Chilean duo Chroma Noir tout a sound steeped in apocalyptic new wave and cinematic atmospherics (drawing from both Vangelis and Blade Runner) on their new single, “Black Rain.” The track evolves from driving drum patterns into a cinematic exploration of environmental collapse, distinguished by a bold saxophone solo that pushes their darkwave pulse beyond traditional electronic boundaries. The result is a strong output from the project of Mauricio Solari (vocals) and Mario Castro (multi-instrumentalist/synthesizers).

An enthralling, cinematic soundscape emerges right away. Vibey, late-night synths and a whirring intensity of momentum culminate into an intoxicating rhythmic backing — pairing percussive pitter-pattering and pulsing bass. An effervescent synth emergence takes hold thereafter, adding a brisk sense of illumination to the nocturnal atmospheric flair. Rumbling bass and shimmers of synths intertwine enjoyably as a deep, impactful vocal lead appears; Mauricio Solari’s vocals channel a theatrically dark allure reminding fondly of a cross between Bauhaus’ Peter Murphy and The Chameleons’ Mark Burgess.

The title-referencing segment past midpoint is especially absorbing, as melodic vocal reflections build with replay-inducing allure amidst the synthwave-friendly electronic pull. A gripping turn shows past the three-minute mark, where an industrial, darker backing pairs with spoken-word vocals — shades of David Sylvian there. A free-flowing saxophone presence adds a final, captivating element to the moody mix, traversing with enjoyment to a memorable finale. “Black Rain” is a wholly effective, standout track from Chroma Noir.

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

The post Chroma Noir – “Black Rain” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

Los Angeles-based act Paycheque deliver a sharply melodic synth-pop moodiness on “Joy & Laughter,” embracing a new-wave influence. Steady percussive and warbled, bass-y synths complement a debonair vocal presence to start; an illuminated rise takes hold as twinkling synths and post-punk guitar movements enter the fold.

“Ever after, joy and laughter,” the vocals let out there, traversing seamlessly into the enjoyable yet more sporadic nature of the verses. A stylish success, “Joy & Laughter” has us anticipating what’s next from Paycheque, who recently opened for TOPS’ Jane Penny and appear poised for a continued ascent.

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

The post Paycheque – “Joy & Laughter” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

“Making Moves’ is a melodic new single from Vero Strange, the project of Brooklyn-based artist and musician Dan Fisher. Debonair guitar lines and sharp synth elements drive into the confident vocal delivery, complemented by a bass-y immersion as the 9-to-5 lyrical introspections arrive.

The “c’mon let’s make moves,” vocal proclamation enamors alongside the swift guitar jangling and sporadic buzzes, driving into the bass-fronted verses with cohesive enamoring. The track plays with a stylish, infectious suaveness with shades of The Cars, and marks another success from the project, first catching our ears with “That’s Just Speed” last year.

Fisher elaborates on the track:

“What you are is what you do, free to die how you choose” I try to let my subconscious do the writing. Often, I’ve noticed that my lyrics predict something that’s about to happen, like an act of warning. Making Moves was an attempt to hijack prophecy, instead making the lyrics about being free in all aspects of life. And who knows, that story might come true, if you choose to write your own life.

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

The post Vero Strange – “Making Moves” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

A track out today from Former Lives, “Some things never change is inevitable” presents an absorbing, serenely melodic allure. The project’s founder, Sean Joseph Klassen, describes the output as “a love letter to overdriven guitars, analog synthesizers, and arcane pop music.” Indeed, its dreamy mixture of alt-rock, new-wave, and pop nostalgia makes for a riveting sound, particularly as the lush vocals push into heavy guitar distortion and spacey synth arpeggios past the two-minute turn, firmly showcasing the Burlington-based project’s eclectic reach — also evident on previously featured success “Alderson Loop.”

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

The post Former Lives – “Some things never change is inevitable” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

Bridging peppy new-wave spirit with a post-punk bustle, “Moment Strike” is a new single from Slow Paced Acting. Inspirations like The Cure and Gary Numan linger enjoyably, as yearning vocals entice alongside a bouncy bass traversal, trickling guitars, and synth adornments. “Warning signal kept me alive,” the vocals let out during an especially melodic sequence, capped off by an ascending synth resonance and spirited vocal worthiness. “Moment Strike” is a fun, throwback charmer from Slow Paced Acting.

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

The post Slow Paced Acting – “Moment Strike” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

“Nora” is a melodic new single from Famous Friend, the project of Los Angeles-based artist Zachariah Carlson. Murky guitars and a subdued bass pulse traverses into a spacey synth line, bridging new-wave and post-punk nostalgia. Dreamy vocal engrossment follows, escalating into bouncy guitar twangs and a more expressive vocal soaring. The title-touting punctuation there exudes a compelling yearning, set against a stellar array of jangly guitar atmospherics and lush synth adornments. “Nora” is another success from Famous Friend, coming off a hot 2023 that included praised single “Tanlines.”

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

The post Famous Friend – “Nora” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

An infectious new-wave and power-pop composure emanates within “It’s not the first one that counts,” a new single from UK-based band Noise Factory United. Their second single offers a poignant introspection on modern perils, including AI’s increasing prevalence and the greater need for political literacy in an algorithm-directed age. There’s a particular eloquence in the “why am I so allergic to me?” refrain — reminding of the correlation between social media identity and self-worth for some.

Ardent guitar pulses and reflective bouncy synths drive into that refrain, following the “algorithms at the heart of my dilemma,” opening declaration. The title-touting repetition is full of momentum and pep, traversing into a submerged vocal feeling alongside spacey synths; the versatility, tonally, is evident even within a familiar and fun power-pop direction. The “or somebody else on the tele?” also captivates in its switch-up to darker haunts. Jumpy guitars, excitable vocal layers, and delectably eerie synth tones comprise a thrilling production throughout “It’s not the first one that counts.”

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2023’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

The post Noise Factory United – “It’s not the first one that counts” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

An atmospheric pop single with new-wave nostalgia, “The Cathedral” comes via Barcelona-based producer Feyleryn and Norwegian singer Lars Are Nedland. The latter sings for avant-garde metal bands such as Borknagarand Solefald, and here finds success within a more serene pop/rock intertwining, appealing with its introspective qualities.

Wordless vocal mystique builds spaciously into a suavely melodic lead, complemented by subtle key flourishes and crisp rhythms. The title-touting rise invigorates as the first minute concludes; the vocals emit “the cathedral,” with powerful impact alongside the synth textures and serene guitar trickles.

“This is the life I was meant to,” signals another compelling sequence; haunting reflective vocal backing bolsters the upfront vocals, driving into a dynamic sequence — from serene synth-laden caressing to another ardent title-touting refrain. “The Cathedral” is a stellar showing from the collaborating duo, touting a consuming melodic flow alongside a serenely engaging soundscape.

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2023’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

The post Feyleryn – “The Cathedral” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

“Wait” struts a charismatic, escalating rock appeal from Brooklyn-based artist Jack Sloan. A suave bass thumping and stutter-y guitar trickles drive into a lush vocal lead, driving into a momentary multi-vocal conversational feeling.

The two-minute turn features a feverish vocal rise that meshes well alongside confident guitar pushes, following up the funk-laden sequences with a satiating payoff. Shades of XTC and Bowie linger with art-rock appeal through this rise. “Wait” is a stellar production from Jack Sloan.

Sloan elaborates on the track’s themes:

“Joan Didion wrote that “however long we postpone it, we eventually lie down alone in that notoriously uncomfortable bed, the one we make ourselves.” WAIT is an anthem about the postponing – the fraud we perpetuate on others and ourselves – and the eventual reckoning we do in the dark. Here’s comes something to get you dancing… gyrating thru the pity… head-banging till you’re whole again.”

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of August 2023’ Spotify playlist.

The post Jack Sloan – “Wait” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

Synth pulses and debonair vocals consume on the catching “The Best,” a new single from Los Angeles-based artist Andy Clockwise. The production conjures a New Order-esque pull in its blend of pop accessibility and moody synth-fronted constructions, complete with an unmistakable ’80s nostalgia. Splitting his time the past three years between Australia and the USA, Andy Clockwise is continuing to release singles that will comprise his 4-volume opus, War Stories. The first two volumes are set to release this year.

Bolstered by a music video that captures the late-night danceability of the track, “The Best” fuses stylish nostalgia and timeless pop hooks for an alluring sound. From the suave initial verses to the trickling synth/guitar interplay approaching the second minute, “The Best” is abound with memorable moments and a consistently melodic pull.

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of June 2023’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

The post Andy Clockwise – “The Best” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.