Indie Shuffle » alternative

Mount Kimbie – You Took Your Time (Ft. King Krule)

Dwayne — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:57:12 +0000

Sounds like: James Blake, Floating Points, Joy Orbison, Jamie xx

Song: Mount Kimbie - You Took Your Time (Ft. King Krule) [download here]

What's so good?

The release of Mount Kimbie’s much anticipated second album Cold Spring Fault Less Youth is nearly upon us, and the duo have now leaked another track from the album.

“You Took Your Time” features BBC Sound of 2013 nominee King Krule, who’s contribution to the track is questionable — his spoken word ramblings are not quite rapping and not quite singing, laying somewhere in between. Although we’re not particular fans of these vocals, it’s interesting to see Mount Kimbie take their work in a new direction.

We’re still waiting for Cold Spring Fault Less Youth with baited breath, but hopefully without the unnecessary guest appearances.

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1. Original post: Mount Kimbie – You Took Your Time (Ft. King Krule)

2. Posted in: Electronic, indie, alternative, electronic hip-hop, James Blake

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Built To Spill – Live in Albuquerque

Philip Friedman — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:07:56 +0000

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Sounds like: Modest Mouse, Guided By Voices, Pavement

Song: Built To Spill - Big Dipper [download here]

What's so good?

What is it that leads to some bands flaming out, while others are able to continue on for decades? I recently had the chance to see a band that falls in the latter category, and in doing so learned what it takes to keep the indie rock flame alive.

From the beginning of the show at Albuquerque’s Launchpad, it was clear that Doug Martsch has kept Built To Spill going for all these years. From their Idaho start way back in 1993, Martsch has been the driving force behind Built To Spill, and he continues to lead the band with his laser like focus and intensity during the show.

All of what has made Built To Spill a great indie rock behind was on full display throughout the evening, with Martsch’s witty lyrics, plenty of guitar heroics, and a band that proves that experience leads to a super tight sound. Martsch was the conductor as they effortlessly switched gears from song-to-song, playing tunes inspired by jam-band, indie rock, and even metal. Not unlike an out-of-control train, they somehow managed to stay on the tracks and just continue to build speed as they played through their set.

The highlight of the show came at the encore when the band played a rocking cover of “(D0n’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult. They nailed the song note for note — no simple task, as all you classic rock aficionados know. Their cover was complete with a little help from the frontman of Junior Rocket Scientist (the opening band) supplying just the right amount of cowbell.

They then closed out with two classic tracks, “Big Dipper” off of There’s Nothing Wrong With Love and “Joyride” off of The Normal Years. I felt like I was back in the hey-day of indie rock, dancing and singing along with a couple hundred of my closest friends.

Built to Spill proved that they’ve still got it after all these years, and that they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. And for all of your European shufflers, the band will be starting an international tour starting in September in Madrid. You can check out all of their tour dates here.

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1. Original post: Built To Spill – Live in Albuquerque

2. Posted in: indie rock, alternative, 90s, alternative rock, modest mouse

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Jagwar Ma – Man I Need

hmcclure — Sat, 04 May 2013 11:14:17 +0000

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Sounds like: The Rapture, Kasabian, Cults, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Song: Jagwar Ma - Man I Need [download here]

What's so good?

There’s no stopping the freight train that is Sydney duo Jagwar Ma. With a number of hit singles already on the books (“The Throw,” “What Love,” and “Come and Save Me“), they’re not content to sit on their well-earned laurels. Quickly developing a reputation for their globe trotting, they’re about to set off on another European tour, including stops at the Great Escape and Glastonbury Festivals in England. Just in time for this, they’ve launched another single of their upcoming debut album, Howlin.

“Man I Need” is a typically lengthy affair; topping out at 9:30, it dwarfs their previous single “The Throw” which was only a measly 7 minutes. It’s an intriguing listen though, with the track moving from stage-to-stage, exploring a number of different influences and flavors, from trance and techno to psych and pop, and everything in between. It would be silly to review this like any other song, because it’s completely different from anything currently being made.

With their album due out on June 7, they’ll need to wait till the end of July to launch their album at home with a spot at the Splendour in the Grass festival — a perfect way to celebrate.

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1. Original post: Jagwar Ma – Man I Need

2. Posted in: Electronic, indie rock, indie pop, electro pop, Australia

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Slow No Wake – Everyone Needs Someone

Sean O — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:44:15 +0000

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Sounds like: Tame Impala, Porcelain Raft, Built to Spill, Youth Lagoon

Song: Slow No Wake - Everyone Needs Someone [download here]

What's so good?

Any Tame Impala fans out there? That was the first band I thought of when listening to “Everyone Needs Someone” by Ohio-based Slow No Wake. It’s hard for me to understate how much I am digging the psychedelic vibes on this track, even though Slow No Wake is a one-person act and has technically classified “Everyone Needs Someone” as a demo.

Demo or not, I had to share this track. It resonates with me in the same way certain Youth Lagoon and Porcelain Raft songs do. There’s a spaciousness to “Everyone Needs Someone” that allows me to take my shoes off and get lost in it. I can feel that slide guitar in my bones, and want to be best friends with all that reverb.

I discovered Slow No Wake on Twitter. Check out his SoundCloud for more psychedelic jams, and prepare yourselves for his debut album, which should drop by the end of the summer.

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1. Original post: Slow No Wake – Everyone Needs Someone

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, indie, psychedelic, alternative

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Porno Cave – Hearts

Rachel Skotarczyk — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:40:44 +0000

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Sounds like: The Breeders, Adult, The Chromatics, New Look

Song: Porno Cave - Hearts [download here]

What's so good?

Last week, I took some time to absorb the good vibes and good weather in the musical city of Nashville, TN. There, I met a few friends who introduced me to a few more friends, and before I knew it, I was surrounded by a stunning variety of musical brilliance — Nashville is just that kind of city.

One of those geniuses is a dude named Jim Oblon. Now, I don’t know much about him other than the fact that he makes other guitar wizards weak in the knees, he tours with Paul Simon, jams every Tuesday at a rad place called Foobar, and is generally a cool dude. A friend of mine turned me on to Jim’s latest collaboration. It’s a stray for Oblon’s typical blues style, but strikingly reminiscent to one of my favorite 90′s bands, The Breeders; thus, I highly approve.

Story is, he made friends with a vocalist (who is probably gorgeous), they jammed, and pure musical sex came out. That sounds really raunchy, but with a name like Porno Cave, what more could I assume?

Anyway, I hope they make a few more tunes, because “Hearts” is quickly becoming my latest obsession. So, relish in this 90s girl rock glory with me and snag the track via iTunes. Enjoy!

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1. Original post: Porno Cave – Hearts

2. Posted in: indie rock, female vocalist, alternative, electronic-rock, electro

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Wilco – Impossible Germany

Jason Grishkoff — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:34:07 +0000

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Song: Wilco - Impossible Germany [download here]

What's so good?

I somehow stumbled upon Wilco’s “Impossible Germany” this morning, and it couldn’t have been a more appropriate song! There’s something about it that’s so relaxing and calm, yet upbeat. It seems perfectly suited for the gloomy spring weather we’re getting in Amsterdam right now.

The song was released on the band’s 2007 album Sky Blue Sky, their sixth studio album at the time. If you ask me, it’s pretty wonderful to have a band as prolific as Wilco continually release great music.

While there’s no word of a new album in the works, here’s hoping they’ve still got more up their sleeves.

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1. Original post: Wilco – Impossible Germany

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, folk-rock, alternative, wilco

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Coastal Cities – Entropic

Justin Lam — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:53:46 +0000

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Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Foals, The Drums

Song: Coastal Cities - Entropic [download here]

What's so good?

Detention seems like an odd place to form a band, but that’s exactly how England’s Coastal Cities began their musical journey. I remember hearing the young Brit pop five piece last year with their single “Relief,” and I thought they possessed great potential (especially after being likened to Two Door Cinema Club, Foals and Friendly Fires, to name a few).

I think the great thing about young bands is how fearless and ambitious they are. As you would expect, they’re full of energy and this is evident in Coastal Cities’ latest single, “Entropic.” Fitting its name, the track has a tropical sound, with jangly post-punk guitar riffs and subtle, uplifting electronics. It also possesses an extraordinary amount of dance sensibility; I would imagine their live performances to be one hell of a good time.

Fresh out of college, I think we can expect these guys to start hitting their stride much sooner than later.

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1. Original post: Coastal Cities – Entropic

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, dance, alternative, two door cinema club

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Hard Knocks – Pocket Full Of Change

Justin Lam — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:31:41 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Youngblood Hawke, The 1975, The Neighbourhood, Pacific Air

Song: The Hard Knocks - Pocket Full Of Change [download here]

What's so good?

What I like most about writing for Indie Shuffle is the fact that I get to introduce you guys to a host of bands that you’ve probably never heard of. Something equally close to my heart is discovering brand new bands myself and absolutely falling in love with their first single. Well, let’s add another one to list with Los Angeles’ The Hard Knocks and their debut single “Pocket Full of Change.”

Boy, have these guys come out swinging with this one. You would never believe that this four piece is just starting out with such a polished and refined sound. It’s such an easy listening rock track, filled with numerous hooks throughout the verses and chorus. At the moment, they’re being likened to The 1975, The Neighbourhood and Pacific Air, which seems like an odd combination, but on first listen you can see how they encapsulate a variety of sounds.

“Pocket Full Of Change” will be released as part of their debut EP ME, which is out May 7, 2013. Until then get your free copy from their SoundCloud!

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1. Original post: The Hard Knocks – Pocket Full Of Change

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, indie, alternative, the neighbourhood

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Phoria – Scopes

Bronte Martin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:10:57 +0000

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Sounds like: James Blake, Sigur Ros, Radiohead

Song: Phoria - Scopes [download here]

What's so good?

Hot off of their second EP Bloodworks, UK-based Phoria present us with “Scopes,” a fusion of melismatic vocals and steady percussive progression. The harmonic guitar plucking leads to something of a climactic nature, while the “elegant arrangements and ethereal vocals produce beautiful and eclectic music,” according to the band.

Following their initial teasing release of “Red” (which has copped almost 90,000 listens thus far on SoundCloud), Phoria’s Bloodworks EP manipulates vast sonic space by utilizing a multi-layered and euphoric approach. “Scopes” channels Phoria’s more alternative side as the tempo is increased and accentuated, along with the presence of a plethora of emotional additives that pull on our heart strings.

The entire Bloodworks EP can be streamed on Phoria’s SoundCloud page or purchased on iTunes.

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1. Original post: Phoria – Scopes

2. Posted in: Electronic, alternative, dreamwave, shoegaze, dreamy

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Hiding

Justin Lam — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:23:24 +0000

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Sounds like: Tanlines, STRFKR, Generationals

Song: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Hiding [download here]

What's so good?

Well, this is sort of what I was wanting/expecting from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. I’ll be honest when I say that I wasn’t the biggest fan of the duo’s last release — not because it was so experimental, but purely because in my opinion the single wasn’t executed properly and lacked a certain cohesiveness to it.

This second offering, “Hiding” from the Patterns EP, ticks all the right boxes for me. It is the perfect combination of groovy basslines, pulsating drum beats and flowing verses that make this an absolute winner in my books. It’s just those typical feel-good vibes that we’ve come to expect from the duo.

I’m also loving those silky smooth vocals and group chants in the background, and I’m oh-so-glad they toned down the synthy, dancey influences in this one.

The EP drops on April 16, 2013 and I’m definitely looking forward to more tracks like this!

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1. Original post: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Hiding

2. Posted in: Electronic, indie pop, electro pop, alternative, tanlines

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Paramore – Now

Eric Shapiro — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:02:30 +0000

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Sounds like: The Joy Formidable, Fall Out Boy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Song: Paramore - Now [download here]

What's so good?

You hear that? That’s the sound of what we call “punk rock” tearing itself apart, only to stitch itself back together into its constituent parts.

Yet it feels different this time, its bits and pieces incongruous: the insistent, petulant, pissy refrain of artists like Avril Lavigne and Fall Out Boy spiked with unrestrained guitar noise, synth keyboards and all manner of sonic bells and whistles that neither of the aforementioned pop sensations could conceive of.

In their latest permutation, Paramore has more in common with grittier alt rock bands like the Joy Formidable than the mall punk crowd of which they were once a part of.

But then, Paramore frontwoman and vocalist Hayley Williams has never cared much about what’s permitted, either in the mainstream music world or the hallowed halls where punk rock authenticity is decided. The result is a bastard creation, an abomination of musical form stripped of its social context and welded into something new, all to suit the purpose of its architects. Lo and behold, “Now,” and the self-titled album it occupies.

Original guitarist and drummer Zac and Josh Farro have departed, and they took the band’s alt-rock conventions with them. Williams and remaining founding members Taylor York and Jeremy Davis fill the void, grafting on disparate styles, from to 1980s dance pop to gospel. This is something the arbiters of taste in the world of alternative music never could have consented to, and yet here it is, foaming at the mouth and worming its way into your skull in a rush of sticky pop hooks and subtle innovations. Now that’s punk rock.

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1. Original post: Paramore – Now

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, female vocalist, alternative, punk rock

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Thermals – The Sunset

clydeerwinbarretto — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:32:38 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Bratmobile, No Age, Foals, Craig Finn, The Hold Steady

Song: The Thermals - The Sunset [download here]

What's so good?

If you thought that punk rock was dead, well, you thought wrong. Now on Saddle Creek records, The Thermals (a Portland trio) have been churning out guitar crunchy tracks for over a decade and they see no end to their music. On their single, “The Sunset,” they don’t turn back; they get those guitars crunching away right from the start.

Off their Saddle Creek debut Desperate Ground, the song is about, “Someone learning to deal with the harsh reality around them,” according to frontman Hutch Harris. And the truth is all well-documented in the track, as the singer belts out:

I am always alert, although my enemies are few
I know the ones you will hurt
Are the closest to you
I am always awake in the fear they are gone
But my shadows are fate
They’ve been here all along

Powerful and relatable to most, the song continues the bands tradition in fine writing. Their new album Desperate Ground will be available April 19, 2013 out on Saddle Creek Records.

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1. Original post: The Thermals – The Sunset

2. Posted in: indie rock, rock, alternative, lo-fi, punk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Free Energy – Wild Life

Bri Guy — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:40:57 +0000

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Sounds like: Atlas Genius, Divine Fits, PAWS, Tanlines, Sleeper Agent

Song: Free Energy - Wild Life [download here]

What's so good?

Free Energy last made an appearance on Indie Shuffle with the single “Girls Want Rock.” Since then, their album, Love Sign, was released on January 15, 2013. I have been playing that on repeat lately, but I was for hoping for some new music from the band. Well, I got lucky, because they’re releasing a special 7″ for Record Store Day on April 20, 2013.

It features “Girls Want Rock” as the A-side, and the B-side is a new unreleased song called “Wild Life.” “Wild Life” is a indie rock track featuring bouncing guitar rifts and solid drum work. Lyrically, it’s a simple concept: living life on the wild side. There are only 500 copies being pressed around the country, so go to your local record store if you want a physical copy. If digital music is more your thing, then stream these songs on Free Energy’s SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Free Energy – Wild Life

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie, alternative, lo-fi, garage rock

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Dems – Desire

Justin Lam — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:46:24 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Mr Fogg, Chris Malinchak, Sea Wolf

Song: Dems - Desire [download here]

What's so good?

This latest release from London’s trio Dems is a little bit special. “Desire” is definitely not a song I would’ve been remotely interested in a couple of years ago, but today I find myself entranced by its performance. It’s a moving bit of art that really surprised the hell out me on my first listen.

It’s all about those vocals — those deeply haunting, falsetto vocals that Dan Moss absolutely nails in this dreamy and romantic single. Coupled with some softly repeating breaks and a subtle string arrangement, this song travels straight to your heart and flows glowingly through your veins.

Overall, this is a beautiful piece of work that is also free to download here.

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1. Original post: Dems – Desire

2. Posted in: Electronic, ambient, indie, alternative, lo-fi

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Nickelback – How You Remind Me

Aaron Blum — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:58:49 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Nickelback - How You Remind Me [download here]

What's so good?

Canada is known for their variety of exports, including oil, maple syrup and Mounties. They’ve also provided one of the greatest contributions to modern rock.

Today’s Song of the Day comes from a burgeoning Canadian band named Nickelback. Their amazing track “How You Remind Me” bursts with anthemic energy and creativity, two elements sorely lacking in the majority of music we normally cover.

… April Fools!

Now I hope this song gets stuck in your head, well, at least for today. :)

“God, Nickelback is awesome” – said no one, ever.

Head over to their SoundCloud page for some free misery.

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1. Original post: Nickelback – How You Remind Me

2. Posted in: rock, alternative, foo fighters, creed, 3 doors down

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Phoria – Red

Bronte Martin — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:47:55 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: James Blake, Sigur Ros, Radiohead

Song: Phoria - Red [download here]

What's so good?

Is this song stunning, or what? Phoria’s “Red” “combines beguiling melodies, elegant arrangements and ethereal vocals” (according to the song description) to produce something reminiscent of Sigur Ros or James Blake. Based out of Brighton, Britain, Phoria is gearing up for the April 29, 2013 release of their newest body of work: an EP titled Bloodworks.

Following the 2010 album release of Yourself Still, Phoria has kept busy not only writing music, but also sharing the stage with the likes of Little Dragon, Ultraista, Active Child and Dodgy.

“Red” accentuates the power that minimalist electronica embodies, captivating all listeners with its emotion-heavy vocals and modest use of clap percussion. In short, we can’t get enough.

To pre-order Bloodworks, visit this site.

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1. Original post: Phoria – Red

2. Posted in: Electronic, ambient, dream pop, alternative, shoegaze

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

PALERMO – Monochrom EP

David Peter Simon — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:16:24 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Former Ghosts, Tearist, Zola Jesus

Song: Palermo - Monochrom [download here]

What's so good?

Monochrom is a short and solemn experimental synth-pop EP from Prague artists Dominik Gajarsky and Roman Stetina, running under the name of PALERMO. It’s sharp and gut-wrenching, a bit like Former Ghosts when they first came out; I wasn’t surprised to see a Freddy Ruppert cover included. Most of the tunes are pretty eerie, with bleak lyrics sung like whispers in the dark for slow dances in the shadows.

PALERMO will release their debut LP, called Still Life, under the US label Crazy Iris Records in May. Until then, you can listen by downloading this EP on Bandcamp and follow their release on Facebook. I highly recommend checking out the “Book of Ethics” music video — an excellent hand-held one-shot that perfectly sums up how PALERMO balances calm and soothing with perturbed and storming.

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1. Original post: PALERMO – Monochrom EP

2. Posted in: experimental, synth-pop, alternative, post-punk, Experimental electronic

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Fairchild – Burning Feet

Justin Lam — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:51:35 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Between Borders, Shout Out Louds, Imagine Dragons

Song: Fairchild - Burning Feet [download here]

What's so good?

I’m truly blessed to be living in Australia, what with all the talent that we seem to be churning out across the nation. Fairchild, or Fairchild Republic as they were formally known, are yet another upcoming Aussie indie pop band hailing from the Gold Coast in Queensland.

“Burning Feet” is their very first offering under the new moniker, and it’s good ol’ catchy indie pop with the band’s trademark bouncy guitars and sweet, sweet melodies.

With production partner Catherine Marks in the building, it seems like they could be onto something special here (considering she’s helped build the success of some pretty awesome bands like The Killers, Foals and Death Cab For Cutie — they’re doing pretty well these days, right?).

Also, let it be known that Fairchild is no stranger to live performance. They’ve shared the stage with a wide range of Indie Shuffle favorites including Neon Indian, Parachute Youth, Last Dinosaurs and Flume.

“Burning Feet” will feature on their forthcoming self-titled EP, to be released in July.

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1. Original post: Fairchild – Burning Feet

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, indie, alternative, australian

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Wax Idols – When It Happens

Bri Guy — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:00:49 +0000

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Sounds like: Coasting, Heavy Times, Dignan Pinch

Song: Wax Idols - When It Happens [download here]

What's so good?

Wax Idols is a four piece band from Oakland, CA comprised of Heather Fortune (lead vocals/lead guitar), Jennifer Moody (rhythm guitar/backing vocals), Amy Rosenoff (bass) and Rachel Travers (drums). Heather Fortune recorded the band’s first album, No Future, by herself; but Wax Idols’s upcoming album, Discipline & Desire, was recorded with the full band.

Single “When It Happens” is post-punk track with dark undertones and chilling vocals. Discipline & Desire is due for release on March 26, 2013 via Slumberland Records. We’re hoping to hear more from them soon, but if you want to jump the gun, then grab a pre-order of the album here.

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1. Original post: Wax Idols – When It Happens

2. Posted in: indie rock, female vocalist, rock, alternative, lo-fi

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Jon Lemmon – Steppenwolf, pg. 247

Matt Kramer — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:54:12 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Notwist, The Postal Service, SOHN, Deastro

Song: Jon Lemmon - Steppenwolf, pg. 247 [download here]

What's so good?

I stumbled across Jon Lemmon while I was killing some time in a music store recently. Not physically (as best I can tell, he lives in New Zealand) — I happened to be chillin’ at Music Makers in downtown Austin, and they were playing an iPod out of an amp in the soundboard section. The whole time I was wandering around the store I was really struck by the music. It felt strangely nostalgic, and I was eventually compelled to ask one of employees what was playing. He told me that it was Jon Lemmon with a bit of a shrug that seemed to indicate he had little to do with its selection, or that maybe it wasn’t his iPod.

Either way, the music stuck with me, and I ended up looking him up when I got home. After misspelling his name and trying pretty hard to convince Google that I was not in fact searching for John Lennon, I eventually hit his Bandcamp page, where I was thoroughly pleased to find his entire discography available for free download, which you can (and definitely should) take advantage of.

His music has a washed out quality — heavy on the droning, and leaning strongly towards the chill end of the music spectrum. Jon Lemmon has a knack for splicing short vocal samples into harmonic melodies that drive his spacy downtempo (and mostly electronic) tracks. His voice is little unrefined, but in an honest authentic kind of way, which struck me as endearing.

“Steppenwolf, pg. 247″ has a low-key, hazy, psych-ambience that’s perfect for a rainy morning in bed. I melt a little bit at about the 2 minute mark, when after a soft pause, a chorus of Lemmons’ modulated voices come in and croon me into blissful chillness.

On the whole, Jon Lemmon has proved to be a very rewarding chance find. Dude can make some music, and if you can get down on it, go to his Bandcamp page and show him some love.

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1. Original post: Jon Lemmon – Steppenwolf, pg. 247

2. Posted in: chillwave, alternative, lo-fi, dreamwave, downtempo

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Hey Big Aki – Something To Go

Justin Lam — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:08:20 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Architecture In Helsinki, of Montreal, The New Pornographers

Song: Hey Big Aki - Something To Go [download here]

What's so good?

It’s been a couple of years since we last heard from Sydney’s Hey Big Aki. They seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth after the release of their first EP in 2011, and not much was heard from them since. Well, I’m pleased to say that they’re back in 2013 with their recently released EP Venera.

As you can probably tell by their name and EP artwork, there are some evident Asian influences, but at the same time it’s very much your typical luscious Australian indie pop that we as a nation are absolutely nailing at the moment. “Something To Go” best exemplifies the sextet’s knack of creating catchy melodies and their extraordinary pop sensibility.

Those sparkling synths and tropical guitar lines head straight to your feet, and more importantly, straight to your heart. You can tell they’ve been hard at work after hearing how much tighter the production has become — it has surely been worth the wait!

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1. Original post: Hey Big Aki – Something To Go

2. Posted in: indie pop, indie, alternative, pop, Sydney

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Andy Bull – Keep On Running

Justin Lam — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:34:19 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: STRFKR, Dan Black, Penguin Prison

Song: Andy Bull - Keep On Running [download here]

What's so good?

If you’re an Andy Bull fan, you’ll be pleased to know that he has returned after the success of his Phantom Pains EP, released back in 2010. The Sydney singer-songwriter’s latest release, “Keep On Running,” takes a slightly different approach, but it’s still infectious and quirky as always.

Almost immediately, you’ll notice that Andy has gone with a much more synth-laden production rather than his signature piano rock style. This isn’t to say he hasn’t completely forgotten his roots, as there are still glimpses of his piano throughout the song.

He demonstrates a great use of space on this track, especially with the chorus — which is choppy as all hell, but incredibly original and well thought through. The verses swing off the chorus really well and have a sort of hip-hop feel to them, which gives this track a particularly nice ebb and flow.

Hope this fills you up with as much as happiness as it did for me!

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1. Original post: Andy Bull – Keep On Running

2. Posted in: electro pop, synth-pop, indie, alternative, soul

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Leagues – Spotlight

Justin Lam — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:47:03 +0000

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Sounds like: Tokyo Police Club, Foster The People, Datarock

Song: Leagues - Spotlight [download here]

What's so good?

You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time, and seconds later you’re completely obsessed? Well, this song just so happens to induce that feeling. Nashville’s Leagues released their debut album You Belong Here in late January, and fortunately for you, they’ve managed to get my attention.

“Spotlight” is the lead single from the album, and it demonstrates the ease of producing a well-driven rock song. From the opening drum beat and dirty-toned guitar riff, I had this huge boyish grin on my face, as if to say I had discovered something amazing. All it really took were some funky, scratchy guitars and hook-filled vocal harmonies to rope me in.

If you’re intrigued, check out the rest of their debut album. You won’t be disappointed!

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1. Original post: Leagues – Spotlight

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, indie, alternative, Foster The People

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Wildlife Control – Ages Places

Rachel Skotarczyk — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:33:24 +0000

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Sounds like: Deer Tick, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Last Dinosaurs

Song: Wildlife Control - Ages Places [download here]

What's so good?

The lastest release from team Wildlife Control, “Ages Places,” is another slice of epic fuzz pop. It’s as if these guys can’t do anything but pump out anthems, but we’re not complaining — it’s just the vibe we’re looking for as many of us roll out for SXSW.

Speaking of which, if you find yourself in Austin and you’re looking to see these guys live, mark your itinerary with these dates:

Wildlife Control Official Showcase

Friday 3/15 at midnight

Maggie Mae’s (323 E 6th)

http://schedule.sxsw.com/2013/events/event_MS21073

https://www.facebook.com/events/134457203398108/

SoundCloud & Tumblr Creator Clubhouse

Wednesday 3/13 at 6:30pm

Waller Creek Boathouse (74 Trinity St)

VIP Access via http://clubhouse.soundcloud.com/

BPM / SDR 4th Annual SX Party

Friday 3/15 at 2:40pm

Shakespeare’s (314 E. 6th)

https://www.facebook.com/events/370192146412189/

House of Creatives Filming

Saturday 3/16 at 3pm

Invite only (please RSVP with WC)

http://www.thehoc.com/

Enjoy!

------------------------ With countless sub-genres

1. Original post: Wildlife Control – Ages Places

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie, alternative, Last Dinosaurs, deer tick

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Rainbow Chan – Skinny Dipping

hmcclure — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:32:46 +0000

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Sounds like: Bjork, CocoRosie, Joanna Newsom

Song: Rainbow Chan - Skinny Dipping [download here]

What's so good?

I’ve always really admired the music Rainbow Chan makes, but I haven’t entirely understood it. Until now that is.

As co-winner of the 2011 FBi Northern Lights Competition (alongside Oliver Tank), she visited the home of her musical idol Bjork (Rainbow Chan’s music bears a definite resemblance to her) to develop her sound. After gaining a cult following locally with the release of a number of singles, she seems to have taken another step-forward with her new track “Skinny Dipping.”

The new single is absolutely gorgeous, and a little easier to take in than her previous works. While it’s definitely more accessible, Chan hasn’t shifted too far from her interesting style. Light and dreamy, “Skinny Dipping” is carried by Chan’s charming vocals and her unmistakable take on electronic music. Classically trained in piano, saxophone and vocals, she creates loops with a variety of quirky instruments.

This is the first track off her upcoming EP release (mid-year). You can check out her previous singles on her SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Rainbow Chan – Skinny Dipping

2. Posted in: Electronic, female vocalist, electro pop, synth-pop, Australia

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.