Latest Posts

HALFNOISE – “Know The Feeling”

July 6, 2016

It’s true, Zac Farro may be better known for other things (he drummed for emo kingpins Paramore)… But his new synth-soaked offering HALFNOISE has him playing the producer/songwriter card strongly. “Know The Feeling” was exclusively premiered by Stereogum and for good reason – the track is smooth, shimmery indie pop that highlights Farro’s obvious skills behind the skins while still showcasing his songwriting prowess. Fans of Passion Pit or Caribou would dig HALFNOISE’s vibe. Check out the “Know The Feeling” via YouTube below.

Matiss Evreoux – “It’s Your Birthday”

July 6, 2016

Matiss Evreoux combines a retro psychedelic sound with modern beach pop sensibilities. “It’s Your Birthday” is a dramatic and cinematic indie rock song about an ex-lover that stole Evreoux’s money and flew to the US, leaving him stranded in Luxembourg with nothing. If it’s any consolation to you, Evreoux, we love the resulting song. “It’s Your Birthday’s” whirring synth tone and urgent feel give off a strong 60s vibe, while Evreoux’s delivery is more akin to modern indie pop bands like Alvvays. Check out “It’s Your Birthday” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269804454″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kyle Rapps – “Michigan”

July 6, 2016

“Michigan,” the latest track from Harlem and Mexico City’s Kyle Rapps, is a multi-genre groovefest. Featuring an evolving electronic-dance beat with some hip hop-ability, “Michigan” will get your feet tapping. Rapps’ verses describe a fun love-chasing story, but Rapps’ vocals really shine on the infectious chorus, bridges and breakdowns that make “Michigan” expand beyond the parameters of a standard rap song. Production from Belief is excellent and pushes the agenda of Rapps’ flow switches. Press play below.

Kyle Bent – “Something Different”

July 6, 2016

Twinkles and pounding bass lay the groundwork for Massachusetts’ rapper Kyle Bent’s latest single “Something Different.” The prodigy’s claims of originality are backed with substance laid forth in lines like “I gotta block out distractions when I’m not rapping so I’m probably meditating.” Bent also touches on claims of ADHD rampant in the youth today, and how pigeon-holing creative kids can hold them back. For a track that in plain terms bangs, there’s a very interesting discussion in the verses that is revisited in the “It must be something different” chorus. “You should come over and get hip to this wave,” and listen below. Bent recently dropped the Dreams of a God mixtape, of which “Something Different” served as the lead single.

Midnight Mystery Club – “Richest Man In The World”

July 5, 2016

After getting his start writing for other DJs, Australian David Paul Newell created Midnight Mystery Club as a way to indulge his love of 70s and 80s songwriting. Hoping to transcend newer trends in electronica with a timeless sound, Newell pairs the simplicity and pure catchiness of early 80s songwriters with his dense, house compositions. “Richest Man In The World” is a fantastic example of MMC at his best – think Daryl Hall or Phil Collins singing over a beat crafted by M83 or St. Lucia. Stop by Midnight Mystery Club’s Soundcloud page for a free download of “Richest Man In The World.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269962446″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Future Generations – “Coast”

July 5, 2016

Bringing to mind the nonchalant indie rock of Two Door Cinema Club or the unstoppable pop genius of labelmates Passion Pit, Future Generations has us reeling with their new song “Coast.” Future Generations listens like a festival band – they play the kind of music that feels like summer vacation, all irreverent fun created with synths and guitars. The song is indie pop at its finest with just the slightest tinge of darkness to keep it grounded. Future Generation’s self-titled album is due out July 29 via Frechkiss records. You can snag “Coast” early on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269061370″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Trudy and the Romance – “Wild”

July 5, 2016

Liverpool trio Trudy and the Romance wandered into our inboxes with “Wild,” a twisted, almost drunken take on the idyllic pop music of yesteryear. The song lurches and sways and is surely full of garage rock tendencies, but it also never really loses its iconic, 1950s doo-wop sensibility. Fans of Cursive, Attic Abasement, or Archers of Loaf should identify strongly with the trio’s shambling tunes. “Wild” is available now via B3SCI records. Check it out on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269982318″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mitski – Puberty 2

July 5, 2016

While attending SUNY Purchase, indie-rocker Mitski self released her first two albums. After graduating, she signed with Double Double Whammy to release a third. Now with Dead Oceans Records, her fourth studio album Puberty 2 is an earnest look at growing up. She likens the pain and awkwardness of this major transition into adulthood as a second form of puberty. Though slightly more polished, lo-fi production is still at the heart of it all for Mitski. She neatly combines drum machines with rousing electric guitars, and employs a vocal distortion that brings her rich, mid-range voice to life. This effect perfectly compliments the tone of her lyrics, as she somberly details life’s qualms and inevitable loneliness. The arrangements are raucous and range between delicately sparse and all-out in your face, reminiscent of life’s ups and downs. The overall focus of Puberty 2 can be seen as contemplation of meaning and[...]

Laminate Pet Animal – “For Her”

July 3, 2016

British duo Laminate Pet Animal have been keeping busy creating washy bedroom electronica in their Leeds studio apartment. “For Her” is their latest single, mixing chill vibes and smooth synths, bringing to mind fellow electronica acts Gold Panda or Tycho. “For Her” is about dealing with self-doubt after the realization that you’re missing something you’ve already lost. PS – if you’re curious about their name, try reading it backwards. Laminate Pet Animal are currently finishing up their next EP. In the meantime, stop by their Soundcloud page for a free download of “For Her.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265999058″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Quinn Lewis – “Rooftop”

July 1, 2016

Quinn Lewis‘s cinematic “Rooftop” fell into our hands the other day and it caught our attention for being straight-up catchy electropop. “Rooftop” is actually a sort of reinvention for Lewis, who has been an active musician for quite some time. The Australian artist is currently based in Nashville, where he creates his particular brand of indie electronica with co-producer Danen Reed. “Rooftop” starts out understated and evolves into a more driven track, mixing pulsing synths with the occasional electric guitar riff. “Rooftop” is the first of five singles in Lewis’ repertoire. Check it out via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258146591″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Latchmere – “Not You feat. Dylan”

July 1, 2016

Mysterious Australian house artist Latchmere hit us hard with the groovy “Not You.” Featuring the warped vocals of Dylan, the track takes her bubblegum delivery and pairs it with a dark house beat, turning it into something menacing but dance-able. Fans of David Guetta or Daft Punk would probably dig Latchmere’s take on melodic electronica. Swing by Latchmere’s Soundcloud page to snag a free download of “Not You.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269827418″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Van William – “Fourth Of July”

July 1, 2016

Topical and catchy! “Fourth Of July” is the lighthearted, debut jam from LA-based artist, Van William. In this particular song, Van William channels the upbeat, quirky indie rock of scene veterans Built to Spill or The Violent Femmes with a modern, commercial spin. “Fourth Of July” is full of infectious gang vocals and peppy acoustic guitar, truly a jam for the dog days of summer. “Fourth of July” is available now via Soundcloud and Spotify.  [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270410710″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

I.O.D. – “Round Here”

July 1, 2016

Brownsville is a tough part of New York, but that doesn’t stop B’ville native I.O.D. from being inspiring when he talks about the truths of his home. On “Round Here” I.O.D. describes in vivid details the scenes his crew has seen, giving insight into their methodologies and exactly why the “fire forming in their bellies” to succeed. In addition to providing commentary, I.O.D. proves his he can rap his ass off. Riding the midnight-saxophone beat with incredible flow and cadence, I.O.D. is everywhere from melodic to bulleted on this track. Press play below.

Holland Purchase Releases Debut Single

July 1, 2016

Kevin Stuitje (of Tomoreaux fame) has just released a new single under the moniker Holland Purchase. His debut single, “Five Years” is sad, guitar rock about the realities of navigating relationships while also dealing with depression. The track has undeniable emo flavor (the good, passionate kind) while also nodding towards Tomoreaux’s ambient tendencies. “Five Years” both highlights and distorts Stuitje’s shoegaze-esque vocals that range from a quiet hum to passionate screams. Fun fact: Cody Morse (of Buffalo band Deadwolf) recorded the track, which also features Tom Burtless (Humble Braggers) on drums and Nate Ward on bass. Head over to Holland Purchase’s Bandcamp page – you can snag “Five Years” for a very affordable “pay what you want” rate.

nIgel, NePh & Xany – “Morphine”

July 1, 2016

Chicago is currently a hotbed for up-and-coming rappers. The drill scene and the Save Money movement are well-covered in the blogosphere, but talent lurks elsewhere too. In a collaboration with producer Xany, we find two such emcees in nIgel and NePh. With natural chemistry, the two rappers utilize clever wordplay to float between talking on “morphine” and “more fiends.” Their raps are drugs, and their listeners are fiends for more. On the production side of things, Zany comes through with a lovely, hazy landscape to flow over. It’s higher energy than the Xanax and morphine tags would suggest, but the general smokiness of it all results in a great substance track from all angles.