Hong Kong-based TYNT is an eclectic indietronica act who specialize in emotional and melancholic tunes with tinges of shoegaze and industrial woven throughout. They caught our collective ears with the hypnotic pop energy of “PLUME.” TYNT have an uncanny ability to write distinctly pop-based songs with experimental facets tastefully splashed in. If you dig The Naked and Famous, The Depreciation Guild, or Slowdive – check this one out.
We think you should check out this cool collab between MIME and Jantine called “NOT IN LOVE.” Between Jantine’s singer/songwriter prowess and MIME’s impeccable DJ skills (and intriguing im-person persona), this one was destined to be great. “NOT IN LOVE” is full of airy synths and atmospheric vocals – packed with a ton of pure-pop energy and hooks to keep you going for days and days. Our favorite part – this one would fit as comfortably next to CHVRCHES as it would next to Ariana Grande. Check it out below. MIME · NOT IN LOVE ft. Jantine
Here’s a math rock twister from Japanese act ZOMOZ – “Like I Like It” is packed full of virtuosity – start-stop riffing, drumming, and splashes of mellotron are all over this one. But beyond that, “Like I Like It” has a surprising melodic touch. The best part of this song is the space in-between all of the notes; despite their musicianship and expertise, the song truly breathes. This one is great for mathy fanatics, but is also packed with enough juicy pop hooks for those with an indie pop sensibility. Check out the snippet via YouTube below – if you like what you hear, ZOMOZ has lots of other listening options here – we prefer Spotify.
Outer Stella Overdrive got their name from some graffiti on a dumpster… So you know they were already off to a good start. Jokes aside, “Bad Times” is a fun rock ‘n roller that really shows off the group’s unique blend of indie rock, funk, and raucousness. Complete with a video that shows the band in a rip-roaring, day-in-the-life setting, this one is (conversely) a good time all around. Enjoy the fun vibes in the video below.
Couldn’t help but fall for Sigala’s phat remix of “Heaven On My Mind” by Becky Hill. Hill’s big vocals are perfect for a night in the club – powerful with a tinge of rasp – bolstered by a giant nu-disco bass line and an inescapable EDM production. If you can’t picture yourself in the club going ham to this one, you should probably take a deep look inward. If you’re feeling it, Becky has lots to offer via Spotify – check some more out there.
Another amazing one, this time a heady remix, from East London act Zola Blood. “Two Hearts” pairs Zola’s tried-and-true dark electronica with the sweet atmospherics of an ethereal club jam. The result is a track with a danceable beat that still feels mysterious and cool at its core. Zola Blood has a robust catalog, ripe for your listening pleasure – check them out on Spotify too. Zola Blood · Two Hearts (Jacques Greene Remix)
Brooklyn NY’s PUPPYFACE embodies dreamy somberness with their latest endeavor, “Anxious Eyes.” Complete with a Sailor Moon-themed karaoke accompaniment, “Anxious Eyes” is a multi-media experience that straddles the line between soul-crushing emotion and gaudy (in a good way), 80s sentiment. This one is certainly an ethereal production – skewing just as much shoegaze as it does synthpop – check out the vid below and if you dig it, add it to your Spotify playlist.
Ireland’s Brass Phantoms have a big indie popper on their hands with their latest offering, “Hurricane.” Full of whoa-oh singalongs, blistering guitar work, and energy for days, “Hurricane” could fit comfortably on any modern rock radio station. The commercial sensibility is certainly there, but they also take a moment to break into a vibey, jammy section of the song that really shows off their cohesion as a unit. This one is a real jam – check it out below or swing by their Spotify to hear more. Brass Phantoms · Hurricane
Something about the whirly elements of “Brick” by Baltimore act Sleeve is incredibly captivating. Maybe it’s the squiggly, ghostly keyboard elements… Maybe its the sincerity of the bedroom recording quality… Maybe its the psych elements that seem to swirl and twirl around your brain. Either way, we’re totally enthralled with this one. Be sure to stick around for the big feel change at 1:50 – it’s divine. Check it out below on Bandcamp – you can find this one on Spotify too. sleeve & mala by sleeve
Digging this fresh and cerebral jam from singer/songwriter Matthew Kilby. Loving the super tight indie rock feel on this one; the vibes here are springy and warm, reminiscent of Talking Heads with a hint of Crumb and the 1980s. What we love most are Kilby’s ear-catching lyrical bombs – barbs like “you’re a baby talk liar with a flight attendant smile” sting with sheer creativeness. Either way, we think this one will find its way onto your playlist. Check it out on YouTube below or Spotify.
Somebody’s Child has us head-bobbing with their latest infectious indie-pop number, “TV Screens.” This Dublin, Ireland based crew specializes in frantic indie rock anthems that feel tailor-made for alt radio. “Screens” is lush with synth flourishes but stays spry with its zooming, fun guitar riffage. Fans of Two Door Cinema Club, Tokyo Police Club, or any band whose name ends in “club” would dig this one – check it out below.
Can’t get enough of this borderline-cacophonous one from new indie-psych act Soft Black. “Heaven” is an urgent jam, pairing neurotic synth chirping with big bass lines and pained-howl vocals. This one is equally dreamy – not surprisingly, members of DIIV are also a part of this project. Bonus fact: this one was tracked all in one take! We think you’ll really vibe on this one – Soundcloud link is below, but be sure to check this one out on Spotify too. Soft Black · Heaven
Loving the swirly vibes here on “Grassy Ass” – the newest offering from Canadian singer/songwriter Jarhead. Self-described as a “hot mess” (their words, not ours), we actually found this one to be pretty tight, well-crafted, and captivating. There’s certainly a slackery, dream-pop quality to this, but the spiraling, soothing guitar riff on this is closer to Radiohead than Mac Demarco. Listen with headphones for lots of interesting artifacts that pop out of nowhere. Bandcamp link below – or give him some love on Spotify. Swimgood by Jarhead
Upon first listen, you’ll probably notice the African Pop influence on Mango Cat‘s latest jam. This not-so-subtle use of bouncy rhythms blended with contemporary, western indie pop gives “Didja” a unique sound all its own. Reminiscent of Animal Collective (without the psychedelic freak outs) or Vampire Weekend (with a bit more afro-pop flavor), “Didja” is a lovely, head-bobbing pop jam that leaves us feeling impressed and upbeat. This one’s a keeper – check it out below and then add it to your Spotify playlist. Mango Cat · Didja
Digging this vampy jam from Daughters of Noise! Despite the sharp-toothed trio that appears in the video – DON is just two women, Coco Morier and Arama. They put together this infectious club banger, with a half-rapped, half-sung chorus that is fire to say the least… Plus, the kitschy, immortal-cheerleaders-in-the-daylight music video somehow ties it all together perfectly. We think you’re gonna like this one – check the video out below and see/listen for yourself before you inevitably add it to your Spotify playlist.