If you are looking for a rowdy aural pick-me-up, check out the latest from UK funk-punkers The Bugles. “Give Up” is an absolute rager, pairing nimble basslines with ska-flavored guitar upstrokes and a distinct UK vibe. Fans of Kasabian, Bloc Party, or Vampire Weekend will find something to like here. Be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.
Harlan is the moniker of TN native Harlan Hutton. We’re smitten with her latest offering, “Fingertips;” it’s full of thick chorus-laden guitars and lilting vocals from the promising 21 year old. Her new self-titled album is available now (check it out on Bandcamp) – be sure to get acquainted with “Fingertips” if you’re already a fan of TOPS, Alvvays, or Crumb
Paris synth-pop duo Their Names have crafted a deeply groovy sound, most evident on their latest single, “Closer.” The duo revels in warbly synths and disco-esque rhythms, giving this song a very tight, retro feel. Beyond the subtle tambourine and synth hits, the smooth vocals are what really makes “Closer” such a jam. Check it out below – “Closer” is out now on Cookie Records.
Canadian quintet The Drug Rugs charmed us with the upbeat indie pop of “Sandbar.” Full of deep swirly chorus tones and an upbeat, jangly demeanor, this fresh faced crew mixes elements of pop, psych, and indie rock. If anything, “Sandbar” is certainly indicative that these musicians are destined for good things. Fans of Best Coast, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, or Alvvays. Sandbar (Single) by The Drug Rugs
LA three piece The Haunts subscribe to the less-is-more ethos, aka “minimum members, maximum sound.” They manage to sound huge on their post-punky garage-pop single, “Proverbs,” a guitar-driven, reverb-soaked jam that is reminiscent of early to mid-aughts heroes like The Thermals or even the White Stripes. Be sure to stick around for the “woo” laden chorus.
Boston based indie rocker Gatch writes paradoxically sad beach music – case in point his catchy new jam, “Time Goes On.” Gatch backs up his simple vox with squiggly keyboards and a drum loop that brings early 90s pop music to mind. It’s a summery song with a retro feel that gave us that beachy feeling while still plucking on our heartstrings a bit – give it a listen below.
If you’re a fan of mad flow and breakneck beats, we recommend the latest from Costa Coast. The New Jersey native caught our ears with “Hereditary” – Costa’s aggressive style and nimble rhymes propel this one forward at maximum intensity. Be sure to stick around for the earworm “da na na na na” (and ras and las) in his choruses.
Sleepy Soul is a mysterious duo who mixes a bit of soul, a bit of funk, and a touch of indie into their electronic jams. We’ve been jamming on “Still Can’t Dance,” which is a really cool song on its own (think Sylvan Esso or Phantogram), but it’s truly set off by its inspirational music video… It’s a familiar story, one where a young man learns to dance like a true champion. Stick around till the end for a surprise twist.
Montreal act Bodywash slid their washy brand of indie rock directly into our inboxes… And it worked out for them. “Reverie” starts out with a Radiohead-esque riff layered thick with synth pads but quickly adds a buoyant bass riff and tight drums to give it a feel of their own. This one is a happy juxtaposition of indie pop and mesmerizing soundscape – check it out below or give them some support via Bandcamp.
Jejune Stars ain’t just a Bright Eyes song anymore – it’s actually a gauzy, shoegazy indie rock act from San Antonio, whose “Concrete Bedsheets” has been rubbing us in all the right ways. Pair off-in-the-distance vocals with warbly, swirly guitars; washy drums; a smattering of keyboard; and an omnipresent bass thump. The vaguely lo-fi approach here is what really sends this one into the stratosphere – check it out via Bandcamp. Jejune Stars by Jejune Stars
Indie electropop is the bees knees – especially when it plays with funky time signatures. Halfloves is a quintet from Iowa, and their latest jam, “Small Hours,” kicks right off with a 10 beat rhythm. Beyond that ear-catching switch up in feel, the song is a pulsating, indie rock/synth pop hybrid, pairing a hooky chorus with lots of juicy and crunchy synth tones. The best part – they jam it all in beneath the three minute mark. Check it out below.
There’s something to be said about genuine music made in the comfort and solitude of a bedroom – case in point Neon Guava and the lo-fi chillfest that is “Cloud9.” Neon Guava is actually a 20-year-old broke accountant trying to do something great (aren’t we all?); “Cloud9” is his simple but v-vibey love song about feeling divine while sharing a kiss with that special someone. Fans of Neon Indian, Washed Out, or Still Corners will like his style. Neighborhood Sounds by Neon Guava
There’s something inherently infectious about New Jersey indie rockers The Vaughns and their catchy brand of indie pop. Our suggestion: check out the vibrant bounce of “50%,” which caught our ears with its bubbly, plucky guitar riff and singer Anna Lies’ lilting vocals. If you like what you hear, make sure you check The Vaughns out when they blow through Buffalo on June 18th (with some excellent local support). Till then, be sure to add “50%” to your Spotify playlist so you know the words!
EMAN8 sent us over the infectious vibes of “Stir” and we couldn’t help but share. “Stir” is an inspirational jam about getting out of that proverbial funk – “If you’re stuck in the same place, stir it up, stir it up!” He sends out his uplifting message over funky, urban pop vibes full of hammered piano chords and bounding basslines. Attn fans of Chance The Rapper, Anderson.Paak, or Andy Grammer: put this one on if you want to turn your day around.
Local indie-pop-punkers Post Prom recently debuted a brand new single titled “Hurt Somebody.” The band gave the song the full GCR treatment, working with local engineer/mastermind Jay Zubricky to bring it to life. On “Hurt Somebody,” the quintet has continued to refine their brand of emotive vocals with a triad of impressively nimble guitar (yes, there’s three of them!) and bass work. Check it out below or add it to your Spotify playlist. ICYMI, Post Prom will soon be playing a veritable Buffalo supershow, featuring Pentimento, I Can See Mountains, and Young English. It’s at Town Ballroom this July – don’t miss it! Hurt Somebody (Single) by Post Prom