Latest Posts

Endearments – “Ocean”

October 13, 2021

The tellingly-named Endearments explore themes of heartbreak on their latest synthpop/dreampop hybrid, “Ocean.” Endearments is more colloquially known as Brooklyn native Kevin Marksson – the songwriter and synth-head describes, “Ocean” as: “A no-stone-unturned glimpse into the pain of watching someone you love fall for someone else.” Brutal. Musically, however, “Ocean” is an urgent, shiny song that makes use of vintage synth tones, an overdriven bass backbone, and discoesque drumbeats. We love the juxtaposition of heartbreak with a retro-flavored, but ultimately contemporary feel. So now you’ve heard “Ocean” – time to swing by Spotify too to add it to your playlist. Endearments · Ocean

Interesting Hobbies Club – “Middle of the 110”

October 13, 2021

Interesting Hobbies Club here with a lo-fi riff rocker that is sure to make you feel something. This time around, IHC made a conscientious effort to bring a bit more melody to their music and the result is something delightfully rickety. Bringing to mind the rawness of Pixies, Wolf Parade, and early Modest Mouse, “Middle of the 110” is a spiraling bedroom venture into dreampop territory. Highlights include a forlorn vocal take, noodle-worthy guitar and bass riffing, and a sense of pure emotion that seems to drip out of every corner of this tune. Get a taste for “110” below via YouTube – if you like it, be sure to add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.

Liily – “Anvil”

October 13, 2021

Fresh off a tight September gig at Mohawk Place, we’re happy to feature LA-based quartet Liily and their mathy/shoegaze hybrid, “Anvil.” This young band is no stranger to the press – they’ve been featured heavily in Spotify and Apple Music playlists and have even performed at Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo… But we’re just drawn to “Anvil” because it’s really, really cool. They layer thick, sludgy guitars overtop purposely hyperbolic lyrics to create something cacophonous and rhythmic all at once. This is one of those songs that needs to be heard to be truly appreciated, so hit the play button on the widget below and let their antics carry you away. If you enjoy “Anvil,” be sure to add it to your favorite playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. LIILY · Anvil

Belaver – “Mount Misery”

October 13, 2021

Belaver stepped out of his comfort zone to put out his first “upbeat” single and we think it paid off big time… “Mount Misery” is a look at the so-called American dream and how creatives in today’s society tend to get exploited by faceless corporations. Belaver set out to credit the artists that worked on the video for “Misery” (which, as creatives ourselves, we can totally get behind). In addition to the relatable message, we were initially drawn to “Mount Misery” because of the music itself – Belaver’s eclectic vocals are reminiscent of sing-speakers like Bright Eyes or Modern Baseball with a particularly beaten-down twist. Check out the animated music video for “Mount Misery” below – it features (credited!) work from 15 different animators around the globe. You can also find it on Spotify if streaming is more your speed.

Humble Braggers Release New Single, “So Alive”

October 12, 2021

Buffalo indietronica mainstays Humble Braggers are back again with another lush single they’re calling “So Alive.” By now (we hope!) you’re familiar with the quartet’s euphoric sound – songs filled with what seems like hundreds of synth textures; big vintage drum sounds; plucky guitar riffs; and Tom Burtless’ signature croon. “So Alive” continues that trend, complete with a set of lyrics about how good it feels to face your fears head-on. Check out “So Alive” below via Soundcloud. If you like it, you can also find their entire discography on Spotify and Apple Music. PS: Don’t forget to pre-save their full-length LP, Love & Fear, due out November 11th – here’s the link for you to do so. Humble Braggers · So Alive

Ice In My Eyes – “Arpeggiator”

October 7, 2021

Luxembourg-based quintet Ice In My Eyes nailed it on this high-energy synthpop-meets-indie-rock jam they’re calling “Arpeggiator.” With a big synth bass bouncing the song along, the song lurches forward at a great, blood-pumping tempo. Even though this has an upbeat feel musically, it still encapsulates the band’s frustrations perfectly – refrains of “shut up, shut up, shut up” feel sincerely frustrated, while pleas of “sing the same song forever” express just how tough it’s been to feel stagnant these last few years. If you like what you hear via the YouTube embed below, be sure to swing by IIME’s Spotify too.

The Washing Line Economy – “Mirrors”

October 7, 2021

Last time we checked in with The Washing Line Economy, we were excited to share their swirly, sunny slice of indie pop called “In As Many Minutes.” They’re back again with a new tune called “Mirrors” that continues their trend of slightly-squiggly indie rock with a hint of psych flavor. Fans of guitar effects will enjoy the lead guitars here, but otherwise, this is a relatively hush-hush tune that plays with slow-burn vibes in a simmering intensity. Fans of newer Turnover, Mac Demarco, or Tame Impala will enjoy this overall-adorned band’s unique style. Don’t miss out on the mirror-themed music video below – if you like it, be sure to add it to your playlist on Spotify.

Schedule 1 – “Paint It Red”

October 6, 2021

Vancouver-based post-punkers Schedule 1 caught our ears with this super urgent song about “familial identity, purpose, and pain.” We were drawn to the sheer energy of “Paint it Red” – a blistering tempo, sing/shout vocals, shreddy guitar riffs, and a chord progression that just beckons emotions. Fans of everyone from Cloud Nothings to Alexisonfire are going to find something to love here. Check out the equally chaotic video for “Paint It Red” below – if you like what you hear, check it out on Apple Music or Spotify too.

Vagrant Sabbatical – “past mary”

October 6, 2021

Beyond the crushing, stripped-down simplicity of “past mary,” Vagrant Sabbatical has an amazing backstory. Having been sent from “Hawaii to Queens to Vermont to California” over the past few years and holding three different jobs, he simply hasn’t had the time or the space to set up a true makeshift studio. Enter his latest album, recorded entirely using the voice memos app on his phone. “mary” is the lead single full of lyrical bombs that would make both Attic Abasement and Hold Steady fans blush. Preview the crushing “past mary” via YouTube below – you can also find his music on Apple Music and Spotify.

Gabe James – “FLICKER”

October 6, 2021

Viral TikTok sensation Gabe James struck it big with a flip of Olivia Rodrigo’s smash single “good 4 u…” Now he’s trying his hand at his own stuff and it’s going remarkably well. “FLICKER” is our latest recommendation – beyond the flashy music video treatment and Gabe’s unmistakable 20-year-old charm, “FLICKER” is a surprisingly understated indie-pop nugget full of smart melodies, acoustic guitar, and lots of well-timed obscenities. Watch the music video for “FLICKER” below – if you like it, you can also find his music on Spotify.

Abbreviations – “Turn On You”

October 5, 2021

Dallas-based quartet Abbreviations nailed it on this hush-hush indie rocker they’re calling “Turn On You.” Rather than stick to a traditional love ballad, this is a song about realizing you have feelings for someone else outside of your relationship… Or as they put it, “Are these feelings real or am I just bored?” Whether you’re experiencing love, guilt, or both equally, those emotions come to the surface on this shoegaze-tinged tune – it’s a perfect quartet of delicate guitars, vocals, drums, and bass to help you make sense of it all. Check out the music video below, then swing by your preferred streaming service: Apple Music or Spotify.

Varsity Star – “Pipes”

October 5, 2021

There’s something to be said about a visceral song like “Pipes” by Varsity Star – rather than try to make a melodic/traditional song, “Pipes” is all about being an “extremely physical” listen. The textures in the song seem to pop out of the speakers; Varsity Star suggests that it sounds like, well, pipes, or a percussive, wooly pipe organ… But we’ll leave that up to you. This isn’t the first time we’ve clicked with the Brooklyn-based instrumental glitch-master either – we previously recommended his 2020 single, “Headphones Kid” for a similar reason. We think you’re gonna like this palate-cleanser – check it out below and then check out his unique discography via Spotify. Varsity Star · Pipes

VANT – “All I Need To Get By”

October 5, 2021

There’s something delightfully raucous about the latest offering from VANT – “All I Need To Get By” is an ode to OCD, addictions, and insecurities set perfectly to a chaotic-but-enjoyable palate of synths and guitars. For all the pre-existing VANT fans out there, this one goes out to you – the energy here seems to adequately scratch that old-school VANT itch. You can listen to “All I Need to Get By” on YouTube first (below), followed by Spotify (here).

Dave Monks – “Can’t Put My Fire Out”

October 5, 2021

Buffalo is a Tokyo Police Club town, so hopefully our friend Dave Monks needs no introduction – he’s here with a super-catchy solo-outing called “Can’t Put My Fire Out.” This one has a lot of positive, upbeat energy, starting in the jaunty-but-simple guitar backbone and truly coming out in Monks’ iconic and endearing vocals. The song acts as sort of a mission statement from Monks; a declaration of his independence from the grind of the world and justification that what truly matters can never be taken away from him. Check out the lyric video below – you can also listen on Spotify and Apple Music.

Sam Wright – “Closer”

October 5, 2021

Sam Wright is here crafting the kind of swirly, lo-fi pop that truly matters – case-in-point, the groovy whirl of “Closer.” Jangly guitar stabs; noodle-y bass lines; and spiraling riffs are jam packed into this tune… Fans of Crumb, TOPS, and and Unknown Mortal Orchestra are going to love this one. There’s even an ethereal, near-jazzy breakdown around the three-minute-mark – stick around and see where he goes with it. If you like “Closer” as much as we did, you’ll also be able to find it on Spotify. Sam Wright · Closer