We’re digging the synth-tinged post-punk of LA act Cold Violets. “Set Me Up” exists somewhere between cold 80s post-punk and the sentiment of 50s American folk music, using the energy of the current indie-rock crowd to really propel it forward. Squiggly synths and electronic drums help bolster this one – our favorite part is the left-field manic drum fill that occurs mid song. Check it out below and give them a follow via IG.
The across-the-sea partnership of BOII seems to be working out just fine – “Footwork” is a simmering indie pop jam making use of effected drum beats and soothing vocal timbres. “Footwork” is about the early stages of a relationship – a pivotal time where might have to put in a bit of extra effort to make things settle into place. We certainly think “Footwork” should be the beginning of your relationship with BOII – check it out below.
Sture is composed of Ukrainian ex-pats living in Finland, creating dark and danceable indie punk. “Fabricated” is refreshing in its simplicity – a low-gain, minimalist jammer with monotone vocals and a pure, unrefined energy. Fans of Interpol, Q and not U, or even Joy Division will get a kick out of this one. Check it out below.
Chatenooga act Telemonster have a wide range of influences, clearly evidenced by new single “For Someone Not So Old.” This one is a meandering, five-minute epic of unique rhythms, haunting melodies, and tasteful dynamics. Fans of Grizzly Bear, Radiohead, or Local Natives are going to dig this one – check out the music video below, full of unique imagery and follow them on Instagram while you’re at it.
How refreshing! We’re digging this chill little ditty from wife-and-husband duo Hollie and Keith Kenniff, aka Mint Julep. This one is packed full of hazy synths, gauzy vocals, and sunny vibe (with a hint of snowy goodness). This one gave us lovely, wintry vibes all around – check it out below and be sure to stay tuned… their upcoming full length, Stray Fantasies, is due out January 31, 2020.
“ET” is the latest offering from Buffalo “genre-crossing, gender-bending” (their words not ours) producer/musician Medusa. “ET,” in this case, an acronym for both Estrogen and Testosterone and the popular 80s movie, is a dark and moody electro-pop banger. It’s surprisingly danceable despite its sludgy tempo and scathing condemnation of the transphobic experiences one might experience. Check out the widget below – if you are liking what you hear, check out their Bandcamp page for more scathing darktronica. ET by MEDUSA
Something about WUGO‘s “Wugomania” feels alien… And yet, the French producer has also tapped into something really warm and magical here. Beneath the shell of a simple bedroom-pop sound is a uniquely structured song, padded with vintage synth tones and uniquely processed vocals. Be sure to give this one a listen so you can judge for yourself.
You might recognize Kiwi Jr. as Brian Murphy from legendary Toronto indie-poppers Alvvays, but we urge you to take a closer look at the irresistible jangle pop of “Football Money.” Full of shameless hooks, jaunty guitar rhythms, and a cacophonous solo, “Football Money” is the type of cerebral indie rock that is digestible, but leaves your palette yearning for more. Check it out below.
Last time we checked in with shimmery indie poppers Husbands, we were talking up the song “Mexico.” This time around, we’re digging “Culebra” which follows their tried-and-true format of swirly guitar pop topped with effervescent vocal melodies. The duo (impressively) splits their time between Seattle and Oklahoma City – their clear charisma would suggest otherwise. Check it out below.
Feeling promiscuous? So are Swedish act Kape Yeel and they’re certainly making it known through their latest jam, “Sex Addicts.” Their refreshingly frank lyrics about pornography lay over top a deeply funky groove – not unlike something you might hear in a 70s smut flick… Think Daft Punk, but raucous and horny. Enough innuendo – check this one out for yourself.
One of Buffalo’s most eclectic exports comes in the form of Witty Tarbox – a genre-bending act who is full of left-field energy and pleasant surprises. We’re digging “Goodbye Jackie” – this one is full of bluesy guitar funk with surf flavor, bouncing basslines, and one-of-a-kind vocals barking stream of consciousness lyrics. “Jackie” just might be the most unique thing you’ve heard all day. Check out the retro-imagery-inspired music video below.
“For What It’s Worth” is a hazy blend of indie rock energy and atmosphere. Fans of Sylvan Esso, Hazel English, or Angel Olsen will enjoy this new song from Rynn – who layers her gentle vocals over a gently over-driven bass and other indistinct, reverb-drenched flourishes. This one is ultra-chill and, despite the lovely and longing lyrical content, will have you vibing out in no time – check it out below and give her a like on FB.
Can’t ignore the phat hooks on this latest jam from Alessandro Ciminata. This Londoner specializes in pulsing electronic indie rock fleshed out with perfect synth patches. “Wasted On Each Other” boasts a huge, catchy chorus – Ciminata’s distinct vocals are delivered in borderline staccato bursts, exploring themes of burn out, love, and longing. This one is excellently-composed and certainly worth a listen – if you dig his stuff, stay in touch by following him on the ‘Gram.
Napoleon Gold dropped one of our favorite songs of 2019 with “Love Don’t Cut Me Down.” Featuring a haunting vocal take from Haiva Ru, “Love” is the truest of electro pop bangers with a chorus that will stick with you for days and days. We’re revisiting this one because it recently got the music video treatment – full of gauzy visuals and lots of dancing. This is one you don’t want to miss – check the video out below and then add it to your Spotify playlist.
We’re thinking Canadian act Port Juvee will melt your faces with the frantic, swimmy punk of “Hope to Lose.” Reminiscent of Diiv, Nothing, or Beach Fossils, “Hope to Lose” exudes sounds of desperation, delivered with frantic drums, spaced-out vocals, and the perfect amount of lo-fi energy. Fans of cold NYC post-punk and California surfy vibes will dig this one. Check them out on Bandcamp if you’re feelin’ it.