Latest Posts

Buffalo Trio Ghostpool Releases Debut EP

February 13, 2018

Pop-punk refuses to die, and it probably never will… Mostly because of bands like Ghostpool, a Buffalo-based three piece whose m.o. is crunchy guitars and hooks aplenty. Their debut EP, There is a Hole at the Center of Everything, is a five song offering chock full of catchy pop-punk tunes, set off by emo-esque vocals about longing, self-hatred, and growing up. Fans of Alkaline Trio, Green Day, The Menzingers should give this one a listen. “Nightmare Eyes” kicks things off perfectly with a simple chord progression, backed by a catchy lead guitar riff, and distant vocal ooohs. Ghostpool is at their most nuanced here, channeling bands like The Hotelier through unique progressions and dynamic changes. Songs like “Dropout” and “Humanoid” are more Green Day/Alk3 oriented, pairing spitfire guitar work with big, irresistible vocal melodies. It’s worth mentioning that Ghostpool has a knack for writing big pop hooks… They just happen to be wrapped up in a gritty punk[...]

Marigold Releases Fresh Acoustic Take on Debut EP

February 8, 2018

Early last year, Marigold (aka Benjamin Lieber) put out an EP packed with shimmery, dreamy emo-pop called Counterfeit Art. Full of fully fleshed-out songs, the EP was almost entirely written and performed by Lieber (with a little help from bassist Alexander Matos) at GCR Studios with Jay Zubricky. As any determined solo artist will tell you, it’s tough to acquire and keep a full band going… So Marigold is now predominantly an acoustic act. His latest EP, aptly titled Counterfeit Art (Reprise), embraces his newfound approach with a fresh acoustic take on five of the songs from Counterfeit Art. “Foothold (Reprise)” is a gentler take on the driven emo rock of the original “Foothold.” Lieber’s debut EP was reminiscent of the new wave of emo dream rockers like Turnover or Citizen… But “Foothold (Reprise)” is a good introduction to Marigold’s impressive range. Here, he trades a full drum kit and distortion pedals for shakers and acoustic[...]

aeseaes – “Two Knocks”

February 1, 2018

aeseaes is a husband-and-wife duo based out of Austin, Texas whose debut EP, Six Songs,  came out late last year… They sent over the video for “Two Knocks” and we immediately enjoyed its deeply aesthetic animation. Beyond the video, their music is intimate, folksy indie rock with lyrics that touch on “the push and pull of perspective and how difficult it is to pin down an ever-changing sense of self.” Fans of The Shins, American Analog Set, or Sea Wolf will love this duo’s music. Learn more about aeseaes on their website.

Stay South – “If You Leave LA”

January 28, 2018

Fullerton, CA solo-act Stay South nailed it on her latest single, the sad dreaminess of “If You Leave LA.” The song is indie-rock at its heart, but is genre-blending at its finest, injecting tinges of emo and indietronica into an otherwise straightforward song. She pairs frantic rim clicks with ethereal guitar strumming for a calm, but yearning vibe. Perhaps most notable is Stacey Park’s sweet, unassuming vocal delivery… She does a great job at encapsulating the feelings of tension that you might experience when being abandoned. Be sure to give it a listen below. “If You Leave LA” is available via Bandcamp.

ANNALIA – “Wavelength”

January 28, 2018

Pure-pop vibes are nothing to be ashamed of, especially in the case of LA’s ANNALIA. Her new single “Wavelength” combines real instrumentation with unparalleled pop songwriting, resulting in a song that should impress the indie-rock purists while simultaneously making them want to dance. Beyond that, the song is ultra-relatable, tugging on heartstrings and playing with the nostalgia of memories both happy and painful. Don’t miss out on this one – add “Wavelength” to your feel-good-pop playlist on Spotify.

Grand Courriers – “Tempted”

January 28, 2018

The uncannily cinematic indie rock from Grand Courriers has been rubbing us in just the right way, especially lead single “Tempted.” Combining vibes from indie-rock mainstays The Killers with a wistful, disco feel, this jam is set off by a deeply emotional vocal performance and simmering synth work. This Minneapolis quartet has a bunch of songs on the horizon, so keep your eyes peeled for more great tunes in 2018. Keep up on Courriers happenings by following them on Instagram.

Hibou – “Fall Into”

January 26, 2018

Hibou sent us the retro-flavored music video for “Fall Into…” Beyond the striking visuals and retro flavor, “Fall Into” is a poppy and dreamy preview of his latest endeavor, Something Familiar (due out on Barsuk Records March 2nd). A funky, rolling bassline propels this song forth, peppered with Hibou’s distinct vocals and synth flourishes. The song ends in a beautiful, washy climax – better heard than read about. Check it out via the video below. There are many ways to consume “Fall Into,” check them all out here. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Hibou’s next release, Something Familiar.

Russian Baths – “Slenderman”

January 26, 2018

Russian Baths specialize in incorporating dissonance into traditional song structures. “Slenderman” makes this perfectly evident by blending atonal noise, 70s space rock, and modern indie punk sensibility into a three minute wall of sound. This NYC four-piece has jammed their songs full of big muff driven guitars, rolling tom beats, and cavernous female vocals… Dirty, but beautiful. Russian Baths’ new EP is out 2/23/2018 via Good Eye Records. Check it out on iTunes.

Abbot Kinney – “It’s the Middle of the Night (NRVS LVRS Remix)”

January 26, 2018

Abbot Kinney is an alternative rock band that specializes in big melodies, big choruses, and accessible songwriting. We’re bringing attention to a remix of their latest single, “It’s the Middle of the Night.” This song features a huge chorus with memorable vocal hooks and lots of frantic drum and synth work… Check this out if you’re a fan of MGMT, Foster the People, or Neon Trees. Do you like this song? Be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.

Sorrytown – “Know”

January 26, 2018

New Mexico act Sorrytown infuses the desolation of their hometown into their particular brand of heart-on-your-sleeve emo rock reminiscent of Hum, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Superheaven. “Know” is our recommendation of where to start… Between the gut-wrenching lyrical content and the in-your-face grit of the guitar tone, this one is sure to get your emotions churning. “Know” is available on Bandcamp. Too by Sorrytown

Inara George – “Slow Dance”

January 19, 2018

“Slow Dance” is the latest single from Inara George‘s (The Bird and the Bee) solo project… The song is a nostalgic, (albeit bittersweet) look back at her youth, highlighting George’s trademark ethereal vocals, with gentle, folk-tinged instrumentation.  Some definite retro vibes pepper this track; it’s full of tremolo guitar swells, electric piano tones, light-handed drums, and acoustic strumming. Inara is on Spotify too – give “Slow Dance” some love.

ADAL – “Synthesize (feat. Alexanderson)”

January 19, 2018

Future-pop artist ADAL specializes in “what the 80s thought the future would sound like.” This is a pretty apt description, made evident by the pure-pop nature of his latest single, “Synthesize.” The electro-pop instrumentals are surely set off by the buoyant, light vocal stylings of Alexanderson… If you’re in the mood for some no-funny-business pop jams, look no further. If you’re digging it, add “Synthesize” to your Spotify playlist.

New Shack – “Ways and Means”

January 19, 2018

Provo, Utah’s New Shack surprised us with the deeply groovy synth-pop of their latest single “Ways and Means.” Singer Cat Leavy expertly weaves her breathy vocals through the pulsing synth work and stuttering electro drums. “Ways and Means” is out now on Little Assembly, who hint at big things to come from the duo in 2018… Till then, be sure to get well-acquainted with “Ways and Means” via Soundcloud, Spotify, or otherwise. New Shack also filmed a music video for “Ways and Means” – check that out here.

Faux Canada – “Projector”

January 19, 2018

San Fran indie-poppers Faux Canada sent over the peppy “Projector” and we’ve been hooked ever since. We’re not sure what to love more, the spacey, squiggly keyboards that squiggle their way through the song, or the delightfully spastic guitar riffs that propel “Projector” forth. Either way, we’re pretty sure it’s impossible to listen to this song without a big smile on your face. Check it out below. Add “Projector” to your Spotify playlist.

Caved Mountains – “Take What’s Mine”

January 19, 2018

Nothing better than some punky, fuzzy goodness to start off your day. “Take What’s Mine” is the latest offering from Dallas act Caved Mountains. For fans of fuzzy noise, there is plenty of velcro fuzz in this song to melt your face… After a frantic opener, the song cascades into a crescendo of balls-to-the-wall jamming. With songs like these, it’s best just to listen for yourself – give it a play via the widget below. “Take What’s Mine” is available on Bandcamp for a very reasonable “name your price” rate.