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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” /]

Salvador Jolly – “Dro Money Dro Problems”

December 9, 2016

Inspired by Notorious B.I.G., Salvador Jolly‘s latest, “Dro Money Dro Problems” is a laid-back electronica song about buying the wrong cables from Radio Shack. Their vibes remind us of Washed Out, Passion Pit, and MGMT. Their style has an uncanny way of lulling us into a state of ultimate chill with twinkly synths and a vintage sounding mix. Salvador Jolly’s latest release, Jolly Llama, is out now – check it out on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/254735526″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Xander Singh – “As Long As You’re Loved”

December 7, 2016

Former Passion Pit and Pepper Rabbit member Xander Singh has had a rough couple years – that’s all about to change with the release of his debut album, Muffin. We think “As Long As You’re Loved” is poised to explode – we dig the wonky warble in his unique brand of electronica. Fans of his ex-bands, Washed Out, or Four Tet will feel right at home. Muffin is available via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293602383″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Night Drive – “Rise and Fall”

December 7, 2016

Texan duo Night Drive has just released a listen-worthy debut single called “Rise and Fall.” Their dark electro-pop combines driving beats with 80s pop sentimentality – what results is a dreamy atmosphere with a noticeable edge. Their contemporaries are CHVRCHES and Purity Ring, but could easily blend in with 1980s-era radio. Head over here to purchase “Rise and Fall.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293434916″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DJ Equal – “Postcards (feat. Sam Island)”

December 6, 2016

NY act DJ Equal sent us his latest jam, “Postcards” and we think it is worth sharing. “Postcards” is not what you’d expect from a DJ from NYC – instead of oversaturated synths and bass drops, DJ Equal specializes in easy going indie-pop vibes. Surprisingly, “Postcards” sounds more like a Tame Impala song than a Skrillex song. Give it a shot and see what we mean. Go to iTunes to purchase “Postcards.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274684724″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Softer Still – “Eulogy”

December 6, 2016

UK shoegazey dream-poppers Softer Still caught our attention with their latest single, “Eulogy.”  The band truly nails the 80s dream-pop sound and brings it to a dark place, touching on themes of death, love, and lust. The band pairs far-off vocals with chorus-laden guitars and vintage vibes. Fans of Slowshine, My Bloody Valentine, or Yuck will dig Softer Still’s style. “Eulogy” is available via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296486852″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]