Latest Posts

Blue J – “Hard to Know”

July 18, 2018

Vancouver BC act Blue J are gearing up to release their debut EP in August… If latest single “Hard to Know” is any indication of what to expect, we’re already jazzed. “Know” is about experiencing a loss, seen through the lens of someone trying to give support. Beyond that, it’s a chill-af indie rock song with gentle guitar twinking, thoughtful bass plunking, and low-key but oh-so-pleasant vocal delivery. Fans of mid-2000s Death Cab, The American Analog Set, or The Shins will dig this jam. Be sure to add “Hard to Know” to your chill-face Spotify playlist. Hard to Know by Blue J

ooi – “Sharks”

July 17, 2018

Talk about left field – we couldn’t help but be drawn to the offbeat electropop from ooi on their avant-garde summer jam, “Sharks.” “Sharks” tells the one-of-a-kind story of an albino alligator with a sweet tooth, a penchant for snakeskin, and a love for coke… It’s a little bonkers for sure, but we think you’ll dig their mid-tempo sonic textures and unique sentiment. Check it out below. P.S.: It’s pronounced “owi.” Be sure to add “Sharks” to your Spotify playlist.

Ro – “Diary”

July 17, 2018

A quick scroll through Melbourne-based singer/songwriter Ro’s Facebook page and you’ll see that she’s been pretty jazzed on the release of her confessional single, “Diary.” We are too – “Diary” is a neat little slice of low-key indie rock. Tight drums, squiggly guitars, and Ro’s distinct, ever-so-slightly hushed vocal delivery make up the backbone of this track… About the song, Ro says, “Wouldn’t it be awesome to just hand your diary over to someone and get the ‘this is me’ part over and done with? Maybe it’s a shitty life hack, but it’s a life hack nonetheless.” Well said, Ro.

Trench Releases Music Video for “Bend,” Announces Debut LP

July 10, 2018

Syracuse’s Trench have been very busy since their formation in 2015. After racking up 27k views on the music video for “Seaweed,” a second pressing of their debut EP, and a successful tour of the East Coast, the band is gearing up to release their debut LP, Ritual Love. Lead single “Bend” is the perfect foot to put forward, a beautifully-heavy demonstration of Trench’s penchant for quiet/loud dynamics. The band ebbs and flows, building tension with subdued, droning verses before exploding into larger-than-life choruses layered thick with distortion. Pairing influences from bands like Hum and Explosions in the Sky with contemporary flavors like Nothing or Citizen, “Bend” is dark, ethereal, and emotive – a perfect introduction to Ritual Love, due out 9/21 via Flesh and Bone Records. The underwater camera work of “Bend” is reminiscent of Trench’s post-rock, shoegazy sound, juxtaposing swirly, chorus-and-reverb-laden guitars with cinematography to match. Shot and directed by Dani Nuckols, the video is meant to evoke a certain[...]

SMUG Drops Music Video for “All Used Up”

July 3, 2018

Buffalo three-piece SMUG is fast, fun, and punk rock, clearly evidenced by their new music video for single “All Used Up.” As a band, SMUG embodies all of the rebellious cornerstones of pop-punk music – a DIY, fuck-you attitude bolstered by open-throated guitars and infectious vocal melodies. In true DIY fashion, “All Used Up” was shot entirely by themselves (and for themselves). The video finds the members of SMUG down on their luck – and whether that means getting beat up or just stepping in something smelly, the sentiment remains the same. All in all, its clear that SMUG had a good time with this one – check out the vid via the widget below. As always, if you like what you hear, be sure to swing by SMUG’s Bandcamp page to show them your support.

Oliver Tree – “Movement (Back Talk Remix)”

July 3, 2018

Back Talk sent us over a phat remix of Oliver Tree’s “Movement” and we couldn’t help but recommend it to y’all. “Movement” is a true party anthem, mixing the fervor of the Beastie Boys’ delivery with modern-day dance-electronica vibes. If you’re trying to get amped, look no further – give Back Talk a stream via the widget below. Back Talk has a lot to offer – check it all out via Spotify.

Cyndy Fike – “Peppermint”

July 3, 2018

You might recognize “Peppermint” from its recent placement in the Facebook show “Strangers,” but we like this cute little jam from LA singer/songwriter Cyndy Fike regardless. Pairing upbeat keyboard chords with Fike’s saccharine lyrics, “Peppermint” is the kind of lighthearted pop jam meant for low-key summer hangs. Cyndy is a pretty prolific artist – check out her discography here.

Say Brave – “Make My Day (feat. Mira)”

July 3, 2018

Upon first listen, you’ll probably recognize the chorus of “Make My Day” from chill electronica act Say Brave. “Make My Day” is a straight-up remake of the unmistakable 1989 classic, “Pump Up The Jam” by Belgian act Technotronic… But Say Brave brings a contemporary, 2018 spin to the track – utilizing blippy drums and a pleasant, tropical vibe. There are lots of different ways to listen to “Make My Day” – check them all out here.

Charles Fauna – “Wait To Come Over”

June 29, 2018

Last time we checked in with Charles Fauna, he was a featured artist on Glassio’s banger “Morning House.” This time around, we’re smitten with his latest offer, “Wait To Come Over.” Fauna pairs his ethereal delivery with ghostly synths and an infectious dance beat… Keep your eyes open for Eulogy, his debut EP, due out August 17th. Need a little Fauna in your life? Check out his Spotify.

Chain – “Colder”

June 29, 2018

Prolific Portland songwriter Teal Bluestone is at it again, this time with a new indie-rock act, Chain. “Colder” is a perfect debut… Reminiscent of Camp Cope, Cursive, or Pedro the Lion, “Colder” combines stark and clean indie-rock guitar work with Teal’s melancholy (yet soothing) vocal work. Teal’s vocal refrain of “You’re not my baby” is sure to haunt you throughout your day. Chain’s EP will be out later this year via Good Cheer Records – till then, check out all the good stuff on their Soundcloud.

Yellow Radio – “Have Some Fun”

June 29, 2018

Yellow Radio know what’s up… The latest single from the French duo, “Have Some Fun,” is a delightfully straightforward rock song about, well, having fun. Pairing an impressive bass riff with ooh-oohs and standard guitar riffage, this is the kind of easily-digestible rock song meant for happy summer afternoons. Yellow Radio has a bunch of content on YouTube too – check it out here.

Ladada – “Heaven On The Rocks”

June 29, 2018

Ladada is the new project from Virginia Beach-dweller Josiah Schlater (who you may recognize from his time in MAE, We Are Trees, and Jake Clemons). Schlater’s “Heaven On The Rocks” is a sunny, garage-pop jam full of wailing guitar leads and jangly rhythm tracks. Inspired by a relaxing tube trip down the James River (occasionally interrupted by a jab from an underwater rock), “Heaven on the Rocks” juxtaposes the idyllic with hints of pain – check it out below. “Heaven On The Rocks” is available now via Gold Robot Records.

Mickey Kojak – “Get Out”

June 28, 2018

Blippy and smooth; retro-esque but contemporary – “Get Out” is a brand new, ear-catching release from Australian synth-popper Mickey Kojak. Featuring 8-bit keyboard tones and a memorable chorus refrain, Kojak is nothing short of slaying it on this tune. Cherry-on-top? The retro synth solo in lieu of your typical guitar solo theatrics. Bravo Mickey, don’t sleep on this one – check it out via the widget below. “Get Out” is all over the interweb – check out the many listening/purchasing options here.

Late Verlane – “Roll Like A Dummy”

June 28, 2018

Swedish wunderkind Late Verlane (aka Viktor Persson) sent over his absolute banger of a debut song, “Roll Like A Dummy.” Paring hazy arpeggios with mid-tempo drums and synth flourishes, the song is an ode to “[the] angst and distress of always wanting to be accepted, but also the struggle of trying to break those chains and enjoy life on your own terms.” Best of all – Persson’s smooth vocal timbre, which ride perfectly on top of the solid mix. Add “Roll Like A Dummy” to your Spotify playlist.

Rochester’s Derelict Vessel Drop Debut Post-Rock EP

June 28, 2018

Derelict Vessel are a newly-minted post-rock band hailing from Rochester, NY. Their debut EP, Skeleton Coast, is a six-song offering specializing in quiet-loud dynamics with poignant flavors of emo, rock, and ambient music mixed throughout. Opening track “Drowned Cities” highlights the group’s penchant for tuned-down guitars, sludgy tempos, and epic moods. They transition into songs like “The Guard” and “Tower of Silence,” a couple of six-minute epics that resolve with borderline heroic climaxes. Album highlight “We Were Here” shows off Derelict Vessel’s surprising range, trading their typical doom guitars for a more ambient approach (concluding, of course, in an explosive ending). Lyrically, this quartet keeps it simple, but poignant – closing track “The Mother” is evidence enough. Skeleton Coast is available now via Bandcamp for a very reasonable rate. Skeleton Coast by Derelict Vessel