Latest Posts

Babe Rainbow – Fresh As A Head of Lettuce

June 25, 2023

Psychedelic. Permaculture-farming. Surf-cultists. These are just a few of the self-described terms that Babe Rainbow uses to self-identify, and they are a perfect encapsulation of their sun-soaked, indie-psych sound. The quartet is here with their latest EP, Fresh As A Head of Lettuce, a four-song offering that figuratively surfs the far reaches of your mind with otherworldly textures – like a self-actualizing acid trip without any of the mind-altering anxiety. In case you missed it, we’ve already featured the opening track “Super Ego” in a previous write up (that you can read here), and for good reason… The song is laced with whistle-tone synths that glide through your speakers and into your mind like a sweet and salty sea breeze. Warped vocal textures help you escape the boring realities of your life while the tasteful bassline bobs and weaves in a way that’s impossible not to inspire bodily movement. Follow[...]

Bad Lori – “happysad”

June 25, 2023

All the way from Slovenia, Bad Lori hit us with the happy/sad vibes of latest single… “happysad.” The song is a bittersweet and nostalgic track that is built around a shimmering guitar riff that will have you teetering between a sense of relaxation and that nagging yearning of better times long past. Ostensibly, Bad Lori is “bad” in the sense of being a baddie and not her/their skills as songwriters, because this one cuts straight to the bone. Fans of Now, Now; Rilo Kiley; and/or Lydia will find lots of feels to dive into here. You can find “happysad” on YouTube (below) or stream it via Spotify and Apple Music.

Aleesha Dibbs – Paradise Lost

June 25, 2023

Aleesha Dibbs might be one of the hardest-working musicians in the world… At the very least in the top 5%. Having cut her teeth in a ton of different bands, (Dive Bell, Prudence, Lorelei, Double Vision, Mvlholland, Lisa Mitchell, and Angus and Julia Stone just to name some), she’s ready to spread her wings and release her debut solo EP. She’s titled it Paradise Lost and it’s a collection of gauzy, airy, and pleasantly-haunting electropop. It’s clear that this has been a transformational experience for Aleesha – over the course of Paradise Lost, you hear an already talented musician/songwriter coming into their own. EP opener “Batallion” is a slow burn that introduces the listener to the hallmarks of Aleesha’s work – expect ethereal synth work; splashes of electronic percussion; industrial ambiance; and, of course, Aleesha’s dark and lilting vocal presence. “Batallion” has abandoned factory vibes – with its bass drum beating mechanically[...]

Madison Lucas – “Just Be Cool”

June 25, 2023

Madison Lucas is a singer/songwriter from Charlotte, North Carolina who just released the smoldering indie cut “Just Be Cool.” Her new song is hauntingly catchy and has a swelling momentum that she playfully tugs back before letting it surge again. “Just Be Cool’s” energy burns like hot coals that glow neon as Madison billows her voice over them. Madison coos, “Don’t lose your head little girl, he’s all you ever wanted” before belting out “Don’t come closer or I will scream out loud” exemplifying the playful and masterfully executed dynamic range in this jammer that is all about the rising flood of emotions and the repeated efforts to tamper them down. The song hits hot and cools off, quickens then calms all playing in the theme to great satisfaction of the listener. Fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Santigold, and The Kills should give this new song a listen for sure.[...]

Mermaid – “Boundaries”

June 22, 2023

Mermaid is a duo of besties, who became a band, who became lovers… And if that’s not an inspiring origin story, I’m not sure what is. Their latest offering is the bratty indie-punk jam “Boundaries,” and it’s full of enough ’90s energy to satisfy any grunge fan while staying true to 2023 aesthetics. With a sly nod to Jagged Little Pill, there’s no doubt Alanis fans will love this one (along with fans of L7, Garbage, or Veruca Salt) – but the sugary melodies and fuzzed-out background screams make it so fans of any guitar-driven music will love this tune. About the song, the duo simply says: “crush song” ‘Nuff said. Be sure to add “Boundaries” to your favorite Spotify playlist.

Rare Monk – “Missing Forever”

June 22, 2023

Portland, Oregon based act Rare Monk caught our ears with the crescendoing indie rock majesty of latest single, “Missing Forever.” While initially playing with some unique time signatures, the band eventually explodes into a cathartic close, running the gamut of indie rocking flavors in-between. Crunchy guitars and snappy production will have fans of Manchester Orchestra, Beach Fossils, and Real Estate adding this one to their daily playlists. With the quality of their songwriting in mind, it’s not surprising that this band acts their an outlet for the ennui of the daily rat race – check out what they have to say about “Missing” below. “‘Missing Forever’ is about feeling overworked and burned out. Tethered to work and bills in a society that increasingly idolizes ‘grinding.’ What if we just quit everything and disappeared into the wilderness instead?” ICYMI, we’ve written about Rare Monk in the past – check our previous[...]

Curiositi – “Moon”

June 22, 2023

Mysterious Swedish act Curiositi captivated us with their haunting new single, “Moon.” With elements of dream-pop and chillwave, Curiositi build upon a descending, plucky riff that drills its way into your consciousness – one of those songs that truly inspires a dream-like state as you bliss out to its hypnotic aura. “Moon” was created in an improvisational jam session – fascinating, but ultimately, a truly impressive accomplishment when you consider how stunningly beautiful the song is… But songs like this are often created out of lightning-in-a-bottle moments that wouldn’t exist otherwise. About the song, Curiositi explains: “‘Moon’ reflects on the feeling of being left at shore and lost at sea. Some people dream bigger and some have only nightmares. Time heals but every season is a traumatic reminder of last year. Stuck in samsara.” You can find “Moon” on Spotify and Apple Music. CURIOSITI · Moon

Puppy Angst – “TKO”

June 22, 2023

Puppy Angst has a perfect summer rocker with their fuzzy new single, “TKO.” Puppy Angst is a mainstay of the Philadelphia DIY scene and have just released their debut album Scorpio Season this past October. Their latest, “TKO,” has perpetual punch and energy, filled with buzzing pop guitar lines and fills that will have your mouth watering and head bopping. The new song is dripping with the vibes of the cool girl you need to be friends with; it is catchy and lyrical with the crunch dancing with the sugary, playing back and forth, creating a dreamy joy that is also endearingly grounded and relatable. You will love the stinging creativity of each section of this jammer, from the muted drums blending with the fuzzy guitars to the perfectly crafted transitions. Fans of Wednesday, Alvvays, Bully, Mannequin Pussy, Japanese Breakfast, and Beach Bunny will find this tune to be for[...]

The Western Civilization – “The Snake and The Saint”

June 22, 2023

Rachel Hansbro and Reggie O’Farrell AKA The Western Civilization hail from Austin, TX and have a potent alternative/indie single with the newly released “The Snake and The Saint.” A heavy pop throb props up the airy warble of self-described emotional retching that Rachel writes their songs to be, and they act as both expulsion and reflection of her life’s revelatory moments. The moment being explored here is one with her soon to pass family member about whether life is a battle between good and evil people or a war between good and bad decisions as all humanity has the dichotomy living within. Reggie brings a harmony and lush musicality to the song writing process, constructing the shape of the tracks, giving them a defined liveliness that serves to exhibit the songs message even further. Listen as “The Snake and The Saint” grows in a cavernous fashion while simultaneously fills the[...]

Amelie Lucille – “Because of You”

June 16, 2023

Hot off the presses from her new self-titled EP, Amelie Lucille‘s lead single “Because of You” is a dazzling folk-tinged alt pop gem. With inspirations ranging anywhere from The Cure to Fleetwood Mac and Björk, Amelie certainly has some eclectic tastes that display beautifully in her music. Not to bury the lede, but at a mere 14 years of age, she cannot legally purchase an alcoholic beverage at any venue I’m familiar with (and I’ve been to a lot!) Speaking on the inspiration behind her debut EP: ““I want to live in any time besides now. I am almost 15 and I envy anyone that was able to experience the world when it wasn’t so impersonal. The movies, the style, the people, but most of all, the music. I dream of seeing my favorite bands live…” You absolutelymust lend your ears to Amelie’s music. Having had to endure such musical majesties[...]

Great Park Avenue – “New Fandango”

June 16, 2023

Stockholm rebels Great Park Avenue crank up their indie rocking energy here on latest single, “New Fandango.” This Swedish crew doesn’t typically ramp up their vibes this high, but they really pull out all the stops for “Fandango” – expect hammered guitar chords, twisty-turny guitar leads, and vocals that sound (as they put it) like “Tom Jones with a cold.” The energetic genre they’re exploring here will surely appeal to fans of The Libertines, Babyshambles, and Dirty Pretty Things. You can find “New Fandango” on Spotify and YouTube (below).

Ryan Ritual – “Where Did Love Go”

June 15, 2023

It hasn’t been too long since we’ve checked in with Ryan Ritual (check out our previous feature of “Slip Away“), but he’s managed to grab our ears yet again with latest single, “Where Did Love Go.” With readily available hooks, sparkly synth leads, and a casual nod to the songwriting greats of the ’80s, “Love” finds Ryan dealing with the existential dread of growing older and evolving as a musician… He explains more below: “When I started writing my solo album, I wanted there to be separation between my identity and my previous band’s identity. “Where Did Love Go” became my North Star of sorts, guiding me both sonically and thematically… ‘Where Did Love Go,’ in particular, deals with my loss of passion and growing apathy to the world I used to love.” Check out “Love” on Spotify or Soundcloud.

Becoming Bristol – “Staring Into The Sun”

June 15, 2023

If you’ve been looking to get your anthemic fix, “Staring Into The Sun” by Becoming Bristol (BB) might be your next obsession. With enough riffs to keep any guitar nerd occupied without ever losing sight of their big, modern rock radio energy, BB seems to have found the best of both worlds, and that energy is straight-up undeniable. The Seattle, WA quartet will appeal to fans of Switchfoot, .moneen., or COIN, who will all surely find lots to love here. Looking a bit below the surface, “Sun” actually has an incredibly deep and profound meaning – check out what they have to say below: “During my father’s battle with cancer, I found solace in the pages of Victor Frankl’s profound work, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, delved into the psychological aspects of surviving the atrocities of the concentration camps. His words resonated deeply with me[...]

The Moving Stills – “Westside”

June 15, 2023

We’re just drawn to the jaunty indie rock coming from Aussie quartet The Moving Stills (don’t believe me? Check out our previous features here and here). They’re back to tickle your garage rockin’ ’00s heartstrings with another lovely offering, the genuinely upbeat vibes of “Westside.” Uber-positive vibes are never our main MO, but the super uplifting feels found here on “Westside” have us feeling like we might turn over a new leaf… Maybe. Here’s what they had to say about their new jam: “Westside is about celebrating the positive aspects of life, so we wanted it to be a feel good upbeat track. It’s also about being able to slow down without feeling guilty about taking a break. It came after a holiday in WA and also reflects on all the time we have spent on the East Coast, playing shows and hanging out with the people that matter. It’s[...]

Sea Glass X Sky Adler – “Weekend”

June 15, 2023

Last time we checked in with Sea Glass, we were waxing poetic about singles “Pinecone Alley” and “I Have Jokes (If You Wanna Hear One).” There’s a reason we keep coming back to Sea Glass (and frequent collaborator Sky Adler), and one listen through their most recent tune will explain why… “Weekend” is a ’90s-reminiscent slice of slacker-pop that brings to mind early Weezer, Pavement, and even a hint of Viagara Boys – expect plunky guitar riffs, spicy melodies, and a uniquely beeping metronome sound keeping constant time. Adler remarked about his time in the studio with Sea Glass: “We discussed how much we missed high school and also how scared we were for kids still going through it. ‘Weekend’ was born pretty quickly in that reminiscent yet somewhat dark state.” Check out “Weekend” on Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp. Weekend by Sea Glass, Sky Adler