Indie Shuffle » indie pop

The Neighbourhood – West Coast

Jason Grishkoff — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:19:15 +0000

Sounds like: Absofacto, Mason Proper

Song: The Neighbourhood - West Coast [download here]

What's so good?

In case you ever doubted where The Neighbourhood come from, a listen to this song will clear things up. Touching on some of hip-hop influence we’ve seen in prior songs, “West Coast” sees lead singer Jesse Rutherford rhyming about California for a little over four minutes.

The song was released today via P&P as part of a split 7″ that lucky fans will only be able to find at the band’s shows. These releases will also include new songs from accompanying bands such as Lovelife, The 1975 and JMSN.

You can peep the full tour schedule here.

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1. Original post: The Neighbourhood – West Coast

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, indie, local natives, the neighbourhood

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

Live in Oakland – Of Monsters and Men

Hannah Simon — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:21:40 +0000

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Sounds like: The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart, Mumford & Sons

Song: Of Monsters and Men - From Finner [download here]

What's so good?

I’ve been to a lot of live shows, but no band has ever exuded as much pure joy as Of Monsters and Men. I don’t think anyone can listen to or watch them without smiling, it’s simply impossible. They’ve mastered the secret sauce that every artist wants to get their hands on: wildly infectious songs and an attitude that inspires more audience participation than any other show I’ve attended.

They took the stage last night at the Fox in Oakland with only one album in their arsenal, and although some critics claim that it’s not enough for a 15-song set, I beg to differ. Their energetic, playful performance had the sold-out crowd jumping, clapping, whistling, and shouting — even on the quieter songs like “Slow and Steady.” Clear stand-outs were “From Finner,” “Mountain Sound,” and, of course, “Little Talks.” We also got to hear a snippet of new material, the trumpet-fueled “Beneath My Bed,” as well as a cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs which you can listen to here. Plus, the three-song encore included a “remix” of “Little Talks,” which was more of a dark pop cover that sounded a little bit like The xx, in my opinion — it was awesome.

Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdottir and Ragnar Porhallsson might not have the wild chemistry of other male/female vocalists on stage, but you can tell their friendship runs deep — same goes for the rest of the band, who frequently switched instruments, waltzed around the stage, and prompted much hand-clapping from the audience.

All in all, this was the perfect way to spend my birthday. I can’t wait until we hear more new material from this Icelandic folk rock group — it can’t come soon enough!

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1. Original post: Live in Oakland – Of Monsters and Men

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, folk, folk-pop, indie folk

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

Lana Del Rey – Queen of Disaster

Jason Grishkoff — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:48:45 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Lana Del Rey - Queen Of Disaster [download here]

What's so good?

I’ve got to hand it to Lana Del Rey: she’s stuck around real good, certainly outliving the expectations of those who panned her Saturday Night Live performance.

The best example of this is probably her success as part of The Great Gatsby soundtrack — while I haven’t seen the movie, rumor has it her song “Young And Beautiful” makes an appearance ~5 times throughout the film.

We’re not entirely sure where this upbeat new single “Queen Of Disaster” is coming from. Is it a leak of new material? Is it an older demo? Doesn’t really matter — we’re digging the tempo either way.

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1. Original post: Lana Del Rey – Queen of Disaster

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, florence + the machine, lana del rey, Lana Dey Rey

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

Minnie and Aya – Caught Inside

Christiana Bartolini — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:09:21 +0000

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Sounds like: Dirty Projectors, Little Tybee

Song: Minnie and Aya - Caught Inside [download here]

What's so good?

Brooklyn’s own Minnie and Aya caught my ears with their single “Caught Inside,” which I think will fit in perfectly in the Indie Shuffle community.

This track is filled with all the eclectic indie folk pop that one could want nowadays. Intricate acoustic guitar, absolutely gorgeous vocals, and calming harmonies accompanied by a soft, shuffling beat. With the impending summer season, I urge you to add this song to your quintessential summer playlist!

If you can’t get enough of Minnie and Aya, don’t forget to get their album, Bella Canto!

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1. Original post: Minnie and Aya – Caught Inside

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

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

Smallpools – Dreaming

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:52:34 +0000

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Song: Smallpools - Dreaming [download here]

What's so good?

Today was the first time we’ve heard Smallpools. In fact, it’s probably the first time anyone on the internet has. And boy have they made a splash with this new song “Dreaming”!

The track was premiered today by Neon Gold, the same label responsible for single releases from folks like Passion Pit, Penguin Prison, Marina & The Diamonds and Sir Sly.

“Dreaming” is incredibly catchy and upbeat — in many ways reminiscent of Ghost Beach’s song “Miracle.” Of course, one can also make easy comparisons to the aforementioned Passion Pit, as well as the super poppy band Fun.

Overall, two thumbs up on this one!

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1. Original post: Smallpools – Dreaming

2. Posted in: indie pop, passion pit, ghost beach, saves the day, smallpools

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

Janet LaBelle – Wide Awake Dreaming

Christiana Bartolini — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:42:48 +0000

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Sounds like: Brenda Lee, Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside

Song: Janet Labelle - Wide Awake Dreaming [download here]

What's so good?

I’m so pleased to be able to present to you Janet LaBelle’s video for her new single “Wide Awake Dreaming.”

The usually rocked-out retro pop queen has taken it down a few notches with this track. With this change of scene, she still maintains her creative integrity and undeniable talent through and through. The video is visually gorgeous and laden with scenes of spring horticulture and wistful shots of Janet laying in a field of green while serenading her captivated listeners.

This is a classic love song that spans across many decades, truly standing the test of time. Janet has a vintage sound and executes it in a modern and tasteful way while not compromising the integrity of genres past. That’s true talent! Stay tuned for Janet LaBelle’s upcoming fourth album, soon to be announced!

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1. Original post: Janet LaBelle – Wide Awake Dreaming

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, singer-songwriter, piano, orchestral pop

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

MØ – Waste of Time

Aaron Blum — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:37:10 +0000

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Sounds like: MS MR, CHVRCHES

Song: MØ - Waste of Time [download here]

What's so good?

Scandinavian synth-pop outfit MØ absolutely blew up the stage this year at the Indie Shuffle Showcase during SXSW, giving me a whole new appreciation for them. A few months back, we also covered an amazing MS MR remix of MØ’s track “Pilgrim,” which was also a game changer.

Today, MØ has shared a new track called “Waste of Time” that immediately got me and my roommate hooked. Not to mention, our first listen came via their YouTube video (see below), which was quite strage and grotesque. Nevertheless, the singer/songwriter from MØ effortlessly displays her harmonious repertoire backed by catchy beats, hard synths, and golden guitar riffs.

The new track is expected to be released on their album due out later this year.

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1. Original post: MØ – Waste of Time

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

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

Blondfire – Where The Kids Are (Tune In Crew Remix)

Bri Guy — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:35:01 +0000

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Sounds like: Discovery, Blackbird Blackbird, Amtrac

Song: Blondfire - Where the Kids Are (Tune In Crew Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Tune In Crew are a duo producing music from Strasbourg, France, known for remixing a wide variety of artists, ranging from Adele to Matisyahu. Today I bring you their remix of “Where The Kids Are” by rising indie pop artist Blondfire.

This remix keeps the track’s indie pop roots while moving guitar and keyboard sections of the song around. It also keeps Erica Driscoll’s vocals, which create an innocent atmosphere throughout the song.

For more from Tune In Crew, checkout thier SoundCloud, and listen to the original version by Blondfire here.

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1. Original post: Blondfire – Where The Kids Are (Tune In Crew Remix)

2. Posted in: indie pop, remixes, electro pop, indie rock remixes, female vocalist remixes

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

Bestfriends – A-Sides

Christiana Bartolini — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:38:32 +0000

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Sounds like: Junior Boys, Holy Ghost!

Song: Bestfriends - A-Sides [download here]

What's so good?

I’m pleased to bring you guys a couple new tracks by Bestfriends. You might find that their A-Sides release is a plush and gorgeous addition for your summer playlist.

Bestfriends have got a great grasp on how to create songs that brighten your day and mood; with much emphasis on electronics, like layers and layers of synths, they produce all-around feel-good music. There’s a tinge of 80s influence in their songs with an accent of 90s dance … what’s not to love?

Don’t forget to check out Bestfriends’ EP – click here and get to steppin’.

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1. Original post: Bestfriends – A-Sides

2. Posted in: indie pop, dance, synth-pop, electro dance, passion pit

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

Crystal Fighters – LA Calling

Jason Grishkoff — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:43:02 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Crystal Fighters - LA Calling [download here]

What's so good?

I feel a little redundant featuring Crystal Fighters for the SOTD slot again, but it appears that in the wake of Daft Punk releasing their new album, everyone else has gone quiet. And to be fair, the post from four days ago was a remix — hardly a brand new original.

“LA Calling” is the umpteenth single to be released off the band’s new album Caves (available for pre-order here), and might just be one of my favorites. It’s catchy, upbeat, fast-paced and doesn’t last too long.

All in all, I’m calling it a winner — as is this album, in general.

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1. Original post: Crystal Fighters – LA Calling

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, electro pop, dance, folk-pop

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

Edith Beake – Always In Love

Philip Friedman — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:26:37 +0000

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Sounds like: Chvrches, Grimes, MSMR, Superhumanoids

Song: Edith Beake - Always In Love [download here]

What's so good?

There seems to be a huge crop of beautiful synth-pop artists popping up all over the Internet these days. Today I came across one of the newest: Edith Beake.

Edith Beake is a brother-sister duo from Oak Park, Illinois. There isn’t a whole lot of info about them out there; for instance, their SoundCloud profile picture is just a plain black image. No Facebook page, no Twitter account… just a few features on some blogs. However, what they lack in social media, they make up for in musical talent.

Their song “Always In Love,” is an 80s inspired trip into the past. Kicking off with some simple synthesizer and delicate vocals, the track adds layer after juicy layer until it turns into a sultry dream pop anthem. It kind of reminds me of being a teenager in love in the summer, and it would probably sound even better while sitting on the hood of a car. I think it would have been the perfect addition to any of the soundtracks for John Hughes’ classic flicks.

Lucky for us, it still works today. I can’t wait to see what else Edith Beake has in store for us.

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1. Original post: Edith Beake – Always In Love

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

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

Banks – Warm Water (Prod. by Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs)

Philip Friedman — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:37:02 +0000

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Sounds like: Fiona Apple, Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Ray

Song: Banks - Warm Water (Prod. by T.E.E.D.) [download here]

What's so good?

Newly introduced indie pop songstress Banks has already started building up some buzz with tracks like “Before I Ever Met You.” Garnering comparisons to the likes of Lana Del Ray and Fiona Apple, it’s no surprise that she is gaining momentum.

The buzz continues with her newest track “Warm Water,” produced by the talented English producer Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. It’s a sparse electronic midnight rendezvous, centered around Bank’s sultry vocals. Less is definitely more, and this track is the perfect follow-up to her first EP, which you can check out here.

I must warn you though, it just might be love at first listen…

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1. Original post: Banks – Warm Water (Prod. by Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs)

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

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

Dzierzynski Bitz – Vziat’ Siloj

Christiana Bartolini — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:31:36 +0000

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Sounds like: Jens Lekman,Vampire Weekend

Song: Dzierzynski Bitz - Vziat' Siloj [download here]

What's so good?

I have no idea what this dude is saying and I don’t even care. I love this song!

Dzierzynski Bitz is a Slovakian band with a beautiful orchestral indie pop style and perfect execution. From woodwinds to strings to horns, this band has got it all and they’re not afraid to use it! “Vziat’ Siloj” has all the ingredients that you’d want in a classic orchestral pop song. I also urge you to check out Dzierzynski Bitz’ other music because it is just as good!

I highly recommend Dzierzynski Bitz to be added to your spring/summer playlist! They’re got a style that is a cut above the rest.

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1. Original post: Dzierzynski Bitz – Vziat’ Siloj

2. Posted in: indie pop, experimental pop, orchestral pop, eastern europe

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

Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Ft. Julian Casablancas)

Jason Grishkoff — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:07:45 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Jonsi, Joywave, Starfucker

Song: Daft Punk - Instant Crush (Ft. Julian Casablancas) [download here]

What's so good?

Someone, somehow, somewhere has uploaded the entire stream of Random Access Memories to Grooveshark. While that’s been removed, you can now listen on iTunes.

Among the lineup is a track that I’ve been looking forward to a whole lot: “Instant Crush,” which features Julian Casablancas (lead singer of The Strokes). It’s a mellow song that features the computerized vocals we’re so familiar with from Daft Punk — save for the fact that the voice is undeniably Julian Casablancas.

My reaction after the first listen? “This is actually pretty weak” — save for that sick guitar solo. What do you think?

Update: Early reviews had slammed the album as a joke. But having given it a full listen through, I’m anything but disappointed. I guess when your expectations are at rock bottom, there’s only one way to go and that’s up. So, perhaps I should thank the naysayers for setting the bar low. This whole album is amazing.

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1. Original post: Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Ft. Julian Casablancas)

2. Posted in: indie pop, daft punk, the strokes, joywave, starfucker

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

Alex Cameron – She’s Mine

hmcclure — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:50:19 +0000

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Sounds like: David Bowie, PVT, World's End Press

Song: Alex Cameron - She's Mine [download here]

What's so good?

As part of influential Sydney electronic trio Seekae (who we’ve featured on a Sunday Night Chill playlist), Alex Cameron has been celebrated both locally and internationally. The band’s percussionist, Cameron, has also branched off on his own, recently debuting his live show. After releasing “Gone South” (you can check out the clip below) earlier this year, he’s just offered up his first official single.

“She’s Mine” sees Cameron take a another step away from Seekae’s beat-orientated electro — the David Bowie references will be quickly noted given the seductive vocals and the synthy 80s vibe of the track. Most importantly, the track’s production is spot on, with the somewhat minimalist arrangement ably supporting Cameron’s strong voice and poignant lyricism.

I love a good side project, and this is an excellent one. Luckily, Cameron’s got a whole album ready to unleash on us in the coming months; I can’t wait!

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1. Original post: Alex Cameron – She’s Mine

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

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

Eilidh Hadden – Close To Home

Kavit Sumud — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:25:37 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Ellie Goulding, Fallulah, Florrie

Song: Eilidh Hadden - Close To Home [download here]

What's so good?

I’m someone who works best with a little anger in their veins, which is why I like to have my music help me stare down the barrel of life by getting my fists pumping, my heart boarding a tank, and the bile boiling in the back of my throat. Lately, I’ve been calling that genre bitter power pop.

Carried on the strength of its soaring choruses and anthemic lyricism, this kind of music will make your soul shake down your struggles for their lunch money. And in my book, British newcomer Eilidh Hadden’s “Close to Home” is a perfect encapsulation of that strength.

“Close to Home” opens with spliced shouts laced with fearlessness, and then quickly waves in and out of anxious, tender verses. It ends up creating a confluence of emotion that feels a bit like those times when you’re faced with the insurmountable, and you show the world a darkly, reserved smile but are trembling inside.

This demo was re-recorded on a kitchen table by a member of a band I reviewed last week, Lewis Gardiner from the equally exuberant Prides (check out “Out of the Blue“). As such, it’s an unassuming first taste of great things to come, I’m sure.

Follow Eilidh Hadden and Prides on SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Eilidh Hadden – Close To Home

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, electro pop, ellie goulding, dark pop

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

Shy Nature – Deadly Sin

Christiana Bartolini — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:17:42 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Ra Ra Riot, Local Natives, Shout Out Louds

Song: Shy Nature - Deadly Sin [download here]

What's so good?

London’s own Shy Nature are gearing up to release their introductory track, “Deadly Sin,” a lovely indie pop jam that has energetic tendencies and singalong infectiousness.

Shy Nature wastes no time getting to the nitty gritty of this fun-filled, upbeat track. Raw electric guitar accompanies a prowling bass as the keys keep a choral tone and the vocals lead the way in sweet, sweet harmony. The chords are catchy, the beat is danceable, and the instrumentals are quintessentially preferable. This band has got a great grasp on what the people want!

“Deadly Sin” will be available as a free download on May 13, so don’t forget to snatch this gem up!

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1. Original post: Shy Nature – Deadly Sin

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, indie, local natives, ra ra riot

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

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound – Rouse Yourself

John Matthew Simon — Sat, 11 May 2013 17:50:46 +0000

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Sounds like: Fivestair Steps, Prince, Fugazi, Iggy & the Stooges, MC5

Song: JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - Rouse Yourself [download here]

What's so good?

Soul music is a substantive reflection of Chicago’s vibrant cultural influence and is as inherently Chicagoan as our draconian ketchup practices. JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound exemplify what previous Chicago soul musicians like Sam Cooke, the Five Stairsteps, The Dells, and countless others have projected — a sense of community encapsulated and illustrated through emotional profundity that yearns for expression and admiration.

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound are set to release Howl on May 21, 2013 on Bloodshot Records, their follow up to their breakthrough sophomore LP Want More (2011) that put the band on the indie map. Howl gives the listener the sense that the band has not only matured with their song writing, but have understood how to take ownership of a sound that is singularly theirs while uniquely Chicago.

The first of two immediate singles off the new record, “Rouse Yourself,” can be perfectly summed up by the description on Bloodshot Records site; it “is soul music by children of the post-punk era.” Nevertheless, it is a beautiful song with a crisp inertia and bravado reminiscent of Garland Green. However, it still has that thumping Fugazi like tone that makes you want to shake, shake, shake.

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1. Original post: JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound – Rouse Yourself

2. Posted in: indie pop, indie, soul, chicago, indie soul

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

Club 8 – I’m Not Gonna Grow Old

Justin Lam — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:28:38 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Little Boots, Kimbra, Saint Etienne

Song: Club 8 - I'm Not Gonna Grow Old [download here]

What's so good?

I’m glad that we can always count on Sweden for the most delectable and elegant indie pop. Club 8 duo Karolina Komstedt and Johan Angergård are, believe it or not, getting set to release their eighth album, Above The City, having released their debut album back in 1996. As old as they might be, there’s no doubt that they’re still sounding as fresh and modern as ever.

“I’m Not Gonna Grow Old” is the second single from the album, and it is a delightful sentiment. It’s yet another catchy indie pop piece infused with disco strings, anthemic choruses, well timed “oh oh ohs,” and just enough dance sensibility. We’re all going to grow old, but here’s hoping that this track makes you feel that much younger today.

Above The City is out May 21, 2013 through Labrador Records.

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1. Original post: Club 8 – I’m Not Gonna Grow Old

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, dance, indie, nu disco

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

From the Airport – Timelines

Kavit Sumud — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:34:07 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Mew, Cull, Strange Talk

Song: From the Airport - Timeliness [download here]

What's so good?

Hailing from Korea, From the Airport is a band out to prove that Far East has kickass melodies that can compete with any Western band. I’ve always felt like the Asian indie world is a vastly underrepresented, and it’s my goal in the next year to fix that, kicking off my mission with this awesome new band with a plan for greatness.

Working with master engineer Chris Athens of Coldplay and Usher fame (oh, yeah, just *that* guy — no big deal), From the Airport emulate the frantic rhythms and psychedelic atmospherics of bands like Passion Pit, Strange Talk, TDCC, and Cull beautifully.

On “Timelines,” the band crafts a single that lifts you right into the sky befitting their name. “Timelines” is an energetic track all about fighting your body and mind for the chance to lift off, and recognizing that struggle in others as well. The song is replete with a chorus/verse structure that brings to mind resting, fallow periods and the bursts of energies that we use to cross the finish line and that make us feel alive.

From the Airport is certainly a band to watch. Check out their SoundCloud and Facebook to be a part of their journey.

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1. Original post: From the Airport – Timelines

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, passion pit, two door cinema club, psychedelic rock

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

Jeremy Neale – In Stranger Times

Sophie Evelyn — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:12:33 +0000

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Sounds like: Velociraptor, The Beach Boys

Song: Jeremy Neale - In Stranger Times [download here]

What's so good?

I don’t mean to be dramatic here, but if anything or anyone wakes me up before 10am, I am likely to set them on fire. I think I have found the cure for weekday mornings, however, and it’s this song.

Jeremy Neale, frontman and visionary of 12-piece band/cult Velociraptor, has recently embarked on his solo tour around Australia and is soon to be jetting off to the UK. “In Stranger Times” is the second release from his upcoming debut EP, and features the very talented ladies from Go Violets. This track is all sunshine and dreamy pop, with old-school harmonies and “woah-ohs” to make you feel like you’re cruising through the suburbs in your dad’s convertible, dripping ice cream onto the leather seats, and generally being as far away from peak-hour traffic on a cold morning as is possible.

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1. Original post: Jeremy Neale – In Stranger Times

2. Posted in: indie pop, Surf pop, Brisbane, garage pop, doo-wop

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

Nine Inch Nails – March of the Pigs (Superhumanoids Cover)

Philip Friedman — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:44:37 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Chvrches, Purity Ring, MSMR

Song: Nine Inch Nails - March of the Pigs (Superhumanoids Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

What do you get when you cross an adrenaline-fueled industrial legend with an R&B, pop-influenced indietronica band? An awesome cover of “March of the Pigs” is what.

The California-based trio the Superhumanoids have begun to really build a name for themselves, becoming known for their sunny take on electronic music — whether it’s their original tunes or their plethora of remixes, collaborations, and covers that have been popping up all over the blogosphere. On their most recent cover, they take a shot at a Nine Inch Nails classic.

Off the cult-classic album The Downward Spiral, “March of the Pigs” is an all on assault of metal guitars and Trent Reznor’s scream that helped epitomize the Nine Inch Nails sound. But Superhumanoids manage to turn the track into a beautiful synth-pop gem filled with soft vocals and R&B influenced synths.

It’s really hard to believe that this is the same song as it has been completely recreated, but Superhumanoids prove that they can make anything sound pretty.

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1. Original post: Nine Inch Nails – March of the Pigs (Superhumanoids Cover)

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

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

Mausi – Losing You // Say My Name

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:44:56 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Rubies, INK, Poolside

Song: Mausi - Losing You // Say My Name [download here]

What's so good?

Woah, woah, woah. So much woah. First up, blending together two songs by the Knowles sisters? That’s right — Solange’s “Losing You” and Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name.”

Second up: can you believe this is a live recording? Turns out Mausi joined Huw Stephens for a BBC Radio 1 session at the start of May, performing this amazing track on the fly. Could have fooled me — the quality and execution is brilliant.

Keep your ears open for more from Mausi: this Newcastle-based quartet is destined to keep making ripples.

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1. Original post: Mausi – Losing You // Say My Name

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, female vocalist, covers, indie dance

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

SHMNS – Secret Shores

Christiana Bartolini — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:04:32 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Local Natives, Foals, Brick + Mortar

Song: SHMNS - Secret Shores [download here]

What's so good?

If you haven’t heard SHMNS‘ track, “Secret Shores” yet, then look no further. This is the perfect single for a breezy summer day complete with a cold beer and a lounge chair.

For this innovative and refreshing indie rock track, the intricately plucked guitars are perfectly layered to project a beachy feel, while the drums stay classically upbeat and shuffled. The bass slithers its way through the song as the milky vocals lasso you in. This is the kind of song that you hear and don’t forget. It’s not a track you can listen to just once due to its undeniable pop sensibility.

May 14 is just around the corner — that’s when SHMNS will be releasing their debut EP, Somewhere Between Here and There. Perfect timing for the impending warm weather!

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1. Original post: SHMNS – Secret Shores

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, lo-fi, foals, local natives

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

Generationals – You Got Me

Zach Connett — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:54:02 +0000

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Sounds like: Vampire Weekend, Belle & Sebastian, Peter Bjorn & John

Song: Generationals - You Got Me [download here]

What's so good?

Now, this may not be a new track to you, but it’s new to me.

The Generationals have been featured here on Indie Shuffle a few times, yet I just stumbled across this spectacular group for the first time this afternoon. As I’m sure a wise man once said: “Another day, another discovery.”

“You Got Me” was first released in 2011 as part of their four-song EP dubbed Medium Rarities (which we reviewed here). That said, it seems this sweet little ditty has also found a place on their most recent project, their third LP titled Heza.

The track is a minimal synth song dubbed with singing that sounds like a few of folks in the woods sitting around a campfire. There’s also some commentary in the background that sounds something like a drunk old man doing stand-up, but I can’t understand anything he’s saying. Pretty sure it’s Alan Watts, which is great in my book.

I will no doubt be playing “You Got Me” again, especially when in need of vibes that are of the chill type.

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1. Original post: Generationals – You Got Me

2. Posted in: Electronic, indie pop, synth-pop, ambient, chillwave

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