play below.