rising appalachia, leylines

rising appalachia, leylines

Atlanta-based foul/soul collective Rising Appalachians – comprised of Leah Song, Chloe Smith, Biko Casini, and David Brown – releases their new twelve track album Leylines today, and we’re overjoyed with the sonic adventure it leads its listeners on. From the first, caressing lines of “I Believe in Being Ready”, the album feels alive. The vocal layers are absolutely exquisite, and we’re blown away to see the ferocity with which said vocals lead the album as a whole. Working with talents such as Ani Difranco (“Speak Out”), Trevor Hall (“Shed Your Grace”), and Maurice Turner (“Indigo Dance”), Rising Appalachians has found a way to bring in distinctive traits from each act and meld it into a sound all its own.

“Make Magic” and “Sassafras” are two of our personal favorites on the release, and their contrasting sounds are the perfect display of how robust the talent found in this four piece truly is. Take the album for a spin below, and let us know what tickles your fancy!

Keep up with Rising Appalachia here.

royal teeth, “rivalry”

royal teeth, “rivalry”

New Orleans-based indie pop band Royal Teeth manages to meld vulnerability and a catchy beat together in their latest single “Rivalry.” The track highlights the ever-present rivalry between change and constancy — the inner turmoil of deciding whether to move on or not to move on. The lead vocals of Gary Larsen and Nora Patterson, paired with guitarist Thomas Onebane and drummer Josh Hefner, creates a  sound that allows the music to take hold of their listeners in an emotional way. The chorus stands out as the perfect example of how Royal Teeth can show off their own musical style— deeply honest lyrics to a toe-tapping beat so that it gets  stuck in your head:
Baby I’m not wasting no more time,
Drag my heart down one too many times,
Hold me steady give me one more try,
I made up my mind, I’m wasting no more time.

Be sure to check out Royal Teeth’s upcoming album Hard Luck, and keep up with them here.

slenderbodies, “dewdrops”

slenderbodies, “dewdrops”

Los Angeles-based indie pop duo slenderbodies brings us a groovy new tune in “dewdrops”, laced effortlessly with their quintessential relaxed sound and ethereal vocals. It seems to go well with the midwest weather this time of year, as April showers seem to be extending into the month of May. But we’re entranced completely by this song, and all about the soundscape that surrounds you when you allow yourself to delve into it.

Wrap yourself in “dewdrops” for a bit, why don’t you?

Keep up with slenderbodies here.

shells, “mexico”

shells, “mexico”

Searching near and far for an ethereal soundscape, propelled forward by some of the most magical and fierce vocals you’ve ever experienced? Then SHELLS‘ new track “Mexico” could very well quench that thirst for you. A song that feels warm and embraces you from the get-go, there is also a sense of longing in the lyrics that could open one’s heart up and make it feel something. And that’s what we want – what we need – from music, especially now. So take “Mexico” for a spin, and embrace the reality of your week ahead.

Keep up with Shells here.

g flip, “i am not afraid”

g flip, “i am not afraid”

Though we’re used to more upbeat tracks from the incredible G Flip (Georgia Flipo), her latest release “I Am Not Afraid” is slightly more sullen sonically. This is an artist who has always been one to partially distract listeners from heart-wrenching lyrics with a solid beat and a fun demeanor. Not at all surprising, since she emerged on the scene with such finesse, serving up her insane vocal abilities alongside her production and percussion chops. Her wildly relatable lyrics set a tone that makes you really want to dig in to the track, and the accompanying visuals are sad, yet somehow uplifting and full of potential. (Don’t ask us what we mean by this. Just watch the video and you’ll get it.)

This is truly an anthem that will make you believe in yourself, even when you feel you may be at your weakest. Give it a spin, and let us know your thoughts!

Keep up with G Flip here.

lo lytes, “take the whole bottle”

lo lytes, “take the whole bottle”

Today, Portland-based pop musician Lo Lytes (Jameson Morris) premieres his latest track, a vibrant stunner titled “Take the Whole Bottle”. Dramatic percussion, twinkling synths, and Morris’ penchant for gorgeous melodies with soulful vocals make for one standout single that will more than likely take your spring by storm. Introduce it to your latest playlist, then introduce it at all your parties. The world will thank you.

Keep up with Lo Lytes here.

tallsaint, “hard love”

tallsaint, “hard love”

Electro-pop artist Tallsaint has released the magnificent, upbeat new piece of the puzzle in the lead up to her upcoming EP due out in June. “Hard Love” hits you with all it’s got pretty much from the beginning, Tallsaint’s gorgeous vocals taking center stage, ushering in a relaxed feeling perfect for dancing, while her vocal range stops listeners in their tracks.

Tallsaint admits this song was built on “those wavering moments you go through when you’re over thinking about how to behave around this person that’s keeping you at arm’s length,” And if that isn’t highly relatable, we aren’t sure what is.

Keep up with Tallsaint here.

kayta, “karma”

kayta, “karma”

Montreal-based genre-blending queer artist KAYTA releases the new music video for her track “Karma” this week. Her soulful vocals dance lightly across a moody backdrop, and the video reflects that sentiment perfectly. As KAYTA dances and sings, the warmth of the lights is softened by late night fog, creating a distinct feeling of wholeness.

We are big, big fans of the song itself and even more so of the accompanying visual. Check it out below!

Keep up with KAYTA here.

heart attack man, fake blood

heart attack man, fake blood

Cleveland-based rock outfit Heart Attack Man – comprised of Eric Egan (Vocals/Guitar), Adam Paduch (Drums), Tyler Sickels (Guitar), and Seamus Groman (Bass) – released their new 11-track full-length Fake Blood on Friday, and we have honestly been head bobbing to it all weekend. Though the names of the tracks (i.e. “Fake Blood”, “Blood Blister”, “Rats in a Bucket”) are hardly kosher for the holiday weekend – and might give your Aunt Susie her very own heart attack – the songs are entertaining. Intricately woven lyrics and hard bass lines make the album a concrete favorite, loaded with energy smothered in oughts punk influence that will keep you coming back for more.

Personal favorite tracks include “Moths in a Lampshade”, “Sugar Coated”, and “The Choking Game”, an obvious nod to a horrible pastime of the last decade. (And if you listen to the lyrics of “Sugar Coated”, please keep in mind revenge is not our game here.)

Get a taste for the album in its entirety below, and then let us know what you think over on the Facebook page!

Keep up with Heart Attack Man here.