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Swimming Tapes – “Set the Fire”

May 29, 2016

Swimming Tapes are a group of London newcomers making sun-drenched indie rock along the lines of Real Estate, The War on Drugs, or Smith Westerns. If our comparisons weren’t enough, “Set The Fire” sounds like woozy nonchalance on a summer day. Seeing as how this is only their second single, if Swimming Tapes continues on with this knack for writing reverb-drenched indie rock gold, their future will surely be bright. “Set The Fire” is out now via London’s Hand in Hive records. You can pick up the single on iTunes here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265473294″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sunday – “Waiting For You”

May 28, 2016

“Waiting For You” is Sunday‘s first cut, inspired by the heat of the Californian desert. In reality, Sunday is the brainchild of Aaron Shanahan who has spent half a decade performing and composing music. “Waiting For You” could be a subdued club hit – a skittering beat blooms into cascading synth arpeggios, breathy vocals, and a strong pop sensibility. Fans of Washed Out or M83 might find solace in the lush texture of Sunday’s music. You can pick up “Waiting For You” for free via Sunday’s Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264540604″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Crystal Shipsss – “Holly”

May 28, 2016

Crystal Shipsss is one of those bands that can mix bubblegum pop and weird, lo-fi indie and get away with it flawlessly. “Holly” is a breathy number reminiscent of Galaxie 500, Slowdive, or even Of Montreal. What’s more is that “Holly” is a high-quality bedroom recording which gives Crystal Shipsss an even deeper sense of oddness and loneliness. Crystal Shipsss’ latest release, Holly, is available exclusively on Bandcamp for a “pay what you want” rate. The album’s official release is June 10th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262847601″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Masasolo – “Really Thought She Loved Me”

May 28, 2016

Denmark’s Masasolo has a new video that has been really tugging at our heartstrings. For their debut single, the band hoped to capture the bittersweetness of looking back on a happy memory that involves a lost lover (and they did an incredible job). As if that weren’t enough, Masasolo’s brand of calming, psych-tinged indie rock has us hooked; it’s swirly and dreamy like their peers in Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Tame Impala. Brace yourself for the feels and check out their new video below.    

The Wild Reeds – “Everything Looks Better (In Hindsight)”

May 28, 2016

Great singers are hard to come by, so when you find a band with three incredible singers, it’s worth a second glance. The Wild Reeds are a California trio/occasional quintet who write exceptionally beautiful folk music with a tangible Cali twist. “Everything Looks Better (in Hindsight)” is an epic buildup of wicked female harmonies with a forlorn vibe. Wait till the end for an epic climax. “Everything Looks Better (In Hindsight)” is out now on The Wild Reeds’ latest release, Best Wishes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/255853863″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Dreambeaches

May 28, 2016

Sunny Buffalo-based indie rock act, Dreambeaches, will be celebrating their EP release, titled Habits, tonight at Nietzsche’s. The baroque-rs have been on the scene for over a year, so waiting this long for an EP is rare in an era of home recordings. From what I’ve heard, this release is well worth the wait.  Also on the bill are synth-pop outfit Humble Braggers, psych-pop band Mooses, and cave-rock band Bold Folly. Doors open at 9pm and there is a $5 cover.

The Faint – “Young and Realistic”

May 27, 2016

Omaha dance-punk act The Faint are back yet again with a new song “Young and Realistic.” The indie scene vets has been a staple of the scene since their critically acclaimed debut album Danse Macabre close to fifteen years ago on Saddle Creek Records.”Young and Realistic” is a lot more dance-y than their past releases over their decade, meshing into something more of the style of LCD Soundsystem or other acts affiliated with DFA Records. The synth-heavy track is perfect for the middle of a foggy dance floor with pink, red, and orange swirling lights. Check out the track below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264856931″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mookie Morris – “Fools”

May 26, 2016

Mookie Morris is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter specializing in retro indie rock that sparkles with hints of 1970s rock n’ roll and soul. Morris records his quasi-demos entirely alone out of his apartment. Mookie’s blend of retro and contemporary recording techniques result in songs that are slightly wonky with whimsical flares. “Fools” is a perfect example; it sounds like it could have been a hit Mac Demarco single from 1976. Mookie plans to continue releasing singles for the foreseeable future, we recommend starting out with “Fools.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263250528″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ross Nicol – “Slipping Away”

May 26, 2016

Ross Nicol is a multi-talented musician from Nashville. Nicol’s music is inspired by the creative depth of songwriting greats like Radiohead and Vampire Weekend and takes influence from timeless artists like David Bowie and The Beatles. “Slipping Away” is a gentle, piano-driven number that highlights Nicol’s pleasant voice. Fans of Lydia, Mazzy Star, or Copeland would really enjoy Nicol’s ethereal sound. Ross Nicol’s new EP, featuring “Slipping Away” is out now and can be found here. He’ll be releasing a full-length later this summer via Fancy Animal Records.

BURROWING – “Will You Want Me”

May 25, 2016

BURROWING is a half-Norwegian, half-Australian act based in Oslo. The video for “Will You Want Me” caught our attention for perfectly personifying BURROWING’s sound – beachy, airy, and fun. Vintage surf footage accompanies the lightness of this catchy track which sounds a little bit like Tame Impala, Beach Fossils, or a more palatable King Krule. “Will You Want Me” is currently available for free download via BURROWING’s Soundcloud.

Francis Moon – “Anchor”

May 25, 2016

Francis Moon is a restless 28 year old swede with a knack for writing dreamy indie-pop. His latest album, Onwards, is full of introspective dark pop like his contemporaries in Now Now, Mew, or Sigur Ros. “Anchor” gets our vote for album spotlight – a soaring soundscape anchored (see what we did there?) by Francis’ spacey delivery. Francis Moon’s upcoming release, Onwards, is set to release on May 27 via DIRTY GLASSES RECORDS. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263392610″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rudy & the Dunk Reactions – “Fixation”

May 25, 2016

Seattle-based nu-disco producer, Rudy & The Dunk Reactions have released their debut track that is (fire emoji). Rudy has made his way around the Seattle-scene over the past five years, throwing dance parties at roller rinks and laser tag arenas, as well as producing tracks for hip-hop group Slow Dance. His song “Fixation” is absolutely infectious, repeatedly punching “I need a fix. Fixation. Fixation Fixation” over and over again in the staccato flow of an emcee from the eighties. With that being said “Fixation” is the accompaniment of a fight scene in The Warriors. The producer also spliced a video featuring professionals figure skiing over the track, which is something I never thought abut can’t take my eyes off. Check out Rory & the Dunk Reactions’ debut track “Fixation”  below and be on the look out for more promising material.

Feverbox – “Gemini”

May 24, 2016

Local garage rockers Feverbox have dropped one the great, wistful jams of the summer with “Gemini,” a satisfying change-up featuring some plaintive vocals and melodies reminiscent of the Shins and Two Door Cinema Club. These dudes are showing some real range and a nice capacity for surprise, making their show on Herd Fest Day 3 at DBGB’s seriously essential. Speaking of which, anybody else digging that Herd Fest app? I had absolutely nothing to do with it’s development so I can honestly say I’m fairly impressed, and it’s going to be fun letting my smartphone guide me around the venues and shows going off over the three days. Good times in the city because the future is starting to look like now. Anyways, check out Feverbox’ new single below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265054943″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Petite League – “Zookeeper”

May 24, 2016

Bursting out from the Syracuse scene is Petite League with some new, noisy music. “Zookeeper” fronts zipping guitar leads on top of a dense block of jangly indie rock. The drums find themselves at the forefront, with hissing cymbals and a woody snare. The chorus claims, “[There are] no saints/gods in the animal kingdom” before interestingly cutting out. “Zookeeper” kicks back in with the same shredding guitars and bopping rhythm section until the song tires itself out. “Zookeeper” is available (only) for stream below, and you can find Petite League’s other discography here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262189834″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kristoffer & The Harbour Heads – “When You Say Stay”

May 24, 2016

I first heard Swedish musician Kristoffer Ragnstam nearly a decade ago when I came across his album Sweet BIlls while working at my college radio station.  I found Ragnstam’s charmingly descriptive and honest songwriting style coupled with his gentle indie-rock remarkably appealing. In the late 00’s I pulled songs from that and the follow-up Wrong Side of the Room for countless mixes and his songs were the soundtrack for many moods at the time. Since putting his solo career on hold, Ragnstam has created a new projected under the moniker Kristoffer & The Harbour Heads and guess what? They have a new single/video titled “When You Say.” The video “When You Say Stay” features a full cast of immigrants and human rights activists residing in Dresden, Germany.  In the video, a plucky girl runs through an artsy wonderland, complete with abstract tree houses, exhibits, along with a zebra (which might actually be[...]