Indie Shuffle » dreamwave

Kill J – Phoenix

Jason Grishkoff — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:26:38 +0000

Sounds like: Purity Ring, Grimes, The Knife

What's so good?

It’s not often that a brand new song from an unknown artists leaves you with your jaw on the floor, but Kill J’s single “Phoenix” has pretty much done just that for to me.

Naturally, that leads to the next question: who is Kill J? According to Pigeons & Planes, there’s virtually no information out there save for a few mysterious pictures. What we do know is that the band is from Denmark.

While I suppose that’s a bit frustrating, I’m finding it pretty easy to come to terms with. Good music speaks for itself, and given the absence of further detail here, I’m all about hitting play and zoning out.

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1. Original post: Kill J – Phoenix

2. Posted in: Electronic, female vocalist, experimental, synth-pop, psychedelic

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

Postiljonen – On The Run

Rachel Skotarczyk — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:27:11 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Chromatics, College, Electric Guest, M83, Air France

Song: Postiljonen - On The Run [download here]

What's so good?

I kind of don’t want to leave the interior of “On The Run.” It’s snapping me right back to every feel-good moment I’ve ever had.

Quietly emerging from Scandinavia in 2011, Postiljonen have planted themselves within my psyche using only a handful of dreamy singles. Norwegian vocalist Mia Bøe sounds like a lullaby alongside Swedish multi-instrumentalists Daniel Sjörs and Joel Nyström Holm; each song sounding like a fuzzy escape into all things pleasant and nice.

Personally, I can remember their Whitney Houston cover popping up on Tumblr some months ago. Despite being blown away, I wasn’t able to find information on the track and must have assumed the creators were to poised to disappear into the vast interweb, forever to be forgotten. I can’t imagine any other reason why I wouldn’t have run over to the Shuffle and blogged about it…

At any rate, Postiljonen are back with another delightful single set for release July 8th via Best Fit Recordings. Has anyone else counted the releases on the 8th of July? It’s gonna be a big day for music!

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1. Original post: Postiljonen – On The Run

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, dream pop, dreamwave, chill wave

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

Cosmo’s Midnight – Surge

hmcclure — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:29:19 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Tycho, xxyyxx, Giraffage, Bondax

Song: Cosmo's Midnight - Lover's Shadow [download here]

What's so good?

Since we brought you the debut single from Sydney electronic duo Cosmo’s Midnight back in April, the twin brother combination have continued to gain plenty of attention. In recent months, they’ve supported international heavyweights xxyyxx and Cashmere Cat on their tours down under — the perfect lead-up to the release of their debut EP, Surge.

Of the four tracks from the EP, “Phantasm” is probably the most poppy (I likened them to Purity Ring and Disclosure as a reference point). The remaining music delves a lot deeper into the lush soundscapes the guys touched on with their first single. The vocals on title track “Surge” are hardly dominating, really just being used as another layer of the overall sound, while “Lover’s Shadow” and “Won’t You Stay” are almost entirely instrumental. What this means is that the production needs to be pretty spot on to maintain the listener’s attention — and I wouldn’t be writing this if it wasn’t. Deep and dreamy, any of the tracks would be perfect for our Sunday Night Chill posts, but I’ve settled on the slightly more uptempo “Lover’s Shadow” to feature here.

Cosmo’s Midnight create the type of music most electronic artists aspire to, which is made even more impressive given it’s their first attempt. Head over to the Bandcamp for a “name your price” download of this brilliant EP, and while you’re there, check out some of the other releases from their label mates at Yes Please (including Oliver Tank, Guerre and Wintercoats).

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1. Original post: Cosmo’s Midnight – Surge

2. Posted in: ambient, chillwave, Australia, dreamwave, downtempo

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

NONONO – Pumpin Blood (Taken By Trees x Belief Remix)

Justin Lam — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:30:53 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Mausi, Feist, INK

Song: NONONO - Pumpin Blood (Taken By Trees x Belief Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Technically, this is a remix by Belief, but it also features the lovely vocals of Victoria Bergsman (aka Taken By Trees), a collaboration that we saw not too long ago back in April. Today they are re-joining forces in this absolutely brilliant rendition of friend and fellow Swede NONONO’s hit single “Pumpin Blood.”

I got pretty excited when I saw this remix, having covered all three artists in the past on Indie Shuffle. If you’ve heard the original then you’ll notice that Victoria sounds unmistakably like the lead singer, but undoubtedly adds a certain warmness to the song.

Just like the “Taken By Trees“ remix, Belief slows down the tempo of the song, giving it just the perfect amount of ebb and flow. Great way to get through your Monday.

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1. Original post: NONONO – Pumpin Blood (Taken By Trees x Belief Remix)

2. Posted in: indie pop, chillwave, dreamwave, chillout, covers

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

Seatraffic – Conscious Awake

Christiana Bartolini — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:18:15 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: M83, This Will Destroy You

Song: Seatraffic - Conscious Awake [download here]

What's so good?

San Francisco’s Seatraffic is back with a new single, “Conscious Awake.”

This breezy rendition that fits perfectly into the chillwave movement lends a lot of just that — chill waves of sound that are bound to take it down a few notches. The fresh and clean synths are accompanied by heavy yet deliberate drum beats, which makes for a nice contrast. The lazy vocals are reminiscent of how one would feel on a hot summer day — lackadaisical, slow-going, and effortless.

The balance between these elements gives Seatraffic their unique atmospheric sound that they continue to evolve with each release.

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1. Original post: Seatraffic – Conscious Awake

2. Posted in: synth-pop, indie, chillwave, dream pop, dreamwave

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

How to Dress Well – Cold Nights (Koreless Remix)

Matt Kramer — Mon, 27 May 2013 13:00:18 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Active Child, Holy Other, Balam Acab

Song: How to Dress Well - Cold Nights (Koreless Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Koreless takes an already gorgeous track and and spins it sexy through his silky remix machine. The result is so slick and lush that it’s sure to make your eardrums mess your monster beats. We featured this track on a Sunday Night Chill playlist, but it really deserves its own review.

Koreless has been a staple fixture in my music library, largely thanks to tracks like his captivating remix of “Late Nights” by Foals. He gives How to Dress Well’s “Cold Nights” a similar treatment to beautiful effect. I’m not sure if there is a night theme developing in his repertoire of remixes, but his music certainly plays well deep into the late night hours.

Koreless uses a sparse sense of composition that breathes life into his signature palate of wet, hang drum-esque cadences. The ambient textures and soft vocals make “Cold Nights” perfect for a post-club wind down. His meticulous production, muted synth pads, and melodic phrases that build and decay atmospherically throughout the song put my ears into a kind of coital paralysis.

At 19 years old, Koreless’ Lewis Roberts produces music with a richness and spaciousness that belie his age. It baffles me how organically rythmic and pulsing his music manages to be without the use of any drums. He just dropped an EP called Yugen that’s been getting a lot of attention (both here on Indie Shuffle and throughout the music blogoshpere at large). I for one am excited to follow the trajectory of his promising career; keep your eye on this young talent.

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1. Original post: How to Dress Well – Cold Nights (Koreless Remix)

2. Posted in: Electronic, chillwave, dreamwave, downtempo, chillout

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

I’lls – Speak Low

hmcclure — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:00:33 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Radiohead, Baths, Bibio, Geotic

Song: I'lls - Speak Low [download here]

What's so good?

Every time Melbourne-based I’lls release something new, I think to myself, “This is it for them right? They can’t improve on this one!” Then they go ahead and do just that.

The classically trained trio released their debut EP Thread back in 2011, and their second, A Warm Reception, is due out on June 17. The EP’s first single, “Plans Only Drawn,” was featured on Indie Shuffle back in March, and they’ve just released another absolutely delectable track.

“Speak Low” is an introspective masterpiece; the warmth this track gives off is unbelievable. Everything about it creates a fantastical dreamscape — from the deep bass riffs, to the withdrawn percussion and gentle keys, all the elements are balanced to perfection. Simon Lam’s vocals drift in and out throughout; you couldn’t have a different voice on this track.

To wrap this up, I write about music that I like, so there’s nothing new about me saying that this is a good band. But, I’lls aren’t just a good band — they’re a special one.

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1. Original post: I’lls – Speak Low

2. Posted in: synth-pop, ambient, Australia, dream pop, dreamwave

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

Shady Elders – In the Waves

Rhett Flowers — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:11:52 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Warpaint, Asobi Seksu, Best Coast

Song: Shady Elders - In the Waves [download here]

What's so good?

I get a bunch of music submissions sent to me on a daily basis, and I try to comb through them all to find some gems. Well, that definitely worked out for me today, because I came across this great band Shady Elders. They described their sound as dream pop and shoegaze, and they definitely deliver.

After listening to their single “In the Waves,” I was very impressed with the scope of their sound. It’s dense and has a lot of harmonies, which makes for a smooth, luscious listen.

Check out more from Shady Elders on SoundCloud and BandCamp

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1. Original post: Shady Elders – In the Waves

2. Posted in: female vocalist, indie, dream pop, dreamwave, shoegaze

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

Baths – Ironworks

Matt Kramer — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:53:29 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: How to Dress Well, Shlohmo, Lapalux, Gold Panda

Song: Baths - Ironworks [download here]

What's so good?

I’ve been pretty amped for Baths upcoming LP, Obsidian. Will Wiesenfeld, who fronts the band, floored me with his freshman LP, Cerulean, back in 2010, and I’ve been more or less biding my time for his next release since then.

He recently dropped the new single “Ironworks” from the upcoming album (due May 28), and my excitement continues to grow. Wiesenfeld’s harmonies in “Ironworks” are slick and on point. And, as always, Baths really works the silky falsetto in a way that few others can. Somewhere out there is a member of a boy’s choir listening to this and crying.

But Baths’ real genius is in his tightly honed production. The track features softly percussive ambient melodies chopped and layered over piano and string arrangements that are allowed to develop a bit more than on Cerulean. Overall “Ironworks,” and Obsidian in general (based on the handful of leaked songs) seem to take on a darker more brooding vibe than Baths’ earlier work. (I mean, check out the album cover).

But dark can be good. And if Baths wants to do dark, I’m more than happy to indulge him. Mark your calendars. I’m expecting big things.

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1. Original post: Baths – Ironworks

2. Posted in: chillwave, dream pop, dreamwave, chillout, shlohmo

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

Airbird & Napolian – In The Zone

Louisa Ferguson — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:34:51 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Girrafage, Poolside, Teams

Song: Airbird & Napolian - In The Zone [download here]

What's so good?

Short and sweet, “In The Zone” will take you there (to the zone), but is definitely a bit of a tease. Guest vocalist Erika Spring sounds a bit like Janet Jackson (I think?), and I mean that in only a good way. This track is begging to be mixed into something longer, and I’m sure it will be picked up real quick.

Airbird (who is really Joel Ford of Ford & Lopatin fame) I have loved for a while (particularly the track “Girl“), L.A.’s Napolian is new to me — but, together, their hybridized sound is definitely more than the sum of its parts. The track notes promise a full length “on track for winter” so we’ll just have to sit tight for now. Or like, chill in the zone.

(Don’t call it seapunk. Unless you look at the album art. Then you can call it seapunk, maybe.)

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1. Original post: Airbird & Napolian – In The Zone

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

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

Say Lou Lou – Fool Of Me (Ft. Chet Faker)

Jason Grishkoff — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:47:50 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Say Lou Lou - Fool Of Me (Ft. Chet Faker) [download here]

What's so good?

Say Who Who? Where’d these girls come from? And how’d they manage to land the awesome Chet Faker (of Superbowl soundtrack fame) on their track?

Formerly known as Saint Lou Lou, these two Swedish sisters are based in Sweden, but actually have strong Aussie roots. According to Pigeons and Planes, their father Steve Kilbey was “lead singer-songwriter and bass guitarist for legendary Australian alt-rock band The Church.” Can’t say I’ve ever heard of the band, but maybe our staff Aussie contributors Hugh or Justin are familiar?

Anywho, bottom line is that the combination of dreamy synth music with Chet Faker’s crooning makes for a mostly-downtempo, but certainly interesting track.

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1. Original post: Say Lou Lou – Fool Of Me (Ft. Chet Faker)

2. Posted in: female vocalist, dream pop, dreamwave, chill, lana del rey

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

Calvin Harris – Bounce (CHIMS Remix)

Aaron Blum — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:34:32 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Tycho, Four Tet

Song: Calvin Harris - Bounce (CHIMS Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

At first glance, I think of EDM and dance music whenever I see a Calvin Harris track. However, when I see CHIMS, I think “chill.” If this is your first taste of CHIMS, he is a Norwegian producer who has a diverse and eclectic taste that is easily heard from his vast range of chilled out remixes and original tracks.

While this track would, and should, fit easily into one of our Sunday Night Chill playlists, it easily stands alone in my current daily rotation. No doubt this track will be gleaming in my ears while I’m outside maxin’ and relaxin’; it will assist definitely in a stress free daydream while you soak up some sun.

The track is currently available for free download over on CHIMS SoundCloud page

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1. Original post: Calvin Harris – Bounce (CHIMS Remix)

2. Posted in: Electronic, remixes, electronic remixes, dreamwave, chillout

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

Phantasmagoria – Two Worlds

Rachel Skotarczyk — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:52:58 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Werkha, Chrome Sparks, Chela, Purity Ring, Germany Germany

Song: Phantasmagoria - Two Worlds [download here]

What's so good?

“Two Worlds” is a bold and explorative track that tests the limits of underground pop, fuzzing it up with hip-hop, trip-hop, wavy dreams and introspective lyrics. Their music sounds like one big eternal transformation, but whatever it is they’re growing into, it does sound like Phantasmagoria’s getting more comfortable in their skin.

With nonstop gigs and a new album, DAYZE, due out summer 2013, the likable Detroit duo has been keeping busy. This year they’ve broke enough ground to land a spot on the Beatport stage during Movement– Detroit’s primo techno festival.

“Two Worlds” is free for download, so snag a copy on their SoundCloud, and as always, enjoy!

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1. Original post: Phantasmagoria – Two Worlds

2. Posted in: Electronic, female vocalist, experimental, dreamwave, electronic hip-hop

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

Steel Train – You Are Dangerous (RAC Remix)

Aaron Blum — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:34:20 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Passion Pit, Flight Facilities, Viceroy

Song: Steel Train - You Are Dangerous (RAC Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

At this point, there’s not much left to say about RAC, other than they keep producing awesome remixes, one right after another. This time, RAC morphs Steel Train’s “You Are Dangerous” into another infectious track that should be added to your poolside playlist.

This track couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time, as the weather here in San Francisco is heating up (low 70′s) and the summer playlists are of necessity.

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1. Original post: Steel Train – You Are Dangerous (RAC Remix)

2. Posted in: Electronic, indie pop, remixes, synth-pop, electronic remixes

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

Valentina – Ladders

Rachel Skotarczyk — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:01:59 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Nite Jewel, Mr. Little Jeans, HAIM

Song: Valentina - Ladders [download here]

What's so good?

There seems to be a lot of misinformation about Valentina’s debut EP Wolves. What makes it more confusing is that Joe Goddard’s version of “Gabriel” was released nearly two years ago, yet we’re just now getting a first listen of the original composition.

Valentina’s progressive ballad, “Wolves,” previewed a few months ago and took me by surprise with its elegant and expansive simplicity. Her voice, like the assortment of the EP’s producers (Kwes, Blue May, Sam Beste, Ben Esser and David E. Sugar) is unique, adding to the “bold and earthy” feel of the EP.

The newest preview, entitled “Ladders,” while unfair to compare, feels superbly Nite Jewel-esque to me. Valentina seems to be exploring the structure of sound slowly, softly and with a lyrical depth that sinks straight to the soul.

The EP isn’t available for download until April 29, but you can stream the full thing via iTunes. Keep up to date on the release via Greco-Roman. Enjoy!

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1. Original post: Valentina – Ladders

2. Posted in: Electronic, female vocalist, synth-pop, dreamwave, mr little jeans

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

Superhumanoids – So Strange

Bri Guy — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:31:12 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Ghost Beach, Blonds, Alex Winston

Song: Superhumanoids - So Strange [download here]

What's so good?

The trio of Cameron Parkins, Sarah Chernoff, and Max St. John make up the band known as Superhumanoids. We have featured a few of their singles, including their version of the Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated,” where they turned a punk rock song into a synth-pop ballad with dark undertones.

Superhumanoids are finally ready to release their debut album, Exhibitionists, on June 11, 2013 via Innovative Leisure. Off that album, “So Strange” is a dream/synth pop track with excellent drumming and great vocal work; one listen isn’t enough — it leaves you wanting more every time. Follow them on SoundCloud if you’re digging their sound!

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1. Original post: Superhumanoids – So Strange

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, synth-pop, dream pop, dreamwave

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

Phoria – Scopes

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

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

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.

Airhead – Autumn

Christiana Bartolini — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:05:23 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Superhumanoids, James Blake, Daughter

Song: Airhead - Autumn [download here]

What's so good?

Ahh, just what I need. A chilled out, downtempo dreamwave track by UK’s Airhead entitled “Autumn.”

As soon as the song starts, you can feel a rush of warmth and calmness flow over you. The gently picked guitar and chilled out beat is the perfect compliment to the airy, ethereal vocals that lead the way. Throughout the song, it stays pretty consistent in its construction and execution, only taking a modest break for a bridge. Airhead does a wonderful job at instilling a sense of calm through the breathtaking effects they execute in “Autumn.”

June 11 is the date to remember. That’s when their debut album For Years will drop! So even though it’s spring in most parts of the world, press play on “Autumn” and get listening!

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1. Original post: Airhead – Autumn

2. Posted in: female vocalist, experimental, acoustic, dreamwave, downtempo

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

Belle Mare – The Boat Of The Fragile Mind EP

Christiana Bartolini — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:22:08 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Beach House, Grizzly Bear, Sharon Van Etten

Song: Belle Mare - The Boat Of The Fragile Mind [download here]

What's so good?

I’d like to introduce all you Shufflers to one of my new favorite bands. Brooklyn’s own Belle Mare is a talented boy/girl group that oozes potential and infectiousness.

Their debut EP, The Boat Of The Fragile Mind, is a cathartic and soothing journey into a dream world of many wonders. Sometimes melancholy, sometimes intricate delicateness — this album is solid through and through. Belle Mare takes the simplicity of just a few instruments and effects and calls it their own, producing glistening and gorgeously constructed dream pop that has the ability to awaken your mind and soul. Vocalist Amelia Bushell’s softly hypnotizing voice has a beckoning quality to it as she glides through each song with wistful ease.

Luckily for you, Belle Mare’s EP has just been released. Now you have no excuse to not hear it! I see big things happening for them; with a sound so intriguing and the skill to have such a strong presence within their music, they truly hold a ton of merit in this modern music world.

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1. Original post: Belle Mare – The Boat Of The Fragile Mind EP

2. Posted in: indie rock, female vocalist, dream pop, acoustic, dreamwave

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

Goldroom – Only You Can Show Me Ft. Mereki Beach (The Knocks Remix)

Anu — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:46:14 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Poolside, Moon Boots, Gigamesh

Song: Goldroom - Only You Can Show Me Ft. Mereki Beach (The Knocks Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

It’s difficult to write about situational tracks sometimes; it leads to fear of missing out of an epic bash. If I could have any superpower, it would most likely be to multiply myself so that each of me could simultaneously dance free under a different foreign sky, soaking up the sounds.

Currently in need of a chill breeze, one of me would most definitely head to the upcoming pool parties at The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs, if Goldroom’s mix for the festivities is any foreshadowing of a glittering, nu-disco sundowner. Although, as Josh Legg hopefully suggests, the playlist will “soundtrack some sort of epic drive that you take in the near future.”

The Knocks remix of Goldroom’s “Only You Can Show Me” is featured in the mix. One of the sunnier numbers, it kicks off right where my happiness fell off. It adds that little skip to its synth and teases a cool summer ahead.

Don’t stress if you’re also trapped in your humble town — download the entire mix for free here. And keep it kickin’ by following Goldroom and The Knocks on their respective Facebook pages here and here.

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1. Original post: Goldroom – Only You Can Show Me Ft. Mereki Beach (The Knocks Remix)

2. Posted in: Electronic, electronic remixes, house, chillwave, dreamwave

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

Knesset – RVRSE

Christiana Bartolini — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:39:05 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Bear In Heaven, Small Black

Song: Knesset - RVRSE [download here]

What's so good?

I’m pleased to hear that Knesset is back with a fresh new single, “RVRSE.” It’s breezy, atmospheric and a nice accompaniment for this spring season.

Slightly psychedelic yet still carefully constructed, “RVRSE” combines the simple and the complex to make an intelligent approach to an indie rock genre that leaves so much room for creativity. The synthetic loops and twinkling dabs of synth softens what would otherwise be a song that’s a bit on the harder side. The drums provide a steady, resonating beat which lends a more energetic vibe to the aforementioned ethereal effects. The vocals are incredibly catchy and bound to get stuck in your head (especially the melancholy chorus).

Knesset’s release of “RVRSE” is leading up to their new EP, Sage. I can’t wait to hear what style their experimenting with this time around.

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1. Original post: Knesset – RVRSE

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, dreamwave, shoegaze, synthwave

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

Empress Of – Hat Trick

aniballuque — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:29:53 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Neon Indian, Class Actress, Washed Out, Toro Y Moi

Song: Empress Of - Hat Trick [download here]

What's so good?

Empress Of is the single effort of Brooklyn-based Lorely Rodriguez. The Spanish singer-song/writer can fluctuate between her native Spanish tongue or English, depending on her mood. Her latest track is a hazy ode to the 80s, with a dreamy vibe that makes you feel like you’re lounging in a meadow on a lazy summer Sunday. Her catchy hooks are infectious and perfectly laid over a psychedelic bed of synths and sound effects.

She’ll be touring with Jamie Lidell this spring, so make sure to catch her amazing live performance. Her debut EP is also out on Terrible Records in April on No Recordings, if you’re into that vinyl vibe.

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1. Original post: Empress Of – Hat Trick

2. Posted in: female vocalist, dance, synth-pop, chillwave, dream pop

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

Young Galaxy – New Summer

Kavit Sumud — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:39:59 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Memoryhouse, Mazzy Star, School of Seven Bells

Song: Young Galaxy - New Summer [download here]

What's so good?

Spring is the best. Winter gets called out for being an archaic bastard and April rains right him out of our lives. Oh, yeah, and all the hipster musicians we love take off their Holden Caulfield-esque hat that muffled their music in cynicism and release truly life-awing tracks.

Case in point: Young Galaxy‘s new track “New Summer,” which teases at the prospect of new life before throwing all pretense aside in favor of some unabashed, fawning decadence. Soaring strings copulate with Catherine McCandless’ vocals to produce a chorus that will be the summer soundtrack baby of many a drive down Pacific Coast Highway with the top down.

And that chorus features one of my favorite synth sections yet this year. Its flirtatious bantering gives way to a simultaneous need for reflection and a desire skinny-dip and “howl at the moon.” Enjoy!

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1. Original post: Young Galaxy – New Summer

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, dream pop, dreamwave, shoegaze

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

Goldroom – Sweetness Alive (Wax Nostalgic Remix)

Justin Lam — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:44:16 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: RAC, Flight Facilities, Aeroplane

Song: Goldroom - Sweetness Alive (Wax Nostalgic Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

As good as the original was, I always knew in the back of my head that Goldroom’s “Sweetness Alive” had great potential to be remixed by someone special. Enter Canada’s Wax Nostalgic (or David Hayes as he’s known) to get the job done. You may remember his Local Natives remix that we featured late last year, and he’s continued to impress us since.

There’s a certain amount of nostalgia associated with his remixes, and this one is no different. I didn’t think it was possible, but the wonderful vocals performed by Saint Lou Lou shine even more brightly in this stripped-down version. You can instantly tell that David was looking to enhance their vocals with his selection of atmospherics.

Certainly less dance-y, but all the more relaxing.

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

1. Original post: Goldroom – Sweetness Alive (Wax Nostalgic Remix)

2. Posted in: Electronic, electronic remixes, ambient, dreamwave, chillout

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.

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

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.