Category Archives: Synth-pop

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

RAFFER ‘The Media’

RAFFER has released the first single from his upcoming self-titled EP ‘The Media’. This self-produced piece lyrically explores the falsehood today’s media sell to the general public. RAFFER – aka. Callum Rafferty  is the DIY indie-pop artist/producer from Kent who has spent the past year supporting some household indie names including King No-One, The Academic and Airways.

‘The Media’ is a fizzy mix of sun-blasted synths,zingy guitars and delicious pop smacked melodies. Brimming with infectious guitar hooks this vibrant delight, toe taps its way through buoyant bass lines, rich rhythms and sparkling electronics. Snappy and sprightly it frolics its way around you brain seeping that honey drizzled melody into your easy until you are dancing and singing along. Not only is this track saturated in sun soaked vibes RAFFER blasts a scorching guitar solo in for good measure to firmly press that sun tan glow into your skin.

You can catch RAFFER live at

25th Jan – Guildford Electric Theatre
9th Mar – Edinburgh Sneaky Pete’s
10th Mar – Glasgow Broadcast
30th Mar – Sheffield Café Totem
31st Mar – Nottingham TBC
+ Many more dates to be announced.

Stream ‘The Media’ below

https://soundcloud.com/raffermusic/the-media-master-1


Alt- Pop, Baroque Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, New Music, Synth-pop

Chaunter ‘Boo Cat’

Baltimore songwriting duo Chaunter have released their new track ‘Boo Cat’. Comprised of Jenghis Pettit and Brooks Kossover Chaunter are set to release their first full length album, “Dream Dynamics” featuring an aspirational league of Baltimore heavyweights, from Dan Deacon to Sam Herring of Future Islands to Lower Dens’ Jana Hunter, Matmos, and more.

‘Boo Cat’ is a charming catchy number whisked up in dreamy synths, sizzling guitars and luscious tranquilizing soundscapes. A soft sugar coated melody soothes and slides through light guitar twinkles and floating atmospheres.The track drifts calmly and sweetly through before a catchy sing along chorus bops in, lifting the song from hazy and dreamy to sprightly and infectious. Gentle vocals caress the soft melody delicately before a magnificent group harmony introduces the rich full chorus. There’s a flute feature mangled beautifully between reverb laced guitar and ethereal synths adding an earthy texture to this unique soothing and infectious track. A little quirky and charming this track is well crafted and rushes with a refreshing retro sound that is simply divine.

Watch the video for ‘Boo Cat’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Video Premiere

No Alarms ‘Find Me’ Video Premiere

No Alarms have released the video for their new single ‘Find Me’. No Alarms was born in Texas as the solo passion project of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Boles, and has since bloomed into a Detroit-based, fully-fledged, five-piece. No Alarms is blending the lines between modern indie pop and new wave revival, and building an engrossing live show from the ground up. Their debut single “Right is What’s Left” was featured in an episode of ABC’s “Kevin Probably Saves the World” originally airing on February 6th, 2018. ‘No Alarms’ EP was the 13th most added record on NACC college charts its debut week, and has since peaked at #132 on the NACC 200.

‘Find Me’ is an entrancing smooth indie pop track that swirls and floats elegantly upon No Alarms’ infectious melty melody. It’s a sleek glossy number as their rooted grooves set a fluctuant foundation for the flashing electronics to rebound and playfully ricochet off while velvety vocals coo and caress the tasty melody. With a sticky summer sun vibe this dance-filled song is uplifting and ethereal as it bounces along energetic drums and dazzling synths making for a wholly satisfying listening experience. With rich textures wrapped delicately in a multi coloured prism ‘Find Me’ showcases No Alarms ability to create  a full bodied delightful tune that tantalizes all the senses.

Watch the video for ‘Find Me’ below

 

 

 


electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Magdalena Bay ‘Ghost’

The LA-based duo Magdalena Bay visit a darker side of synth pop on their latest single ‘Ghost’. The pop duo are 22-year-old Mica Tenenbaum (songwriting, vocals) and 23-year-old Matthew Lewin (songwriting, vocals, production). The lyrics to the new track are inspired by the iconic 80’s film Mr. Vampire, which Mica had just watched in a Chinese film class.Following the success of recent singles Neon and Waking Up, Magdalena Bay have an arsenal of finished music that they plan on unleashing on the world now that they’re settled in LA. Ghost is the second of these to be released, and is sure to show listeners a new side to the band who write and produce all of their music from their home studio.

‘Ghost’ is a silken, lustrous pop number tightly bound in laser precision electronics. This track wriggles and weaves its way through rich, pulsing beats slapping against shimmering synths while the glossy pop melody smooths on top with a dreamy luxurious texture that oozes class and swagger. The dazzling soundscapes flash with eerie dark stomps throughout creating a haunting atmosphere to this luscious pop number.  Magdalena Bay have created a clean, dance-able and infectious number that moves with grace and elegance while a bubbling groove steers the track to something more sinister.

“We wanted to try something new when we started writing Ghost” explains the band. “We had just finished a string of really bubblegum pop songs. Then, this spooky beat came out of nowhere. The song is darker than our previous releases– but it’s still fun and totally dancy. To us, Ghost is what would happen if Britney Spears and MGMT collaborated on a track..”

Stream ‘Ghost’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

The Rupees ‘Terror Lover’

Bristol garage rock band The Rupees have released their new single ‘Terror Lover’. Ryan Tucker (Vocals, Guitar) ,Seamus Daley Dee (Drums),  Jacob Chambers (Synths) and Tom Phillips (Bass) make up the four piece and their music has already been showcased on BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens), BBC Radio 6 (Steve Lamacq), and Sky TV and have played Reading Festival, supporting bands such as Blossoms and The Growlers and selling out their own headline shows.

‘Terror Lover’ displays The Rupees blustery synth driven sound at its dazzling grizzly best. With distortion galore and a punchy backdrop immersed in searing guitars this track is mighty and mesmerising. The all encompassing light flashy synths weave their mind dissolving soundscapes around this animated number. Its catchy and dance floor ready as disco vibes swarm the track in glistening bedazzlement while snarling vocals snap out the infectious lyrics. Brimming in intense rock energy these guys blend their blinding synth rock meticulously to have you compelled to dance mindlessly to its thundering upbeat thrill.

Stream ‘Terror Lover’ below



 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Edits ‘Cold’

Manchester synth pop duo Edits have released their new single ‘Cold’. Formed in the legendary crumbling walls of Salford Uni’s Adelphi building, Liv Westhead (Vocals/Synths) and Chris Abbott (Guitars/Programming) provide their D.I.Y. aesthetic; producing everything themselves, including their music videos. Their latest single follows on from January’s ‘Re-Surface’ EP and the accompanying video takes the viewer on a journey through snow-covered mountains.

‘Cold’ is an endearing, breezy synth pop number that chills and swirls with kinetic icy adrenaline. Twinkling synths glitter and glisten through the brooding melody as Westhead coo’s over the spine tingling melody. Her vocal command is mesmerising as she sweetly and effortlessly shifts into her falsetto holding a soothing yet ominous tone. The track flurries and dances about dark soundscapes as it becomes heavier towards the crescendo. The slapping beat flashes dazzling trip hop hues throughout as Edits use their electronics to their full potential- creating a cinematic icy number to chill you to the core yet entice you into the track depths. It’s a mature, bold track that slides this duo’s charming glacial sound into your frostbitten ears with ease.

Stream ‘Cold’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Synth-pop

Kidsmoke ‘Rising Sun’

Welsh dream-pop outfit Kidsmoke have released their new single ‘Rising Sun’,the first from  their upcoming album expected next year. With a sync-feature on Charlie Brooker’s Netflix series  Black Mirror, they burst into 2018 with single ‘Sister Sadness’ (named one of Steve Lamacq’s 6 Music Recommend’s tracks of the year), were featured as The Sunday Times Breaking Act, supported Gaz Coombes and were invited by Robert Smith to play his Meltdown Festival in support of The Joy Formidable.

‘Rising Sun’ is a sizzling, swirling spin of psychedelic pop wrapped in a blistering indie coating of bliss. Pulsating beats slap and whack a gooey beat of delight behind spiraling soundscapes and zesty guitars creating a dizzying hyper trip which encapsulates your ears in a shimmering sweet energetic sound of euphoria. Its pop melody melts upon this jagged indie backdrop as the smooth vocals disperse vibrant blasts of velvety goodness. With luscious harmonies and pristine guitar melodies radiating lustrous bursts of scintillation throughout – this track is simply glorious.

Stream ‘Rising Sun’ below

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Little Grace ‘My Bed’

Contemporary R&B three piece Little Grace have recently released their third single ‘My Bed’. Taking inspiration from Tracey Emin’s art installation, the single proves how connected all art forms are whilst also exploring themes of mental health. With a percentage of all earnings from the single going towards men’s mental health charity CALM, the boys become transparent through their music and hope to encourage the removal of the stigma. Based in North West England, Little Grace have worked with some notable names, including Bristol based drum & bass producer TC, German producer and DJ Robin Schulz (James Blunt, Nick Jonas) and Liverpool based XamVolo. My Bed was written in a day after a surge of inspiration after visiting The Tate Museum, written about the peril of getting lost in your own worries and struggles the track explores daily battles. The accompanying video, created by Spanish animators Eira Ramos and Guillem Guarro, reverses half way through, representing the vicious cycle sufferers of mental health can get caught up in.

‘My Bed’ is a rich full bodied number that sweetly blends electronic and R&B through gripping soundscapes and moving lyrics. Smooth vocals caress the catchy riveting melody with a delicate tenderness while swirling electronics whirl and sweep in the background churning with hair raising emotion and subtle little burst of adrenaline throughout. A sticky gloopy beat slaps and crawls its way around delicate twinkling synths for the verses building the track to its infectious magnetic chorus. This richly produced track glides and simmers around dark tones and eerie soundscapes while the synth pop flavours and velvety vocals sweeten the track and make for a captivating listen.

Watch the video for ‘My Bed’ below

 

 

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Ivory Wave ‘Frankie’

Birmingham’s Ivory Wave, have released their new track, ‘Frankie’ via ModernSky UK. Fresh from sets at festivals such as, Tramlines and Truck Festival, as well as Birmingham SHIIINE ON Weekender. The band have just supported The DMA’s by personal invitation.Formed of George, Connor, Luke, Rob and Seb, the band have become known for their hooks and good vibes to boot. The band have been touring the UK heavily for quite some time, and have started making some remarkable waves in their hometown. ‘Frankie’, picks up where Ivory Waves’s last single, ‘Cool Kids’, left off. The production of this track was aided by Gavin Monaghan in Wolverhampton’s Magic Garden Studio.

Much like their live performance, ‘Frankie’, exudes a level of fun-loving exuberance. This infectious party indie pop banger rides in on a slick wave of hyper synths swirling around buoyant beats and shuffle inducing danceable grooves. Glistening guitars meander through the exhilarating soundscapes lacing the track in a sleek fluid whack of indie while attitude drenched vocals strut in with panache and punch. Frankie is designed to fill the dance floor – it’s an instant adrenaline shot to the veins. With a clap along feature ready to infect the live audiences and glossy production providing a dazzling sheen-  it’s one heck of a body mover.

You can catch Ivory Wave Live at:

20th October – Manchester – Night People
25th October – Leeds – Lending Room
2nd November – Birmingham – O2 Institute 2
5th November – Brighton – Komedia studio

Stream ‘Frankie’ below

https://soundcloud.com/ivory-wave/ivory-wave-frankie-masteredwav

 


Alt- Pop, Dark- Wave, electro- pop, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From LOVE SICK

Julie and Shaun first met working for the same life insurance call center at an office Christmas party where Julie divulged her passion for singing. A few weeks later, the pair bumped into each other at a Glasgow train station and the rest, as they say, is history. LOVE SICK first introduced themselves in 2017 with their debut single ‘Bullet’, which quickly captivated a global audience of almost 1 million listeners and support from the likes of BBC, KCRW, and even Sir Elton John himself.LOVE SICK announces their forthcoming “No Sleep” EP by sharing the first single ‘Fever’.

This dark pop delight swirls and ferments beneath a hypnotic groove, driven by trip hop beats. Dizzying electronics lure you into the delusions of bliss prowling in the deep enticing abyss of ‘Fever’. The infectious melody seeps into your ears whispering a sweet bewitching curse  to your soul as Julie’s sweet vocals entice and seduce over this mesmerising hypnotic track. Warping their blend of pop into a trance inducing menacing number LOVE SICK are a duo to keep an eye on. Their cool, chilled, musically rich musicianship and slick crisp production will have you dancing in a darkly hued, mind dazed trance of bliss.

Stream ‘Fever’ below