Latest Posts

The Sea Awake – “New Unbreakable”

September 23, 2016

The Sea Awake is a NYC quintet that blends elements of math rock and emo. Boy/girl harmonies aplenty, these guys bring to mind the twinkly side of early 00s emo. “New Unbreakable” is an archetypal The Sea Awake song, pairing endlessly spiraling guitars with Minus The Bear-esque drum patterns. Fans of MAE, The Appleseed Cast, or The Gloria Record would be into “New Unbreakable.” Check out their canon via their Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/280841275″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Foreign Fields – “I”

September 23, 2016

Synthy duo Foreign Fields are originally from Wisconsin but are now Nashville based (funny, the band’s doesn’t sound like they could be from either of those places). Their slick, synthy electropop pairs well with the content of their new music video, a collaboration with the Indie Ballet Collaborative. Fans of M83, The XX, or Washed Out would dig their sound. Foreign Fields is set to release Take Cover on October 28th.

Wilco – Schmilco

September 21, 2016

On their tenth album, Wilco’s arrangements are as bare as ever. Following last year’s more effervescent release Star Wars, 2016’s Schmilco is laid-back, stripped-down and acoustically driven. The band themselves described the record as “joyously negative,” an intentional and enigmatic oxymoron. Acoustic guitar takes center stage, and beyond that it doesn’t get too heavy. The percussion is light and accentuated with brushes, while organ and piano lilt around the periphery. Electric guitar does make an appearance, but its role is ornamental. Wilco channels the twang of Neil Young style Americana and the jangle of mid-‘60s Beatles. On “Normal American Kids,” Jeff Tweedy looks back on his youth, not so much with nostalgia, but rather a longing for such a carefree time, with perceived and comparatively mundane plight. “If I Ever Was a Child” and “Cry All Day” are both breezy and emotional. “Shrug and Destroy” is Lennon-esque; contemplative and full[...]

Echo Movis – “Maui//Wowie”

September 20, 2016

Echo Movis is a psychedelic pop band from the Netherlands who wowed us with their infectious jam, “Maui//Wowie.” Combining swimmy guitars, swirly vibes, and an illusion-filled video, the quartet creates vibes that have us feeling wonky and energetic (even when it’s early in the AM). Fans of Tuneyards, Dirty Projectors, or Tame Impala would be down with Echo Movis. Check out the quartet’s bonkers music video below.

Duck Duck Ghost – “Small Town”

September 20, 2016

Australian quintet Duck Duck Ghost lit up our math-rock sensors with the springy indie pop of “Small Town.” Noodly guitar parts and tight drum fills permeate this particular track, about which, they say: “I met a lot of dirtbags in the army. They’d talk about things they did and I felt powerless to do anything about it. ‘Small Town’ is a way of channeling that anger into something creative.” Fans of Foals, Mother Mother, or Two Door Cinema Club would dig “Small Town.” Duck Duck Ghost are offering “Small Town” via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/280552047″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kid Coyote – “Go The Distance”

September 20, 2016

Boston electropop duo Kid Coyote caught our ears and captured our hearts with the delicate tip-toe of “Go The Distance.” Combining a hooky refrain with a washy drumbeat, music-box piano tones, and an overall minimalist arrangement, Kid Coyote crafts the kind of music that is destined to get you feeling chill. Fans of Phantogram, The XX, or Ellie Goulding would dig “Go The Distance.” Kid Coyote are offering “Go The Distance” for free here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/280501349″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Settlement – MOCT

September 19, 2016

Like a comet across Lake Erie’s vast sky shines Settlement, a new Buffalo-based band composed guitarist/vocalist Dan Moscov, bassist/vocalist Mike Dagonese, and drummer Adam Lilley. The band sounds like Balance and Composure at times fronting lonely, saddening compositions. At other times, Settlement gets heavy like O’Brother, their heavyheartedness clearly demonstrated by clear, dark, beefy instrumentals. This six-song extended play was recorded by freelance audio engineer Ron Hensberry and mixed and mastered by John Angelo. The album starts off with “Preparations.” A passing jet engine’s call and rapid sixteenth notes on the hi hats fill the headphones. Soon, a clean guitar riff embraces the ears in tandem with a rumbly bass. The instruments tell tales on their own without lyrics. An adventure between the ears is maintained as a secondary guitar riff adds to the mix. From there is “Setting Forth,” a rather heavy track that brandishes chugging guitar and distorted bass. On the[...]

Low Hum – “Sunburns”

September 18, 2016

Low Hum is the moniker of native Hawaiian Collin Desha. His latest jam is “Sunburns,” a fuzzy droning ballad that combines the best of psychedelics and indie rock. Distorted in their tones but pure in their messaging, Low Hum embodies peaceful determination as their songs ebb and flow. Fans of Elliot Smith, The Black Angels, or Tame Impala would dig “Sunburns.” Low Hum is available via a number of platforms – check ’em out here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279488569″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mic Torrance – “Wander”

September 16, 2016

The slow intro of Mic Torrance’s “Wander” build into a fun and surprising payoff on the rapper’s new single. Mic’s sound is one of the more unique you’ll hear in from a rapper. “Wander’s” instrumental sounds like music that someone in the 90s would think that a computer hacker would listen to while he’s knee deep in some HTML. It’s an oddity, but in Mic’s hands it’s an accessible, impressive single. Lyrically, Mic touches on his come-up and drive in general, with some great effects on his vocals that help stretch the genre of his song. It’s well-composed and has a great sound to it. Put on your Neo sunglasses and press play below.

T-Nugget – “Thank You” feat. Z-nac

September 16, 2016

T-Nugget’s airy “Thank You” is a melodic hip hop fusion that fans of the Toronto music scene are likely to eff with. The crooning genre-bender Nugget talks about good friends, shitty friends, and relationships in general.  He ponders authenticity and intention with lines like “Do they think they’re above you? Do they ever say they love you.”  Featured friend Z-nac has more to say about fake friends, and does so with awesome lyricism on the line “You’re going back and forth between friends, palindrome.” Perfect production is handled by Neo Esoteric, with T-Nugg’s smooth vocals working in perfect conjunction. Listen below.

Woodes – “The Thaw”

September 16, 2016

Australian producer Woodes hit us up with the delicate indietronica of “The Thaw” and we were instantly hooked. Featuring a Radiohead-esque guitar riff, blippy percussion, and Woodes’ irresistible vocals, “The Thaw” is sure to fit seamlessly on your playlist. Nestle it in between her contemporaries – St. Vincent, Ellie Goulding, or Lights. You can learn more about Woodes via her website.

Francis Moon – “All You Need”

September 14, 2016

Last time we checked in with Francis Moon, we were gushing over a previous release of his, “Anchor.” He’s back, this time with an equally wistful tune, “All You Need.” The restless swede continues his trend of reverb-washing everything in his songs, filling his smart and consise dream pop songs with a layer of mystery. Fans of Mew, Band of Horses, or The Dangerous Summer would dig Francis Moon. Francis’ stuff is available via Bandcamp. Check out the music video below.

NIC NIM – “I Didn’t Mean It”

September 14, 2016

NIC NIM a.k.a. Nicole Nimroody hit us up with the gentle acoustic pop of “I Didn’t Mean It.” About the track, Nic says, “This song is super important to me. Its a track devoted to all the words you wish you never said.” The song features sparse percussion and an omnipresent acoustic guitar, emphasized by Nic’s distinct vocals. Fans of Kimya Dawson, Sarah Jaffe, or Regina Spektor would be into NIC NIM. Stream “I Didn’t Mean It” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/280347764″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Midnight To Monaco – “One Way Ticket”

September 14, 2016

Doo-wop pop duo Midnight To Monaco have us feeling jazzed on their new jam, “One Way Ticket.” The LA-based act is vocalist Ricky Ducati and producer Donnie Sloan. Their free-spirited cut features lush vocals and a bouncy beat that brings to mind a carefree drive down the California coast. Fans of Bruno Mars, The Backstreet Boys, or 50s and 60s doo-wop classics would dig “One way Ticket” You know the drill – head to iTunes to pick up “One Way Ticket.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/277783330″ 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 Bad Years – “In The House (High All Day)”

September 14, 2016

Calling all hopheads! The Bad Years are here with the left-field outsider-pop of “In The House (High All Day).” With an irresistible recurring motif of “All I wanna do is get high all day,” any slacker is sure to relate. Think 1990s vibes, a 1960s songwriting mentality, and 2016 production value. Fans of The Cardigans, Phantogram, Alvvays, and dank nugs are sure to love this track. Snag “In The House (High All Day)” from iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278863700″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]