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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” /]

Graveyard Club – “Nightcrawler”

May 8, 2016

Graveyard Club is a Minneapolis quartet who seem to be taken by all things occult. Beyond the haunting keyboards layered throughout their dark brand of synthpop lies an interest in sci-fi, 50s crooners, and 80s-style pop. “Nightcrawler” is the perfect amalgamation of these interests, having literally been recorded in a 19th century haunted mansion. One listen to “Nightcrawler” and you’ll begin to notice the gothic and romantic imagery worm its way into your ears. You can pick up “Nightcrawler” from Graveyard Club’s Bandcamp page here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/255748461″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ohms – “Changed My Face”

May 7, 2016

Blending together fast tempos, gritty feminist punk, and a tinge of sparkly glam, Melbourne’s Ohms are a visceral female-fronted punk experience. The quartet’s “Changed My Face” caught our attention earlier this week, taking note from other bands with fellow “I-don’t-effing-care” front-women like Courtney Love, Veruca Salt, or L7. “Changed My Face” is about using plastic surgery as a crutch to avoid dealing with deeper issues (here’s looking at you, MJ). Ohms’ newest untitled offering can be found here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257897813″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Leitbur – “I Need You”

May 7, 2016

LA’s Leitbur (pronounced light-brrr) is on a roll, producing perfect nu-80s synthpop. They recently released a stellar LP, Antique Travelers. Track three, “I Need You,” is a feel-good summer jam if there ever was one, combining retro beats, catchy synth lines, and a huge chorus. What’s more, the song is celebrating the duo’s upcoming marriage. Judging by “I Need You,” we think they’re starting off on the right foot. We think you’d like Leitbur if you’re a fan of Chvrches, M83, or any music released in the year 1984. You can pick up Antique Travelers here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258477489″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fellow Creatures – “Wouldn’t You Like To Know”

May 6, 2016

Somehow, the circuit-bending weirdos in Fellow Creatures have found a way to turn odd, lurching synths and pulsing guitars into something quite palatable and enjoyable. The Washington, DC quartet is adept at genre-blurring, focusing heavily on writing memorable melodies and pleasant harmonies without sacrificing any of their instrumental quirkiness. Fans of Yeasayer, City and Color, or Menomena would be pleased by Fellow Creatures’ antics. “Wouldn’t You Like To Know” has been turned into a music video which you can enjoy below. You can pick up their self-titled album, Fellow Creatures, on Bandcamp.

TORCHES – “Future”

May 6, 2016

TORCHES are a duo from LA that makes danceable indie pop tunes. They are inspired by a sentimental attachment to music in their past but driven by their dreams of the future. Not convinced? A listen to their most recent offering, “Future,” might change your mind. Mixed by Chandler Harrod (Best Coast, Local Natives) and mastered by Steve Fallone (The Strokes, TV on the Radio), “Future” has quite the pedigree. RIYL: Foster the People, Grouplove, or Phoenix. You can pick up “Future” on iTunes here.  [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258464843″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

X-DOG – “Pull Me Up”

May 6, 2016

Any Batavian (or native of Buffalo, Rochester, or any of the towns in between) is sure to remember Vagrant Records’ Down To Earth Approach, whose success in the early aughts cemented their legacy as one of the most influential and successful bands to come out of WNY. After a decade in limbo, all five original members are picking up where they left off in a new project called X-Dog. Fun fact: X-Dog recorded their drums with fellow Batavian and buffaBLOG staple, Anthony Del Plato. “Pull Me Up” is a yearning, mid-tempo jam that mixes 2000s emo vibes with a contemporary power pop feel. “Pull Me Up” is about returning to your hometown – a perfect jam for inspiring a wave of nostalgia as you pull off the 90 and see the familiar sights of home. You can buy a “cassingle” featuring X-Dog’s first two singles, including “Pull Me Up,” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257289178″[...]

LISHI – “Monster Kids”

May 5, 2016

In terms of haunting and mysterious noir-pop, LISHI is at the top of her game. LISHI is an anonymous project, combining both musical and visual experiences into something ethereal and beautiful. “Monster Kids” is her first effort, and finds the character accepting her faults and eventually coming to terms with them. We are particularly mesmerized by “Monster Kid’s” chorus, anchored down by a wonderful blue note. “Monster Kids” is currently available for free on LISHI’s Bandcamp page.