Hand Clap Movement

Brand new Austrailia act Bel Air, have showcased their broad range of sound in their two debut tracks “Song A” + “Taste”. The former is a desolate heartbreaker that uses a droning guitar to help us get in the right frame of mind. The arresting melodies bleed pure emotion as we feel as if we are walking down a city street late at night with our lonesome selfs. 

On the completely other end of the spectrum, “Taste” is a stadium-ready anthem with it’s stingy riffs and massive chords. The last minute is as about as big as you ask for in a song. I believe a human or two might explode from it.

As I felt so bad for the band after all of the heavy-hearted feelings from the previous track, I’m glad to hear them attack a more lively going. One of the best 1-2 punch of debut tracks we have heard this year.

Following up on 2012’s self-titled EP, Portland’s Pure Bathing Culture will be releasing their debut full-length Moon Tides this Summer. First single “Pendulum” is a warm and reminiscing slice of seaside indie-pop that will be best enjoyed at the brisk of morning. Sarah Versprille’s ethereal vocals give us hope among all of the despair.

The UK duo of Blonde deliver a palm tree-appropriate new house single “Be Mine”. With the twinkle of birds chirping in the distant, this is the ideal kick starter to brighten up your mood.

Grab a download here.

Travi$ Scott has finally released his hotly anticipated mixtape Owl Pharaoh. We would like to point you straight to track #9, which is the Theophilus London + Paul Wall-assisted “Dance On The Moon”. The intergalactic synths light the way through a frenzied production that offers a stunning backdrop for all three rappers. Cudi is going to be so mad that he’s not on this. With an expansive and unique style, Grand Hustle’s long lost saviour has arrived.

Download Owl Pharaoh now.

The extremely secretive bunch of London’s Jungle have just come out of nowhere and delivered one of the best debut singles of the year on “Platoon”. Full of unabashed funk. silky smooth vocals, and baby handclaps, a feeling of extreme coolness sets in quickly. The electronic undercurrent helps push the sultry mystery over the edge. This is the sort of melodic uniqueness that helped Alt-J explode last year. Could this be the year of Jungle?

The single along with another new song “Drops” comes out July 17th through Chess Club Records. Pre-order now.

Another sunny electro-pop single from DC’s PLOY entitled “Too Far Away”. There is a bit of majestic wonder at play, as we are witnessing a lover who is never where we want her to be. The gorgeous layered vocals over sunset-soaked keys really make us feel for this talented duo. This lonely beach is the only visual description I can give of such a constant annoyance of never being with the one you want.  

Listen and download below.

Sometimes a change of scenery is all we really need in life. This is exactly what Geodesics did, as he moved his whole life (including his cat and girlfriend) from the snow confines of Buffalo to the music haven of Austin. Now the computer programmer by day, laptop rocker by night has released his debut self-titled EP. His electronic music uses giant synths mixed with hallowed out samples to create an inspiring world filled with lush and exciting bursts of energy. Always a bit off-kilter, this frenzy of positive energy shines brightest on EP closer “The Great Planes”.

Listen to the EP below and download over at Bandcamp.

As The Neighbourhood are about to embark on their first U.S. headlining tour, the band will be releasing  a split 7” with tour mates Lovelife. The new track “West Coast” fully embraces the band’s hip-hop influences, as we are left with a chilly old school California appeal.

The band’s debut I Love You. is out now.

Maybe it reminds of me of my old pop-punk glory days, but something is seriously clicking with this new Dave Sitek-produced The Orwells single “Other Voices”. Plentiful hooks abound over a raucous garage-rock background. Full of raw energy, this will be a fucking joy to see live.

Taken from their new EP Other Voices out June 25th on East End/Canvasback.

Fully aware that Summer is around the corner, DC’s Misun pick up the pace in a big way on new single “Sun Made”. The aquawave band set their sights on the glowing sun with blistering synths that surround you in a wall of glorious noise. An inspiring message against rough odds is used to perfect use, as the most hopeful of backdrops blare loud and clear. Picture seeing the ocean for the very first time in life, and you’ll get an idea of how shimmering this is. Not sure I’ve had this much fun in synth joy all year. 

Nacey again delivers the stellar production.