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Trails and Ways – “My Things”

May 15, 2016

After touring Brazil last year, half of the members of Trails and Ways left the band. This put the remaining members in an interesting position – put up or shut up. The remaining members quit their day jobs and subsequently, most definitely put up. “My Things” is dream pop in its rawest form, and the first song written with Trails and Ways’ new lineup. Featuring live drums, piercing guitars, and melodic basslines, “My Things” is all about the cheeky rock n’ roll inspired direction the band is headed in. Trails and Ways is due to release a new album this summer. Until then, have a listen to “My Things” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263396735″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Molly Moore – “Easy”

May 14, 2016

Molly Moore is a LA-based pop artist hailing originally from New York. Her track “Easy” has been ebbing and flowing through our speakers lately, in part due to the swelling synths that back up Molly’s breathy delivery. Molly claims that this track is about not letting life’s hard times thicken your skin too much to be immune to love. We think you’d like Molly’s tunes if you’re into MS MR, Lykke Li, or Imogen Heap. You can find Molly Moore’s latest release, Shadow of the Sun, on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259782642″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

GOOD KID – “Atlas”

May 14, 2016

GOOD KID is a Toronto quintet made up of four programmers and a film student. This pedigree might have something to do with their peppy, almost neurotic brand of indie pop (and probably has even more to do with the 8-bit-esque album art for their latest single, “Atlas”). “Atlas” is a raucous indie rock song polished into a poppy gem, perhaps indicative of GOOD KID’s collaboration with Juno-winning producer Crispin Day (July Talk, Sheepdogs). “Atlas” is out now via OVO Sound. It is streaming below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261898568″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Henri Bardot – “Patients”

May 13, 2016

Henri Bardot is a dreamy folk artist from Portland. “Patients” is the fourth song off of his most recent release, the beautiful seven-song Blue Night. Bardot’s voice sits gentle atop plucked acoustic guitars, mournful slide guitar fourishes, and other haunting instrumentals. Bardot’s brand of folksy dream-pop might appeal to fans of Bon Iver or Iron & Wine. You can pick up Blue Night from Henri Bardot’s Bandcamp page here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263292757″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Foresteater – “Very Friendly People”

May 13, 2016

Foresteater is the moniker for Phoenix, AZ musician Mikey Pro. His new single, “Very Friendly People” caught our ears earlier this week for sounding like the dude from Placebo started singing for Death Cab for Cutie. What we’re actually trying to say is – Foresteater has a real knack for writing shiny pop hooks in a perfect indie rock package. “Very Friendly People” is a great place to start. You can stream Foresteater’s latest EP, Nightlife of the Exploding Heads, via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262731417″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

ANiMALSOUL – “Color”

May 13, 2016

“Color” is the title-track from ANiMALSOUL‘s latest four-song EP. This particular quartet from El Paso combines hip hop beats with a straightforward rock sentimentality. The result is an R&B-flavored, genre-blending whirlwind rooted in strong pop hooks. Fans of Washed Out, Neon Indian, or Millionyoung might dig ANiMALSOUL. ANiMALSOUL’s latest release, Color, can be found on their Bandcamp page here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258374503″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

VANGUARD ONE – “Parabola”

May 12, 2016

Ben Bartlett is probably in a basement somewhere creating otherworldly synth patches. This dedication to madness has spawned VANGUARD ONE, Bartlett’s outlet for creating electronic emotional catharsis, or as he so eloquently puts it, “f***ed up dance music.” VANGUARD ONE is all about shedding his past musical identities; this time, he’s working with grainy beats, siren synths, and even an otherworldly female alter-ego. VANGUARD ONE is about walking the line between creating deep, angry synth tones while still wanting to connect with people. Have a listen to “Parabola” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259601394″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

VVOES – “Days Are Numbered”

May 11, 2016

You might be surprised to hear that VVOES are a Texan quartet who eschew their country-loving peers for something a bit more sophisticated. In fact, VVOES is more of a reverb-laden punk act that could be contemporaries with the likes of Ariel Pink, GIRLS, or DIIV. “Days Are Numbered” has been blasting from our speakers – it sounds fresh, contemporary, and vaguely synthy despite these dudes being guitar driven indie rockers. VVOES is working on a four-song EP that will be out shortly. Until then, you can enjoy “Days Are Numbered” for a very reasonable “pay what you want” rate here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262166723″ 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 Palms – “Clinch Mountain Part II”

May 11, 2016

Night Palms is a Lancaster trio whose music sounds like a new age take on 1970s rock n roll. Despite their UK roots, “Clinch Mountain Part II” sounds dusky and mysterious, like something you’d hear in a saloon or driving down a dusty old highway in the middle of the night. Fans of Night Palms might also like Echo & The Bunnymen, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, or Timber Timbre. You can pick up “Clinch Mountain Part II” on Night Palms’ Bandcamp page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261678384″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cold Blue Kid – “Way Out”

May 11, 2016

Cold Blue Kid is a Chicago quartet specializing in experimental indie rock tunes. Their latest offering, “Way Out,” starts out like a peppy surf-punk number but quickly turns into something understated and warm. Eventually the song turns crunchy in a muddled, 90s-influenced fashion (and who can argue with the 1990s?). Cold Blue Kid’s latest EP can be found on Soundcloud here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/217896709″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Idle Pilot – “Questionable Status”

May 10, 2016

Idle Pilot (formerly Currents) had a name-change debacle last year which has luckily since been resolved. The name change didn’t stop them at all; they’ve kept their heads held high and got right back in the studio to record their second LP, You Are Presently Looking Upwards. “Questionable Status” is the group’s first glimpse at their particular brand of angular, 90s-inspired indie punk. Idle Pilot would appeal to fans of Drive Like Jehu, Fugazi, Rites of Spring. Idle Pilot’s next release will be out next month on Ocelot Records. You can preorder You Are Presently Looking Upwards here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257494903″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cool Sounds – “Shake”

May 10, 2016

Jazz-gaze act Cool Sounds creates smooth, strangely nostalgic music. Hailing for Melbourne, the quartet’s new single, “Shake,” has us yearning for more. Cool Sounds switches seamlessly from breezy guitar-pop to somber, jazz-infused indie rock, driven by the band’s use of a breathy saxophone. Fans of Here We Go Magic, 1970’s jazz-pop, or The National would dig this. Cool Sounds’ debut LP is due out later this year, but in the meantime check out “Shake” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260936828″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Stranded Mermaid – “Lynx”

May 9, 2016

Stranded Mermaid are a Swedish band inspired by odd instruments, dreamy soundscapes, and percussive beats. “Lynx” immediately caught our ears for sounding primal, almost like a tribal chant. That shouldn’t be surprising, as SM’s latest release is titled Pagan Rituals I: Animal Worship. Their songs explore the instinctual relationship between human and animal characteristics. You can pick up Pagan Rituals I: Animal Worship from on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259810563″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

HALA – “Club Soda”

May 9, 2016

HALA‘s slacker rock game is strong. Incredibly strong. “Club Soda” is the first single from HALA’s upcoming release, written while isolated inside during a brutal Detroit winter. “Club Soda” is a love song, with lyrics such as, “You’re not my club soda, you’re my fancy wine.” Sure it’s a bit tongue and cheek (and yes, there are a few puns), but we think HALA’s intentions are pure. We also really like his song. HALA’s new album, Spoonfed, will be out on May 13th via Balaclava Records. Till then, enjoy the smooth VHS vid for “Club Soda” below or check out his discography here.  

THØSS – “The Meter”

May 8, 2016

UK’s THØSS just released “The Meter,” a bouncy explosion of soaring harmonies and sunny guitars. THØSS is just coming down from the high achieved with of his initial hit, “IWITW,” which amassed over 350,000 total plays. We think “The Meter” is destined for similar success. THØSS very well might be the architect of your song of the summer with they way he plays with start/stop rhythms, colorful melodies, and catchy falsetto delivery. RIYL Darwin Deez, Jukebox the Ghost, or Scissor Sisters. “The Meter” is the second song from THØSS’ upcoming release, Benchwarmer, due out later this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259976126″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]