New Tracks

Sluka – “Hey Oh”

We featured the self-titled track from Sluka’s new album, Ready to Connect, last month — emphasizing the band’s knack for twangy acoustics, soaring melodies, and orchestral additions. The San Diego act is

Koresma – “Free”

Mellow synths and lush, distant vocals adorn the sweeping “Free,” a recently released track from Koresma (Ryan Lindberg), an electronic producer based in Asheville, North Carolina. The track’s soaring, open feel takes

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

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

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?

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 plays well, especially

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 you,” vocal

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 guitar

New Albums

MARA WANNA – ‘how dreadful’

Hamtramck, Michigan-based artist MARA WANNA consumes across her new album, how dreadful — navigating grief and growth with inventive, hook-driven artistry. Blending

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Erro – ‘Shadowland’

Pittsburgh-based project Erro, led by multi-instrumentalist Nikki Stagel, impresses again with Shadowland, a new album that fuses shimmering pop-rock textures, ethereal dreaminess,

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Ellie Walker – ‘The Balance EP’

Cambridgeshire, England-based Ellie Walker’s The Balance EP is a four-song success, weaving intimate indie-folk charm with heart-on-sleeve pop elements. Across its tracks,

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