Elovay is bursting with sunny, California energy. “Extra Unmotivated” is a perfect surf-pop jam from this surf-punk quartet, who teamed up with Grammy nominated producer Billy Mohler (Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Awolnation, Macy Gray, Liz Phair) in his Venice Beach studio to cut their latest EP. This one truly embodies the West Coast – be sure to check it out below. “Extra Unmotivated” is everywhere – check out your listening options here.
“Nino” is easy-going indie rock at its best, and we have Bessie Turner to thank. Fans of Snail Mail, Soccer Mommy, or Angel Olsen will certainly dig this one – the lightly-driven guitar and springy bass compliment Turner’s vocals perfectly. About the song, Turner states, “Life can overwhelm and consume everybody and having someone there to give you a push or a boost is sometimes all it takes.” Well-said Bessie; be sure to jam out on “Nino” below. Bessie’s music is available in lots of places – check them all out here.
“Other-worldly” is a good descriptor for the songs that fly out of MUNYA. “I don’t really understand how I make music,” she says, “I feel like it’s coming from another world.” “Some More” certainly falls into that category, combining borderline spooky synth work with MUNYA’s ethereal presence. The song itself is a slacker’s lament about the often claustrophobic (yet meaningless) expectations of society. Check it out for yourself below. MUNYA is also on Spotify – add her to your next playlist.
Fanclub is Austin, TX’s newest trio… Well, maybe not literally, but they are fresh and fun, as evidenced by “Reflection.” Inspired by twee pop, synth pop, and dream pop (are you sensing a pattern here?), Fanclub combines “beauty and pain into a lo-fi, melodic aesthetic.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Be sure to catch them at SXSW after they release their debut EP later this year. Don’t be shy – add them on Spotify.
We couldn’t help but relate strongly to the premise behind Philly power-pop quartet The Bigness‘ latest offering, the hooky “The Rest of the Sky.” The song is about having a passion that the rest of your life seems to be beating out of you. The excellent music video creates an intimate portrait of each band member, proving that you can always find a way to squeeze said passion into your life. Well done Bigness – be sure to watch their passion project below.
Noah Chenfeld‘s latest indietronica jam is the cheeky “Lucy.” Taking inspiration from modern day hitmakers like Foster The People or Arcade Fire, “Lucy” pairs a whispy synth lead with funky bass lines and dancy electronic beats. After listening, we’re left with an earworm; wondering if the titular Lucy did, in fact, do it. Decide for yourself by listening below. Keep up with Noah’s going-ons on the IG.
Whether it’s the earnest emo-punk of “In This Diary” or the monumental hit cover of “Boys of Summer,” So Long Astoria was truly one of the most influential albums of 2003. The Ataris have made their way to Buffalo today to relive the early aughts in celebration of the 15th anniversary of their landmark album. Tonight’s show is $20. Doors open at 6pm at Mohawk Place – bring your ID or no entry. A friendly reminder that this is an 18+ show.
Ethereal folk act Seafox is returning from a romp on the west coast for a night of beautiful, intimate music. Seafox (aka William Fortier) specializes in lush compositions that sound beautiful fleshed-out, but could also certainly stand on their own. Support tonight comes from bedroom folk quartet heave and solo-act (and purveyor of sorrow), Ian McCuen. Tonight’s show is $7. Show up early at 7pm – music will end by 10pm. A friendly reminder that Sugar City is an all-ages venue with no drugs/alcohol/bad attitudes.
Swedish indie rockers Tella Viv are sure to astound you with the explosive, borderline psychedelia of “Bang Boom Crash.” Boasting a huge bass riff, swirling guitars, and bombastic vocals, “Bang Boom Crash” certainly lives up to its onomatopoeic name. About the song, the band states: “[‘Bang Boom Crash’ represents a] materialized world where somebody realizes one’s coffin is the ultimate show off piece.” Morbid, but we def dig it. Check it out below. There are lots of different ways to enjoy “Bang Boom Crash” – check them out here.
Swedish act Francis has released a handful of outstanding standalone singles since the release of their acclaimed debut album Marathon (co-produced by acclaimed French producer Nicolas Vernhes of Daughter, The War on Drugs, and Animal Collective fame). We also recommend “Wild Heart,” a self-produced (but equally delightful) indie rocker about that inexplicable wild child that exists in your chest cavity. Check it out below. “Wild Heart” is out now via Swedish record label Strangers Candy.
Melodic SoCal quartet Modern Color have come out swinging with their latest offering, “Jacaranda.” Throughout the song a frantic tempo fades into a downswing, utilizing overdriven guitars and echo-soaked vocals all the while. Modern Color certainly blurs genre lines, but fans of Prawn, Deafheaven, or At the Drive In would all find something to like in this song. Keep up with Modern Color on Instagram. Portuguese Bend 7″ by Modern Color
Inspired (at least partially) by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, (and also by Queens of the Stone Age, Foals, and HEALTH), “Need a Reason” by Yacht Punk is one of our most recent obsessions. Pairing frantic guitars with a throaty, chorus-laden bass tone, “Need a Reason” was crafted to sound like “the feeling of floating through space uncontrollably.” As with any other song, this one is best experienced for yourself – check it out via the widget below. Be sure to add “Need a Reason” to your Spotify playlist.
Pizzagirl is no stranger to the blog – in fact, we’ve covered his songs thrice already. This time around, we’re lauding the fantastic “Gymnasium.” Full of pan flute samples and 80s-inspired drum machine percussion, Pizzagirl channels the late 2010s aesthetic of Porches or Clairo with the 80s pop sentiment of Phil Collins. Peep it for yourself below. Check out all the fresh merch Pizzagirl has to offer here.
Utica-born, Brooklyn-based Darryl Rahn sent us over the breathtaking folk of “Reason to Run” and we knew we had to share. Pairing a warm acoustic guitar with his soothing tenor vocals, “Reason to Run” continues Darryl’s trend of releasing solid material (having released three full-length albums independently). If you’re looking for the soundtrack to a peaceful fall day, you’ve found it – check it out below. Learn more about Darryl here.
Doctors are a fairly mysterious indie pop act from New Orleans. We think you should check out their latest music video, the vintage-looking home footage compilation that makes up the cinematography for “Slip.” Beyond the video treatment, “Slip” is an upbeat, shoegaze-inspired jam full of washy guitars and echo-chamber vocals. Fans of Slowdive, Pity Sex, or The Depreciation Guild will dig this one. Give Doctors a follow on their IG.