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LIF – “You Don’t Know Love”

June 30, 2016

We first wrote about LIF, AKA Felipe Cea, a few months ago when we first heard his distinct brand of indie-pop and funk. If “It Ain’t Over” was his pre-summer jam, “You Don’t Know Love” is truly his mid-summer banger. Robotic techno swirls and a deep groove bolster LIF’s poppy delivery – fans of CHVRCHES or hits like “Pumped Up Kicks” would dig the catchy electronica-funk of “You Don’t Know Love.” LIF’s music is out now via Lyfeik Records. “You Don’t Know Love” is below for your listening pleasure. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269880186″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Los Espinas – “In The Street”

June 30, 2016

Australian garage-rockers Los Espinas have a great indie rock tune on their hands with “In The Street.” Their sound is classic, but raucous, sounding a lot like a contemporary Bruce Springsteen mixed with early aughts garage-rock like The Strokes or The Vines (The Vines drummer Lachlan West mixed this particular track). We particularly enjoyed the bouncy, opening guitar riff – it should be enough to get you hooked. Los Espinas’ latest release is an EP, The Tide. Check it out via Soundcloud or Spotify. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/249940437″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Palmlines – “Dull Brights”

June 30, 2016

Palmlines is a PA collective specializing in jagged, jazzy rock music. The anthemic “Dull Brights” caught our ears for sounding like fellow collective Anathallo with a touch of Sufjan Stevens and Cursive. We particularly liked Palmlines’ use of percussive guitar lines and spastic drumming, which is sure to please the math-rock nerd in all of us. Palmlines is due to release an album in August – till then, check out “Dull Brights” via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269266198″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

SAINT BEST – “In The Morning”

June 30, 2016

Copenhagen quartet SAINT BEST is all about nu-disco, electro pop with a tropical twist. “In The Morning” is a catchy song with a retro, 80s flavor. We were particularly impressed with the official music video, which is a tribute to the Japanese classic “Tampopo” by Jûzô Itami. In the video, a couple visits the beach for a romantic getaway, which eventually evolves into some strong innuendoes featuring food. It’s something you just have to see. We recommend sticking around and watching the video below. You can pick up “In The Morning” from most major platforms, including iTunes.

WOMPS – “Manners”

June 29, 2016

Glasgow post-punk act WOMPS are energetic, angular, and fun. Their Steve Albini-recorded debut features the single “Manners,” which highlight’s the band’s use of piercing guitar work, frenetic drums, and singer Ewan Grant’s distinct howl. Its easy to see why this intrepid group performed at SXSW this year – instead of polishing their scuzzy edges, the band let their music do the talking, opting for something sincere and sunny instead of polished and robotic. WOMPS’ debut, Our Fertile Forever, is out now via Displaced Records. Check it out on their Bandcamp page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263391436″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

John War – “The Difference”

June 29, 2016

“The Difference” sounds glitched out and blissful, kind of like a new relationship. Unsurprisingly, that’s exactly what John War wrote this particular song about – the disconnect between expectation and reality when meeting a new person, especially in the case of a budding romance. A summer song at heart, “The Difference” is also icy and hypnotic, bringing to mind the stuttering electronica of The Postal Service mixed with the spaced out indie rock of Tame Impala. It’s cool to take things nonchalantly, but that comes at a price. John War is pointing out how difficult it can be to get close to someone in 2016. Give “The Difference” a listen via the Soundcloud widget below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269178660″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Loud Forest – “Set You Free”

June 29, 2016

Loud Forest is an LA based band. You’d probably never guess it because of their down-home, folky sound, but we assure you, it’s true. The band is fronted by married duo Rachel and Bernard Chadwick – they penned “Set You Free” about a deer head that hangs in their kitchen (affectionately named “Henry”). Beyond the lyrics, we dig Loud Forest’s neo-folk vibes that sound like their contemporaries in Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes and The Head and the Heart. Swing by Loud Forest’s Bandcamp page and pick up “Set You Free.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/268913259″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

CHIMES – “Come Get It”

June 29, 2016

It has been a bit since the Londoners in CHIMES have released a single (last August, if you’re counting), but the duo recently broke their dry spell with “Come Get It,” a funky new single in the vein of genre heroes Daft Punk. Track highlights include a bouncy guitar riff, a 4/4 stomp, and sprightly blasts of synth. If you’re looking for a new song to bust a move to, look no further. Stop by iTunes to snag a copy of “Come Get It.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269008222″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Joywave Remixes Maybird’s Single

June 29, 2016

Rochester-raised psych-rockers Maybird have released the first single and title track off their debut EP, Turning Into Water, in late February. The song recently underwent a facelift by getting remixed by fellow breakout Rochester synth-rockers Joywave. “Turning Into Water” is transformed from vintage spaced out psychedelia into a riot of loops, drums simultaneously from the future and the past, discordant keyboards, and the clear, otherworldly tenor of Josh Netsky. Now based in Brooklyn and signed to Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records, who released their debut EP last month, Maybird are yet another band  to the east that are breaking to the next level (see: KOPPS, Mikaela Davis). Check out the reworking below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269635543″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Young Mister – “Anybody Out There”

June 28, 2016

We first wrote about Young Mister a month or so ago when his video for “Pasadena” found its way into our inbox. Young Mister is also known as Steven Fiore and we’re happy to post about another one of the singer/songwriter’s new jams. “Anybody Out There” is a tune that sounds bright, urgent, and airy, perfect for a smooth, summer drive. His light, southern-flecked indie rock is reminiscent of Phoenix or Manchester Orchestra’s lighter fare, with a hint of Brian Fallon’s distinct drawl. Swing by Young Mister’s Bandcamp page for a look at the merch he has to offer. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257387188″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Slowcoaching – “Night Fiction”

June 28, 2016

Melbourne-born Slowcoaching, also known as Dean Valentino, has been hard at work at producing his newest single, “Night Fiction.” Sounding a bit like a cross between The War on Drugs, Ducktails, and Wild Nothing, “Night Fiction” features chorus-drenched guitars, piercing synth tones, and Valentino’s Kurt Vile-esque vocals. The song itself is about quieting an anxious mind, specifically in the dark, lonely moments before falling asleep. Head over to Slowcoaching’s Bandcamp page and pick up “Night Fiction” for a “pay what you want” rate. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265649061″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

LA View feat. Charlie Grant – “Restless Heart”

June 28, 2016

After writing countless, mindless jingles and penning lyrics for other artists’ instrumentals, LA/Berlin duo LA View decided to take artistry into their own hands. They enlisted help from half-Scottish/half-American singer Charlie Grant and ended up with the infectious “Restless Heart.” Featuring a catchy saxophone lead, twinkly electric piano, and Grant’s alluring rasp, we think the duo is on to something gold. Head over to Soundcloud and grab a free DL of “Restless Heart” while you still can. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265490386″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kauf – “A Ruin (Blue Hawaii Remix)”

June 28, 2016

Fans of chillwave and electronica will be ecstatic to hear Blue Hawaii’s take on Kauf‘s recently released single, “A Ruin.” Upon its release, “A Ruin” made Kauf one of the internet’s most blogged-about artists (19 blogs picked him up!). Blue Hawaii’s take is just as captivating, featuring breathy vocals, whale-chorus synths, and a driving beat. Follow the widget below to grab a free download of Blue Hawaii’s take on “A Ruin.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/268003233″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Adiós Ghost – “It Was Never”

June 27, 2016

Adiós Ghost definitely draws from a diverse palate when creating their music. Their dark and moody delivery has flavors of psychedelics, West African music, early house, through an indie rock lens. For that reason, we’re treated to songs like “It Was Never,” a left-field, borderline ghostly indie rock number reminiscent of other indiepsych bands like Tame Impala or The Antlers. Keep an eye out for their next EP, Endless Return, which is due out sometime soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/231740549″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Scope & Figure – Gardiner Park

June 27, 2016

Brimming with new life is Scope & Figure, touring in support of their latest release, Gardiner Park. Tour dates can been seen on their Facebook page, hyperlinked above. Originally formed in 2013, the band spent their time playing shows, sifting through a multitude of members, and putting out numerous EPs and singles with which to dazzle their fans. Gardiner Park is their first full-length LP. The album demonstrates the band’s learned versatility and instrumental expertise. Track 1, “First & Last” is a low rumble pushed forward by modest synth and guitar, and prominent vocals delivered by frontman Thomas Varner. A distorted lead meshes seamlessly with falsetto ohs. Again, the low rumble of the drums and bass keeps the song swaying before mere whispers see the listeners out. “Sophia” is the next song. A clean guitar riff entertains the right ear before the rest of the band jumps in to support it.[...]