Latest Posts

Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Denial

June 8, 2016

Recording under the moniker Car Seat Headrest, Will Toledo has self-released eight albums between 2010 and 2015. He finally made his major label debut last year with Teens of Style, a collection of reimagined tracks from his previous albums, now performed with fuller arrangements. This year, he has a new batch of songs with an even more expansive sound for his second album on Matador Records, and tenth overall. Titled Teens of Denial, it is an epic foray into full-tilt indie rock. Toledo is pumping life back into guitar-driven indie, infusing it with the prog influences of the ‘70s and the catchy tunefulness of the ‘60s. He makes use of overlaid spoken word, screamed backing vocals, ornamental synths and horns, and layers upon layers of heavily distorted guitars. There are no tight 3-minute rockers here, as each song is carefully composed and the arrangements are fully fleshed out. The record has an effervescent ebb and flow to it, twisting seamlessly[...]

The Well Rested – “Neeas”

June 7, 2016

The Well Rested are a group of British rockers whose music is in the vein of The Growlers, Connan Mockasin, or Allah-las. Their campy new video for “Neeas” had us chuckling and grooving at the same time, mixing randomized imagery with floating, dismembered body parts… Let’s just say it’s something you should see for yourself. Check out the video for “Neeas” below, and don’t forget to swing by The Well Rested’s Bandcamp page to pick up their EP.

Plastic Picnic – “Nausea In Paradise”

June 6, 2016

Plastic Picnic really pulled out all the stops on this one. The Brooklyn-based band is actually a group of Seattle transplants, which explains a lot about their sound. On their new single, “Nausea in Paradise,” the band brought in Producer/Engineer Ted  Young (Sonic Youth, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Kurt Vile) to record. The result is an explosion of shimmering, 80’s influenced indie-punk. The song ends in an explosion of reverb and melody along the lines of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Wild Nothing, or Yuck. “Nausea In Paradise” is currently available for purchase on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260797810″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Hazy Seas – “Kite Dodging”

June 6, 2016

The Hazy Seas are a spry quartet from the upper peninsula of Michigan. Their new song, “Kite Dodging,” is a tightly wound number about a 1980’s-era sport kite. The playful nature of the song is paired with a set of ominous lyrics, juxtaposed with what can only be described as upbeat, cheerful and chimey indie pop. Fans of Foals, Two Door Cinema Club, or The Wombats would surely enjoy The Hazy Seas. Be sure to snag a free download of “Kite Dodging” from The Hazy Seas’ Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262735730″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dreambeaches – Habits

June 5, 2016

I’ll cut to the chase: These guys are good. Let’s just say I listened to them a few times for fun. Dreambeaches is a colorful quartet that’s barely a year old. Habits’ cover art does them justice, as does their Facebook promo photo take on fruit salad. This extended play is one that takes you on a trip. The music is unique, serene, and psychedelic. You’ll find yourself indulging in the bass-heavy, rhythmically-inclined songs. RIYL The Shins, Snowmine, Foals, and (at times) Tame Impala. Habits, the four-piece’s debut release, begins with “Tiny Spirits.” The track starts off with chirping birds. The band follows suit with some chirping of their own. “I’m tired of looking at life through a window,” is sung as the band plays in melodic and rhythmic symmetry. A wet-sounding deep synth keeps the band grounded through the ongoing tumult. Next, “Habits,” is decidedly beach pop. The catchy composition forces your[...]

Smashing Lads – “Easier Said Than Done”

June 5, 2016

Smashing Lads is a group of English men who just don’t want to go to work anymore (and neither do we). Their new video for “Easier Said Than Done” tackles the simple, age-old question of: “Why the hell do I have to go to work today?” Despite the lyrical content, the song is charmingly upbeat, and this particular quartet’s sound is comparable to classic rock bands like The Beatles and The Kinks, wrapped in a contemporary Kaiser Cheifs vibe. “Easier Said Than Done” is Smashing Lads’ stellar debut single. Check out their website for more info here.  

Luke August – “One Heart”

June 5, 2016

Look out Miike Snow! Luke August is a  promising solo act from Perth who decided to take an electronic approach on his new song “One Heart.” The song is about an unfaithful relationship; the lyrical content compliments August’s yearning vocal approach. Textured synths flesh out the rest of the song, reminiscent of the aforementioned Miike Snow, Cut Copy, and the 1980s. “One Heart” can be purchased from Luke August’s Bandcamp page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265176225″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tigertown – “Lonely Cities”

June 5, 2016

Tigertown is a Sydney-based quartet whose Lonely Cities EP recently found its way into our inbox. We were more than pleasantly surprised with the title track and the snappy accompanying video. Tigertown has been picked up by prestigious tastemakers Neon Gold,  and for good reason. Their nimble brand of synth-pop is reminiscent of other pop giants like Of Monsters and Men, Icona Pop, or lablemate Charli XCX. You can pick up Tigertown’s new EP, Lonely Cities, via iTunes. Give the video for “Lonely Cities” a click below.  

Lost Coast – “This Is Water”

June 4, 2016

“This Is Water” is the result of having one foot planted firmly in the club and the other in melodic pop music. Lost Coast has created a sonic landscape with “This Is Water,” a track full of swelling, growing, ebbing, and flowing. The result is a track that is hard and driving while still remaining subtle and reflective. Fans of Lane 8 or HVOB would dig Lost Coast’s brand of house. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263365957″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lukr – “Fucked Up Summer”

June 4, 2016

Disclaimer: we’re about to let a few f-words loose. Nashville crooner Luke Foley (aka Lukr) is riding the waves of his new summer-themed banger, “Fucked Up Summer.” In the video for the new tune, we see the impressively-bearded Lukr splitting time between his music city hometown and the graffitti-laden neighborhood of Bushwick in Brooklyn. Lukr is chasing that big pop sound and “F*cked Up Summer” is incredibly pop-minded, highlighting Lukr’s quasi-rough, southern-tinged vocals with a set of fucked-up-romance style lyrics. Check out the vid for “Fucked Up Summer” below. If you and your SO are feeling the fucked up vibes, you can snag a free download from iamlukr.com.  

DUDES share debut record Stay Home PT 2

June 3, 2016

Stay Home PT 2 is the debut from the new punk garage band DUDES. DUDES are exactly what you want out of a garage band nowadays, showing off a solid display of nice riffs played at a fast pace mixed with creative use of added effects, but without overdoing it. The band keeps garage rock as it should be: raw, fuzzy, and abrasive. The singer/guitarist plays some nice psychedelic punk riffs with the always pleasing wah/fuzz effect combo. The vocalist shows an impressive range where songs can be compared to groups from Thee Oh Sees to Pissed Jeans. Tracks like “Sun in your eyes” go from a nice slow groove to fast paced as the song progressives making some super sick psychedelic punk jams. The band says it is heavily influenced by Ty Segall, the Spits, and local group Plates. The quality drum work shows influences from stoner metal band Torche The drumming is clearly a priority for[...]

midnight Premieres Single Feat. The Internet

June 2, 2016

Rochester singer midnight returns his electric-soul sound to us by way of his new single “Native America.” In his controlled falsetto, midnight gently navigates through the bounding synths and kicks of the beat. “Native America” is driven upon the sin and dishonesty that resulted in the foundation of our country. The title and track reference both the atrocities committed against the indigenous people of the Americas, and how how the normalcy of violence and stubbornness is engrained in our being. “We’re in Native America,” midnight sings “where the lies are infamous, but the truth, it lives in us.” It is charged and sharp while remaining beautiful and delicate. The track features production from the Internet, well-known for rising up with the hip hop collective Odd Future and receiving acclaim for their 2015 album Ego Death .“Native America” comes ahead of the midnight’s July 1st release of his EP 0:00. midnight describes the project[...]

partycat9000 & awkward island & bimyo – “Hyperdrive”

June 1, 2016

Talk about a slice of TRAP heaven! partycat9000, awkward island, and bimyo. all found each other over the internet (what a glorious time to be alive, right?). Their collective electronica skills turned into a fantastic collaboration titled “Hyperdrive,” a hyper catchy number full of synth swells and dubstep wobbles. Ironically, the album art to this futuristic sounding track is a screenshot of a long-outdated operating system. “Hyperdrive” is up for free download via partycat9000’s Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262821187″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

2ndly – “Ionic Wind”

June 1, 2016

2ndly is a post-EDM act out of NYC whose “Ionic Wind” gets us feeling pumped up. The lyricless track has a very cinematic feel, almost as if a hero is in his preparation montage, ready to take down the evil villain. Dramatic? Maybe on our part… But 2ndly’s dancewave is chill, and it reminds us of Justice, MSTRKRFT, or Daft Punk in the best way. You can pick up “Ionic Wind” on 2ndly’s Soundcloud page for free. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/253680744″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Go Periscope – “Solar Flares”

June 1, 2016

Seattle and Buffalo may be on the opposite sides of the country, but our brutal winters are surely the same. “Solar Flares” from Go Periscope is the result of a few, frigid indie rockers yearning for warmer days. As it turns out, blurring genres out of winter boredom can often result in excellent synth-pop. “Solar Flares” is a purposely sun-soaked dance song in the vein of Van She, The Knocks, or St. Lucia. “Solar Flares” is currently available via Go Periscope’s Soundcloud for free download. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261701776″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]