Tag Archives: indie pop

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

Color Palette ‘Dark Days’

Washington Electro Rock/Synth Pop band Color Palette have released their new single ‘Dark Days’. Expanding into the darker facet of their musical prism Color Palette dive deep into electronic rock to create a gripping cinematic number. Flickering electronics flutter and rush about a steady beat while the smooth vocals hold all the instrumental bluster together with its chilled effortless grasp. The bitter guitars sting and soar over the gritty electronic riff creating that ethereal vibe this band do superbly however the winding keys and sinister atmosphere pull the track into its darker shades maintaining an ominous tone. Filled with dramatic bursts the track drives through keeping climactic paced momentum throughout. Each element is perfectly paced from blistering guitar moments to flashes of dazzling electronics and meaty drums creating intense highs in the track with Jay Nemeyes velvety vocals contrasting this whirlwind with his sweet coos and gentle laid back tone. Doused in dreamy bleak vibes it’s a hair raising gem.  Exuding a gripping sense of adrenaline this is a captivating track from Color Palette.

Stream ‘Dark Days’ below



Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Aaron Taos ‘Control’

Aaron Taos is a Brooklyn based indie pop artist hailing from Guilford, CT.  In June he released his sophomore EP, ‘Night Thoughts’ and spent the summer on tour opening for King Princess. He has now released his new single ‘Control’ which is the first single off his new project, ‘Birthday Boy’. 

‘Control’ glistens with warm guitar moments as Taos sings over a peppy melody and infectious clap along feature. Filled with sun soaked dreamy tones this track glides and hops along ethereal soundscapes while glorious lamenting guitar weaves a golden thread throughout the track tying it blissfully in your ears with a lasting secure hold.Tightly crafted this track holds a laid back hazy vibe while also packing in that radio friendly charm. It’s honest and entertaining with sublime melodies and a steady beat holding all the delightful component parts together.

Watch the video for ‘Control’ below

You can also stream ‘Control’ here

 


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

 

 


Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Giorgio De Palo ‘Rails’

Italian singer-songwriter Giorgio De Palo has released his debut single ‘Rails’. The song is the last goodbye between two soulmates waiting for a train. With this romantic cliché Giorgio represents his very own anxiety towards love linked to the passage of time. ‘Rails’ is an expression of this insecurity and the loss of control through the metaphor of farewell. Born in Rome, raised internationally and currently based in Berlin, his new single is taken off his upcoming EP ‘First Waves’, which will be released in the first months of 2019.

‘Rails’ is a sweet ditty that floods with passion and tenderness. Warm twinkling guitar embraces the soft melody with a melancholic tone as Giorgio caresses this lamentable scene with his gentle vocals. The soft beat is blended through the wistful sting on guitar while sway-able soundscapes create a cinematic gripping atmosphere.It’s emotional and elegant all while surging bittersweet tones of romance and loss through every pulse and sublime note. This easy going rich indie pop track is a sublime debut from the Italian singer songwriter.

Watch the video for ‘Rails’ 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, New Music

RAFFER ‘Can’t Resist It’

Clean-cut, indie/pop artist RAFFER is back with yet another dazzling independent release -the self-produced single ‘Can’t Resist It’.This tutti- frutti gem floats upon a sweet nostalgic soundscape as rich rhythms slap and groove between swirling electronics.It’s a tight number that glows glorious radiant vibes as zesty guitar melodies entwine the luscious backdrop adding a refreshing burst of vitality while Raffer’s velvety vocals glide effortlessly and tenderly over the candy coated melody. It’s a compact, danceable indie pop delight that wraps your ears in luxurious sweet tones and delicious melodies.

Stream ‘Can’t Resist it’ below


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

whenyoung ‘Given Up’ EP

Limerick’s finest indie-poppers whenyoung have released their new EP ‘Given Up’ released through Virgin EMI. This follows  their recent singles ‘Heaven on Earth’ and their cover of the Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’. The trio also recently released a stunning video for the title track, filmed in London’s iconic Peckham Liberals Club and directed by, Dazed editorial director, Bunny Kinney. It shows the band as a conduit for escape from banal, suburban living.The band have performed in Dublin as part of Shane Mcgowan’s 60th birthday celebration alongside the likes of Nick Cave and Sinead O’Connor. They’ve also supported the likes of Dream Wife, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Peace.Having already played storming sets at this year’s Electric Picnic, All Together Now Festival, Great Escape, Latitude, Kendal Calling and Bestival the band are also supporting Blossoms on a nationwide tour in December.

‘Given Up’ is a perfectly balanced EP showcasing the refined and mature musicianship of whenyoung. They jump straight into their bubbly infectious indie with title track ‘Given Up’. Stinging guitars jaggedly slice their way through this Pixies-esque number as the entire track revolves around a driving drum and bass groove with the honey drizzled melody gliding above like a soothing blanket from heaven.The harmonies in this track are just so luscious. ‘Heaven on Earth’ follows. It’s another tasty indie banger filled with vibrancy, shedding guitar lines and the perfect sing along anthemic chorus. Having featured both of these tracks on Indie Buddie this year I have come to appreciate the intricacy within this trios musicianship. Aoife Power’s vocals are immaculate throughout the EP her voice filled with sweet coos, luscious tones and yet she holds a powerful and demanding air that is mesmerising. However it is their ability to create an upbeat tune with darker underlying tones adding depth that sets these guys apart. The sweet ethereal cover of The Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’ lies comfortably nestled in the middle of the EP. Passionate, pristine and touching whenyoung present the track exquisitely- balancing the tender delicacy with edgy rawness seamlessly. It stops time. ‘Sleeper’ brings us to the end of the EP – flawless, sweet and emotional, this track shows us the sombre, majestic side to whenyoung. Reaching into the depths of your mind they find the tender moments, gently draw them out and sweetly lament them back to you. A soft guitar melody mournfully pines behind Power’s beautiful crisp vocals while a delicate tapping beat sets a steady thud and mournful tone to this magical number.

whenyoung didn’t disappoint they lived up to the hype of their singles and even threw in a blinder in the form of the enchanting heavy-hearted ‘Sleeper’.

Stream ‘Given Up’ below





 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie - Surfer, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Delights ‘Sun Visor’ and ‘Sun Lounger’

Following the release of their previous singles ‘Naked Heart’ and ‘Jungle’, Manchester indie rock band Delights have now released their new single, ‘Sun Visor’, and its B-side, ‘Sun Lounger’. These heavenly tracks glow with the glorious sprinkling of yumminess that this four piece do so well. ‘Sun Visor’ kick starts the sun-kissed dreamy tones with a delicious melody spread delicately upon jangly guitars and soft spongy beats. Velvety vocals coo over the upbeat, psychedelic soundscapes as this ethereal number bounces and floats along creating the perfect zesty chill-time atmosphere. It’s the satisfying bite of angel cake to get your mouth watering for ‘Sun Lounger’- a surf tinged gem that calls the summer back with sweet jingles and beachy breezy tones. Catchy and tranquilizing these tracks will give you a subtle sun tan while caressing your ears with the most luscious soothing melodies. I just love the laid back radiant tunes these guys produce.

Delights are also starting their second mini UK tour in 2 days, which has been organised by the band themselves without any manager, funding or record label check out the dates below

November 11th Mayfare at The Cluny Newcastle

November 15th Somedays at 93 Feet East London

November 23rd Delights at Sound Basement Liverpool

November 29th Delights at Castle & Falcon Birmingham

December 1st Delights at Breadshed Manchester

 

Stream ‘Sun Visor’, and its B-side, ‘Sun Lounger’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Grit - Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From White Room

Brighton indie risers White Room have released ‘Shoot’, their first release of 2018 and follow-up to 2017’s double EP ‘Eight’, co-produced by frontman Jake  Smallwood and Theo Verney (Fake Laugh, TRAAMS, FUR).Having spent 2017 conquering the festival circuit and receiving widespread acclaim throughout the tastemaker community and radio airwaves (BBC 6 Music, Radio X), the quintet played their biggest headline shows to date in London (Moth Club) and Brighton (Patterns) this spring, cementing their reputation for visceral, energetic and captivating  live performances. After a summer immersed in writing and developing new material, the five-piece are ready to hit the road again supporting The Blinders on an extensive UK tour alongside the release of ‘Shoot’.

‘Shoot’ is a lavish and exhilarating whir of indie pop bound in a mouthwatering concoction that is too hot to handle. It’s eclectic and edgy with a thick rhythmic bounce adding that chic cool foundation for this track to ricochet off. These guys showcase their ability to tie captivating and seemingly disjointed elements together to create a head spinning wholly satisfying and rich sound. Quirky vocals whisper, wail and entice through a luring bass rumble, steamy guitar interplay and dense textures. Each part is ingeniously cultivated for maximum explosive impact as the verses build the intensity for the blistering chorus. Filled with stomping adrenaline as chaotic soundscapes hurry around the dynamic vocals, haunting backing vocals and glorious melody ‘Shoot’ has everything you could need. Holding a refined stance this track floats on an air of elegance while only just about holding back the manic instrumental frenzy in the backdrop. White Room are fast becoming one of my favourite new finds.

Stream ‘Shoot’ 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