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.

the brookses, lucky charm

the brookses, lucky charm

From the very first slow chords of “Little Miss Raincloud”, you can tell that The Brookses have concocted something undeniably alluring with their debut EP Lucky Charm. An Atlanta-based father/daughter country/Americana duo,  there is a certain magnetism about them that you can find in each of the twelve tracks on their new release. While songs like “Over Again”,  “Evening Star”, and “Victrola” have some pep to their step, there is an overarching feeling of melancholy that encases the entire album.

But that’s the true beauty of it all. Meg and James Brooks have found a way to weave heavy lyrics into gorgeous backdrops, electrifying the project with instrumental layers and a feeling of coming home. It’s almost as though this album could only have been made in this serene and balanced way by a family band, and we’re thrilled to hear the release in its entirety as it was meant to be experienced.

Tracked live in one room at Standard Electric Recording Company with producer Damon Moon (Blair Crimmins, Big Brutus, Sydney Eloise & the Palms), Lucky Charm is an absolute masterpiece. Hold this one in your pocket for a while. If you aren’t drawn in already, you will be.

Keep up with The Brookses 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.

the yawpers, human question

the yawpers, human question

Denver-based rock trio The Yawpers – comprised of Nate Cook, Jesse Parmet, and Alex Koshak – released their new full-length Human Question on Friday, and we’ve been binging it like crazy. From the first, harsh chords of “Child of Mercy”, straight through the vintage edge of “Dancing on My Knees”, through to the end of the lighter feeling title track, The Yawpers have injected their quintessential oldies sound into each track, making it easier to transition from classic indie and rock into modern lyrical choices that seem to stem from the same origin.

While some of the songs are truly 60’d-infused kaleidoscopes (“Human Question”), it’s with songs like “Man As Ghost” and “Forgiveness Through Pain” that the Americana folk feel comes blazing at us full force. Our personal favorite is “Reason to Believe”, packed to the brim with soul.

What’s your favorite? Be sure to let us know on Facebook!

Keep up with The Yawpers 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.

meernaa, “better part”

meernaa, “better part”

Oakland-based R&B newcomers Meernaa – comprised of Carly Bond, Rob Shelton, Andrew Maguire, and Doug Stuart – might be revving up for the release of their debut album Heart Hunger, but we’ve got their latest music video on deck for you.

Kaleidoscope effects and gorgeously layered art in colors of striking contrast make up the bulk of the visual, and the moment the moon phases hit is paired so beautifully with Carly’s vocals that it is hard not to get goosebumps. You’ll see what we mean below.

Keep up with Meernaa here.