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Joy Downer – “Caught In Your Spell”

February 11, 2017

You should check out married LA duo Joy Downer – their latest single is a jangle-pop gem, affectionately titled “Caught In Your Spell.” The song is anchored by dreamy, shimmery synths and groovy rhythms. About the song, singer Joy Bishop says, “Have you ever met someone that made you dance the fine line of being a stalker and letting that person know you’re interested?” Well said, Joy. If you have a sec, check out Joy Downer‘s website too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302889793″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

POKAL – “Great Expectations”

February 11, 2017

POKAL‘s swimmy “Great Expectations” immediately caught our ears for its off-beat structure and progression. The slightly wonky DIY project originates from Sweden – home of the best cloud pop/yacht rock. He makes use of plodding basslines, swelling synths, and clean guitars with an overarching slacker rock vibe. Fans of Mac Demarco or Magic Potion will be pleased. If you’re digging it, head over to iTunes and download “Great Expectations.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301921658″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Foresteater – “Big Deceiver”

February 10, 2017

Indie singer/songwriter Foresteater harnesses some sweetly-psychedelic forces with his new single “Big Deceiver.” The song begrudges the infuriatingly fake friend often found in today’s online-centric culture, but manages to make it sound like an endearing love song through upbeat melody lines, syrupy harmonies, and conscientious guitar interjections. It’s thoughtful and cutting, encapsulated in the most enamoring of tunes. For more of Foresteater, check out his debut EP Nightlife of the Exploding Heads. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305884574″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Flagship – “Mexican Jackpot”

February 10, 2017

Flagship’s latest video for the single “Mexican Jackpot” is a vivid play on light, color, and soft edges. Directed by Michael Polish, the video immerses you in a band practice-meets-kid’s party that looks like nothing but a good time. All of this, while strident guitar chords, ponderous bass lines, and pleading vocals provide the soundtrack. A Grade-A indie-rock tune brought to life on the small screen. If you like what you see, or hear for that matter, be sure to check out the band’s second album The Electric Man, out March 10th via Bright Antenna Records.

Blair – “Planetary ft. argonaut&wasp”

February 10, 2017

LA songster Blair has teamed up with New York act argonaut&wasp to deliver his latest single “Planetary.” The track features rhythmic synths, layered harmonies, and an awe-inspiring guitar solo to end on a high note. It’s funky in all the right places, while sustaining classic electropop elements. Post 8-month hiatus, Blair is back and gaining momentum on the streaming front with his last two singles. It seems only fair to say “Planetary” will lead to no exceptions. See for yourself below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304479113″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Nukubi – “Bronze”

February 10, 2017

Nigerian solo act Nukubi steps into indie pop with the release of his single “Bronze.” Drawing influence from Blood Orange, Dev Hynes, and Petite Noir, this track acts on rhythmic syncopation, booming baritone vocals, and a funk-fueled guitar and bass. Nukubi has carved his niche among the deep voices of the world, and in turn has created a song that plays on aspects of groove and looping. “Bronze” is an ode to the feeling of being stuck, and grasping at any opportunity for change. Hear it in his own words below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304304973″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rainbrother – “Blue”

February 10, 2017

Bjarke Bendsen’s latest brainchild Rainbrother slips into folk-rock with his latest single “Blue.” The project was formed after returning home from a European tour with his former band The Migrant, recalling Bendsen to his musical roots. Drawing inspiration from Pink Floyd and Bon Iver, Rainbrother combines introspective guitar lines and lyrical narrative to craft moving songs. “Blue” is no exception, featuring heartening instrumentals and velvety smooth vocals. For more of Rainbrother, head over to bandcamp to hear his brand new album Tales From The Drought.

Emmecosta – “His Power of Youth”

February 10, 2017

Post-club trio Emmecosta is back with their unique brand of soft electronica in their latest single “His Power Of Youth.” The band gained their notoriety with the 2015 release of Snowboy, establishing their place in the self-deemed “post-club tropical indie soul” genre. The track itself combines the groove of R&B, the silky smooth vocals of indie pop, and the spacey synth of electronic pop; a fusion of the best and the brightest, creating a song that’s a soft place to land. Be sure to see for yourself in the video bellow, and keep and eye out for Emmecosta’s upcoming EP to be released later this year.

Bedroom Folk Musician Alex Radice Releases Brooding Debut Single

February 9, 2017

Mysterious Williamsville native Alex Radice knows a thing or two about anxiety, a topic he covers in his debut single, “Am I Hollow.” Radice laments over his anxiety’s hold on his long-lost emotions, questioning himself with “Is anyone there?” In reality, Radice’s use of his longing baritone voice and gentle ambient instrumentals has resulted in a beautiful and catchy song reminiscent of Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, and Volcano Choir. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304696910″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Henry’s Rifle – Arkansas

February 9, 2017

Recording under the alter ego Henry’s Rifle, John Alfred’s music is rooted in backroom Americana and weathered country-blues. The Albany native singer-songwriter’s latest EP, titled Arkansas, is raw and completely stripped down, both in tone and subject matter. With help from members of The Slaughterhouse Chorus and Linear North, the EP was recorded in various houses around Albany as well as the live room at WEQX in Manchester, Vermont. The music of Henry’s Rifle has an innate sadness to it. There is this kind of classic barroom sorrow to it that can be traced back to modern folk’s earliest days in the clubs of Greenwich Village. John Alfred’s rough, half-screamed voice adds another layer of darkness as well. All together, its somewhere in between solo Neil Young and early Avett Brothers. While the sonic focus is tight, the arrangements do vary slightly. The EP starts out with a dirge like[...]

Blank Space – “Promiscuous Mortality”

February 8, 2017

Californian quartet Blank Space debuted their chill-out indie rock with “Promiscuous Mortality.” They have only been a band for about four months, but that hasn’t stopped them from packing their songs with noodly guitars, catchy whoa-oh vocal runs, and laid back vibes. Fans of Beach House, Private Island, or Young the Giant will be into this one. Blank Space is on the ‘Gram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304991289″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Benji Heinke – “Why Won’t You Reply To Me?”

February 8, 2017

Do you have 1:47 to spare? If so, we think you should check out Benji Heinke‘s latest demo, “Why Won’t You Reply To Me?” Benji combines lo-fi, DIY production values with jangly guitars and an upbeat vocal melody – not to mention subject matter that would appeal to most millennials. We’re always down for some quality bedroom-pop. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304623987″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mutes – “Vanishing”

February 8, 2017

Noisy UK post-punk act Mutes caught our attention with the first single off of their upcoming debut LP, “Vanishing.” The Kraut-rock quartet infuses typical post-punk fervor with a strong sense of melody and just the right amount of ambiance – not to mention their blistering, mid-song guitar solo. Fans of Television, Sonic Youth, and Cloud Nothings will dig this one. If you want to support, “Vanishing” is already available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301195700″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TOMA – “Going Nowhere”

February 8, 2017

TOMA is a group of Texans creating fresh-sounding indie rock laced with squiggly keyboards. If you’re wondering where to start, “Going Nowhere” is our recommendation – we dig the band’s pop-minded songwriting skills, peppered with great guitar tones and Phoenix-esque vocals. “Going Nowhere” is also available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293695789″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Deadwolf Achieve Liftoff On Latest Single “Half A Man”

February 8, 2017

“Half A Man,” the latest single from Buffalo psych rockers, blew my mind straight up. If you haven’t already gotten this towering, epic jam into your ears, you really need to do so immediately. Anchored by drums that conjure seventies Genesis, spaced out, Drozdesque guitars, and glorious California folk rock vocal harmonies, “Half A Man” achieves celestial liftoff  and doesn’t come back, opting for sweet electronic oblivion instead. It’s B-side “To The Garden” is six minutes of nimble, psychedelic garage rock that simultaneously reminds me of Talking Heads and The Beach Boys and the American songbook these dudes are joyfully shredding on. Please check them out below and Deadwolf’s Bandcamp page for more goodness.