Tracks
Dream-Pop + Shoegaze
Night Hikes – “Vera”
“Vera” is a striking track from Night Hikes, the Seattle duo who wowed with “Avila” in August. Olivia Godby and Matthew Farrell again impress with this dreamy, effervescent gem. Godby’s lush vocals...
Lo-Fi Pop/Rock
The Kerosene Hours – “Purple Heart”
The Kerosene Hours is the project of Los Angeles native Aaron Silverstein. The songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist shows a suavely effective sound on new track “Purple Heart,” where a haunting vocal lead...
Pop
Mojave Nomads – “Is This Real?”
“Is This Real?” shows the bright, soaring pop smarts of Mojave Nomads, an act from Ogden, Utah. A charismatic, perky vocal lead builds to a pleasantly melodic chorus — “is this real? / can you feel the e...
Rock
The Criticals – “Just for the Weekend”
The Criticals churn out more catchy Strokes-esque rock on new track “Just for the Weekend,” following up last month’s “Good Lookin.” The “afraid than being more than friends,” hook play...
Pop
Sara Ontaneda – “Hey Maria”
A smooth success incorporating poppy synths with mellow guitar-laden touches, “Hey Maria” is a track from Ecuadorian-American singer/songwriter Sara Ontaneda, based in NYC. The “been trying to tell you, defend...
Singer/Songwriter
Kristina Stykos – “State Line Diner”
“State Line Diner” is a highlight from Vermont-based artist Kristina Stykos’ most recent album, River of Light The suave, nearly stream-of-conscious feel to the vocals works well alongside the twangy, building...
Tracks
Video Premiere: The Rungs – “King of Books”
We’re thrilled to premiere the music video for track “King of Books” from Brooklyn-based band The Rungs. The Rungs are a Brooklyn-based act that show a moody, yearning synth-led pop sound on this particular ef...
Dream-Pop + Shoegaze
The Crowleys – “Clarice”
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, The Crowleys craft a moody, gripping sound on new track “Clarice.” Wavy synths and crisp guitar jangles build steadily, with dual vocals emerging just prior to the one-minute mark. Th...
Pop
Dead Emerson – “Fools Gold”
Dean Emerson crafts melodic pop under the alias Dead Amerson. The DMV-raised, LA-based artist impresses with new track “Fools Gold,” which released this week. Dazed guitars, a lush acoustic backing and clanky lead, ...
Rock
Sunniva – ‘Forest Fire’ EP
First catching my ear in 2017 with the psych-friendly track “Untold,” Sunniva return with an engaging EP in Forest Fire. All four tracks impress in their own right. One of my favorites is “Throwing Goldfish in...
