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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.[...]

Vallmon and Courtoisie – “Season ft. Signe Krog”

June 26, 2016

“Season” is nu-disco at its finest. French producers Vallmon and Coutoisie with their partnership with singer Signe Krog caught our ears with her unique take on the genre, featuring her distinct, Adele-like vocal delivery over a thumping rhythm, swelling synths, and a retro take on electronic instrumentals. We think the refrain, “the reason why I’m still not attracted to you” is probably never going to leave your head. If you dig Vallmon and Courtoisie’s smooth nu-disco sound, stop by iTunes and download “Season.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/268164958″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ocean Floor – “Super”

June 26, 2016

Melbourne act Ocean Floor released a disorienting version of bedroom-pop with “Super.” Inspired by a time when he literally had super glue stuck to his eye (which warped and distorted the way he saw the world), “Super” sounds much the same way. Think shoegaze Title Fight-style with a lo-fi, less agressive approach. “Super” is available for a “name your price” rate on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269152099″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tess – “Love Gun”

June 24, 2016

Tess is a newcomer to the industry, recently discovered making waves via her home on La Réunion island. “Love Gun” caught our ears for being a catchy, pure pop jam, reminding us strongly of songstresses Rihanna or Ariana Grande. “Love Gun” showcases Tess’ unique vocal delivery and lyrics where she suggests she might need a ‘love gun’ to shoot you down. Check out Tess’ new video for “Love Gun” below.

Cafe Disko Covers “One Dance” & “Can’t Stop the Feeling”

June 24, 2016

Pop music is fun to play with. Concrete melodies and digestable lyrics make for a good canvas to draw on, and that’s exactly what Cafe Disko has done with a pair of the biggest pop tracks of the year. Drake’s “One Dance” is the most successful of the wave of tropical house-influenced music we’ve gotten from a lot of pop’s biggest players. In Cafe Disko’s hands, “One Dance” becomes an electronic disco track, with a big horn hook to accompany the original chorus. Though it starts off in a similar blueprint to Drake’s track, Disko’s “One Dance” takes off to include builds and drops, more tropical drums, and Jameson in our vocalist’s hand rather than Hennessy. Disko gives the song a club groove, rather than the unique plodding of Drake’s OG version. It is a cover, but Cafe Disko’s “One Dance” has an awesomely different sound that can be enjoyed in its[...]

The Doom Tomb – “Un-Miserable”

June 24, 2016

A ragtag group of LA misfits make up The Doom Tomb, led by songwriter Mike Simmons. Their tune “Un-Miserable” takes the greatest aspects of late 80s jangle and college rock and gives it a sunny, California disposition. This particular track is reminiscent of The Replacements or REM, showcasing distinct slacker vocals over chorus-laden, shimmery guitars. Swing by The Doom Tomb’s Bandcamp page to purchase “Un-Miserable” or stream them on Spotify.