Latest Posts

The/Wanderlust. – “Moving Mountains”

August 28, 2017

Orlando’s The/Wanderlust. channel pure optimism in their latest track, “Moving Mountains.” The instrumental indie rockers may not rely on lyrics to get their message across, but their ideas are conveyed as clear as day by way of sunny guitar tracks, all working in tandem. As if pieces of a harmonious vocal quartet, the lead line has a crisp, pinging quality that soars above the rest, while the bass and supporting guitars form a strong foundation. Following this notion of support, band prefaces the track as being written to “encourage the listener to overcome any obstacles that stand between them and their aspirations in life.” “Moving Mountains” comes straight from the band’s recent EP, Adventure Will Find Us. Dig in for more inspiring instrumentals.

Woolbright – “What’s It Gonna Be”

August 25, 2017

Indie rock with a side of punk grit is what’s for dinner, and Southern Florida quartet Woolbright is serving up a hefty helping in their single “What’s It Gonna Be.” Melodic guitar lines are met with rhythmic fuzz, while frontwoman Candice Maritato’s fervid vocals both soften and sharpen the song’s edges. The band is currently riding the high of their newly released debut record, heading up the east coast while in the midst of a 16 date tour. Even if you can’t make it to one of their famously spirited live shows, be sure to check out “What’s It Gonna Be,” along with the rest of their album Busybody LazyBones via Whelmed Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/327950672″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Faunaphor – “Standing In The Doorway”

August 25, 2017

Art-pop duo Faunaphor stitch together raw and dazzling instrumentals in their track “Standing In The Doorway.” Their means of minimalism in this case keeps vocals at the forefront, while ethereal synth and guitar ruminations shine through over more sustained tracks and a pulsing drum beat. The song pays homage to the past, all lit with a dreamy, rose colored glow. It’s brought together with a melismatic saxohpone solo to end the nearly six-minute track on a celestial high note. Stay tuned for more like this on Faunaphor’s upcoming debut album And There I Was, due out September 8th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319839097″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ayo River – “Mercedes”

August 25, 2017

Fresh off a debut album release, Ayo River keeps the ball rolling with a single from the LP, “Mercedes.” The track provides a quirky but hard-hitting narrative of an accidental car crash that singer/songwriter Weston Taylor experienced. Lyrically, he muses over feeling stuck, where other people’s transitions make staying in your hometown feel a bit small and suffocating. Despite this, the overall message is acceptance, with the track’s mantra of “people come, people go, no one really knows” driving home the idea that there’s really no right or wrong way to live your life. Jam to the song’s jangly guitar lines and lofty vocals below, and get the whole package with the full album, Failed State. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/338653234″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Love Glow – “Internet”

August 25, 2017

San Diego’s Love Glow deliver pure effervescence by way of their single “Internet.” The indie rock four-piece land somewhere between Alvvays and Wolf Alice, with Caroline Corn’s sweetly subdued vocals acting as the glue that keeps understated synth lines and guitars set for precision contained. It has an energetic, but composed conviction that leaves worries by the wayside and cares floating away with each sunny guitar strain. The track comes from Love Glow’s latest EP, Honey, with a debut full length album coming soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/338470625″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Able Bodies Get Pumped with Debut Video “Flicker”

August 24, 2017

Rochester indie pop starlets The Able Bodies just dropped a video for their debut single “Flicker” that’s alarmingly fully formed, deeply satisfying, and utterly irresistible. Shot and directed by Adam Antelek, Krit Upra, and Nick Kundrat (from the gnarly and very groovy Rochester indie culture magazine Floated), “Flicker” is a feel good 80’s digital freak-out as a fitness infomercial, perfect for a glorious slab of Jackson 5 by way of Daft Punk and Cut Copy goodness. The Able Bodies (aka John Viviani and Eli Flynn) are definitely onto something here with a this instantly timeless single that feels… right. Check it.

COSBY – “Get Up”

August 23, 2017

Indie pop four piece COSBY encourages you to be present in the fight for change in the video of their track “Get Up.” The Munich natives layer 80’s synth pop influence with a steady rock beat and powerhouse vocals to hammer home a message that’s as much a call to arms as it is an invitation to dance it out. The band has built up a buzz over their multi-million Spotify streams and tour support of big names like MØ AND Tove Lo, and are now working towards their big break into the US market. With “Get Up” already making waves and an upcoming album on the horizon, the future is looking bright for COSBY. Take in some of their sweet moves in the video below.

Kabiria – “Electronic Geisha”

August 23, 2017

L.A. duo Kabiria give their spin on progressive rock in their latest single “Electronic Geisha.” An ode to mid-70’s Pink Floyd, the track ruminates over simpler times before the age of electronics by way of driving guitar lines, baiting effects, and lethargically crooned vocals. Coming in at just over nine and a half minutes, Kabiria leave traditional song structure behind in favor of a full-on thematic listening experience, split into three movements. The effect is a compelling pastiche of sound that’s well worth the lengthy listen. Get the full immersive experience below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/333738607″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bare Mattress – Some Great Magnet Pulls

August 22, 2017

Albany bedroom electronica act Bare Mattress dropped a tasteful EP of low key jams at the end of last month by the name of Some Great Magnet Pulls, and it’s irresistible vaguely vaporwave sonic textures and pulsating basslines will be ideal for your late night and or early morning come down/chill out sessions. Wrapped around a sinewy guitar and minimalist synths, “Toil Is” feels like a mantra set to a neon 80’s beat  before a very British New Wave guitar solo pulls it all together. The British New Wave vibe continues on “Then What,” a tightly stripped down joint with a minimalist approach to the synths and an insistent Peter Hook baseline. “Leasejumper” trades 80’s electronic dance rhythms for a thunderous backbeat that echoes, suspended in space before floating back to earth on the gorgeous fade out that is the LIN drum and ear candy caress of “Stars.” As much I enjoy the warmth of a[...]

Jong SL – Ice Cream

August 21, 2017

Recording under the name Jong SL, Buffalo-based musician Jong Lee has released his debut EP, Ice Cream. With roots as an acoustic singer-songwriter, on this seven track EP Jong’s compositions are rounded out with full-band arrangements and careful production. On top of an acoustic guitar bedrock, he layers influences of R&B, pop, jazz and blue-eyed soul. Ice Cream features 5 original tunes recorded at True Sound Studios, plus home recording renditions of 2 of the tracks that act as a pseudo-behind the scenes look at Jong’s writing and arranging process. The production here is polished, offering a smooth and bright exterior. The instrumentation is varied and eclectic, pairing acoustic guitars with electric ones, piano with electric organ and synth, as well as drum pad samples and layers of speaker candy. Compositionally, his jazz influences can be heard in the chord structures and the way his tight vocals are layered and[...]

Nathan Ball – “Waste Of Time”

August 18, 2017

Nathan Ball ventures further into his musical pilgrimage with his latest single “Waste Of Time.” After straying from his original path, Ball took an opportunity to escape into nature’s tranquility, coming back revitalized and brimming with inspiration. The track boasts meandering guitar lines, smoothly soulful vocals, and a brisk beat, reliving feelings of restlessness and regret. It has the underlying feel of a brewing storm – brooding and clamoring for release. Nathan is currently building up his collection of songs, preparing for a release within the next year. For now, you can delve into his most up to date musings, along with “Waste Of Time,” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/335915864″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

thanks. – “Loose Gun”

August 18, 2017

Alt rock duo thanks. blend genres and break routines with their new track “Loose Gun.” What starts off as an indie rock head-bobber morphs into an electronic dance track for the ages. Lyrically, all bases are covered, from youthful indiscretion, political misgivings, and living for the weekend. Their goal is accessibility, stating “Whatever the theme is, we do our best to keep it transparent so it can be interpreted in different ways.” The mix of psych rock, electropop, and cinematic sound settings creates a wide appeal, not necessarily shooting for pop stardom, but striving for a musical veracity that’s wholly relatable. “Loose Gun” comes at the forefront of the band’s upcoming debut full-length, Colfax, set for release this summer. Until then, you can dig into more from thanks. here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/337004218″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Roger Bryan and the Orphans – 9er

August 18, 2017

Buffalo indie rock veterans Roger Bryan and the Orphans are back with a sparkly new EP of material ideally timed for wrapping up the summer season, looking ahead to fall, and giving it all a fuzzy folk rock kiss. 9er is a tight and thoroughly refreshing burst of Midwestern/Rust Belt sonic and emotional earnestness that recalls the stomping, charged up vintage 90’s Wilco sound I’ve frankly kind of been missing these last few years. “Man Of Time” is a series of musical sweet spots hit: plaintive vocals and guitar strumming give way to bittersweet harmonies and potent yet understated riffs that verge on anthemic. Wistful and beguiling, “Nowhere Else” is a psychedelic country rock gem that keeps lifting itself higher with it’s casually intricate vocal harmonies and modestly triumphant guitar rock heroism, while lead single “Whylife” is all searching Gen X angst and soaring guitars before crashing you back to earth. 9er is a[...]

Mallrat – “Uninvited”

August 17, 2017

Australian electropop songstress Mallrat creates a buzz with the release of her video for “Uninvited.” Under her pseudonym, Grace Shaw shakes up youth’s banalities with surging beats, sharp percussion, and listlessly hypnotic vocals. This track redefines teenage party culture, where ‘toothless smiles’ mask a craving for solitude and simplicity. The video runs along a similar track, urging you to look beyond the mundane and give into the groove. “Uninvited” is off Mallrat’s debut EP under the same name, chuck full of vibey dance tracks like this one. Experience the song in full below.

Freedom Fry – “Strange Attraction”

August 17, 2017

LA’s Freedom Fry is back with their latest single “Strange Attraction,” brought to us at the forefront of their upcoming EP. The alt-folk duo is known for their catchy hooks and danceable beats, and this track is no exception. Their mix of astral guitars, heady falsetto, and a propelling bass line is bright and refreshing, sending a surge of luminosity straight through the air waves. Channeling the groove-ridden inspiration of the Bee Gees, Freedom Fry celebrate love in its most liberating form, and the result is down right infectious. Catch the release of their upcoming EP Strange Attraction on September 7th for more feel-good jams like this one. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/337006159″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]