Latest Posts

MAYA LUCIA – “numb or something”

August 7, 2022

MAYA LUCIA walks the line between beauty and cacophony on her latest, “numb or something.” There’s no ignoring that big “ugly” chord in the progression here (we use that term lightly), but the commitment to beauty-in-ugliness is what makes “numb” truly magical. Bringing to mind bands like Speedy Ortiz and Great Grandpa, “numb” twists and turns in unexpected ways that keep you on your toes as MAYA weaves in directions that barely even seem possible. About the song, she says: “This is the song you scream in your room after a long day. It’s melodrama at its core — the feeling of the world ending only to realize you’re crying over nothing. The track is a journey of self-soothing, and convincing yourself you’re okay (for better or worse).” You can find “numb or something” on Spotify too. MAYA LUCIA · numb or something

Range Life – “TRUCKS”

August 7, 2022

“TRUCKS,” the new jam from Range Life, plods along with so much pleasant indie folk energy, you’d assume songwriter Mike Chiarappa was from the Midwest or Arizona… or something. Instead, this seasoned New Jersey native fooled us with the tasteful use of plucky banjo and shuffling drums. The cherry-on-top here is Chiarappa’s attention to melody, especially the super-pleasant chorus that gives us warm feelings of nostalgia. You can find “TRUCKS” on Spotify and Apple Music too.

Crystal Rose – “Thought I’d Say”

August 7, 2022

There’s something to be said about love songs – there’s a fine line between ultra-sappy and ultra-relatable, and we think Crystal Rose struck a sweet spot with her latest offering, “Thought I’d Say.” Crystal plainly states the things she likes about her man in a refreshing, palatable way – it doesn’t hurt that it’s delivered in a sugary sweet melody that is bound to bounce around your head after a listen or two. The downtempo indie-pop instrumental underneath her vocals is perfectly chill to boot. Check out “Thought I’d Say” on YouTube below – you can also find it on Spotify.

Mamalarky – “Mythical Bonds”

August 3, 2022

Mamalarky mean business; you can hear it on their latest single, “Mythical Bonds.” It’s a part of their latest group endeavor, the sophomore full-length Pocket Fantasy, that they went all-in on… 3/4 of the band uprooted their lives to move into a shared space together. That shared connection is completely evident on “Mythical Bonds” – the jaunty and angular guitar rides up-close-and personal in the forefront while the rest of the band finds ways to weave bass, keyboard, and drums throughout. You can also find “Mythical Bonds”

Bolinas – “U.L.B”

July 31, 2022

Journeyman Bolinas found his way from Kansas, to Seattle, to LA, with lots of musical gusto and catastrophic life experience in tow. You can hear the amalgamation of these events in latest single, “U.L.B” – the mid-tempo slog (in a good way!) sounds like the work of a weathered musician, smashing together angular, midwestern-emo chords into a dream-pop shell. “U.L.B” is short for “unnecessary last beer” and finds songwriter Chris Thomas reminiscing about shedding the self-destructive lifestyle after a few too many nights with a few too many beers. You can find “U.L.B” on Spotify too. bolinas · U.L.B

Far West – “Someday”

July 31, 2022

Santa Cruz-based act Far West is helping us power through the dog days of summer with their fizzy new jam, “Someday.” With twinkly guitar flourishes, fuzzy synth flavor, and reverbed-out vocals, this one feels like it was made for hazy summer days, either poolside or on a long drive with the windows down. About the song, Far West says: “Lyrically, it’s about finding the strength to let the past go and not let it weigh you down.” Follow along with the lyrics via the YouTube embed below – you can also find “Someday” on Spotify.

dani mack – “fleabag”

July 31, 2022

“God forgive me for the things I’ve done” – an omnirelatable sentiment from dani mack (aka Baylee Barrett). Anyone from a small town can relate to the sometimes oppressive nature of their upbringing, something Barrett deals with perfectly in this sassy kiss-off to the perils of dating. With crunchy, catchy guitars that bring to mind Soccer Mommy or Now, Now, this one will get your head bobbing while casually reminding you that we’ve all got judgment day to answer to someday… Maybe. About the song, Barrett says: “’fleabag’ has layers to it”, explains Baylee Barrett. “In simplest terms, which most can relate to, it’s a nod to dating and how terrible it is. On a deeper level, it’s a song about my own sexual repression and my difficulties with casual relationships. I grew up a devout Christian and letting go of the guilt that was instilled in me from such[...]

TEEN BLUSH – “Other Faces”

July 31, 2022

We think you’re going to like the latest single from TEEN BLUSH – recorded purposely in a stream-of-consciousness fashion, “Other Faces” has the twitchy, neurotic feel of something that comes straight from a fit of anxiety. Baritone vocals, mile-a-minute bass, and jittery drums power “Faces”, a suite that perfectly captures TEEN BLUSH’s mood when it was written. About the song, Teen Blush says: “This song is about trying to battle how people perceive you sometimes and seeing other people through the lens of others, even your own. I could go deeper, but I’ll leave it up to interpretation. It kind of drives you crazy.” You can also find “Other Faces” on Spotify and Apple Music. TEEN BLUSH · Other Faces

Ellur – “Close To You”

July 31, 2022

UK-based act Ellur caught our ears with the slow burn intensity of her latest single, “Close To You.” The lyrical content of coping with rejection and craving validation pairs perfectly with the guitar-driven musical backbone, building from a heartfelt opening to something urgent and sincere. The track constantly crescendos until it ends abruptly in the perfect way – fans of Wolf Alice, Sunflower Bean, and Phoebe Bridgers will find lots to love here. Check out the video for “Close To You” on YouTube below – you can also find it on Spotify.

WILDES – “Far and Wide”

July 26, 2022

WILDES (aka the solo-project of London-based singer/songwriter Ella Walker) is fresh off the release of her debut album, Other Words Fail Me… She caught our ears with the lightly bubbling indie pop of single “Far and Wide.” Her excellent vocals give off an inescapable longing vibe while the lightly buzzing instruments form an atmospheric backbone that inspires feelings of relaxation or nostalgia, depending on your current headspace. About the song, Walker says: “‘Far and Wide’ is a celebration of friendship. It reflects the madness and uncertainty of early adulthood and the constant change and turbulence we all go through. After neglecting them for a long time, I realized how constant and secure my friendships had become… The constant support and unconditional love of these people is the reason I am here today. So this is a love letter to those friends who saved me – I would do anything for[...]

Wombo – “7 of Cups”

July 26, 2022

Last time we checked in with the dark energy of Louisville trio Wombo, we were praising their single, “One of These.” They’re back with another dirge, full of intentionally sour-sounding notes (e.g. Pile) and haunting vocals, this time called “7 of Cups.” It’s impossible not to bop along to the trudging bass anchor – it’s similarly difficult not to sway along to the spindly guitar work that hangs like a thick fog over the rest of the track. About the song, Wombo says: “The song is about losing time, forgetting/ being forgotten by time, and feeling trapped by time. The hourglass I found at an antique mall and it gave me the idea to have myself trapped inside a room as a clay version of myself by it.” Check out the music video on YouTube below – you can also find “7” on Spotify.

Blue Cove – “Soothe”

July 26, 2022

We’re loving the energy coming out of Blue Cove, especially on latest single, “Soothe.” The Chicago-based duo offer a modern take on 2000s emo/pop-punk – with plenty of spring-loaded guitar riffs and catchy, impassioned vocals, this would fit comfortably on any playlist anchored by Soccer Mommy, Charly Bliss, and The Beths. About “Soothe,” Blue Cove say: “A toxic lover can drain you. When you give so much of yourself to a partner, you can ultimately end up with very little energy left for yourself and your own goals” You can also find “Soothe” on Spotify. Blue Cove · Soothe

Crooner – “Better Ways”

July 26, 2022

Crooner from our kinda-neighbor city Erie, PA, caught our ears with their latest offering, “Better Ways.” Self-described as “nostalgia-pop,” the trio brings acoustic-driven indie folk flavors with omnipleasant bass and drum accompaniments. On top of it all is a quasi-falsetto vocal line that evokes feelings of longing, but we were particularly drawn to the bridge that combines the otherwise organic instrumentation with subtle electronic flourishes. You can find “Better Ways” on Spotify and Apple Music as well. Crooner · Better Ways

LonelyTwin – “More Than On My Mind”

July 26, 2022

Stockholm’s LonelyTwin (aka Madelene Eliasson) just released her debut album, This End Had No Beginning, via Ultra Records. The song “More Than On My Mind” is on the album, and it’s our latest recommendation for good reason. Expect light and airy indie pop vibes with themes of heartbreak, love, and strained relationships. About the song, Eliasson says: “It’s about being stuck in a loop of thinking that things might be better next time, even though you might know deep down that it’s never gonna happen.” You can also find “More Than On My Mind” on Apple Music and Spotify. LonelyTwin · More Than On My Mind

The Demos – “Streetlight Glow”

July 21, 2022

Our Rochester neighbors in The Demos just released a new single, “Streetlight Glow,” that shows off their penchant for writing hooky indie-garage riffs. With its synth-laced choruses; smart pop sheen; and angular indie rock guitar stabs, “Glow” reminds us of The Strokes; Cold War Kids; or even their fellow Rochesterians in Joywave. About the song, The Demos say: “Youthful love under the glow of a streetlight. Streetlight Glow is a song about your first love and the feeling that no matter what happens, everything thing will be alright as long as you are with them.” You can also find “Streetlight Glow” on Spotify. thedemosmusic · Streetlight Glow