Latest Posts

Oh Manitou Releases New Singles

September 28, 2016

Oh Manitou, a Rochester-based indie act still in their infancy, released duel singles”People I’d Like To Be” and “Once Again” last week. The songs, notably “People I’d Like To Be” showcase immense talent as Oh Manitou embarks on quite the sonic journey. All instruments (keys, vocals, guitars, the like) are played with noteworthy skill and their notes were chosen with great care along with production savviness. The tune commences with a brilliant horn and woodwind introduction. Guitar work and cymbal embellishments are the bow on the present. Then, a chorused and distorted guitar nudges the song awake. “People I’d Like to Be” fills out with bass, drums, and a unique lead. While toms and tambourine shakes fill the air, vocals take to the forefront – awesome harmonies carry you away. “Falling into the sea watching the stars align,” is a perfect way to describe this song, but the sight must be equally as[...]

Forgotten Tropics – “Singularity”

September 25, 2016

Forgotten Tropics is a three-piece with ambitious plans. Soon they will metamorphose into a sextet with audiovisual plans. Until then, enjoy the relative simplicity (I use that term lightly) of “Singularity,” an instrumental shred fest that mixes elements of math rock and ambience. Fans of Explosions in the Sky, Tycho, or The Fall of Troy would dig “Singularity.” Their latest release, All There is All You Need, is available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282296423″ 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 Vellas – “Lost & Found (Too Much Blood)”

September 25, 2016

UK quartet The Vellas are here and ready to take the world by storm. Their new album, Sweethearts & Counterparts, was just released a few days ago, upon which resides “Lost & Found (Too Much Blood).” L&F showcases their fuzzy britpop perfectly, featuring catchy guitar leads and a distinctly British flavor. Fans of Arctic Monkeys, Gringo Star, or The Thermals would love The Vellas. Check out the rest of The Vellas’ canon via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/275495438″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Late Cambrian – “Hot Minute”

September 25, 2016

Late Cambrian‘s new music video is a trippy affair that pairs naturally with their quasi-psychedelic synth pop. “Hot Minute” is a vibrant and poppy tune with a video that features lots of double exposures and odd body movements. Fans of Of Montreal, CHVRCHES, or Capital Cities would dig their sound. Find out more about Late Cambrian here.

Sorcha Richardson – “Lost”

September 25, 2016

Sorcha Richardson‘s “Lost” is an ode to a heartbroken bro that we can’t help but love. About the track, Sorcha says, “He called me, sounded really down, and I just felt like making him something to remind him that he still had friends who loved him and it would be okay.” We can def get behind that sentiment. The indie/alternative songstress writes gentle, mid-tempo tunes a la Courtney Barnett, Still Corners, or Hop Along. “Lost” is available on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282803762″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ghassemi – “Saturate ft. River”

September 25, 2016

Swedish producer Ghassemi had an excellent summer and is finally ready to release his debut single. “Saturate” is a smooth discotronica track that makes use of London-based singer, River. The song maintains a simmering vibe throughout, making use of vintage synth tones, understated percussion, and River’s soulful contributions. Fans of Daft Punk or JUSTICE will be pleased. “Saturate” can be picked up via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/281079580″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Posh Lost – “Limerence”

September 24, 2016

Posh Lost (formerly Gloss) is a quintet from Minneapolis who specialize in gauzy, gothic tunes. We stumbled upon “Limerence,” a song soaked in reverb and flush with shrill post-punk guitar leads. These dream poppers would appeal to fans of The Cure, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, or The Rapture. You can purchase music from Posh Lost via this link. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/226532480″ 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 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” /]