New Tracks

Opium Denn – “I Am a Feeling #1”

The highly mysterious Opium Denn project focus on using HEV (Health-Science Enhanced Vibrations) to provide an “unusual buzz” to listeners. I’m not aware of any actual scientific merit of “HEV”, but regardless

The Plastics – “Sun Scream”

Based out of Cape Town, The Plastics’ music sounds like it’s perpetually in sunshine (without ever getting sunburn). Their third full-length, In Threes, is a breezy run-through of illuminated pop gems; it’s a

Black Seas – “Trembling”

Black Seas’ introduction hooked me immediately; they said their music “features big shoegaze-y guitars and melodramatic vocals” and noted they “love Felt, MBV, and Scott Walker.” So now that we had that

TOPAZ – “Lies”

TOPAZ is a 22-year-old Chicago native churning out colorfully atmospheric psych-pop gems. His new EP, Phrases, is a very impressive collection of six tracks that tout TOPAZ’ forte, which on the opener “Lies” shows itself

Old Sea Brigade – “Love Brought Weight”

Old Sea Brigade isn’t a project that’s shifting stylistic tides with its sound, a hushed and quaint form of folk that brings to mind artists like Bon Iver. Still, what it intends

The Late Innings – “Here To Stay”

The lovely “Here To Stay” reminds me very favorably of sophisti-pop in the vein of Prefab Sprout, both in its grandiose scope and melodic lushness. As such, the track from The Late

Mleo – “Ridiculous”

With a crisp-clean alternative-pop sound that seems at least partly driven by John Frusciante-inspired guitar stylings, Mleo (muh-lee-oh) treads an enjoyable line between radio-friendly sensibilities and more off-beat yet admirable guitar-led atmospheric constructions.

Premiere: Twinkles – “In My Dreams”

With a haunting piano lead quickly accompanied by strings and synth trickles, “In My Dreams” is enthralling from the get-go. Fluid vocals flow smoothly over the piano and synths, with the bridge

New Albums

Fortress – ‘Chroma’ EP

A haunting electronic pop infectiousness shows throughout Chroma, the new EP from Antwerp-based trio Fortress. Satiating structural swells are apparent throughout, often

More

Erro – ‘Strawberry Moon’

Pittsburgh-based duo Erro craft a heartfelt, nostalgic rock appeal across their new album Strawberry Moon. ’60s and ’70s rock influences pair with

More