11/30/14

Listen: PVLMS - "Memories"

Oklahoma-based producer duo PVLMS offer up a simple, vibes-heavy soundscape with "Memories". The cut is a steady climb of calming and mid-tempo synths that blend to a soothing affair, one that completely enshrouds listeners in lush tones. The pace at which the melody moves notably mesmerizes with its slick turns and screwed vocal bits. This is unsurprisingly inline with their recently-released Compassion EP, a diverse collection of tunes with an underlying controlled-tempo and experimental direction. "Memories" is a hypnotic affair and further shows how easy it is to get lost in PVLMS' (short) discography. Listen to the track below.

11/25/14

LABEL PROFILE: Color Station

There’s an undeniable sense of admiration that accompanies Brooklyn/Los Angeles based label Color Station. Only four months removed from their inaugural release, the imprint impressively lays claim to a roster of six versatile artists and four noteworthy releases already. Boasting a confident introductory period full of promising gems is remarkably surprising considering their short existence so far, and only points to a stronger presence aheadWith impassioned optimism, the blooming imprint looks to the foreseeable future with no intentions of slowing down.

Art forward. Zero rules. Two key components that find themselves embedded in just about every aspect of Color Station. With their artists, it manifests in a wide range of sounds anywhere between (but most certainly not limited to) untethered electronic experimentation to gripping pop melodies. Their roster excels in this diversity, yet each signee explores their respective musical directions with a connecting fervent desire to progress. It’s a forward-thinking attribute expressed that mirrors the culminating function of the independent label: to create and perceive music without boundaries. 

DIY-creative Troy Keon helms the project with an immediate vibrancy that seems at least partly (if not entirely) responsible for Color Station’s romantic artistic direction. We got to chat with the co-owner about the label’s inception, ideals, and plans for the future. You can also find the just-released Bewilderbeast deconstruction of label mate White Royal’s “Be Terrestrial” below, a massive display of dissonant tones and ideas.

11/22/14

Listen: Sun Angels - United Kingdom EP

The consistently prolific Cascine releases another quick gem in recent signee Sun AngelsUnited Kingdom EP. The 3-track project is a quick flash of diverse electronic exploration, with shifting tempos and moods seamlessly traversed on each track. "Night Gym/Fight Music", for example, emits exotic, jungle-like rhythmic drums before suddenly progressing into an entirely unrecognizable mash of layered soaring synths. It's a refreshing spin on the climbing builds littered throughout today's electronic scene, and the oddly comforting skill set that the producer shows to posses invokes a feeling of satiability. And that's what we have in United Kingdom, a short-but-fulfilling release that serves as a promising introduction to the newly joined label member. Stream the release below/cop it here.

11/20/14

Listen: Black Coast - "TRNDSTTR (Lucian Remix)"

Lucian really sets it off on his rework of Black Coast's "TRNDSTTR". No, really. The NY-based producer makes quick work of a vocally led rise before completely flipping the track on us; blaring, intermittent synths hit out of nowhere with an in-your-face intensity that literally dropped our jaws. As if to pick up the pieces, the artist rides out a bouncing beat with a vibrant confidence that handedly brings listeners back down to earth. All of this is done with a tangible ease, as it's clear that Lucian possesses the skill to do this on the regular. Check it out below/download here.

11/19/14

Listen: J Tropic x Alyss - "September (cover)"

A lot of skepticism can accompany any Earth, Wind & Fire cover, let alone the instantly recognizable melody of "September", but J Tropic and Alyss handle the ubiquitous tune with such fervent care that it takes a moment to fully realize this is the same inescapable song we've been subjected to for the past few decades. This alone should merit appreciation, as the two supplant a stand-alone rework with budding synths and smooth tones that encourage a reinvigorated interaction with the familiar cut. We can't say this was unexpected, though, as the singer-producer collaboration has already yielded two stunning showcases of R&B-meets-slick production ("Who U Are"/"Love Up"). With their "September" cover, both artists further establish themselves as promising new creatives we need to keep an eye on.

Listen: Alex Burey - "Inside World"

There's a quiet air of reflection in South London-based singer/songwriter Alex Burey's modest sound that can be likened to all the redeemable qualities of the always-soft King Krule: it's dense, contains an understated inhabitance of nostalgia, and often prefers to accomplish more with what's not said. As such, "Inside World" is an exemplary output of human warmth, as Burey emits restraint honesty that enshrouds listeners with an aura of invading comfort. While it's hard not to conjure up images of empty city streets and lonely late-nights fraught with aimless wanderings, these accompanying visuals come without alarm. The single revels in its self-introspection, and let's us know that sometimes it's okay finding solace in isolation. This is tranquility at its finest. The track will be on the upcoming Inside World EP come January 15th via Burey's own Pling Recordings.

Watch: Headrooms - "Pillow Talk"


Amsterdam-based producer Headrooms pairs dizzying visuals with his vibrant single "Pillow Talk", a blur of sonically plush tones that constantly sit on the edge of blowing over in exuberant fashion. Instead, the artist adopts a restraint-albeit-spinning style that consistently engages throughout. The track is off the Pillow Talk/Silly Chats 7" via Groove College. [Visuals by Gregmack]

11/18/14

Listen: Flamingosis x A Sol Mechanic - Brother EP

Producers Flamingosis and A Sol Mechanic team up on the 4-track Brother EP, a promising deluge of mid-tempo nostalgia that's an entirely encompassing, gracefully breezy trip. The two both effortlessly inhibit future-funk synths and tones that surround listeners within a veil of pure bliss, showing a wholly welcomed natural pairing. What results is a finely crafted collection of tunes that flow, spin, and encapsulate with an ease that encourages kicking back and letting the vibes completely take you. Stream the full EP below and download it via name-your-price here.


[Stereocure/Rootnote]

Listen: Andreya Triana - "The Best Is Yet To Come (Lapalux Remix)"


[Lapalux reworks Andreya Triana for her Everything You Never Had Pt. II EP]

Listen: Matte Wood - Matte Wood EP

Cascine never fail to disappoint, adding Matte Wood's self-titled EP to an already-strong catalogue of solid releases so far this year. Out on their digital singles sub-label (CSCN), producer James Jano contributes three living, pulsing tracks that exist somewhere between light fixation and full-blown hypnotic fascination. Check it out below.

Watch: Saint Pepsi - "Fall Harder"


[Directed by Alex Girav]

11/17/14

Listen: Foxes In Fiction - "Ontario Gothic (Alternative Version)"

Check out a stellar stripped down version of Foxes In Fiction's "Ontario Gothic", the standout title track from the LP of the same name (released earlier this year via Orchid Tapes). The cut was recorded for the Japanese release of the record, and features an even cleaner structure that emits a beauteous radiance through its simplicity. Stream the track below and download it for free here.


[You can still download Foxes In Fiction's Ontario Gothic LP via name-your-price on Bandcamp.]

Listen: Tallows + Celadon City - "Sea Sick"

Check out the collaboration between Oklahoma-based acts Tallows and Celadon City in "Sea Sick". The production marriage of a dense and underlit soundscape with the backseat vocals of Tallows frontman Josh Hogsett relays a flickering notion of despair; Hogsett discharges an emotional deluge of remorsefully honest lyricism that hits home on a number of levels. With opening lines "Before we get sea sick", it's immediately apparent that the following four-and-a-half minutes is brimming with a personifying introspection that's only intensified by a waning vocal delivery. Stream/download the collaboration below.


[via]

Listen: Kero Kero Bonito - "Build It Up"



[Kero Kero Bonito]

11/16/14

Listen: Chromatics - "Shadow"

If you haven't been keeping up with Johnny Jewel's soundcloud over the past month, you've been missing out on some really solid, unreleased material from artists on his Italians Do It Better imprint. He recently dropped "Shadow", a slowly building Chromatics ballad that's immediately lush and invading in a sonically encompassing way. A soothing meld of vibrantly washed out guitar tones, dreamy synths, and vocoded vocals hits like a wall of understated opulence that feels straight out of the 80's. Stream/download the track below.

11/15/14

Listen: Secret Attraction - "Yours"

Phoenix-based producer Derek Wise (Secret Attraction) makes wonderfully bliss, hazily synth-driven tunes that makes contact in all sorts of ways. It makes sense, then, that he's releasing his upcoming Miss You Bad EP on Stratford CT., the imprint that prides itself on an extensive roster of naturally chill beatmakers. The first track from the release is "Yours", a layered experience of soothing tones and subdued elation. Through an almost lo-fi aesthetic, Wise relays a subtle euphoria that radiates just enough to create a fully-forming, harmonious piece. Check out the single below.


[via]

11/12/14

Listen: X&G - "Home ft. Kidä"



[X&G x Kidä]

Listen: Anna of the North - "Sway (et aliae Remix)"

It seems we've become more enamored with producer et aliae's remixes as of late, as she constantly releases improved, spaced-out and airy versions of already-exemplary tracks. Next up in line of hazy reworks is an edit of Anna of the North's "Sway", a cut that's already decidedly subdued and low-key. Throw in et aliae's affinity for washed out soundscapes built around drowned vocals, and the resulting recipe is a quietly soaring, stunning barrage of bliss. As if we expected anything else from the artist at this point.

Listen: The Derevolutions - "Bad King Kong"

Boston pop outfit The Derevolutions are ahead of the game right now in regards to uniqueness; nothing sounds like these guys right now. Seriously. The best part is, they're consistently getting better. "Bad King Kong" is the group's bounciest to date (a bold statement considering their vibrant body of work): the tune works an infectious groove that's so dynamic that we constantly found ourselves genuinely delighted throughout its winding twists and spins. Stream/download the track below.

Listen: Giraffage - "Chocolate"



[No Reason EP out November 18th on Fool's Gold]

Listen: TĀlĀ - "Unfinished Business"


[Off TĀLĀ's upcoming Alchemy EP]

Listen: OWLLE - "Fog (Andrea remix)"

Parisian producer Andrea seamlessly pairs OWLLE's "Fog" with an understated-yet-bombastic soundscape, where aqueous rhythms clash with anything and everything within the confides of cloud-rap atmospheres and trap-styled tones. If you're looking for grandiose, fog-enshrouded beats á la Clams Casino, this is a good place to start.

11/11/14

Listen: Azekel - "Chronophobia"

Versatile singer/songwriter/producer Azekel has released a new track in "Chronophobia", a traversing soul-tinged jam that features everything from pulsing synths to soaring horns. While the exceptional production is wholly welcome, the highlight is clearly the smooth R&B vocals from the artist: Azekel navigates the varying intensity levels with a breathtaking and commanding performance that solidifies "Chronophobia" as his most fulfilling single to date.

Listen: Fantastic Fantastic - "The Night"

Synth-pop duo Fantastic Fantastic have quickly established themselves as a band to watch with only a few tracks under their belt. With their third single in "The Night", it's clear that this designation is warranted, as the two show an affinity for infectious rhythms and melodies. The vocal dynamics and bouncing instrumentation show to be an irresistible pairing, producing a likability that's hard to deny. +1 for the artwork (via Jordy van den Nieuwendijk).

Listen: cln - "Satisfy (ft. Lou Millar)"

It's hard not to be impressed by Brisbane-based 19 year old cln. The youngster is constantly putting out dizzying material that never ceases to amaze us, and his newest single is no exception. Featuring vocals from Lou Millar, cln wounds lyrical sharpness with impeccable production of his own. The resulting marriage of slick and mesmerizing tones presents a tightly wound project that crawls towards its soaring high: a barrage of synths that disorientates and delights all the same. Stream/download "Satisfy" below.


[via]

Listen: White Royal - "Notice (BAILE Remix)"

Brooklyn-based producer BAILE has released another daunting track in his rework of White Royal's "Notice". The artist leads the Color Station label mates' beautifully restrained tune further into a down-tempo spiral, inducing calmness through repetition and pitched vocals that hauntingly hang in the air. The ruminating soundscapes that BAILE adopts so effortlessly caught our attention with previous releases, and his skill is fully exemplified here within the brooding beat. Check it out below, and pre-order the single here (out November 18th).

11/9/14

Listen: Fortune - "How I feel"

The Flow-Fi originator Fortune has reached a million plays on his Soundcloud and decided to commemorate the milestone by releasing the first single off the upcoming Venha Comigo EP in "How I Feel". Check out the vibes-heavy cut below.

11/8/14

Listen: Rvdical The Kid - "Free Spirit"


Baltimore-based producer Rvdical The Kid will be releasing a little four-track EP in the near future, and he's shared the first single in "Free Spirit". The pulsing beat features a plethora of twisting horns and exotic soundscapes that entice and impress. There's an immediate hint of a slightly off-kilter melody, but it's a welcome unfamiliarity as the track emits a radiantly swift blend of funk, a permeating soul sample, brooding drums, and much more.

11/6/14

Listen: Guy Akimoto - "So Far Away"

London-based label Activia Benz has steadily been supplying electronic tunes as part of their Singles Club project. The imprint "is an ongoing curated playlist of original tracks from electronic artists from around the globe", putting out a new cut from diverse producers every two weeks. The first single this month comes from Guy Akimoto in "So Far Away", a beautiful vocoder-laden composition that takes advantage of the trade off between lush synths and a constant booming bass. Stream the song below and download it here.

Listen: Flamingosis x Yung Bae - "Groovin'"


Yung Bae and Flamingosis team up for a blooming day-time disco jam in "Groovin'". The duo of producers inhibit laid-back vibes with pulsing and steady bass lines, inducing images of poolside summer days. Fortunately, we have no problem kicking it with summer vibes year round.

Listen: Yumi Zouma - "Alena (Ricky Eat Acid Remix)"



[via]

11/4/14

Listen: AudioOpera - "Last Form"



[AudioOpera's "Last Form" is brimming with infectious production inline with previous Secret Songs releases, with its spinning synths and whirring atmosphere of sonically lush tones providing an exemplary insight into the collection of diverse contributions.]

Listen: Travis Bretzer - "Promises"

Edmonton, Canada's Travis Bretzer is planning to release his Waxing Romantic LP come February 24th via Mexican Summer. If lead single "Promises" is anything to go by, it appears the project will be chock full of light-hearted pop tunes that effortlessly capture and float catchy melodies through our heads. Bretzer is vocally endearing here, propping up weighted lyrics with a simple and relatable delivery. You can stream the single below and cop the mp3 here.

11/3/14

LIVE REVIEW: The Menzingers at Paradiso - Amsterdam, Netherlands [10/08/14]


Given the prevalent themes in The Menzingers’ songs—loss, loneliness, longing, and nostalgia, just to name a few—their live performance might justifiably bear a bit of that weight and be infused with some distance.  But no, nothing could be further from the truth.  They are The Menzingers, after all, a punk band whose music, even in studio recordings, leaps from the speakers with an in-your-face authenticity.  In their live set, it simply erupts.

11/2/14

Listen: YOUTHCULT - "Utopia"

The Swedish-based group YOUTHCULT have released a 6-track EP today in YLA LOVE. Check out "Utopia" below, a lush and soaring track off the project. An immediate relation to SD-favorite WU LYF is appropriate here, with blissful guitar riffs offset by warbling and howling vocals recalling the glorious now-defunct band. This comparison is completely good-natured though; YOUTHCULT posses an air about them, showing an early ability to grasp an abstract catharsis that WU LYF was so adept at. They're reaching for something larger than music here, and we're on board.