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Army of Bones – “Don’t Be Long”

January 21, 2017

Delve into the rockier side of the UK’s indie scene with Brighton’s Army of Bones. Their latest single, “Don’t Be Long,” introduces the hype surrounding their upcoming album. This track does a great job in layering and expanding on an initial melody, through a sprinkling of guitar interjections and revamped vocal lines. It has all the heaviness of a rock song, while still being exceptionally easy on the ears. With a chorus Matt Bellamy (of Muse) would be proud of, “Don’t Be Long” hones in on the science behind the music, crafting the right formula for a passion-fueled and anthemic rock song. It’s neat and tidy, while managing to take you on a journey that’s wholly moving. Save the date for Army of Bones’ March 3rd album release featuring “Don’t Be Long.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300914323″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Past You – “Faith”

January 21, 2017

New York’s own Past You has crafted a brand of shoegaze-infused dream-pop that’s easy on the ears, if not on the heart. Their latest track, “Faith,” lightly intones through toxicity surrounding a codependency, stitching it all together with the despondent chorus of “I can be the one you used to love/ Let me tell you how I wish you were.” Heavy subject matter, quite in opposition to the song’s production. The track itself takes on an almost whimsical quality with looping synth lines and murmured vocals, making it easy enough to get lost in the trance of it all. Cipher through “Faith” on Past You’s upcoming EP. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296056668″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Callum Pitt – “You’d Better Sell It While You Can”

January 20, 2017

Indie folkster Callum Pitt got us to bob our heads to his latest jam, “You’d Better Sell It While You Can.” Penned when Pitt was just 15 years old, the song features piano, clean guitar tones, and Pitt’s distinctive falsetto. Pitt gives a nod to The War On Drugs, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, whose influence can be heard throughout his music. If you like Pitt’s style, purchase his tunes here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297869476″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pool Art – “Gender Balance”

January 20, 2017

Grungy shoegaze act Pool Art caught our attention with the droning noise of “Gender Balance.” The Manchester-based duo penned “Gender Balance” about loneliness; although it’s semi-autobiographical, the song also takes inspiration from an article about gender imbalance in China and inequality for women. Fun fact: the cover image is the tail fin of the legendary 52-hertz whale, which some consider to be the loneliest mammal in existence. You can purchase “Gender Balance” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296802099″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Todavia – “Fix Myself”

January 20, 2017

Multi-talented multi-instrumentalist Rhyan Riesgo is perhaps better known as Todavia – we’re digging her latest single, “Fix Myself.” The LA-native combines an all-around swimmy atmosphere with strong attention to detail, insisting that, “all lone sounds are purposefully placed to carry out a meaning.” Fans of Lykki Li, Imogen Heap, or Mitski would dig Todavia. For more info, check out Todavia’s website. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300812539″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Jake Tittle – “Different Language”

January 20, 2017

Singer-songwriter Jake Tittle creates the perfect union of indie rock and folk with his latest track “Different Languages.” Tittle is not the first to take to song about his personal religious perplexities, but his clear-cut vocals convey an inquisition of hardened truths that speak straight from experience. In lines like “Jesus speaks a different language/ We’ve been feeling up the floor just trying to mimic him,” Tittle channels the imagery of a seasoned songwriter coupled with the skepticism of supposedly corrupt power systems that is often a theme of traditional folk music. This track uses it’s entire three and a half minutes to continually build instrumentally, until multiple vocal lines blur together into one cacophonous echo with sparkling synth lines carrying out its final chords. Listen to the artistic musings of Jake Tittle in “Different Languages” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295022911″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Kraków Loves Adana – “False Alarm”

January 20, 2017

Kraków Loves Adana’s single “False Alarm” is the latest dream-pop infused soundtrack for driving off into the sunset. This track features the classic dynamic duo; paired rhythmic guitar and drums, while the vocal line croons overhead. The most unique component of instrumentation is the choral synth, which in any other setting would sound overly tongue-and-cheek, but here gives the hook a driving momentum and a haunting quality. This is the type of song to lose yourself in, as singer Daniz Cicek pleadingly drones over the loss of light. The video artfully captures the Berlin-based duo’s play on movement and lighting, all too relevant to the song without seeming overly blatant. Keep an eye out for the single on the band’s third album, set to be released this March. Written by Cassandra Dailey

Mammal is a Mountain Teases Two Singles

January 20, 2017

Central NY folk rock ensemble Mammal is a Mountain is gearing up for the release of their debut full-length Memory Albums, having shared the first single of the new record, along with a solid B-side. The often-rotational outfit of musicians, helmed by songwriter Dan Lynch, melds folk / Americana influence with an unrestrained songwriting style akin to Conor Oberst. The new single, a studio version of a previously acoustic track titled “Thick Mud,” has been fittingly renamed “Ode to Dirty Lovers” and given the full-band treatment. The song’s driving upstroke and gradual crescendo brings out the personal intensity of the lyrics, all topped with blasts of electric organ. A second track, “Backed by the Bank,” complements the single release with somber acoustic vibes not unlike those of the late, great Elliott Smith. Both tracks, though inherently different in tonality, work well together to deliver some A-level hype for the forthcoming[...]

Lowly – “Prepare The Lake”

January 19, 2017

Lowly is a Danish quintet worth checking out. The group pairs smooth synthscapes with a skittering drumbeat and lilting female vocals, a winning combination in our book. Fans of Sylvan Esso, Phantogram, or Feist will dig Lowly’s vibes. Keep your eyes open for Lowly’s debut, Deba, due out 2/10. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300203674″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Soy Christmas – “Tinsel”

January 19, 2017

NY chilltronica duo Soy Christmas has already landed two songs on Spotify’s “New Indie Mix”” and “Undercurrents,” so it’s no surprise that their newest release, “Tinsel,” is also ear candy. The duo combines lightly auto-tuned vocals with Postal Service-style atmospherics and a steady but subtle beat. We dig it, so we think you give it a spin. Check Soy Christmas out on Bandcamp too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296516460″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Thula Borah – “Confabulation”

January 19, 2017

Scottish four-piece Thula Borah have announced their upcoming EP, Near Life Experience with the release of the single “Confabulation.” The band shows their true affinity for indie rock with layered grungy guitar lines, coupled with fuzzy, reverb-laden vocals. Despite its rocky core, there’s a distinct smattering of classic pop sensibilities that gives this track a universal appeal. Likened to the works of So I Watch You From Afar, Hum, and Silversun Pickups, this band has an undeniable multifaceted draw with its incorporation of various musical styles and influence. Listen to “Confabulation” below, and keep an eye out for the EP, available January 27th via Kill Jester Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/294565535″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Chick Quest – “Savant Garde”

January 19, 2017

Chick Quest is quickly becoming the most talked about band on the post-punk front. Their single “Savant Garde” is the suave, yet bombastic prelude to the release of their second album. This band sets itself apart from the rest with the incorporation of a groove-ridden bass and horn lines right out of a vintage western film. The variety of musical elements in this song brings the intrigue, while still holding onto all the cheekiness and sass characteristic of its punk ancestors. Looking for more? Stay tuned for Model View Controller, out February 24th via Triangular Sounds. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286005875″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Del Paxton Drops Latest Single, “Take It To The Limit”

January 18, 2017

If you’ve been at all involved with the Buffalo music scene over the past few years, you should be no stranger to the local indie-emo trio, Del Paxton.  Following their debut in 2013, and a split 7″ in 2015, the trio are gearing up for a full length via Topshelf Records, a major label in the modern “emo revival” scene.  While you’ve probably heard them play this track at various shows over the past year, we are finally being treated to the long awaited studio recordings. “Take It To The Limit” follows the band’s theme of introspective lyrics and math rock inspired instrumentals,  but this track carries an overall much more refined feeling.  The song is one of the band’s most driving yet, featuring catchy riffs, dynamic drums, killer melodies, and almost playful backing vocals all coming together to create overall incredible balance and composition.  While their more obvious, classic, emo influences like Braid and[...]

Soffía Björg – “The Road”

January 18, 2017

Soffía Björg’s latest single, “The Road,” plays upon the process of returning to the physical and symbolic place that is home. The smattering of folky twangs within a foundation of indie rock is what makes this song sound even more forlorn. The Icelandic singer’s voice lilts gracefully over a moving bass line and rhythmic guitar, all colliding in each repeat of the melody’s original motif. This song’s impact lies in the subtle dynamic contrasts; the strummed swells and accents propelling it forward as we follow Björg on her journey down this road. The video features Björg as the archetypal femme fatale driving her vintage Mercedes down the metaphorical path of no return, as the Icelandic countryside creeps past. Have a listen and you, too, might find yourself mid-existential crisis on a journey through genuine soul-searching. Written by Cassandra Dailey

Le Trouble – “How Was I To Know”

January 18, 2017

The Montreal five-piece Le Trouble is back with their second full-length album out on Indica Records, spearheaded by the single “How Was I To Know.” The track is all rhythm guitars, intrinsic drum fills, and power-driven vocal lines. It’s a whirlwind of tight instrumentals, yet still holds onto a pop influence that’s unmistakably sweet. With only a tinge of sadness, lead singer Michael Mooney sings of that all-encompassing love that ran itself dry. “How Was I To Know” seems to reveal a little more with each listen, and it doesn’t hurt that its hook is deceivingly catchy. Feeling introspective but considerably upbeat? This is your track of choice. Written by Cassandra Dailey