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The Angles – “Out There”

Brooklyn-bred Ashwin Prasanna’s latest project, The Angles, brings the soothing track “Out There” off of his self-titled debut record. Warm, poppy guitar leads the way in this wholesome love song. Every chord resonates in your ears as you feel the warmth and joy of Prasanna’s love for someone special. This track and others of his would go well on your mix for that special someone along with Real Estate and Cloud Nothings. “Out There” assuredly enjoyed as part of the whole album but has enough strength to stand alone, check out what The Angles has to offer and let us know your thoughts on our Twitter. Be sure to add them to your Spotify playlist and give them a follow on Instagram as well. The Angles by The Angles

Beachdust – “An Android Contemplates Love” (and b-side “OFF (O N) RESET!”)

Singles from artists in today’s environment of mainly digital releases are easy. You don’t have have to go to the record store to pick up a 45 inch record (or cassette) and can just pull up your preferred music service instantly! [/end elder millennial rant] My editor called for me to review “An Android Contemplates Love.” Ignoring the second half [B-Side track “OFF (O N) RESET!)] seemed silly so here’s a review of both. Beachdust is a solo act courtesy of California based Anthony Geovanny (from the label Little Death Sounds) and he is clearly a student of the psychedelic and new wave sounds of the 80’s. Talking Heads aficionados would certainly enjoy the energy Anthony brings in this and his other tracks. Strong synth and a constant guitar are in the driver seat for this meandering track that ponders the question of “what makes love so different?” from an[...]

Julia Rapp – “What He’s Been Missing”

Julia Rapp brings a cheeky indie-folk tune powerful enough to pull you up off the bathroom floor at 3:30am after a bad breakup. “If he really knew you, he’d know what he’s been missin'” Julia has a way of telling you how it is in the same no-nonsense fashion that many of us are very familiar with from that friend. Adherents of Courtney Barnett’s self-effacing style or the stylings of Angel Olsen will feel very much at home with Julia Rapp. If you’re feeling a little down today, maybe listen a couple times because damn it, you’re worth it!

Trash Pals – “Dinner at Sadie’s”

A subdued, bass-forward track from duo Conor Rayne and Gabe Schnider of Trash Pals (respectively, members of Basstracks and Jon Batiste), “Dinner at Sadie’s” showcases strong songwriting and solid keyboard antics. Lyrics like” “Oh Sadie maybe I’m not your type/ I appreciate you trying to make it right” oozes longing for that one we all remember meeting, but maybe gets away in the end. Don’t let Trash Pals be that one; keep tabs on this group and your eyes peeled for more. You certainly won’t be left wanting (except for more). If “Dinner” is any indication, we’re all in for a treat as this band grows and continues to produce new music. Make sure you add it to your Spotify playlist.

B. Miles – “The Year I Felt Cool”

New York based B. Miles brings us this smooth ditty of a single that exudes more than it’s fair share of swagger, as B.Miles takes us on a glitzy indie pop romp through what is clearly HER CITY. You’ll find yourself bopping along as you’re lulled in by her hypnotic voice and steady stream of consciousness lyrics, only to come to at the end wondering when you’ll get to walk with B.Miles again. I’m not exactly sure which year she felt cool, but if this or any of her other songs are any indication… it’s probably every year, now, and in the future. You can hear this and other tracks on her Spotify, or, live at the Bowery Ballroom March 17th in Manhattan.

ATMoney – “ITID”

Tennessee’s very own ATMoney is reportedly coming through with his third installment of ITID (I think I’m Dope 3) in March of 2023, but gave his fans a top tier music video with the title track “ITID.” The music video displays ATMoney genuinely rapping his face off while his friend whimsically dances in the background, perfectly representing the lyrics the Tennessee MC is spitting. ATMoney is regarded as the “Toxic Avenger” and is actively spreading awareness against toxic behavior, and this latest drop is no exception. There is a 300% chance you will think you’re dope after peeping out the self affirming “ITID.” We’re excited to see what ITID 3 will bring after watching the title track’s music video on repeat. Stream “ITID” on Spotify  Watch “ITID” on YouTube

Steven Araico – “Ivory Keys”

Steven Araico’s voice alone emits this undeniably ethereal energy. With such a gentle voice, the instrumental doesn’t need to do much. The percussion throughout “Ivory Keys” grants it universal emotion accessibility; as in you can listen to it in any mood and it’ll still hit. The short-bursted hi hats bring more life to the track, along with progressive 808s that offer a fantastic supporting element to the melodic hook. The piano paired with the synths also work together to bring a cinematic feel to “Ivory Keys,” helping the audience paint their own picture of what this summer might look like bumping Steven Araico. Listen to “Ivory” on Spotify  Listen to “Ivory” on Apple Music

“Revenge” – Cole Connor

Cole Connor and mentor, Master Splnta came back with movie-like production on their latest collab. “Revenge” (the video) has double the run-time of the song, but summarizes everything leading up to it, displaying clips of Cole Connor’s past with Master Splnta as Cole feeds into his contemplation of his mentor. After meeting up, the track starts and the rest is history. Cole comes in with a delivery that’s rapid fire, yet effective, due to the charming timbre in his voice, while Splnta tags in with ever-so clever wordplay such as “Ain’t’ that what revenge is. Punctuation On the end of a sentence.” The two MC’s have a very contagious chemistry that drives what looks and sounds like friendly competition; and it’s a thrill watching them compete. This is in fact a duo that the world very much needed back in the pendulum swing of things. Listen to “Revenge” on Spotify [...]

Moozy – “Minnesota Seems Nice”

“Minnesota Seems Nice” is the new single from fully-independent DC-based outfit, Moozy. Driven by warm synths and a simple, yet deliberate guitar chord progression, members Dylan Rockwell and Pat Dunning take us on a whimsical, poppy romp extolling the virtues of a mid-western change of scenery. While I can’t personally attest to anything about Minnesota other than the obvious (it does seem nice), check this and other tracks out if you’re looking for some light pop that tips the hat to My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, or the Police with less bass-forward tracks. You can find “Minnesota” on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp as well.

NEWSKI – “Chemicals (feat Matthew Caws)”

New Song “Chemicals (feat Matthew Caws)” is a modern power pop jam from BRETT NEWSKI & the No Tomorrow, and is part of an upcoming release of eight tracks that will be the soundtrack to his book titled, “It’s Hard to be a Person: Defeating Anxiety Surviving the World, and Having More Fun.” The track spikes the opening with a gorgeous wash of strummed power chords that leads you right into pop-cadenced da-da-das, both contributing to the electric energy of the track. A youthful and sing along worthy chorus rings out accompanied by irresistible guitar work by Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws, each will give you more scrumptious sonic brightness to chew on as the track unfurls. Effortlessly fresh and energetic, “Chemicals” will charge you up and have you coming back to spin it again. Catch our previous feature on NEWSKI here. Listen to the new song “Chemicals (feat Matthew Caws)”[...]

Mox – “Trust”

Mox’s new release, “Trust,” is a hauntingly beautiful track that captures a sense of yearning for safety with disarming casualness. Mox’s talent is undeniable, and at just 19 years old, she draws inspiration from artists like Elliot Smith, Alex G, and Built to Spill, while still creating a unique sound of her own. This is readily apparent on “Trust,” seen in the raw and emotive lyrics and unique songwriting. The chorus is subtle but holds the weight of the track, creating a smoldering ambiance through the whole song that blooms like a ember in the breeze as the guitars of the the refrain layer and fatten up. Mox have created an evocative and raw indie-rock ballad that you should spin if you’re a fan of bands like Pinback, Whitney, or Silver Jews. Listen to the new song “Trust” on Spotify.

Khi’leb – “Tempt Me”

Khi’leb came through with an absolute production of a track titled “Tempt Me” from his deluxe album Project In the Suburbs. I pressed play and thought I had an idea of where the track was headed but as soon as Khi’leb laid down the first vocals, that thought went out the window. The amount of vocal layers on the hook are likely to reach the moon and back; not only to harmonize but to fulfill the main vocals to their maximum potential. “Tempt Me” is just as beautiful of a track as it is hard. The Australian artist conveyed the feeling of a triumphant underdog overcoming a world of adversary in such an authenticated way. Listen to “Tempt Me” on Spotify or on Apple Music or get acquainted with his previous work via the YouTube link below.

Justus West – “Normal”

Hot off the presses is this new single from Justus West, a talented seven-time Grammy nominee hailing from Kansas City. “Normal” would seem to suggest an embrace of the “same shit, different day” mentality but is quite the opposite; about the song, Justus explains: “[Normal] is my letter to the new year, a reminder to not settle for the status quo and chase refreshing experiences.” Melodic vocals mixed with strong guitar throughout help keep this track hopeful and not turn into a checkbox of self-help platitudes. It’s a unique blend of indie-pop and hip hop influences that we think you’ll love – check it out on Spotify or Apple Music, and get acquainted with Justus himself via his new YouTube series below.

Chris Cubeta – “Architect”

Brooklyn-based artist Chris Cubeta has released the powerful and rhythmic indie-rock song “Architect,” the latest single from his forthcoming new album APOE, which is due out April 7th, 2023. The upcoming album’s creation springs from a personal reckoning brought on by Cubeta’s mother’s recent tragic Alzheimer’s diagnosis at the age of 57. Cubeta harnesses his tragedy and employs a form of songwriting he finds most fulfilling by creating rhythms with drum, synth and guitar and then reacting viscerally to his own sonic creations while layering more sounds on top. “Architect” has a soundscape that builds beat by beat until kaleidoscopic layers of sounds are filling your ears while Cubeta’s anthemic vocals carry you to emotional heights.  Fans of Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, or John Frusciante will finds lots to love on this track. Listen to new song “Architect” from Chris Cubeta now on Spotify. Find more[...]

The High Water Marks – “Trouble From The East”

New song “Trouble From The East” from Norway-based The High Water Marks has just been released and you should give the sunny and infectious indie-rock track a listen (find our previous feature on them here). The new single is the first from the upcoming album, Your Next Wolf, which is due out June 9, 2023 and “…is basically about chilling the fuck out,” says Hilarie Sidney. Sidney, co-founder of Elephant 6 Recording Co. and The Apples in Stereo, said this about the song; “We aren’t a political band, but politics affects us all. 2022 was an insane year over here in Europe with the Ukraine war. In Norway, we border Russia (our trouble from the north and east) and especially in the beginning, there were a few times we thought there was a nuclear threat. “People are angry and scared. We just want to see everyone calm down and enjoy[...]