Berlin-based, British artist David Harks has us reeling from the easy-going electronica of his latest single, “Avalon.” “Avalon came to me in a dream,” Harks claims; a dream where he left behind his earthly possessions and traveled off to space to leave materialism behind. If only, David! Fans of Passion Pit, Capital Cities, or Foster The People will surely enjoy this one. “Avalon” is available via a variety of platforms, all of which can be accessed here.
“Obsession” is an attempt to embody pure ecstasy, that is, according to mastermind Cezar of Beach Kicks. We can’t help but agree; “Obsession” is a smooth, almost hypnotic combination of electronica, r&b, and indie rock sentiment. Featuring unique vocal samples, swirling synth pads, and delay-laden guitars, we think Cezar does a pretty good job of spreading the love. Dig it? Add it to your Spotify playlist.
Memphis, TN act Harlan is a fresh new indie act with a bright debut single in “Sunny.” Lead singer Harlan Hutton’s voice conjures images of fellow indie-rock queens like Lauren Mayberry (CHVRCHES) or Molly Rankin (Alvvays). The rest of the band is a perfect compliment, running the gamut between peppy indie-pop and swimmy psych-tinged guitar rock. Their debut is due out in early 2018 – till then, get your fill of “Sunny” below.
Phoenix, Arizona native Davis Absolute supplies us with some invigorating hip hop to head up our weekend with his single “Flood.” The track combines powerful vocal delivery with ambient soundscapes, tiptoeing the line between the calm and the storm. All bases are covered instrumentally, tying in hauntingly sustained synths and bubbling electronica with sizzling cymbal work and syncopated bass beats – setting the tone as languid and electrifying at the same time. “Flood” comes off Davis Absolute’s recently released 7-track EP, Eden.
Every now and then, a dank remix hits our inbox and we know we have to share… The latest is from Chicago act Autograf with their heady EDM remix of Juke Ross’ “Colour Me.” Between the exquisite, bouncy bass lines and Ross’ sultry voice, this particular remix is sure to get you feeling froggy. If you’re into it, add it to your Spotify playlist.
Nashville solo-artist YØUTH (aka Julian Denté) hit us up with the warm indie rock of his latest single, “Alright, Kid.” About the song, Julian explains that it is slightly tongue-in-cheek, about two star-crossed lovers clinging to a connection no matter how dysfunctional the relationship. Either way, his longing vocals and guitar-based crunch is reminiscent of bands like Manchester Orchestra, Phantom Planet, or Kings of Leon. If you’re feeling “Alright, Kid,” add it to your Spotify playlist.
Self-identified as “Sade in space,” London’s Silk Cinema meld together dream pop and soul in their latest track, “Disappear.” Set to a backdrop of pulsing synths, bass, and the ever-irresistible snap track, the duo experiment with vocal interplay and harmonization, blending a distinct nostalgia for late 90’s R&B with the extra oomph of astral electronic sparkle. Our takeaway? “Disappear” is a smoldering hit that’s more than easy to get lost in, and we’ve got our fingers crossed for a swift follow-up.
L.A quintet Dr. Doctor follow up their praised debut single with another breezy hit, “Seventeen (Say The Words.)” The track provides a fresh take on laid back indie pop, channeling a bit of frontman Ralph Torrefranca’s soft spot for 80’s teen pop soundtracks to give the song a floaty, whimsical feel. Beachy guitar lines and radiant synths pave the way for lulling vocals with lilting falsetto, all wrapped up in a cozy blanket of reverb. This is as dreamy is it gets. Prepare to get swept away with “Seventeen (Say The Words)” below.
If you’re searching for some red-hot hip hop to get you through the week, look no further than EI8HT’s track “Hardwood.” The New Jersey rap aficionado sprinkles in looping marimba, crisp drum tracks, and rippling electronic elements, effectively setting the vibe while leaving room to keep his vocals in the forefront. Citing inspiration from Logic, Childish Gambino, and J. Cole, EI8HT’s strength is in his unrelenting flow and creative lyricism. Head over to his soundcloud for more tracks in the vein of “Hardwood.”
Buffalo-based producer Passion in Constellation has returned, joining forces with singer Star Cvlt to release the new single “A Little More About You.” The track is a sparkly affair filled with flashy keystrokes and surges of synth, all laid underneath Star Cvlt’s (aka Amanda Terragnoli) breathy vocals. “A Little More About You” succeeds in building to the crescendo, which crashes like a tidal wave once the beat drops. Anticipation swells as tempos slow, though it’s only a matter of time before the waves start to crest once again. As a matter of fact, this all happens within the first minute of the track, but that’s just a taste of what’s to come over the course of the next few minutes. “Light up these skies / So at night / I can keep you / Light up this tomb / I’ll be the moon / To reflect you,’ she sings during[...]
It’s here, it’s French, it’s The French Amor Fati with their superior new pop jam “My Superhero.” Reminiscent of great pop songwriting of the 1990s with flavors of disco and contemporary electronica, “My Superhero” is a true pop banger from this French duo. Slam that play button below. There’s a music video for “My Superhero” as well – check it out here.
Falling somewhere on the spectrum between moody west coast pop like Lana Del Rey and the introspective R&B flavor of James Blake, LA solo-act TRACE has us feeling some type of way after hearing “You Don’t Know Me.” Her earworm chorus of, “You don’t know me, I fall in love with everyone” is both hooky and relatable and is bound to bounce around your head all day. “You Don’t Know Me” would make a perfect addition to your Spotify playlist.
Yo, check out this fresh track from our friend Jacob Faurholt. Jacob is one of Denmark’s most prolific songwriters, and his latest single, “Go,” caught our attention. Faurholt combines a tight drumbeat with quirky vocals and fuzz-pop guitar stylings, perfect for any fan of bedroom pop or 90s fuzz sentiment. Fans of Daniel Johnston, (Sandy) Alex G, or The Front Bottoms will like this one. Pick it up on Bandcamp if you like what you hear.
dreambeaches is a band who needs little, if any, introduction around Buffalo right now. The quartet has been making waves on the local indie rock circuit for a few years now, and after an electrifying show last week (and a forthcoming tour to boot) to celebrate the release of their latest EP, the band is bound for more than just a bit of local success. dreambeaches’ new EP Disappearing Act is our album of the week. Disappearing Act picks up just about where the band’s 2016 EP Habits left off, tightening the screws on their unique blend of math-infused indie pop. If you enjoy bands like Bombay Bicycle Club and Foster the People but crave a little something more out of your indie rock, Disappearing Act has your name all over it. The EP finds its best moments in sheer walls of tangled and exacting instrumentation, swooning choruses, and vocal harmonies[...]
Coming in hot off their last EP release, The Color Society supply another breezy hit with their single “Starlet.” The alternative duo combine jangly guitar lines and infectious drum work with hypnotic vocals to strum up a good old fashioned feel-good jam. After all, it’s hard to go wrong with surf rock-inspired guitar solos and a playful clap track thrown into the mix. “Starlet” tells the story of young dreamer lusting after Hollywood lights, providing a rosy soundtrack to a winsome narrative. Take the track for a spin below, and check out Coastal Visions EP for more from The Color Society.