Idiot Grins – “Poppy Piss”

January 21, 2016

Since their 2011 debut, Oakland-based group Idiot Grins have gradually infused R&B and soul into their sound, genres all five members share a mutual fondness for. Their new album Big Man was

Hurdles – “Dusk and Dawn”

January 15, 2016

“Dusk and Dawn” is a very pleasant track from Belfast-based four-piece Hurdles, who released the track as a single release ahead of their new EP, out February 1st. Warbly synths, cooing vocals,

Off Bienart’s most recent album, “Surgeon” shows the Chicago-based singer/songwriter touting a polished and striking sound, which here will sound reminiscent of Beck to many. The heavy bass, active percussion, and sharp vocals

Jelani Lateef – “Dreams”

January 15, 2016

Chicago-based rapper Jelani Lateef caught my ear last year with his Cold Days and Dark Nights mixtape, a release chock full of quality material, from the choir and string-filled anthem “Book of

FADES – “Breaking Through the Walls”

January 15, 2016

Fans of anthemic rock in the vein of Queens of the Stone Age will likely be smitten with FADES’ new track “Breaking Through the Walls”, which has most of the style’s trademarks

Raindeer – “My Favorite Dream”

January 14, 2016

HWYL by Raindeer Colorfully playful synths and versatile vocals are staples of Raindeer a wonderful four-piece from Baltimore that makes some extremely spirited music. Their combustible creativity and ceaseless creative energy reminds

Jim Wellman – “Probably Good”

January 14, 2016

“Probably Good” is a smoothly nostalgic burst of suave infectiousness, its general direction reminiscent of The Style Council’s eclectic jazz/funk/soul stylings. The comparison makes sense from a stylistic and era-specific standpoint, as

Midwest Soul Xchange – “Roots”

January 14, 2016

“Roots” has a tinted, lackadaisical charm that’s propelled by calming vocals (somewhat reminiscent of Michael Stipe), gentle acoustics, straightforward percussion and a comfortingly faint backing synth pad. Lyrics like “everyday I see