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young friend – “ENDLESS”

August 12, 2022

Bedroom-pop act young friend (aka songwriter Drew Tarves) knows how to blend genre to his advantage. Whether it’s the grungy guitars, squiggly keyboard textures, or smartly-composed 2022-flavored percussion, “ENDLESS” could fit on just about any playlist. At only 22-years-old, the wunderkind uses the age old topic of lost young love to his advantage – about the song, he says: “ENDLESS is a song that reflects on a past relationship. It is about feeling nostalgic for what you once had, like you would do anything to return to that time in your life.” Follow along to the lyrics via the music video for “Endless” below – you can also find it on Spotify and Apple Music.

Tender Glue – “Simple Boys”

August 12, 2022

Tender Glue, the clever moniker for songwriter Tom Gluewicki, captured our hearts with the fun indie rock energy of latest single, “Simple Boys.” A not-so-secret nod to ALL kinds of love (including self), “Boys” bounces along with it’s playful guitar riff and surprisingly longing vocal performance. About the song, Tom says: “This one is kind of a funny take on the immaturity of some men – not in a derogatory way. At the end of the day, all we ever need is love, even ‘Simple Boys’” You can also find “Simple Boys” on Bandcamp (below) and Spotify. Simple Boys by Tender Glue

Spill, Dance, Refine – “Wide Awake”

August 12, 2022

The mysterious act Spill, Dance, Refine is a breath of fresh air… Or maybe a deep inhale on a fresh cigarette. One listen to the gravely vocals on latest single “Wide Awake” will have you knowing exactly what we mean – they sing about trying to sleep amid a circus in your head; jabberjaws scaring off the ladies; and a host of other mile-a-minute intrusive thoughts that we deal with on the daily. It’s all delivered over just-as-gravely guitar tones – fuzzed out to perfection, especially when the first big chorus hits. You can also find “Wide Awake” on Spotify. Spill, Dance, Refine · Wide Awake

Bo Milli – “How It Is”

August 12, 2022

Bergen, Norway-based indie rocker Bo Milli caught our ears with this not-so-lighthearted jam. The upbeat instrumentals belie the ennui that powers the song lyrically – see the line about those ever-pervasive Strokes hits that seem to have powered the rest of indie rock composition since 2001… Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to you to decide. Further confirming our hypothesis, about the song, Bo says: “Originally the chorus was this tiny bit where I say “you know how it is” — a sort of anti-chorus undermining the idea of a thesis statement. This song is mainly made up of lines gesturing towards a vague dissatisfaction everyone seems to relate to, without really saying much outright.” You can also find “How It Is” on Bandcamp (below) and Spotify. How it is by Bo Milli

Berry & Balloon Twister – “Dream Tangerine”

August 7, 2022

Berry & Balloon Twister teamed up for this blissful, psyched-out take on jangle pop that they’re calling “Dream Tangerine.” There’s something that reminds us of the late 90s on this one (think New Radicals or The Sundays) – sparkly guitar leads and nimble bass flourishes pair well with Berry’s soaring and airy vocal presence. Fun fact, XTC’s Andy Partridge arranged the hiatus on this track. An even MORE fun fact comes straight from Berry herself – see below: “This song was partially inspired by picking up a hitchhiker in the snowy winter who was a porn channel presenter (Babe Station) late for work. Her mum flagged down the car, she was cold (not enough clothes on). We liked her, she was nice.” You can also find this collab on Bandcamp. Balloon Twister Records · Berry & Balloon Twister – Dream Tangerine

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[...]