Latest Posts

Manchester Orchestra – A Black Mile to the Surface

August 4, 2017

Indie rock stalwarts Manchester Orchestra have returned with their fifth album, A Black Mile to the Surface. It follows a several year gap that saw the departure of multi-instrumentalist Chris Freeman, the birth of founding member Andy Hull’s daughter, as well as Hull and lead-guitarist Robert McDowell scoring the Daniel Radcliffe-Paul Dano led film Swiss Army Man. The new record is yet another departure in sonic aesthetic, something the band has done with every release throughout their career. Starting out in the emo realm with I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child in 2006, it has been a meteoric rise the last 11 years, with the band expanding and advancing their sound every step of the way, as they became one of alternative music’s more beloved acts. Each record has been a new experience that both builds on and pivots away from the previous one, first with supercharged alt.-rock (Mean[...]

CHUCK – “New Yorker”

August 3, 2017

Bedroom indie rocker CHUCK gives us his satirical take on life as a New York City dweller in his recent single release, “New Yorker.” The song provides a story-like retelling of his move to the city and day to day life in the metropolis famous for restlessness and sullen strangers. Blending a host of influences from alternative, emo, and new wave, CHUCK nails down a sound that’s uniquely feel-good and genuinely entertaining to listen to. He keeps things light with playful horn lines, shooting synths, and spirited vocals, simultaneously poking fun and pointing out some of the city’s highlights. Take your own tour of the five boroughs via “New Yorker” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/330832355″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lissa Lo – “All I Need (ft. Patrick Dunn)”

August 3, 2017

New York City producer/singer/songwriter Lissa Lo proves she can hang with the best of them with her latest single “All I Need.” The track, featuring Patrick Dunn, shows off her affinity for electropop with layered vocals, flowing synths, and a bumping back beat. Any indication of her self-taught beginnings are long gone, as she masters song structure with natural progression and ebb and flow. Inspired by artists like Lana Del Rey, Lorde, and The Weeknd, Lo shows she has an understanding of pop that runs deeper than a catchy hook or energetic beat. Take “All I Need” for a spin to see for yourself. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/321992048″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pure Mids – “These Days”

August 3, 2017

Los Angeles-based trio Pure Mids just released “These Days,” their second single as a group. The new act is composed of multi-instrumentalist William Gonzalez, multi-instrumentalist Steven Martinez, and drummer Daniel Jurado. “These Days” comes packaged as a mixture of classic indie technique, neo-psychedelia and shoegaze. The guitars on the track are effect-laden, but sound smooth and on point as they roll onward. Paired with the relaxed lead vocals of Gonzalez, the combination becomes an easy-going experience. Check out “These Days” below via SoundCloud.

Somehow – “While the Days Go By”

August 3, 2017

Somehow released the first single “While the Days Go By” off the project Hidden Memories, a new album released by the band on June 9th via Toolong Records. Following up the release of The Desert of Wasted Time, “While the Days Go By” carries a similar energy to the 2016 album. Erwan Pépiot and Aurélie Tremblay prove to be a nice contrast with her light vocals backing his bass heavy voice. The diversity of sounds on the track bridge the gap between indie and pop. Check out the music video for “While the Days Go By” below via YouTube.

Harmonica Lewinski Releases New Track “Pyramid Scheme”

August 2, 2017

Rochester based sleaze rockers, Harmonica Lewinski have released a new single titled, “Pyramid Scheme” which comes almost a year to the date after the release of their last full length, Head Honcho. It bares mentioning that the cover art for the single is not an entirely apt description for the music but seems to be another example of irony the band puts to use.  In some ways “Pyramid Scheme” follows this ironic trend by being a valiant reproduction of 50-60’s style surfer/rockabilly with less of the blues/country twinge the original genre typically used, and instead they add to the mix stuff that could be out of the Detroit garage-rock scene. Check out “Pyramid Scheme” below. Pyramid Scheme /// Risky Bizness by Harmonica Lewinski

Parker’s Back – “Fantasy”

August 2, 2017

We just can’t get enough of indiemo quartet Parker’s Back. This time around, we’re showing off “Fantasy Single,” an urgent number that showcases Parker’s Back’s penchant for writing female-fronted songs that will pack your friend’s basement show. “Fantasy Single” is just one in a string of songs from the Fullerton, CA act that pack an irresistible emotional punch. Give Parker’s Back some support and pick up their latest via Bandcamp.

Eyre Llew – “Havoc”

August 2, 2017

Nottingham, UK is home to Eyre Llew, a crew of ambience loving dudes whose “Havoc” found its way into our inbox. The sprawling seven-minute epic is accompanied with a just-as-epic music video featuring mountainous scenes, nostalgic reminiscing, and feelings of longing. It’s truly something you must see for yourself… Recommended to fans of Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, or Slowdive. Learn more about Eyre Llew here.

LEFTI – “Digital Perfection”

August 1, 2017

Brooklyn’s production wiz LEFTI is at it again with a new dance track for the ages. “Digital Perfection,” featuring the vocal stylings of Coyle Girelli, stays true to LEFTI’s compelling brand of house funk, while catering to fans of pop and indie. The track incorporates a dynamic groove with pulsing synths and swimming vocals – a little bit of everyone’s favorite fix. This isn’t the first we’ve heard of LEFTI, and it certainly won’t be the last. Find more of his driving electropop originals and remixes here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/333127323″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sunset Exotic – “High Fidelity”

August 1, 2017

Producer/composer extraordinaire Charlie Foltz’s garage pop project Sunset Exotic graces the world with his latest synth-driven anthem, “High Fidelity.” Known for a wide spectrum of influences from French electro to new wave, Foltz seasons his recipe for indie rock well with synth tracks a plenty. “High Fidelity” perfectly illustrates this with a combination of melodic synth lines, light percussion, gritty vocals, and buzzing guitars, all expertly layered throughout the track. This is Sunset Exotic’s fourth single release to date, with an EP due out this October and a debut album coming early 2018. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/333642233″ 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 Ninth Wave – “Reformation”

July 31, 2017

Glasgow four piece The Ninth Wave take on the moody indifference of noise pop with the video for their track “Reformation.” Bonding over a fondness for post-punk and new wave, the band melds edgy guitars, paired vocals, and bright synth lines to bring the best of 80’s angst into the present. The video plays on nature, industrialism, and psychedelia, heightening the sense of youthful restlessness each scene depicts. They’ve had their sound compared to that of The Cure and Simple Minds – no small feat for an up and coming Scottish band. With numerous accolades from the U.K alternative scene and a debut EP set for release in the coming months, The Ninth Wave is looking at a bright, grunge-inspired future. Catch the video for “Reformation” below.

Lil Spacely – “You Know It”

July 29, 2017

Sydney, Australia based rapper Lil Spacely has released the accompanying music video for his single “You Know It,” which dropped in April. “You Know It” has blown up across Australian airwaves since its release, featuring in the top 50 for the Australian viral chart, leading him to feature in multiple gigs in Australia. Scenes feature Lil Spacely in MMA gloves and on the streets in Sydney ready to go to war with other rappers.   Check out the music video below for “You Know It” via YouTube.

Swayyvo – “Set”

July 29, 2017

Chattanooga rapper Swayyvo comes back with the release of his new single “Set.” Swayyvo is familiar with all sides of music touting production skills as well as experience with the saxophone to go along with his rapping. “Set” comes as a culmination of his music skills, ranging from the deep 808 use in the production from J White and the laid-back flow he brings to the track. Look for more to come from Swayvvo as he works on his solo material and collaborates with other artists out of Chattanooga. Check out “Set” below via SoundCloud.

Death Row Husband – “Fourth Wall”

July 28, 2017

London’s Death Row Husband hails a storm of brooding acoustics in his track “Fourth Wall.” The solo project of Matt Clark, Death Row Husband experiments with the tried and true methods of songwriting and recording. Eliminating certain practices, or setting a new structure like stream of consciousness writing or one-take recording is the name of the game, and the subtle differences are noticeably compelling. Coming in at around a minute and a half, “Fourth Wall” is a haunting hymn of imagery and tangibility. What starts as voice with acoustic guitar accompaniment is soon outlined with organ and synths for a fuller, cavernous sound. Dive into “Fourth Wall” below – this might be the most captivating thing you listen to all day. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/333924222″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ivan Dorn – “Beverly”

July 28, 2017

Ivan Dorn may be new to American audiences, but in the Ukraine he serves as a musical figurehead to fuel the masses. A known pioneer of underground pop-turned-mainstream, Dorn has made his mark in Eastern Europe, breathing life into pop with a fusion of house, funk, jazz, and nu-disco. Gearing up for his US debut, Ivan just released a video for his track “Beverly.” It’s a commentary on traditional high school hierarchy, going behind the scenes of the popular crowd to reveal youth’s fitful turbulence. Dorn is currently working on an English debut album from the sunny comfort of LA, promising more of his signature redefined pop enthusiasm. For now, get a taste of what’s to come with “Bevery” below.