Latest Posts

Futureheaven – “Coldgaze”

April 25, 2023

Coming to us all the way from Sydney, Australia, shoegazers Futureheaven caught our ears with the icy brilliance of their latest single, “Coldgaze.” Immediately, lovelorn guitars soaked in bell-tone ambiance pierce through your speakers, swirling around your head with a surprising amount of clarity for an otherwise shoegaze-y track. There’s (of course) a wall of fuzzed-out guitar backbones to appease any MBV stans out there, but fans of fuzzlords like Pity Sex all the way to surfy dream-poppers like Alvvays will also find lots to sink their teeth into here… Just be sure not to get a brain freeze (you know, because it’s cold). “Coldgaze” is available now on lots of streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp – you can also preview it via the YouTube link below.

Hana McCartney – “Dope”

April 24, 2023

“The Gen-Z love child of Sky Ferreira and Lana from the Ultraviolence era? That’s Hana McCartney.” Their words, not ours… But we think it’s an apt description of this exciting young talent. We’re here to share Hana McCartney’s latest offering, the 90s tinged (but still 2023-flavored) indie pop of “Dope.” Thick with plenty of guitar texture, dramatic synth ambiance, and Hana’s forlorn vocal presence, “Dope’s” indie pop vibe has the feel of a song that could comfortably exist in any of the past 2.5 decades. Hana had a specific vision for this song before it was penned – here’s what she shared with us: “The idea of each song having a drug reference or innuendo was already in my mind when I started writing this album. Taking taboo topics like abusive relationships, substance abuse, addiction, and mental health and personifying them into stories that are relevant to me and others[...]

Sol Bishop – “Write Off”

April 16, 2023

Melbourne based artist Sol Bishop brings a intriguing, punk-forward track into his usual hip hop offering with “WRITE OFF.”  Filled to the brim with self loathing about a failed relationship with lines such as “So I tell you that I’m changing/just to see you naked/but it’s still the same shit,” Bishop doesn’t let up much on his self-critique and clearly takes the blame but doesn’t take responsibility (Baby, I’m a write off). A buzzing bass line reverberates throughout that will stick with you long after the final note, certainly more on the punkier side of things while still retaining Bishop’s spitfire hip-hop delivery. Fans of The Streets, Gorillaz, or even Linkin Park would find this track interesting and may find this a good stepping stone to find more interest in hip hop. You can hear “WRITE OFF” Sol Bishop over on Soundcloud or Spotify as well as several of his[...]

French Alps Tiger – “Heavy”

April 4, 2023

Swansea, UK based three piece French Alps Tiger brings not only a dandy of a single with “Heavy,” but also an EP collection of their singles entitled Switch Off All the Time. In their own words: “[Switch Off]’ is described as “Tapping into guileless, primal feels that we didn’t know were there, we’ve cut the shit and smashed out the sounds and words that best plunge us into that childlike wonder, fitting for an inceptive release, to catch you up on what a fuckup we’ve made of our lives so far.” Releasing a sort of “greatest hits” for such a young band is a ballsy move and certainly worthy of a listen. If you only listened to “Heavy” you’d only be getting part of the picture; this subdued, dirge-y indie gem certainly shines on its own but as part of a whole it stands out as a strong shoegaze-laced endcap[...]

Tonton AI – “Vamos todos dançar”

April 1, 2023

This one is sure to put some pep in your step. Be sure to play this bumping jam as loud as you can over the nicest speakers you can find because you really can’t help but dance to this beat. “Vamos todos dançar” is from Paris, France-based musician (and producer, and DJ, and record label owner) Alexis Camous’s project, Tonton Al. This could very easily be the music for a slick movie opening or an ironic, self-aware dramedy on HBO. Barring that though, this tightly produced track will easily be at home in your headphones, a pumped up shower song, or on the dance floor. While a bit difficult to put into terms of “indie music this sounds similar to,” fans of Saint Motel, Matt and Kim, or even the raucous sound of LCD Soundsystem would certainly find things to enjoy from Tonton Al. You know the drill: Soundcloud, Spotify,[...]

Doug Holmes – “Spare Me Lonesome Days”

March 28, 2023

One man act Doug Holmes brings us a heartfelt thinker of a song by cataloguing the cruel passage of time on “Spare Me Lonesome Days.” His guitar gradually builds and adds additional layers as the song crescendos, but keeps a dirge-like beat that considers the shared experiences betwixt father and son. Holmes captures that America-based malaise that exists in a lot of us, especially being from the Buffalo, NY/rust belt area (like me). If you grew up with parents with decent musical taste, you might be familiar with Bruce Springsteen’s more story-based efforts (not just Born to Run), which this track definitely reminded me of. Not to mention the late great Chris Cornell’s more soulful performances (“Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart” immediately comes to mind). Be sure to check out “Spare My Lonesome Days” on Soundcloud, Spotify, or Apple Music. Please be sure to let us know via Twitter what[...]

bugcatcher – Slacker

March 21, 2023

Rochester act, bugcatcher, write big acoustic-indie tunes for little, yet important moments in their debut full length, Slacker. On the intro song, “Roller,” the project’s lead vocalist, songwriter and main member, Jake Denning, questions changes in his life while a tender guitar riff fades in and out. Responding with indifference, Denning’s voice echoes back onto itself with the vacant phrase “well okay, well alright,” as the instrumentation kindles the project’s gentle, slacker rock sound. Denning has multiple meanings for the title, as he feels there is “a malaise to the way the album flow[s], as it’s “generally pretty mid tempo,” yet he also said it took a long time for him to make, “maybe even too long.” He referred to its origins in late 2020, and how he moved around a couple times during its development. A dreamlike short-story-tune, “Daisy Vs The Grim Reaper,” was one of the first completed.[...]

luvliminall – “4.186”

January 4, 2023

Coming at us all the way from Japan, luvliminall hit our inboxes with the fiery energy of latest single, “4.186.” With shoegazy guitars and an explosively noisy sound reminiscent of Japandroids or your favorite midwest emo-punks, “4.186” makes full use of its guitar-driven backbone. The bass and drums bring a lot of flavor to the song as well, bolstering the guitar’s spastic urgency with a much-appreciated rooting. Overtop the blasts of instrumental chaos is a gentle-but-poignant vocal, delivering just the right amount of sugary sweetness to this otherwise spicy track. Check it out via the YouTube widget below – you can also find “4.186” on Spotify too.

Luka James – “Shake Free”

January 4, 2023

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Luka James wants you to shake off your worries with the release of his his latest jam, “Shake Free.” A gentle intro (complete with chirping birds) lulls you into a relaxed daze before picking up into the surfy indie pop that comprises most of the song. Luka’s soothing vocals give off an upbeat mood that pairs perfectly with the upbeat, guitar-driven instrumentals here… It really is a mood booster – so throw it on your morning playlist if you’ve been finding it a little hard to peel yourself out of bed. The official video for “Shake Free” is embedded below – you can also find the song on Spotify.

Blair Gun – “Pound Sand”

January 4, 2023

San Diego-based act Blair Gun are gearing up for the release of their upcoming album (March 3rd, 2023) with latest single, “Pound Sand.” The quartet specialize in a 90s-esque brand of indie rock, utilizing crunchy guitars, slightly-unhinged vocals, and big guitar riffs. Our favorite part of the song kicks in around the :40 mark, where the band pair a bouncy rhythm with a super tasty guitar lick before ripping into something a little more aggressive. Fans of Built to Spill, Nirvana, and even Parquet Courts will find lots to love here. You can also find “Pound Sand” on Spotify.

Peäsänt – “Wounds”

January 4, 2023

Peäsänt don’t shy away from hard partying and that raucousness comes out in their music – “Wounds” their latest single, has the same grungy, mid-aughts garage rock aesthetic that made stars out of The Strokes. Full of gravely-voiced lyrics, tasty guitar licks, and an overarching don’t-give-a-fuck energy, “Wounds” would be the perfect soundtrack to jumping through a table or smashing beer bottles against the wall… Just don’t tell your landlord. Check out “Wounds” and the rest of Peäsänt’s discography on Spotify and Bandcamp.

Foyer Red – “Etc”

January 3, 2023

One-of-a-kind indie rock act Foyer Red is back with another stellar single called “Etc.” Call it freak-punk, call it avant-garde, or just straight up indie rock, “Etc.” is full of wonky guitar riffs, nimble bass licks, and unique harmonies that are sure to strike you in a way you’ve never felt/heard before. Between the unique, jaunty rhythms and the overall carefree vibes, “Etc” sounds like it could be the soundtrack to a fun house (that’s a genuine compliment… Somehow). About the song, singer Elana Riordan says: “My character in ‘Etc’ finds themselves in a dysfunctional relationship in which gender informs internal struggles of power and control.” We’re Foyer Red stans – in case you missed it, check out our previous features of “Slander,” “Pickles,” and “Flipper.” “Etc” is out now on Carpark Records – it can be found on Apple Music and Spotify, along with the rest of Foyer Red’s[...]

Mounder – “Lake Town”

January 3, 2023

Minneapolis-based act Mounder hit us with this short-and-sweet ballad they’re calling “Lake Town.” Written during the mandated curfew way back in 2020, “Lake Town” embodies feelings of stir craziness and boredom with this acoustic-guitar driven composition. Bolstered by keyboards and even a trombone, the sad-but-sweet flavors of “Lake Town” would fit comfortably on any playlist next to Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, and Sufjan Stevens. You can find “Lake Town” on Spotify and Apple Music as well.

Person – “Win Win Win”

January 3, 2023

Person is utterly anonymous – from the un-googlable project name to the mask they don during their performances… But their latest single, “Win Win Win,” is anything but. With a bright and surfy vibe, big melodies, and a warm production quality, “Win” is a pretty surprising composition coming from someone who looks like they belong in a Freddy vs. Jason reboot. These aren’t digs at all, we love Person’s persona – but we’d be lying if we said we weren’t chuffed at the sight of Person frolicking on the beach. Great song, great video – we think you’ll enjoy this one. “Win Win Win” is also on Spotify.

Creek Violence – “Waste”

January 3, 2023

Pittsburgh act Creek Violence are fresh off the release of their latest single, “Waste.” The song begins with a sparse and morose intro reminiscent of Pile or Attic Abasement before evolving (devolving?) into a wall of passionate, scream-filled noise. We’re suckers for bands that sound like they’d fit on the perfect basement show lineup, and Creek Violence absolutely fits that bill. Sit back and crack open a nice warm PBR as CV brings you back to your damp basement show glory days. “Waste” is available on Creek Violence’s newest release, Screwdriver Man. You can find “Waste” and the rest of the EP on Spotify and Apple Music as well.