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PEPTALK – “Long Haul”

November 8, 2023

Australia-based three piece PEPTALK brings us their latest track “Long Haul” and it’s a delightful pop jam, showcasing the band’s sugary songwriting credentials. Having collaborated with artists the world over, most notably with fellow countryman LDRU, they are here to kick ass and are undoubtedly succeeding. Running a gamut of melodies and excellent lyrical pop with some great beats, it’s impossible not to find yourself to feel the vibe from this upbeat, coming-of-age banger. Citing artists such as Remi Wolf and HAIM as influences, you can start to get an idea of their vibe but it’s best experienced straight from the source. Give “Long Haul” a spin over on Spotify or Sound Cloud and be sure to check out the rest of their impressive catalogue if you (undoubtedly) like what you hear! PEPTALK · Long Haul

LOR – “The Same Shit”

November 8, 2023

LOR is the project of Taylor Harrison, who, if not for a LinkedIn profile, has me convinced he’s a deep dark electronic being singing songs of a dystopian future (think Blade Runner vibes). “The Same Shit” is his latest track and the squelchy indietronica matches up with the spooky fall vibes and the aforementioned Blade Runner aesthetic. Speaking to the track, LOR had this to say: “I went back to my indie electronic roots with this one – I imagined the vibe of the murky alleys of a dystopian world in the midst of rebellion… I tried to paint a picture of resilience and defiance from the shadows.” The best elevator pitch I could think of would be if you crossed the eclecticism Daft Punk with darkness of Trent Reznor, which just barely scratches the surface. Be sure to give LOR a listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

A Days Wait – “Signals”

November 8, 2023

“Signals” is the newest song from Canadian indie pop band A Days Wait, released ahead of their new album. We previously wrote about them here (thanks Nick), and enjoyed what we heard back in ’22 and haven’t changed our minds. This understated yet mournful sounding jam is filled to the brim with wispy guitar and a slick bass line that form a sturdy backbone but don’t overpower singer Adam Alfano’s dulcet tones. As per the band, the proceeds from (presumably the album) will go to charity, which seems to be a common theme with their music. I’m not rightly sure on the charity, but I’m gonna go with something worthwhile and heartwarming. You can hear “Signals” on Spotify or YouTube. Be sure to let us know your thoughts over on our social media! A Days Wait · Signals

Bad Veins – “Wendy”

November 3, 2023

Bad Veins is a Cincinnati-based band from the mind of Ben Davis, and “Wendy” is the first single off of their upcoming album Imposter (December 1, Dynamite records). The track itself is a crisp sounding, 80’s-tinged, synth forward track with some robotic auto tune sounding vocals thrown in for good measure. Imagine if Daft Punk was about 60% less electronic and throw in a dash of Grouplove, and you’d have “Wendy” (in a nutshell). Davis plays things pretty close to the vest, as much as a musician can, speaking to that he said: “I am in constant fluctuation back and forth as to whether I want to be a public person, or just keep to myself. I had no career ambitions when I first started Bad Veins. I just enjoyed making music in my attic. So, there is always the feeling of ‘imposter syndrome’ when I have to do music[...]

Wild Arrows – “Got To Know”

November 3, 2023

Mike Law, aka Wild Arrows, has been shapeshifting his sound for nearly a decade, each release re-imagining his identity while holding onto his core identifying qualities of a singular voice, eccentric songwriting and crushing lyrics. Law’s latest single “Got To Know” takes those tenets and folds them into a glimmering indie pop shape that affects as much as it dazzles. Law’s voice arrests your attention as its plosives pop with each punch of gurgling bass synth. Shining tones flare and shimmer as they take turns peering out from the thick of the synth groove thus creating a flirtatious mood that provokes you as it seduces you. Fans of MGMT and Passion Pit will find lots to love on this single. Listen to Wild Arrows new single “Got To Know” now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. Catch more from Wild Arrows on their Instagram and Linktree.

Unknown Venus – “The Worst”

November 3, 2023

Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and harpist Unknown Venus is an emerging artist that just started releasing their music to the masses. Her latest cut to make waves is the brooding and acidic single “The Worst” that boils over with rage filled bile brought out from a relationship that turns from bond to exploitation. Venus sings with a dispassionate tone that wilts its target with a acerbic, barren, frigid inflection that perfectly encapsulates the songs message by tone alone. She etches the songs chorus with a corrosive tongue “You want the best for me, I guess I want the worst for you.”  Venus crafts a melting world with guitar lines that disperse and cascade down with diffuse tones while a muted kick drum hammers like a heart pounding with hate after your psyche has fully realized how little someone close to you values you. Fans of EMA, Mitski, and Angel Olsen[...]

Vlimmer – “Teerritt”

October 30, 2023

Coming to you from Berlin, Vlimmer’s latest single “Teerritt” is from his August 25 album Zerschöpfung. We previously wrote about him a few years ago here, and loved what we heard then – not too much has changed in that regard in the ensuing years. The track itself is a masterclass in the gothier musics – specifically post punk/industrial/darkgaze. Picking up where bands like the Cure and Joy Division left off sort of starts to give you the idea of the sound, but not the whole picture. The drum machine, sorrowful lyrics, and synth are all there – along with Vlimmer’s impeccable attention to detail throughout. Speaking to the song (and the meaning behind the word teerritt) Vlimmer had this to say: “‘Teerritt’ is literally about being so exhausted that you lay down on the tar of the street. And when you crawl across it becomes some sort of really slow[...]

Steven Van Betten – “Friendship”

October 30, 2023

Based out of Los Angeles, Steven van Betten‘s latest single is “Friendship” off of his debut album Friends and Family (October 28, Future Gods). Bringing that fuzzy vintage folksy feel, “Friendship” features van Bettern’s soothing vocals with guitar but also throws in catchy synth. With each verse corresponding to a different friend you’d think this would turn into a “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” type scenario, but, as van Betten helpfully points out, “… but I’m trying to be in bed by 11/ someday I’ll write a verse for all of my friends and the song will be never ending…” Fans of Sufjan Stevens or Neutral Milk Hotel will find some similarities they can latch onto here, between the composition and musical style. You can hear “Friendship” along with the rest of the album over on Spotify or Soundcloud. Future Gods · Steven van Betten – Friendship

maxime. – “the life and death of a dog”

October 27, 2023

Montreal act maxime. is no stranger to the blog – check out our previous features here and here. They’re back with another heady jam, this time dipping into hyperpop territory with the sludgy bass groove of “the life and death of a dog.” Sounding utterly 2023-flavored (think Aries or Paris Texas) while paying homage to 90s-era acts like Prodigy and Fatboy Slim, “dog” slinks and slithers into your ears with its unabashed bombastic nature. It’s left-of-center, sure, but that’s what makes it so great… A genre-blending amalgam of all the things you love about music. “the life and death of a dog” is available now on Spotify. maxime. · the life and death of a dog

Bo Milli – “Chewing Gum”

October 25, 2023

Fresh off her latest EP, Making Friends, Emilie Østebø brings us her latest single “Chewing Gum” under her stage name Bo Milli. Hailing from Bergen, Norway, we’ve covered Bo Milli a few times (you can find those here). “Chewing Gum” is a fun track with a rollicking guitar that gives way to a slick bass line that would make my bass player friends go “nice.” I felt the grunge 90’s vibe with Østebø’s focused yet relaxed boppin’ lyrics. While being grouped in with other indie luminaries Soccer Mommy, Bully, and Phoebe Bridgers may seem like a daunting task for a 23 year old, she had this to say: … Just kidding I have no idea. I’m sure it’s probably flattering or humbling at a certain level but just let her make her music. She did have this to say on the track though: “‘Chewing Gum’ is a macho-anthem expressed with unconvincing[...]

Best Noodles In Town – “Host”

October 25, 2023

Indianapolis emo/alt three piece Best Noodles In Town (BNIT) recently dropped their track, “Host,” and we at the blog were pretty dang impressed. Released October 17, “Host” showcases the band’s slick composition of polished guitar and heartfelt vocals that bring to mind Hot Mulligan or Microwave while also channeling the New Found Glories of yesteryear. As a whole, you can tell they’re giving it their all at being an original act and not just a rehash of the emo acts of the aughts. They sneak in a backup screamo scream partway through the track that sounds fantastic and, having tried to sing along to screamo, I can say a proper scream is harder than it looks. Be sure to check out “Host” over on Spotify or Bandcamp, released in anticipation of their EP due out at the end of the year. Best Noodles In Town · Host

Fake Shape – “Black Bear”

October 25, 2023

Hamilton, Ontario based indie experimental four piece, Fake Shape, brings us their latest single “Black Bear.” With the basic drums/bass/guitar that most bands implement in some way or another, Fake Shape also incorporates the trumpet adjacent flugelhorn. Side note, I’m sorry to anyone who ever taught me about music in high school because I’m sure you mentioned a flugelhorn at some point and I wasn’t listening. The beginning of the track starts out with nice diddly of a wispy guitar and very tight drums leading the charge with vocalists Chester Edington and Olivia Brown coming in for a harmony. For me, Fake Shape answers the question “well what if Radiohead was born in Canada and was about 20% more jazz influenced.” The piece crescendos to about the 2:20 mark and a trumpet solo takes over, eventually giving way to some bass limelight. If you’re not impressed with this track, you[...]

REW – “Plastic Lungs”

October 24, 2023

Indie act REW has just released their new single “Plastic Lungs,” an enigmatic cut that blends shoegaze, bedroom pop, indie, and doom to great effect. Electronics beep and squeal to open the track, creating a structural skeleton that REW’s layered vocals fill like plumes of smoke before the most exciting aspect of the track kicks in, a deep dropped guitar melody that lurches the whole track forward with a hefty stride. The doomy notes churn and bubble while REW sings a hook that surfs on that voided out guitar tone. “Plastic Lungs” blends the songwriting sensibilities of Elliot Smith with the crushing fuzz of Smashing Pumpkins and Deftones and is definite worth numerous spins. Listen to “Plastic Lungs” the new single from REW on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Youtube. Find more from REW on TikTok Born Losers Records – Too · REW – Plastic Lungs

Psychic Shakes – “Home”

October 24, 2023

Plymouth-based Max McLellan, aka Psychic Shakes, brings us his latest single, “Home,” a hazy lo-fi indie jam that captures the conflicting pang of melancholy and warmth of love adeptly. 2022 was a pivotal year for Max that shaped his songwriting, he and his partner’s joyful discovery of impending parenthood led to a profound reevaluation of his artistry in a post-pandemic world. McLellan’s confessional songwriting bares fruit as he wrangles with this new identity and how that perspective tilt tints the world, revealing shades of life that were muted before. “Home” has a warm ennui driven perfectly with warbly guitar energy that exemplifies Max’s bittersweet revelation of missing your home when the world shifts beneath your feet, while always finding a haven with the partner you love. Listen to “Home” by Psychic Shakes on Spotify, Bandcamp and Apple Music. Find more from Psychic Shakes on their Instagram Good Eye Records ·[...]

talker – “TWENTYSOMETHING”

October 24, 2023

Celeste Tauchar, aka talker, continues her momentum after a trio of critically loved EP’s with her latest single “TWENTYSOMETHING,” a cathartic blast that’ll bring you peace through rage. Tauchar wrangles the angst, confusion, and depression of your mid twenties then lets it explode out of your chest. Tauchar’s stomping rhythms and pointed songwriting invites you to direct your distaste away from yourself and point it towards the world that stopped making sense and drained your wallet. The camaraderie that raging against circumstance brings is the perfect antidote for the insular self loathing that modern digital life structures around you with hidden hands. Yell, dance, sing, kick, scream along with “TWENTYSOMETHING” knowing everyone else feels the same as you and that it’s gonna be okay. Listen to “TWENTYSOMETHING” the latest single from talker on Spotify. Find more from talker on their Instagram and Linktree.