Latest Posts

Doombird – “Sheer”

January 17, 2017

Doombird is an indietronica band based out of Sacramento. You may recognize frontman Kris Anaya’s gentle voice from folksy Drive-Thru records act An Angle. Doombird is truly a new direction; ambient, indie/electronica vibes with strong influences from Caribou and Bibio – perfect for a rainy day or a hike in the woods. Lyrically, “Sheer” touches on themes of Anaya’s anxiety and his efforts to cope with it. Doombird has a website – check it out. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/214161274″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Datura Daydream – “SEA SIX”

January 17, 2017

Datura Daydream are a trio from Toronto whose latest music video has us reeling. The trio specializes in out-of-the-box music videos like the sprawling nine-minute epic “SEA SIX.” The uniquely syncopated video blends well with their proggy post-rock sound (although if you suffer from photosensitive epilepsy, you might want to sit this one out). Fans of The Mars Volta, The Fall of Troy, or Explosions in the Sky will find themselves right at home. Get more familiar with the three-piece by scoping out their Tumblr.

Slowcoaching – “Training Wheels”

January 17, 2017

Last time we checked in with Melbourne-born Slowcoaching, he was touting his dreamy new jam, “Night Fiction.” He’s caught our attention again with the delightful “Training Wheels.” Slowcoaching is still nodding towards The War on Drugs, Ducktails, and Wild Nothing – his music is full of chorus-drenched guitars, squiggly synths, and Kurt Vile-esque vocals. Head over to Slowcoaching’s Bandcamp page and do the right thing. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297978193″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lukr – “A Long December”

December 23, 2016

What a great song to wrap up a long year of blogging! We’ve written about Lukr before, way back in June when he released his warm weather anthem, “Fucked Up Summer.” This time around, we’re closing down operations with his take on the Counting Crows classic, “A Long December.” Lukr injects his neon-pop grunge sound into the 90s hit, turning the already infectious song into a true pop jam with sparkly production values. Until next year folks! Have a happy and safe holiday season. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296370530″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Automotive Steamhorse – “You’d Be Surprised”

December 16, 2016

We think brand new Seattle act Automotive Steamhorse are on to something with their latest single, the droning “You’d Be Surprised.” The song has a pretty unique backstory. “The lyrics of the song are based on a letter I received from an old friend who I counted cards with… There was a husband and wife who had about 10 people working under her, the FBI ended up busting them for fraud. They had ripped me off for thousands of dollars. The husband committed suicide – he took his motorcycle in the wrong lane of traffic. The wife ended up sending me a letter about two years after the fact, [and] all the lyrics are taken straight from the letter.” Recommended for fans of Pedro The Lion, Phantogram, or Radiohead. There’s also a music video for “You’d Be Surprised” – check it out here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/247110926″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Syracuse Act Ohne-Ká and the Burning River Release Apocalyptic Instrumental, “Where the Forest Ends”

December 15, 2016

Syracuse act Ohne-Ká and the Burning River caught our ears with the apocalyptic sounding “Where The Forest Ends.” Taken from their latest release, Tree Lines and Birth Rights, “Forest” is a part of a concept album accompanied by a book (or digital PDF) that you can read while you listen (or even on its own). The story follows the travels of several forest animals and the pack leader wolf they all follow. Musically, fans of mewithoutYou, Explosions in the Sky, or Thrice would dig Ohne-Ká’s style. Check these guys out on Bandcamp too.

Cities Vanishing – “I Want To Know What The Wind Blows Like”

December 15, 2016

Noisy duo Cities Vanishing caught our ears with the overblown, lo-fi production of “I Want To Know What The Wind Blows Like.” This is the first of five urgent songs that the duo penned together, with “the girl” ripping the theremin and some guitar, and “the guy” shredding drums and some more guitar. Fans of The Thermals or Ted Leo will be jazzed for sure. We think you all should get into these guys before everyone else – listen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295166278″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Staff Picks

December 15, 2016

To begin our Best of 2016 coverage, we asked a handful of our staff writers to submit their favorite albums and songs of the year. Cliff Parks Favorite Album: The Avalanches – Wildflower The joy and pleasure this album gave me this year is incalculable. The elusive Australian DJ collective saved the day with this next level sonic adventure into boom box urban funk and ear tickling psychedelia, featuring a wicked sense of humor, a killer collection of guest stars (Danny Brown, Toro Y Moi, Biz Markie, Mercury Rev’s Jonathan Donahue, Father John Misty..) and some of the greatest crate diving ever, creating a thoroughly satisfying journey into the sounds of summer and of our lives, and an ode to walking down the music filled mythological NYC streets of our shared popular imagination. Favorite Song:  Anderson .Paak “Put Me Thru” This year was far from spectacular, but Anderson .Paak was incandescent,[...]

Soviet Dolls Release New Dark-Pop Song, “Ghostlover”

December 14, 2016

Rochester electro-pop act Soviet Dolls recently released their latest single, the dark and looming “Ghostlover.” The quintet combines lush synth textures with an alternative rock backbone and the cherry-on-top vocals of dusky singer Alexandra Wendt. The result is a dark pop banger that we can’t help but crush on. Fans of CHVRCHES, Metric, or The Naked and Famous would really dig this tune. “Ghostlover” is available via Bandcamp for a “pay what you want” rate. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296780980″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

NE-HI – “Stay Young”

December 14, 2016

After cutting their teeth in underground Chicago venues, NE-HI have refined their songwriting into blissfully hazy guitar pop, demonstrated best by lead single “Stay Young.” We especially dig their music video for the tune, which continues their vintage and hazy vibes with swirling visuals and an overall nod to nostalgia. Dream poppers, post-punkers, and Springsteen fans will all find solace in this mid-western quartet’s music. If you dig “Stay Young,” pre-order Offers on Bandcamp.

Turquoise Noise – “Matters of Fact”

December 12, 2016

Turquoise Noise is Los Angeles-based neo-psychedelic, alt-rock quintet. We think y’all will enjoy their latest jam, “Matters of Fact.” The group combines swimmy atmospherics with an overall upbeat disposition, being sure to toss in lots of stop/start dynamics. Fans of Young The Giant, Cold War Kids, or Atlas Genius should feel right at home. If you’re into it, stream that jazz via Spotify. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295630177″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Animal Feelings – “Lonely feat. Morgxn”

December 12, 2016

Animal Feelings, (aka Oli Chang, member of dream pop band High Highs), shared jis new single with us and we dig it. “Lonely” is the first song to be release from his new EP, due out in January 2017. “Lonely” is a slow burning and incredibly chill song that highlights a forlorn vocal contribution from Morgxn. “Lonely” could appeal to fans of chillwave like Washed Out or modern hip-hop with an indietronica twist. Animal Feelings also has a Tumblr – check it out. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295709304″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Furniteur – “Redundant Buzz”

December 9, 2016

Furniteur is Washington DC visual artist/vocalist Brittany Simms, and former Brett members Mike Toohey and Kevin Bayly. They teamed up to write our latest recommendation, “Redundant Buzz,” a wistful, beat-driven track that is equal parts Echo & The Bunnymen and Purity Ring. About the track, Sims says, “‘Redundant Buzz’ tells a story of falling in love with your first impression or idea of someone, whether or not that is the person they really are.” Hop to it! Buy “Redundant Buzz” on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295141510″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Shana Falana

December 9, 2016

Kingston, NY-based sparkle-pop duo, Shana Falana is set to make a stop on their national tour tonight at Nietzsche’s. In support of their latest release, Here Comes the Wave (Team Love Records), the duo consisting of Shana Falana and Mike Amari blend ambient dream-pop melodies with a lush indie rock backing. Also on the bill are the ever-evolving psych-pop trio, The Tins, baroque indie rockers, dreambeaches, and up front is looptastic Matt Script. Doors are at 9pm with a $5 cover.

Mount Horeb – “No One’s Gonna Bother You”

December 9, 2016

Mysterious German recording artist Mount Horeb (a.k.a. Elias Binder) sent us his ode to solitude – we think it’s worth blogging about. “No One’s Gonna Bother You,” according to the artist, is, “the song that I recorded in a week of isolation, just going on walks, and drinking wine.” His understated vibes, easy going tempo, and droning vocals support that imagery quite well. Fans of Porches, Radiohead, or Interpol would dig this tune. Support Mount Horeb by clicking on this Bandcamp link. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293520558″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]