Latest Posts

Say Anything – “ON CUM”

April 28, 2024

I had heard that Say Anything was still around and rockin’ out, but this is my first opportunity to hear something brand spankin’ new since Is a Real Boy… (goodness, I feel old). Without too much knowledge of everything in between, this sounds like a return to form for Say Anything, and that’s certainly a good thing. We’ve all been through a lot since 2005 and “ON CUM” (LOL) reflects that. Speaking to “ON CUM” (lol) Max Bemis’ had this to say: “ON CUM” is an ode to the sanctity of having a second song on any uppity record that at least attempts to truly ‘knock.’ The ‘chopping steak’ beat being included is the evidence we weren’t content to only half-knock when ‘Monkey Wrench’ still exists.” The combination of Bemis’ voice cutting through the procession of guitars (so many guitars) and that trademark sass really brought me back, and will[...]

Kyle Andrews – “Unfocus Your Eyes”

April 28, 2024

Wisconsin based Kyle Andrews is a one man indie act from Wisconsin, and “Unfocus Your Eyes” is his latest. It’s a well-crafted indie folk track that maintains that impeccable lo-fi aesthetic while still sounding fresh and new (with a slight hint of bedroom pop). While he almost runs afoul of the adage “don’t trust someone with a first name as their last name,” the “S” ultimately saves him from that. Guitar lightly salted with a tambourine and brought together with a subtle (yet bumpin’) bass lick is probably the best way I could describe this track in a sentence. I could also further say that if you enjoy the offerings of James Mercer, Jeff Tweedy, or Conor Oberst, “Unfocus Your Eyes” would definitely be up your alley. Here’s a little more about the song from Kyle himself: “‘Unfocus your eyes’ informed me how I could write the rest of the[...]

Fast Blood – “Salvation”

April 28, 2024

UK based Fast Blood brings us their latest single “Salvation” in anticipation of their forthcoming album Sunny Blunts. True to their name, they are indeed fast (with the members presumably containing blood), as this is a non-stop track filled to the brim with frenetic energy. Very firmly a guitar lead track, singer Abi Barlow weaves in and out of the instrumentals and pushes forward with seemingly reckless abandon. This really brought me back to early AFI and aughts punk and emo, so fans of that time period would find a lot to enjoy here. This is an interesting follow up to their lead single, “Sexual Healing,” as it maintains the energy established but focuses itself differently and leans into the the melodic part of indie-punk (while also being a bit more accessible to music fans who aren’t into raucous punk music). You can hear “Salvation” on Spotify or Soundcloud, along[...]

Kynsy – “Money”

April 24, 2024

“Money” is the latest from Dublin based Kynsy and we gotta say it’s…. right on the money. Showing off some strong indie-pop sensibilities, the intro is all wailing guitars that build up and then drop to give Kynsy and the bass room to breathe. I was initially hesitant about a five minute track – she not only manages to keep me on the hook for the entire thing, but I jumped back in for a second listen (and third). Fans of Bully, SPRINTS, or Phoebe Bridgers would find a lot to enjoy here as this is truly someone who understands songwriting to an incredible degree (she also produces her own music, no small feat either). Give “Money” a listen courtesy of YouTube below or over on Spotify so you can add it to your girl boss pop playlist. Be sure to check out her other tracks too, because she can[...]

Martha Rose – “Heart Still Beats 4 U”

April 24, 2024

Originally hailing from England and now in Germany, Martha Rose brings us her latest track “Heart Still Beats 4 U.” It begins with a speaking intro (“sometimes nothing is sweeter than what remains unsaid”) that breaks into a synth forward track that feels like a tip of the cap to 80’s style Madonna or Paula Abdul with plenty of modern day Clairo and Japanese Breakfast influence. The drum machine feels like a nice touch too – nothing against drummers, but this just calls for the drum machine. Rose’s voice, both spoken and sung, floats ethereally throughout “Beats 4 U” while nailing high notes like a pro. In case you thought she wasn’t serious about the 80’s aesthetic I invite you to watch the music video below (I’ll wait). Be sure to check out “Heart Still Beats 4 U” from your streamer of choice (Apple Music, Spotify), if you ignored my[...]

Hypnic Jerks – “Switch Off/Return”

April 23, 2024

Australia based Mike Watson, the brains behind Hypnic Jerks, brings us their latest single “Switch off/Return.” Citing influences such as Neutral Milk Hotel and Arcade Fire, Watson delves into the very relevant issues with modern media and the forever struggle between the mainstream and social media “experts.” Settling into a folksy guitar driven jaunt, Watson’s voice is all smooth baritone and slips into a more shoegazy wail-not-wail for the chorus. The latter half of the track sticks more so to the shoegaze (with a hint of folk); a sort of shoegaze/folk twist ice cream with Watson being the cone that holds it all together. You can hear “Switch Off/Return” down below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify. Be sure to check out the other singles he has released if you like what you hear and keep your ears peeled for more.  

O Slow – “Do U See Me?”

April 22, 2024

The latest single off of O Slow’s newly released three track single Every Time I Look In The Mirror, is “Do You See Me.” We’ve covered O Slow before on the Blog (here) and continue to be impressed by Brooklyn based Jacqui Miranda’s impressive control of sounds and beats. Falling into the “indietronica” portmanteau genre, (similar to Purity Ring, Jenny Hval, or Chvrches) we’re treated to a kaleidoscopic combo of drum machines and synth and effects. A little lighter than 2023’s “These Dreams” but still heavy on the technical skill, you’ll find yourself tapping along to the beat here very quickly. Miranda sings with such longing and emotion you can’t help but feel whatever she’s feeling throughout, unless you score high on the Levenson scale for psychopathy, in which case just stick to enjoying the pretty sounds. Be sure to check out the track below via Sound Cloud or over on[...]

Conflict at Serenity Pools – “Bosun”

April 22, 2024

A band we’ve covered previously at the Blog (here), California act Conflict at Serenity Pools (CASP) brings us their latest single “Bosun.” Managing to both have an objectively interesting name and a song title that is the phonetic spelling for a boatswain or “a ship’s officer in charge of equipment and the crew,” is no small feat! The track itself is subdued yet simmering, keeping the vocals and guitar at a whisper while crescendoing sharply but then dialing things back. Luke McQueeney duets with a female vocalist through, using the nautical theme as device for discussing (what I assume) to be the breakdown of a relationship (or maybe not, sometimes I strike out). You’ll enjoy CASP if you find yourself enjoying shoegazy/bedroom pop adjacent artists like Slowdive or My Bloody Valentine. You can check out “Bosun” below from Soundcloud or on Bandcamp or Spotify. If you like what you hear, the[...]

Plunki – “Better Days”

April 22, 2024

Florida based Cassandra Plunkett, going by ‘Plunki‘ for her musical project, brings us her latest single “Better Days” and it’s a chill banger. Lead by tight bass riffs and a steady drum beat, gentle synth pitter patters in the background, occasionally coalescing to take over and then backing off. Along with Plunkett’s fabulous voice, this all combines into a bedroom dreampop track with hints of R&B. Speaking to crafting track she had this to say: “I wrote this after coming out of a two year depression from COVID, moving, death, and heartbreak. It’s both a reminder and a survival strategy to keep fighting for those happy fleeting moments that make life worth living.” Fans of FKA Twigs, Japanese Breakfast, or Far Caspian would find a nice intersection here – specifically the R&B tinged lyrics and bedroom pop aesthetic. You can hear “Better Days” on Spotify, Sound Cloud, or Apple Music.[...]

Little Lies – “Crazy”

April 20, 2024

Swedish act Little Lies combine shiny disco with a bit of The Cramps-esque psychobilly influence on their latest offering, “Crazy.” With a bubbling bass rhythm, sparkly keyboard features, and a lovely vocal feature, “Crazy” juxtaposes icy feelings with warm, inviting synthpop vibes. A unique lyrical pattern provides one of the biggest highlights here, rhyming words in a spitfire delivery that sounds intriguing and vague all at once. About the song, the duo says (cryptically, I might add): “When wanting something or someone, we often paint a picture inside our mind how wonderful it will be once having it. This song is about realizing that this time, it will not happen.” Check out “Crazy” via the YouTube embed below, or, visit their Spotify page.

22° Halo – “Bird Sanctuary”

April 20, 2024

Philadelphia based 22° Halo is the current project of Will Kennedy and “Bird Sanctuary” is the latest single. 22° Halo has toured with Joel Johnston of Far Caspian fame (and is also on his label Tiny Library Records), so this isn’t just some flash in the pan. With two albums under his belt, it’s fun to hear someone who has quite obviously found their sound – in this case excellently crafted bedroom pop with some lo-fi undertones. Jangly guitar and an underrated bass riff combine with Kennedy and collaborator Kate Schneider’s dulcet, duetting tones (side note: today I learned that “duetting” has two t’s). All of this to say… what a delightfully twee composition. Definitely brings to mind the type of pop bands like Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Grandaddy made their bread and butter. As per Kennedy, the track is about “listening to your partner and trying[...]

Gottlieb – “Reject Nostalgia”

April 20, 2024

In a sweat soaked, frenetic call to arms to look forward and not back, Gottlieb implores us to “Reject Nostalgia” – their latest track. An LA based punk rock group, Gottlieb proclaims this as their first track with a new lineup (really taking their rejection of nostalgia as far as possible). Leading with a strong thumping bass line that only gets a short rest in this three minute jam, the rest is shrill guitars and singers Andrew Hornyak and Dylan Marquez yell singing at us. I don’t know enough about the band to say who is who, but they sound like if Parquet Courts decided to go full punk and (a huge compliment btw, I love Parquet Courts). The chorus is oddly prescient of the times we live in with late stage capitalism is trying to kill us and everything seems to be a remake, a repackaging, or another Marvel[...]

Walter The Producer – “NOW WE’RE GETTING THERE”

April 17, 2024

Jack of all trades SSPM (singer, songwriter, producer, mixer) Massachusetts-based Walter the Producer brings us his latest with “NOW WE’RE GETTING THERE;” the second single from his upcoming project Please Help Me I’m Scared. Providing a heaping dose of indie electronica, “NOW WE’RE GETTING THERE,” has an infectious beat that you can’t help but bop your head along to. Giving off Tame Impala vibes (who, I shit you not, thought was more than one person until like a month ago) and clocking in at just shy of three minutes, this dude never stops. The bass line sticks out the most and carries the song along, giving way to effects laden guitars but never overpowering the vocals. Please take a minute to appreciate the hilarious music video too. You can find “NOW WE’RE GETTING THERE” in the usual gamut of streaming (Apple Music, Spotify) but the music vid is legitimately fun to[...]

Basement Revolver – “Pull Yourself Together”

April 17, 2024

“Pull Yourself Together” is the latest from Ontario band Basement Revolver – a band we’ve covered a couple times over the years here and here. Coming from what appears to be an expanded “director’s cut” of their 2021 album Embody, “Pull Yourself Together” didn’t appear on the original (although “Skin” did, which we loved if you click on the second “here” link above). Giving a masterclass in shoegaze adjacent and dream pop, you can’t help but be impressed with how well this track builds upon itself. Chrisy Hurn delivers in spades; as the song gets louder and louder (and then shrinks back down) their voice almost shimmers throughout. With the original album being released in the midst of the pandemic and lock downs, this feels like a proper way to re-introduce the world to Basement Revolver’s album and to add and extra epilogue with “Pull Yourself Together.” Fans of Alvvays,[...]

LLO LLO – “No Response”

April 16, 2024

LIVING LIKE OZZY LOOKING LIKE OWEN [WILSON] is evidently what LLO LLO stands for (duh). What would you think a track entitled “No Response” by a band with that name would sound like? Probably something in your face, blistering electric guitar, balls to the wall? Nope. The absolute chillest track I’ve ever heard – possibly made more chill by the juxtaposition between my expectations and the reality of it. This looks to be a four piece band but I couldn’t find out much about them other than being from Chicago. The track itself features pensive piano and the bass/acoustic guitar/drums all turned down to to four. Interestingly enough, if you check out the other track on the single, “Don’t Forget About Grace” you are treated to what I was initially expecting with “No Response.” I got some bedroom pop/Alex G vibes from the first track and…. I’ll let you figure[...]