Latest Posts

Small Forward – “Rides”

August 13, 2016

Small Forward‘s music lies somewhere between retro psychedelic and the chillest of indie rock. The LA quartet has us vibing hard on “Rides.” This song was meant for chilling – the band pairs a groovy drumbeat with swirling synths and their slightly-effected vocals. Fans of Kurt Vile or Tame Impala would be into it for sure. Small Forward is offering a free download of “Rides” via Soundcloud. You know what to do. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270899086″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Inspired & The Sleep – “Sweet Company”

August 12, 2016

Inspired & the Sleep is an indie-pop act based in San Diego, California. The group is a collective, a revolving and evolving lineup surrounding singer-songwriter Max Greenhalgh & multi-instrumentalist Bryce Outcault. The band’s newer material is moving towards the light, finding the group moving away from their indie rock roots and exploring their electronic side. Fans of Phoenix, The Temper Trap, or The Antlers are sure to be pleased. Purchase music made by Inspired & The Sleep via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274239430″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Fever Charm – “Never Had Before”

August 12, 2016

“Never Had Before” is the new single from LA act Fever Charm, who have recently relocated from Oakland to Southern California. Their new EP, Retrograde, is due out later this August. The band claims “‘Never Had Before’ has a sort of slowly-bang-your-head-while-drinking-a-craft-beer sort of vibe” and we agree wholeheartedly. Fans of Alt-J, The Neighbourhood, or Foster The People would dig Fever Charm. Check out Fever Charm on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273545741″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Headphone Hair – “Signs”

August 12, 2016

Headphone Hair is Ian Walters, a solo artist from Oakland. His song “Signs” caught our attention the other day for it’s hushed indie pop simplicity. He uses light percussion and piano to accompany his bouncy guitar-driven tunes. Fans of Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, or Local Natives would dig Headphone Hair. Headphone Hair is offering “Signs” via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274231864″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

FEWS – “10 Things”

August 12, 2016

London act FEWS have a fresh new video for their post-punk jam, “10 Things.”  The band went with a public television vibe for their surreal take on bowling alley politics. Truthfully, the weird, 80s b-movie aesthetic serves the band well, embodying the frenetic nature of their spiraling indie pop riffage. Fans of Alvvays or Bloc Party would be into FEWS. Check out “10 Things” on Bandcamp or stream the video below.

Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate

August 12, 2016

British soul singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka has released his second album for Polydor Records. For this sophomore release, he enlisted the help of veteran Danger Mouse to handle the bulk of production duties. Love & Hate is a smooth and melodic record steeped in introspection and social commentary. Kiwanuka’s diverse set of influences is on display here, incorporating elements of ‘70s r&b and soul as well as gospel, blues, rock and folk. His voice, both as a singer and a lyricist, is reminiscent of legends like Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield or Marvin Gaye. On Love & Hate, his slow jams pull less from the sexual side of r&b and more from the protest-song side, the realm in which Withers, Mayfield and Gaye were arguably at their best. The record starts out ambitious, with opener “Cold Little Heart” clocking in at over 10 minutes long. The mostly instrumental track is complete with[...]

midnight Releases Second Single from 0:00

August 12, 2016

On his recently released o:oo EP, Rochester-artist midnight rolls out a club-influenced R&B sound courtesy of Buffalo producer YLXR’s evocative percussion and atmospheric synths. The pair supplement each other’s aesthetic especially well on “Descent,” a sultry track that highlights the artist’s clever vocal phrasing and patiently builds to a break with chopped vocals and deep bass groove. The single is out now via Majestic Casual records. Take a listen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/275623820″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

WASI – “Mama’s Gonna Get You”

August 11, 2016

LA duo WASI recently released a new video for their infectious mid-tempo jam, “Mama’s Gonna Get You.” “The video is about vengeance,” says singer Merilou Salazar, “a campy way of dealing with our frustrations on feeling powerless – and in a way combating it.” Campy or not, the video is a good time, with lots of SAW-esque visuals. The riot-pop act is sure to appeal to fans of Fun or Tegan and Sara. Check out the video for “Mama’s Gonna Get You” below.

Nelly’s Crush – “Get Off”

August 11, 2016

Oslo septet Nelly’s Crush has us feeling some-type-of-way about their sexy new jam “Get Off.” This particular band of Norwegians has bonded over their mutual love of retro disco jams and ultra-famous pop jams (think Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”). The result falls somewhere between 80s pop radio and made-for-the-dancefloor nu disco. “Get Off” is available via iTunes. Check it out here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270300277″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Foliage – “What The Future Holds”

August 11, 2016

Solo act Foliage, a.k.a. M. Joseph Walker, specializes in crystalline indie rock with undeniable 80s influences. The icy production of “What The Future Holds” helps this particular tune embody a vintage feel through a modern day, lo-fi approach. Fans of The Smiths, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, or DIIV will surely be pleased. You can find Foliage’s latest effort, Truths, via Bandcamp for a reasonable “name your price” rate. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269530678″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Castlebeat – “Face On The Wall”

August 11, 2016

“Face On The Wall” is shoegazy bedroom-pop at its finest. Josh Hwang is the 22-year-old mastermind of Castlebeat, who won us over with his charmingly compositions. Between the aged VHS aesthetic of his cover art to the lo-fi, quasi-spooky undertones of his music, Castlebeat’s vibes hooked us in right away. Fans of DIIV, The Drums, or Beach Fossils – this one’s for you. Check out Castlebeat’s Bandcamp page here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/275334945″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Governess – (Let Me Be Your) Governess

August 10, 2016

Have you ever partied so hard that you blacked out? If so, think of that last thing you remembered happening when you woke up the next day. Whatever that may be is what Governess sounds like. The bands’ debut album, (Let Me Be Your) Governess is a foul blast of fresh air to purify your poisoned hearts, and gleefully torch your saccharine souls. The concept of “rock n’ roll” has been twisted into so many different forms over the years but at the root of all the best kinds is attitude, energy, and some sort of lust, which this album is soaked in. You can’t fake this; sure you can try, but the kids always suss out the posers and this should pass any test you wanna throw at it. There are many influences heard on Governess’ debut (hard rock, 70’s sleaze, vintage punk, & a sprinkling of metal, in case[...]

FEELS – “Roadkill”

August 9, 2016

Do you ever just get the feels? We do. We were drawn to Helsinki-based duo FEELS for their name but quickly fell in love with the electropop of “Roadkill.” The song truly transforms from a slow atmospheric ballad to something exciting and danceable. Fans of Blue Hawaii, Ellie Goulding, or Little Boots would also enjoy FEELS’ vibes. Swing by FEELS’ website for more information while you stream “Roadkill” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273217138″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sunjacket – “Creepy”

August 9, 2016

Chicago quartet Sunjacket specialize in creating a combination of dark indie rock and synth-driven pop. Hot off of a premiere from Stereogum, the band recently released their second single “Creepy” which highlights their true talents – syncopated rock lush with layered synths and an almost mechanical drumbeat. “Creepy” and the band’s first single, “Not Enough,” can be downloaded for free via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273665427″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

El Ten Eleven – “Swoon”

August 9, 2016

El Ten Eleven channels their inner Sleigh Bells on their new track “Swoon.” The band is an instrumental duo who recently released a mixtape of rare and unreleased material. “Swoon” is the mixtape’s first track, and for good reason. The band utilizes crunchy guitars and poppy, yet brutal riffs to start things off strong. Fans of Crystal Castles or Anamanaguchi would also dig El Ten Eleven. “Swoon” is a part of El Ten Eleven’s hot new mixtape, available for free on their website. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273503591″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]