Latest Posts

NotJustJake – “Tangled”

June 28, 2024

Philadelphia based NotJustJake brings us their latest single, “Tangled.” For those of you expecting a track about the 2010 Disney animated feature sharing the same name, you’re gonna be disappointed… For everyone else, if you were expecting a guy named Jake to blend folk and alternative into a neat little package then you are right on target and how the hell did you know? “Tangled” falls somewhere on the scale of sound between Modest Mouse and Fleet Foxes and after you give it a listen you’ll see why I’m 100% correct (no, I will not be taking questions). Guitar driven with fits of string accompaniment, everything leads back to singer Jake Margolis’ gravelly baritone waxing poetic about relationships and reflecting back on past experiences. Nothing feels forced or melodramatic and purely from the heart making me wonder…. “Jake…who hurt you?” You can hear tangled down below from the band’s YouTube[...]

Elizabeth M. Drummond – “Clowns”

June 25, 2024

While surprisingly not featuring a single clown in the music video, “Clowns” is Australian musician Elizabeth M. Drummond‘s latest track. Understated guitar and violin glide through with Drummond’s delightfully dulcet vocals, never quite falling into country music (does that exist in Australia?); this is decidedly a folk affair that will perk up the ears of listeners of Bright Eyes or Fleet Foxes. Speaking to the track, Drummond had this to say: “I wrote this song in 2018, and for some reason, I kept revisiting the demo years later. I re-recorded it with Vincent McIntyre in late 2023. It wasn’t about anyone specifically but rather the idea of walking out on something that you think is wrong or a bit ridiculous, whether it be a situation, a group of people and their values, a belief system, or a past version of yourself that you’ve outgrown or just don’t relate to. I[...]

Max Blansjaar – “Like A Bad Dream”

June 25, 2024

“Like a Bad Dream” is the latest track off of Oxford based Max Blansjaar‘s False Comforts album. At just twenty-one years old, he recorded the album in Brooklyn and it’s chock-full of delectable lo-fi indie pop gems. While I’m only covering “Like A Bad Dream” I can confidently say if you like this then the rest of the album will be well worth a listen. Straightforward guitar and a drum track drive “Dream” forward, centering on Blansjaar’s quirky and uplifting vocals (with a warm synth layer that sneaks in to seal the deal). The breakdown toward the latter half is chaotic and lovely; far more advanced than anyone else I’ve heard playing any instrument at twenty-one. Fans of Beck or Spoon would find a lot to enjoy here, all packaged in a spunky wunderkind that is certainly going places. Check out “Like A Bad Dream” below from Blansjaar’s Soundcloud or[...]

Montell2099 (ft Sam Bruno) – “GO!”

June 25, 2024

“GO!” is the latest track from Montell2099; presumably, a futuristic Montell Williams with an extra “L” who mixes up sweet tracks since that’s what people do in the future. In all seriousness though, other than those found in the artist’s name there aren’t any L’s here, purely rizzy W’s, swear to gyatt. The brainchild of Montell Pinny, there’s a lot to dive into here with tons off effects and beats meshed together. Based on what I could find out from some detective work, Montell2099 seems the maker of aforementioned beats and effects with the lyricist being Sam Bruno. Fans of Chvrches, Purity Ring, or fancy turntables and mixing would find a lot to enjoy here. If you’ve picked up what I’m putting down and think it’s up your alley, be sure to give “GO!” a listen. You can find it below from Soundcloud or add it over to your dance[...]

Dissolved Girl – “I’m a Beast”

June 19, 2024

Besides having an objectively awesome band name, Dissolved Girl has recently released their newest single “I’m a Beast.” A four piece based out of London, this is released in anticipation of their upcoming debut album. It has a distinct post-punk feel and wouldn’t be amiss as an intro to one of the (good) Underworld movies – maybe with Kate Beckinsale driving pensively in a car. Musically, everything is in service to singer Claire Edbrooke’s vocals; at times sultry, brooding, or simmering at the lower end of her vocal range. While she could easily sing me the alphabet and I’d probably still be impressed, I would instead check out the band’s other single “Silt” if you want more examples of her vocal chops. Be sure to give “I’m a Beast” a listen below from YouTube, over on Apple Music or Spotify. This is a relatively new band, but if you’re looking[...]

Pocket Full of Crumbs – “In My Home”

June 19, 2024

San Francisco based three piece Pocket Full of Crumbs brings us their latest single “In My Home,” and it’s being released in anticipation of a forthcoming album. As a general rule, my mother always said to avoid having a pocket full of crumbs, but I think we can make an exception here. This track goes into bedroom pop/lo-fi category of shoegaze – a pleasant mishmash but it checks out (trust me). It’s primarily guitar driven, hitting that nice sweet spot between urgent and slacker-y. Fans of Dinosaur Jr. or DIIV would find a lot to enjoy here; that phat phuzz always shines through and the chill, understated lyrics mesh well with the instrumentals. You can hear “In My Home” in your home (or wherever you happen to be – home is not mandatory). We’ve included the YouTube embed below, or you can save it in Spotify.

First Day Of Spring – “You’re Blue I’m Blue”

June 19, 2024

London based five piece First Day of Spring brings us their latest single “You’re Blue I’m Blue.” It’s the perfect guitar-forward jam for someone looking for good ole fashioned Midwest-flavored indie rock, particularly fans of Modest Mouse, Pixies, or Slow Pulp. The best way I could describe it is a sort of meandering tune punctuated by layered fuzz chords, which as a 90’s baby, always gets the happy chemicals flowing for me. Speaking to the track, front man Daniel Jones had this to say: “‘You’re Blue I’m Blue” is predominantly about tribes and ultimately the ability for those tribes to co-exist harmoniously and be among each other in the present. The partnership vocally with dear friend and vocal lead Mariah Maines has been a key part of the evolution of the song re-imagination.” You can hear “You’re Blue I’m Blue” down below from the band’s YouTube page or hop on[...]

Las Nubes – “Enredados (Misty’s Mix)”

June 18, 2024

“Enredados (Misty’s Mix)” is the latest from Las Nubes; a multilingual shoegazey poppy track from Iggy Pop guitarist Ale Campos and Emile Milgrim. The queer-identifying duo is based out of Miami, where they are heavily involved in music education and the empowerment of young girls through the power of music. Grungy guitars assail your ears, periodically making room for lyrics but otherwise rocking your socks off with plenty of layering and very in-your-face solos. Fans of Speedy Ortiz or Built to Spill would find a lot to enjoy here, specifically the jaunty guitars and fuzzed-out tones. You can hear “Enredados (Misty’s Mix)” below from YouTube, along with Spotify and Bandcamp. If you like what you hear, the rest of the album Tormentas Malsanas is available to stream as well. You can’t hate on empowering the next generation of musicians either, so be sure to check out Milgrim’s work with Miami[...]

Slipped off Silk – “Again & Again!”

June 18, 2024

Michigan based Jonathan Martin, the brains behind Slipped off Silk, brings us his latest with “Again & Again!.”  Lead by a catchy as f*&$ synth that eventually leads up to a rollickin’ guitar solo, Martin manages to fit a lot into a relatively short runtime of 2:35. While this may seem like punk song length, this is unabashedly an indie pop track through and through. Somehow managing to be both morose and uplifting, it’ll be sure to lift your mood and/or match it. Fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Hot Mulligan, or one of my personal favorite pop acts from the early aughts, Rooney, would find a lot to enjoy here (to be frank, if you know Rooney you’re a-ok in my book). You can hear “Again & Again!” down below from YouTube or on Spotify. With allusions of “more to come” on his Spotify page, be sure to stay[...]

Lozenge – “Aubrey Plaza”

June 16, 2024

“Aubrey Plaza” happens to not only be one of my favorite actors, but also the slappin’ new single from UK based trio Lozenge. I felt transported back to the 90’s with this track what with the insane amounts of feedback. Feeling like somewhere between Bleach era Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins’ Gish with a dash of Silversun Pickups, it’s quite the musical experience. I could go on a whole thing about this song but it’s one of those “please trust me and listen.” You’ll appreciate the slick bass line if you care about that sort of thing, but the focus is really the geetars wahhhhhing away. If this was a cake, the guitar layers would win every season of cake boss. Go ahead, listen, tell me this doesn’t blow your mind. If it doesn’t you’re wrong and you should get your ears checked. You can hear “Aubrey Plaza” below from YouTube,[...]

liarbird – “no one will remember me”

June 16, 2024

“no one will remember me” is the latest from Melbourne-based liarbird. Tackling some heavy subject material – escaping a domestic violence relationship while also being an ode to a late friend, this track certainly feels powerful and meaningful. The guitar and vocals are dirge-like and oppressive, but in the best way possible. The first half of the “no one…” is subdued yet biting – employing a simple yet effective guitar line along with liarbird’s powerful vocals. This leads into a heavily layered guitar wailing away while still matching the vocal range from the first minute. You’ll come back to the beginning for the latter part and fade away with the outro. Think of this like a heavier version of Wednesday with the folk undertones taken out. It feels authentic and not at all contrived, which can sometimes be difficult when playing like this. Be sure to give “no one will[...]

TENDER – “Go Steady”

June 15, 2024

“Go Steady” is the latest track from TENDER’S newest release, FLUX. Made up of UK based artists James Cullen and Dan Cobb, chillwave fans will really enjoy the bumpin’ beat and effects driving the action on this track. In this tasteful and mysterious call out of toxic masculinity, the duo spins a captivating trip-hop web elevated by intriguing vocal textures and catchy string accompaniments. This is definitely a good jumping off point for someone looking for a more electronic rotation – you can even help smash the patriarchy while you enjoy it. You can hear “go steady” below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify, as well as the other three tracks off of the single. Be sure to let us know what you think and if you’d like to hear more like it!

Dance Yourself Clean – “Karma”

June 14, 2024

It may have been a couple years since we last covered them here, but Dance Yourself Clean is back on our radar with “Karma.” Initially beginning as an indie dance party in Seattle, it has grown up to release original music and remixes, but retains the dance party vibe. I’m not too keen on any names/major players but the track is attributed to Andrew Verner, Joel Albers, and K Merges as the writers. The beats are phat with plenty of perfectly layered effects and sugary vocal hooks that you’ll easily find yourself vibing with, either on the dancefloor or with a good set of headphones. You can hear “Karam” over on Spotify or the YouTube embed below.

Rose Hotel – “King and a Pawn”

June 14, 2024

Atlanta based Jordan Reynolds is Rose Hotel and her chess-flavored track “King and a Pawn” is her latest single. I have a feeling she isn’t literally talking about a thrilling game of chess, and probably using chess as a lens through which to examine a relationship… You can decide though. Clocking in at just over four minutes, you’ll have Reynolds’ dulcet tones leading the charge with an ensemble of drum/bass/guitar backing her up. Make no mistake: while the instrumentals are impressive this is a lyric-forward track. And why shouldn’t it be? Reynolds carries this entire song on her back with seemingly zero effort and ignoring that just seems silly. Fans of folkier indie like Big Thief, Waxahatchee, and Maggie Rogers will find a lot to enjoy here. You can hear “King and a Pawn” below from YouTube or over on Spotify. If you’ve enjoyed this track you have the entirety[...]

The Parade – “Shame”

June 14, 2024

Stockholm based band The Parade bring us their latest with “Shame.” Speaking to the track, the band had this to say: “We wanted something that seamlessly blends catchy hooks, lush arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics. The song will hopefully transport listeners to a world of youthful optimism and boundless dreams, inviting them to embrace their own aspirations and celebrate the joy of music discovery.” I can assure you that this is 100% true. A true pop gem, “Shame” is layered with effects and is fairly straightforward; a catchy house piano hook with the chorus is simply infectious. With only two tracks out so far I don’t have a lot to go on but this band does have some range. The other recently released track, “I’m a Dreamer” is similarly poppy but follows a different path. Between the two songs, you’ll be able to form a solid opinion and (obviously) be hankering[...]