Today, Berlin-based alternative indie pop quartet The Flavians – comprised of Liam Blomqvist, Anna Vaverková, Tom Wills, and Joakim Jägerhult – releases their latest single “Non Stop Fun (All I Wanted)” along with an entertaining throwback of a music video. The song itself has vocal parts reminiscent of 60’s folk/pop stars, the tongue-in-cheek video comprised of scenes of a man’s life that one might find particularly dull – traveling on public transit, getting yelled at at the office, getting a drink in a dark bar – that, when etched together, tell a story most anyone can relate to.
Indie pop musician Paul Jacks is ready to share his latest single “Laid to Rest” with the world, and we’ve got your first listen! With glittering vocals laid over 80s pop perfect synthesizers and a lighthearted disposition, “Laid to Rest” provides us that warmth that only a John Hughes movie could do adequately, as we melt into our own teen flick dreams.
The eleven-track compilation stunner just released by Dazzleships Records honestly serves as our life soundtrack at this very moment in time. Ever since we got our first listen, we’ve been running the tracks back through our minds, creating more with these songstresses as our inspiration. Dazzleships Records Presents: Raise By Women is both tantalizing and evocative of a generation – or more – in its entirety. Skull Diver‘s “Bad Star” sets the tone, giving us a grunge indie/pop soundscape to play with, absorbing itself into the quirky and lighthearted tone of Mini Blinds‘ “Happy” before Cat Hoch‘s “Say You Love Me” throws us into an 80’s-inspired bliss.
Natasha Kmeto‘s “Your Girl” blends synths in a similar way to its predecessor, but in a much more contemporary and soulful way. While Rilla‘s “Side Sleeper” is one to get your head bobbin’ to, your feet groovin’ a bit, Johanna Warren‘s “The Blessing The Curse” dunks you in an ethereal, mellifluous soundscape before DANDAN gets all experimental on us with “Broken Mirror”. Black Water Holy Light‘s “Sunrise” belongs on an episode of The O.C. (Seasons 1 or 2 exclusively, please?), and Laura Palmer’s Death Parade brings us to a slow, folk-tinged, melancholia with “Scrollin'”. Haste basically says it all within the instrumentals of “Let’s Touch Ourselves”, with gorgeous vocals and alluring lyrics to make it a powerhouse of a track. And the entire collection is rounded out quite nicley with Sheers‘ “An Osscasion”, which plays with dissonance and a more earthy, string-led sound that really feels delicate.
Keep up with the latest from Dazzleships Records and all their new projects here.
Seattle-based pop trio Tangerine just released their 4-track EP White Dove, which glistens in the glow of nostalgia from the very beginning of firs track “Local Mall” to the last chords of “Lake City”. Though “Local Mall” exists at mid-tempo, it feels more energetic, with Marika’s light-as-a-feather vocals driving the track itself. “Cherry Red” continues with a similar soundscape to its predecessor, bringing out more percussive moments for emphasis. “Monster of the Week” boasts a more sinister tone, perfect for this time of year, and last track “Lake City” is comprised of gorgeous melodies and a feeling of ease that only a beautiful body of water should be able to provide.
It’s been a while since we last heard from ZES, so we’re stoked to have a new treat from him. The Dutch producer brings an electronic/future bass sound that pours out longing and conflict, both internal and external.
Between the driving drums and bassline and the shifting vocal chops, the production creates a strong parallel with the vocals and lyrics. Forward-moving and progressively steady while varied and unsure on the surface, “Set Mind” is totally raw and honest in its delivery.
To say Bets‘ new album Future Color plays with dark and light like crazy would be an understatement. With each track comes a new feeling, some eery and inescapable, others lift your soul to a place you hadn’t been in a while. The entirety of the album – all 10 tracks – entices its listener to feel something, and that’s what we’re so fond of.
“Another Night” starts us immediately with frantic instrumentals, the first line “dance with me” coaxing us into a frenzy while “Out of View” slows everything down a bit and darkens the instrumentals to an eery octave fit for October. Third track “Left My City” is the perfect anthem for anyone who has ever experienced a slight thrill at seeing someone leave their immediate vicinity, be it a former lover, an old friend, or someone who was bringing you down a bit. While “Da Da Da” has an experimental, robot vibe to it while Bets speaks simple truths, “Maybe” picks everything back up again and reintroduces the playful, light side to her vocals.
“The Daylight Beside Me” is slow, comprised of acoustic guitar and Bets’ mesmerizing vocals. It’s easily one of our favorites, though we’d take an argument for “All I Want” as it picks up the tempo – and transforms our mood – within seconds. “Fear Of” lurches us back into the darker side of Bets’ work, her vocals more mechanical, though no less appropriate at a club in Manhattan after 2am. The instrumentals of “Tunnel Vision” belong first in an action movie, then perhaps in a video game. The lyrics will play on in your ears for a while, though “Gold” will be the one that sticks with you, the instrumental layering something out of a gorgeous dream and Bets’ vocals more of an audible kaleidoscope than anything else.
Nashville-based rock collective Taco Mouth – comprised of Erica Sellers (Vocals/Guitar), Shawn Hammer (Guitar), Flip Cooper (Bass), and Angela Lese (Drums/BGVs) – releases their new, hard-hitting, 10-track full-length A Deafening Silence today. We’ve been particularly excited about this release, as it ushers in an energy we’ve been ready for.
Having become a household name due to their unique sound and incredible live performance tactics, it is no surprise that the release of Young The Giant‘s new album Mirror Master was met with great excitement in the music community. The Los Angeles quintet – comprised of Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar/vocals), Payam Doostzadeh (bass), and Francois Comtois (drums/vocals) – has created 12 gorgeous tracks that will keep your ears perked and begging for more from the very first light, voluptuous lines of “Superposition”. Through the heavy guitar of “Simplify”, to the smooth sounds of “Call Me Back”, to the end of “Heat of the Summer” – which, to its credit, gives off that nostalgic, balmy summer vibe – Young The Giant has taken this opportunity to take you on a true audio adventure through genres, pulling inspiration from many soundscapes.
While “Oblivion” boasts a slight theatrical tinge to its rock roots, “Darkest Shade of Blue” slows everything down to a haunting, poetic crawl before picking up exponentially throughout “Brother’s Keeper”. “Glory” gives off a soulful vibe, a warmth not particularly noticed in its predecessors, as both “Tightrope” and “Panoramic Girl” re-introduce the head bobbing tempo we’re so fond of from this particular act. “You + I” has a glittery feel to it – perhaps most notable in the simplistic, puppy love-like lyrics – and the title track rounds out the collection with the most layered, danceable feel to the entire album.
Tracks like “Glass House” and “Hey Gorgeous” from Nick Talos have unsurprisingly gained him impressive numbers of both streams and fans. The Berlin based producer has now put out “Home To You,” which features his lilting vocals against an upbeat backdrop.
He is able to write both romantic and dance-ready singles, and this is another example of that. Folk-style flute and guitar patterns sound wonderful aside its dynamic beat, and Nick Talos has clearly drawn on personal experience to create this tune.
It’s available now to stream worldwide – give it a listen below.
