Latest Posts

Inky Nite – “Spectres”

December 14, 2020

Here’s a dope one from husband/wife duo Inky Nite. This Brighton-based duo caught our ears with the dark, twinkly indie pop of “Spectres.” Bringing to mind acts like Still Corners or Beach House with a tinge of 1980s aesthetic, “Spectres” takes a big bouncy bassline and turns it into something mysterious, yet danceable. The real treat here is around the 2:20 mark when they breakdown into an eerie bridge – best heard for yourself. Check it out below – Inky Nite is also on Spotify. Inky Nite · Spectres

Vlimmer – “Vorwehen”

December 9, 2020

Loving the moody electronica feels on this banger from Germany’s Vlimmer. “Vorwehen” is a dark and mysterious jam, with hints of 80s industrial flavor and modern dream-pop. It twists and turns through unique chord progressions, sparkly synth hits, and surprisingly melodic guitar leads. Vocally, Vlimmer should appeal to fans of both Depeche Mode and Wicca Phase Springs Eternal alike – it’s a deep, forlorn baritone that suits the aesthetic perfectly. This one is quite a journey and best heard for yourself – check it out below. Alternatively, you can also check it out via Bandcamp. Blackjack Illuminist · Vlimmer – Vorwehen (Single Edit)

Talkboy – “Sky Is Falling”

December 8, 2020

Here’s another cool one from Leeds-based indie rock act Talkboy. A few months ago, we were digging on their previous single, “Someone Else.” They’ve done it again, this time, with the ultra-energetic guitar rock of “Sky Is Falling.” This one is reminiscent of Cloud Nothings with a hint of Parquet Courts and 90s britpop flavor a la Blur. There’s no denying the blistering tempo on this one – we’re also digging the male/female harmonies. Check it out below – they’ve got a Spotify too.

oddnesse – “Hot Air”

December 8, 2020

Here’s a cool indie rocker from LA-based oddnesse. At its onset, “Hot Air” finds the singer/songwriter playing with abstract lyrical concepts and dreamy guitar riffs to create something lilting and soothing in the dream-pop vein. Mid-song, oddnesse switches to something a bit more hypnotic and jammy, alternating to a psych-tinged rhythmic pulse with distorted guitars and a tasteful shaker. This one is a great listen all the way through – check it out below or visit her Spotify. oddnesse · Hot Air

In Between Years – “The Sun”

December 7, 2020

Here’s an intense one from German indie-folk trio In Between Years. “The Sun” is a baroque-tinged, gloomy-indie-pop jam that brings to mind greats like Alt-J, Bonobo, or Arcade Fire. Full of horn blasts, acoustic guitars, electric guitar-solos, unique instruments (think accordion, etc.), and a can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it sense of impending doom, this one should appeal to fans of both musicianship and melody alike. The trio put together a music video that shows off their angst and emotion – check that out below.

Maella – “Downtown”

December 7, 2020

Liking this energetic, indie-pop banger from Maella (M-Y-L-A). Prague-born and London-bred, Maella’s music is reminiscent of the vibrant cities she identifies with. With it’s lighthearted progression, bouncing bassline, and Maella’s just-right vocal delivery, “Downtown” is one of our favorite feel-good jams as of late. This one is an all-arounder – it would fit comfortably on a casual playlist, a workout playlist, and would even make an amazing title-track for Rocket League. Check it out below, we think you’ll dig it – Maella’s also got a Spotify. Maella · Downtown

maxime. – “read receipts”

December 7, 2020

Here’s a dope, eclectic one from Ottawa-based maxime.. We’re highlighting this stand-out from maxime.’s latest album, Cerulean. “read receipts” is full of alt-pop bombast – it’s blown-out and fuzzy like an indie rock jam but still retains its synthpop backbone. Feeling just a little left-of-center genrewise, between it’s stream of consciousness lyrics and sonic palette, we think “read receipts” sounds like nothing we’ve ever heard before. Check it out below via Soundcloud – maxime. also has a Spotify if that’s more your thing. maxime. · read receipts

Souls Extolled – “Allegiant Swine”

December 7, 2020

Here’s a proto-prog-psych jam from Austin-based trio Souls Extolled. This unique three-piece packs a wallop into their power-trio package, bringing to mind bands like Jane’s Addiction or Faith No More with tinges of ska punk and classic rock. “Allegiant Swine” is our recommendation for where to start – with a sincere garage rock mix, this one is packed full of heavy rock n’ roll energy, distorted guitars, and nimble basslines. Check it out below via YouTube – Souls Extolled also have a Spotify and a Bandcamp.

Apology Fest – “Banish All Thought”

December 7, 2020

Here’s a haunting one from Long Beach, CA-based Apology Fest – with a big bassline and moody, dark vibes, “Banish All Thought” is reminiscent of indie rock greats like Pinback, The Shins, or even The Dismemberment plan. The musicianship here is top notch; while “Banish” will certainly appeal to mathy musician-types, there’s a surprising amount of melodic goodness tucked into the nooks and crannies of this one as well. Check it out via YouTube below – you can also find their latest ep (which houses “Banish All Thought”), Timeliness, on Spotify.

Buffalo Duo Amateur Hockey Club Releases New EP & Single

December 4, 2020

Here’s a dope one from Buffalo’s own Amateur Hockey Club. The Buffalo-based duo reside in an emo-indie aether, as evidenced by their latest offering, “Mad Max Mathews Makes Machines Musical.” Bringing to mind bands like Transit, Charmer, or Dryjacket, “Mad Max” finds the duo exploring the realities of post-grad ennui and twenty-something angst with lyrical sincerity, meandering guitar and bass riffs, and a bedroom-pop-esque mix. This one really lets loose around the two-minute-mark, where the guys step on the distortion pedals and go out swinging with an anthemic sing-along section. Amateur Hockey Club just released a brand new EP called Figure Myself Out, upon which “Mad Max” resides. Check out the whole EP on Spotify here.

Broad Valley – “Yesterday Overcoming”

December 1, 2020

Here’s a cool indietronica jam from Broad Valley – instrumental jams are tough to put into words, but we’ll do our best! This one follows the bedroom-pop aesthetic with a hypnotic, triplet-based acoustic guitar. It’s full of atmospheric noises and static ambiance, all of which add to its overall nuanced feel. As with all music, this one is best heard for yourself – set the mood via the YouTube link below. It’s available lots of other places here.

carolesdaughter – “Violent”

December 1, 2020

Here’s a poignant one from LA-based singer/songwriter carolesdaughter. This 18-year-old (colloquially known as Thea Taylor) put her heart on her sleeve when writing “Violent,” an obvious ode to a toxic relationship. With a trap-esque beat and guitars that sound like they’re about to fall apart, this one could find fans in people who like Clairo, Wicca Phase Springs Eternal, or even Cursive. Check out the music video below – it will break your heart – then find it on your favorite music streaming service here.

Dodo Origami – “Wonderland”

November 30, 2020

Berlin’s Dodo Origami here with a fun guitar rocker called “Wonderland.” Propelled by a fast tempo, a driven bassline, and guitar riffing, “Wonderland” has the fun of pop punk energy without the brattiness of the genre as a whole. Instead, “Wonderland” could sit comfortably on a shelf next to The Gaslight Anthem or Weezer. Check it out below – they also have a Spotify. Say No To Art by Dodo Origami

Frederik – “Portraits”

November 30, 2020

Loving this slow burn jam from Swiss act Frederik – reminiscent of Porches with a hint of Slowdive, “Portraits” is an ambient and ethereal indie rocker with a haunting vocal take from frontman Rolf Laureijs. The refrain of “and I wonder where have you been” has been swirling around our heads for days. It’s one of those bedroom-pop productions that is lo-fi at heart, but has an accidental (or intentional) perfect mix – check out the video below or swing by Spotify to add it to your playlist.

Full Body 2 Releases Glitchy Shoegaze Debut, “keygen memory”

November 30, 2020

Here’s a new jam from some familiar faces… Rochester’s Full Body has fully-evolved into their final(?) form: Full Body 2. They’re now creating wall-of-sound shoegaze with glitchy IDM textures. Their first offering is “keygen memory,” full of brutal guitar fuzz, digital keyboard imprints, and trademark far-off shoegaze vocals. Fans of MBV or Ovlov will love the guitar tone here – check it out below. demo 01 by full body 2