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Aggressive Swans – “Every Teardrop”

June 24, 2017

Munich’s budding alt-pop duo Aggressive Swans make their single debut with “Every Teardrop.” In a wave of swirling energy, the track funnels a rolling bassline, bright synths and crisp drum work into the fray. Singer Christopher Chlupacek has a poignant, storytelling-like quality to his voice, giving the song an extra dose of heft. Drawing similarities to the likes of MGMT, Tame Impala, and Foals, the two marry an alt-rock influence with elements of modern electronica and the zeitgeist of 80’s power pop. Check out the track below and be on the lookout for more from Aggressive Swans in their bright and promising future. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/327596064″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dagny – “Wearing Nothing”

June 23, 2017

Art pop sensation Dagny hits another out of the park with her latest single “Wearing Nothing.” The video for the track alludes to physical and emotional intimacy though bouncy synchronicity in a radiant finish. The Norwegian native has already racked up 2.5 million streams on the track, receiving nods from Hype Machine, Spotify’s US Viral chart, and VEVO dscr, among other notable sources. Dagny cites inspiration from iconic dance theatrics á la La La Land or a Fred Astaire classic, manifesting a deep connection that eventually runs dry. Featuring sharp percussion, soaring melodies and a thunderous beat under the production of Ludvig Söderberg (Tove Lo, Tori Kelly, Ellie Goulding) it’s no surprise that “Wearing Nothing” is already a resounding hit. Take the track for a spin below, and make your way to Dangy’s single release show on June 27th at New York City’s Mercury Lounge for a certified good time.

Skyler Cocco – “Parasite”

June 18, 2017

In a striking contrast of distorted guitars and sugar-coated vocals, Skyler Cocco’s single “Parasite” pierces the hearts of grunge pop enthusiasts everywhere. Cocco’s brand of vivid lyricism stems from personal catharsis, channeling the pain of formative years into growth and maturity. The Queens, NY based musician credits roots in songwriting, production, and multi-instrumentalism to her musical development, leading her to cut her teeth in studio composition at the Music Conservatory of Purchase College and develop a unique alt-rock/pop genre blend. “Parasite” plays into this balanced divide, matching angst-driven lyrics with sunny vocal harmonies and murky grunge guitar. This single is at the forefront of Cocco’s debut album Reverie, due for release on June 30th. Until then, dive into more from Skyler Cocco to ride out the wait.

El Capitàn – “Low (ft. DJ Nacatz)”

June 17, 2017

El Capitàn brings steady jams out of Thousand Oaks with their new release “Low” The drop serves as the second single off the group’s debut album “Low.” A funky bass line sets the stage for a beat reminiscent of the style of ‘90s hip-hop. Abhi The Nomad and Local Foster play off each other’s verses, showing great teamwork with a flow as smooth as the beat. Listen to “Low” via SoundCloud below.

Paul Mayson – “Waiting for You”

June 17, 2017

Coming out of the Electronic scene in the Netherlands, Paul Mayson dropped “Waiting for You,” which released on June 9 via Powerhouse Music. Mayson recently toured Europe with Don Diablo in support of his Run EP, and the single comes as some content to hold off fans in between projects. Clad with synths, drum beats and the drawn-back vocals of Insali, the project spends its time between modern dance and indie. Check out “Waiting for You” on SoundCloud below.

Zero/One – “Palm Tree Punk”

June 17, 2017

In a sleek fusion on soulful vocals, vintage synthesizers, and elastic drum beats, L.A. duo Zero/One bring the fire with a hazy (and bloody) video for their track “Palm Tree Punk.” The track’s churning, reverb-heavy instrumentals up the ante while clips of the city’s landscape stitch the storyline together. Zero/One is comprised of Victor Go and Eric Wang, a self-produced team that draws up stirring electropop with the instrumental stylings of Wang and the vocal impact of Go. They’re currently gearing up for more live shows and a follow up to their debut self-titled album. Until then, dive in to the gripping music video for “Palm Tree Punk” below.

deer scout – “sad boy”

June 17, 2017

deer scout leaves a bright mark on the Philly DIY scene with fluorescent blue lipstick and homey imagery in the video for her single “sad boy.” Lamenting existential woes that are sharply specific but commonly felt, Dena Miller brings a light and shiny quality to her music with whimsical electronic elements and buoyant guitar lines. The song provides a narrative to moody, artsy college boys sulking their way through young adulthood with a 40 in hand, and captures it all on film with stunning luminosity. Drawing parallels to big indie acts like Girlpool and Waxahatchee, “sad boy” signals a promising future for deer scout. This track has a sweet, addictive quality, so feel free to hit replay as we anxiously await another release.

Creature Camp – “Psychic Waves”

June 16, 2017

Alabama’s Creature Camp jolt us to life with their energetic track “Psychic Waves.” With the help of producer Daniel Farris (St. Vincent, Polyphonic Spree) the foursome infuse bright synthpop into their alt-rock foundation, creating an electrifying anthem for the masses. Sighting inspiration from artists like LCD Soundsystem and Joy Division, it’s easy to see where their rock-fueled intensity originates from. Tune into their video for “Psychic Waves” below and prepare to be swept away in the polychromatic zeal of it all.

Ryan Laetari – “Brand New Baby”

June 16, 2017

Channeling laid back vibes à la Mac Demarco, Wichita native Ryan Laetari touches on the follies of young love in his track “Brand New Baby.” Featuring zinging stereo guitar lines, mellow vocals, and a walking bassline to bring it all home, this track gives a nod to its writer’s Midwest origins while nudging into lo-fi indie rock territory. The song comes to us from Laetari’s latest album A Thousand Days, released May 13th. Find more of his easy breezy jams here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/322446196″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ELLEH – “I Can Be Your Best Friend”

June 16, 2017

Tokyo’s ELLEH dropped a new single in the form of “I Can Be Your Best Friend.” Part of the Anthems EP series, the single serves as the first track off the second part of the series. While many of the tracks on the first EP come as somber tunes, there is an upbeat sound to this single. With a sea of synths leading the funk, this track is one for those that love to dance. Check out “I Can Be Your Best Friend” off the Anthems EP Pt. 2 due out in August below.

New Swears – “Halos in Hell”

June 15, 2017

Twangy indie rock quartet New Swears set the soundtrack for shooting the summer breeze with their track “Halos in Hell.” The single hits the ground running with rustic rhythm guitars, hearty vocal harmonies, and strategic tape manipulation, bringing a taste of folksy comfort from up north in Ottawa. With a campy energy that’s guaranteed to lift spirits, we’re eager for more. Luckily, the wait won’t be for long with the release of the band’s debut LP And The Magic Of Horses, out June 23rd on Dine Alone Records.

Pasha – “Prettyboi Bounce”

June 15, 2017

Norwegian rapper Pasha dropped a new music video for his song “Prettyboi Bounce.” Coming up through the Norwegian rap scene, Pasha has created a ton of buzz, even at the ripe age of 22. Due off Prettyboi Bounce on March 17 via Toothfairy, the single brings a playful vibe throughout. Bridging somewhere between the funkiness of the ‘80s and the smooth rap flows of the ‘90s, Pasha creates a unique sound through the combination of both styles. Soul Gems also contributes to the funk on the track with his groovy hooks. Check out the colorful video for “Prettyboi Bounce” below.

MADELIN – “Pinnacle”

June 13, 2017

Brooklyn transplant Madeline Mondrala draws up triumphant synthpop under the name MADELIN. Her latest single “Pinnacle” is a prime example of this, combining vibrant synth lines with playful brass and cavernous drum tracks. Joining the prodigious list of musical SUNY Purchase alum, MADELIN set to work under the pseudonym that would produce a premiere EP, five music videos, and now an upcoming album. “Pinnacle” speaks on a sense of jarring nostalgia after revisiting a pivotal place. Mondrala continues, “It’s about that feeling of bliss when you’re at the peak of a beautiful experience, when time seems infinite. The moment on a rollercoaster right before the drop. When you look back it’s just a blip. Barely there. As meaningful and perfect as it is fleeting.” Join MADELIN on her ride below, and find the rest of her self-titled EP where all things are streamed. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/321776563″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Talking Under Water Release Video For “We Used To Dream”

June 13, 2017

To borrow and adapt a now classic Rick James quote, nostalgia is a hell of a drug. Ephemeral, elusive and irresistible, we can’t escape it now matter how hard we try (trust me, after a while you just go with it), and for Exhibit A of this human phenomenon would have to be the video for Talking Under Water’s “We Used To Dream.” Already lovely and melancholic slab of Beatles, Beach Boys and Chicago infused 80’s mega pop, the clip from the Rochester quintet is practically weaponized nostalgia… for the joy of youth, the Tom Hanks classic “Big,” and a magical time long ago when blowing on things like videogame cartridges really did fix them. The clip and single hail from the bands eponymous debut album which arrived in April and can be found here.

Jon Lewis – Exquisite Corpse

June 12, 2017

Jon Lewis is a pretty much a staple in the Rochester music scene. The hard-working musician is more or less a fountain of new material, be it from his well-rounded solo project Jon Lewis Band, or his Wiggles-inspired educational alter-ego Mr. Loops. This week we’re checking out his brand new full-band album Exquisite Corpse, which proves Lewis’ shining time as a musician and songwriter is all but fleeting. Exquisite Corpse drives home the idea that unadulterated indie rock is not dead. So many mainstream acts today aim to reinvent the genre–often times favoring decadence over organic musicianship–in an effort to distance themselves from the ordinary; the result can barely be considered indie rock. This exodus of sorts has left a void–a void that Lewis seems to fit perfectly. With a pop rock sensibility to rival that of Matthew Sweet and hooks around every corner, there is no shortage of catchy material[...]