Latest Posts

The Kite Society – “Oxford Jelly”

September 14, 2021

We’re loving the spunk on the new single from The Kite Society – you might also recognize singer/songwriter Donald Campbell from his work in The Easter Island Statue. “Oxford Jelly” is a Blur-ish, guitar-driven single with lots of unique hallmarks – think flutes, trumpets, and a sing-songy cadence that we couldn’t resist smiling about. It’s twangy, sassy, and fun – fans of Johnny Foreigner, Cake, or even Weezer will dig this one. Preview “Oxford Jelly” via YouTube below – you can also find it on Spotify and Apple Music.

Petite Amie – “Elektro”

September 14, 2021

Here’s a cool one from Mexico City’s Petite Amie – we’ve been enjoying the woozy electropop sounds of the fittingly-named “Elektro.” Swirly synths, futuristic vibes, and super-pleasant falsetto crooning pushes this one into near-psychedelic territory without ever losing the air of shimmery pop propulsiveness. About “Elektro,” the band says: “We tried to translate a dream where you don’t know exactly where you are going but you let yourself go.” Well said. Check out the music video for “Elektro” below – you can also find it on Apple Music and Spotify.

Johnny Hart and the Mess Release New Single, “Get Lost Living”

September 11, 2021

Buffalo-based rock n’ rollers Johnny Hart and the Mess recently released a new song called “Get Lost Living.” While showcasing Johnny’s soaring vocals and riff-based, guitar-driven style, the band dives deep lyrically on “Living.” About the song, they say: “This song is about getting lost in life. Both bad lost and good lost. Bad meaning you get so engulfed in the trivial nonsense of the day to day, you stop and ask are you really living your life, or are you just going through motions? Good meaning, you are so entranced in something that is bringing you immense joy that you’re just watching your life go by and couldn’t be happier… Life is short, get lost living it.” We think you’re gonna like it – you can listen to “Get Lost Living” via YouTube below or stream it on Apple Music, Deezer, or Spotify.

Lazy Daze – “Two Hands On The Wheel”

September 9, 2021

LA-based indie rocker Lazy Daze hit our inboxes with the beachy “Two Hands On The Wheel” and we’ve been hooked ever since. Wavy guitars and an ever-present halo of reverb help to propel this toward that hazy (pun intended) end-of-summer vibe that feels so fitting this time of year. Hit the waterfront one more time this year and make sure this one is on your playlist. “Two Hands” is available on Deezer, Apple Music, and Spotify. Lazy Daze · Two Hands On The Wheel

Paul Whitacre – “90 Down 40”

September 9, 2021

We can all agree 2020 was a mess, right? Singer/songwriter Paul Whitacre‘s last year was rough too – as evidenced by his ode to his lost 2020 tour, “90 Down 40.” In the song, Whitacre comes to terms with his doomed tour through a dirge-y tempo, electronic flourishes, and his trademark baritone croon. Fans of Bright Eyes, Radical Face, and M. Ward are going to like this a lot. You can listen to “90 Down 40” via Soundcloud below, or, stream it via Spotify. Paul Whitacre · 90 down 40

Neon Cathedral – “Drab”

September 3, 2021

Oklahoma City duo Neon Cathedral recently released their debut EP, Velvet – it’s an onslaught of shoegazy, fuzzed-out songs led by lead single “Drab.” There gothy vibes and a reverb-soaked atmosphere here set off by strong melody and lovelorn vocals – fans of Slowdive, Pity Sex, and Smashing Pumpkins are going to love this one. “Drab” is available via Bandcamp below – you can also find it on Spotify or Apple Music. Velvet by Neon Cathedral

Spritely – “Imma Buy A House”

September 1, 2021

Digging this pop-grunge tune from bedroom-popper Spritely – “Imma Buy A House” is a “cheeky declaration of independence” from a long-distance partner who was expressing some iffy-ness about Spritely moving across the country to be together… She tells them off with this dark-pop jam; it’s shined-up with pop production while never losing the emo/grunge, guitar-driven sensibilities of someone who has been hurt. Fans of Jay Som or Kississippi will love this one. Check out “Imma Buy A House” via YouTube below – you can also find it on Spotify if you prefer streaming.

Dead Emerson – “Eleventh Hour”

September 1, 2021

Last time we checked in with Dead Emerson, we were jazzed on their latest single, “Sucker Punch.” The one-man-show is back again with another indie-pop banger called “Eleventh Hour.” Emerson recently dealt with some pesky bouts of disassociation, where he felt out-of-body for days at a time… He channeled his ennui into this big-energy song, full of sparkly guitar riffs, punchy drums, and impassioned vocals. Check out “Eleventh Hour” on Bandcamp below – if streaming is more your thing, you can listen on Spotify as well. Eleventh Hour by Dead Emerson

The Day – “Empty”

September 1, 2021

We’ve raved about Netherlands-based dream-pop duo The Day before – both in their cover of The Lemonheads’ “Tenderfoot” and their ethereal indie rocker “We Killed Our Hearts.” They’re back with another stunning slice of indie pop, a song called “Empty.” With strong, polished production value, a driven drumbeat, tasty chord progressions, and singer Laura Loeters’ catchy vocal melodies, this one is sure to get your energy levels up… But beneath the smart songcraft, there’s a deeper message to “Empty:” “There’s so much that needs to be done. So much that needs to change for this world. And then we always come up against limits and glass ceilings… We need to do much more. We need to listen much more to the youth, to the new generation!” We think you’re gonna like this one – preview it below via Soundcloud and don’t forget to add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.[...]

HotKid – “Letter”

September 1, 2021

HotKid is the work of multi-talented Canadian producer/singer/songwriter/guitarist Shiloh Harrison… We’ve been jamming on their latest offering, “Letter” all week. On the surface, “Letter” is a crunchy indie rock tune that highlights a jangly approach and Harrison’s forlorn vocal delivery. Beneath the surface, it tackles feelings of frustration and listlessness – being unable to pretend like it’s ok anymore. Fans of Liz Phair, Big Thief, and Bully will find lots to love here. Keep an eye out for HotKid’s upcoming LP, Truth or Deceiver, due out Oct. 1, 2021 on Fortune Stellar Records. Until then, check out the music video for “Letter” below – you can also stream it with Spotify.

I Know Leopard – “Day 2 Day”

August 30, 2021

Here’s a spicy one from Sydney-based trio I Know Leopard. “Day 2 Day” is an ebullient indie-pop jam driven by a bouncy piano backbone. They explore themes of self-doubt and uncertainty through a neon-lens, bringing to mind Caribou, Passion Pit, and The Avalanches with their upbeat take on alt-pop. Put this one on if you’re feeling down – it’ll be impossible not to feel good with “Day 2 Day” pumping through your speakers. You can check out “Day 2 Day” via the Bandcamp widget below – it’s also available for streaming via Spotify. Day 2 Day by I Know Leopard

Frogs Show Mercy – “Hereditary”

August 30, 2021

Here’s a cool one all the way from Miami from emo band Frogs Show Mercy. “Hereditary” is a jaunty, oddly-timed tune with lots of 90s influence – think somewhere between Cap’n Jazz, American Football, and The Dismemberment Plan. You can expect jazzy drumbeats, twinkly guitar noodles, and ultra-sincere vocals – plus a quiet/loud shift mid-song to really get the blood pumping. Preview “Hereditary” via YouTube below – you can also find it on Spotify or Apple Music.

Laundry – “Commercials”

August 27, 2021

Oregon-based act Laundry are here with a springy new single in the form of “Commercials.” The band’s gloriously happy and melody-soaked music brings to mind Vampire Weekend, The Shins, and Ra Ra Riot – expect lots of la-la-las, ooh-ooh-oohs, and tightly wound instrumentation that’s as uplifting as it is energizing. They’ve set it all off with a perfect music video – just lo-fi enough to be charming, but with a surprising amount of detail packed into the nuances… Keep an eye out for all the ingenious Laundry puns. You can watch the music video for “Commercials” below via YouTube – if you like it, consider adding it to your Spotify playlist.

Foyer Red – “Slander”

August 27, 2021

We’ve never heard anything quite like “Slander” by Foyer Red… Their songs are playfully chaotic – featuring plucky guitar riffing, squiggly synth arrangements, dueling vocals, tempo changes, and even a bit of whistling. The first single from their upcoming EP Zigzag Wombat (October 22) is called “Slander” – it’s an ode to a World of Warcraft nemesis who liked to pwn noobs. For such an effervescent song, it’s a fitting subject matter with a charming backstory. Their quirky approach is a bit like Speedy Ortiz, Great Grandpa, or Deerhoof. Fans of any of the aforementioned should check this out for sure. If you’re digging “Slander,” check it out via Soundcloud below. You can then swing by Spotify or Apple Music for your streaming needs. Foyer Red · Slander

Nxghtshade – “Death By Desire”

August 27, 2021

It’s not often we get an emo house tune in our inboxes, but LA-based producer Nxghtshade has done it with their latest single, “Death By Desire.” Carried by itchy guitar stabs; a super danceable synth backbone; and a vaguely love-inspired lyrical package, this one had us in our feels and bobbing our heads simultaneously. As Nxghtshade says, “Even sad kids wanna dance sometimes.” Super clean production and nu-disco sentiment doesn’t hurt – this one’s one you should hear for yourself. Preview “Death By Desire” via YouTube below – it’s also on Spotify and Apple Music.