Indie Shuffle » synth-pop

The Zolas – Knot In My Heart (Nacey Remix)

Christiana Bartolini — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:42 +0000

Sounds like: Said The Whale, Mother Mother, The Shins

Song: The Zolas - Knot In My Heart (Nacey Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

The usual pop-filled indie group The Zolas has had their single, “Knot In My Heart,” remixed by Nacey.

It’s a nice change of pace, that’s for sure. That’s not to say that The Zolas don’t have great style; surely they do — though it’s always interesting and intriguing to hear what music makers of other genres can do with a song. This intergalactic take on this single gives it a technologically fresh sound with lots of emphasis on synthesizers and drum machines while keeping the original vocals intact.

Nacey took an already-catchy indie pop song and turned it into a synth-soaked dance jam perfect for a listener with many musical tastes. Enjoy!

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1. Original post: The Zolas – Knot In My Heart (Nacey Remix)

2. Posted in: dance, synth-pop, indie rock remixes, synth, indie dance

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

London Grammar – Wasting My Young Years (Kids of The Apocalypse Remix)

Kavit Sumud — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:00:51 +0000

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Sounds like: Ryan Hemsworth, Until the Ribbon Breaks, Florence Welch

Song: London Grammar - Wasting My Young Years (Kids of The Apocalypse Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

I covered Kids of The Apocalypse back when they were a just worldwide collective that appeared out of nowhere, albeit one with great promise and a video for a debut single that smacked of major label collusion. Then they disappeared for a few months. That is, until of nowhere, London Grammar uploaded this slamming remix of their now killer hit, “Wasting My Young Years.”

While I liked the original, it certainly dragged a bit in parts. But KOTA’s version never misses a beat, or lets you sit down for that matter. It’s a thunderous remake of a gut wrenching song that’s reminiscent of Until the Ribbon Break’s electronic moodiness, Ryan Hemsworth’s intricate passion, and Florence Welch’s charisma rolled into one.

On their second fare, KOTA prove once again that epic soundscapes are their aim. Now, if they’d only stick around long enough for us to get a feel for them, or break into their secret lair and discovery their identities. Because this guy (and I’m pointing a finger at myself) is utterly intrigued.

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1. Original post: London Grammar – Wasting My Young Years (Kids of The Apocalypse Remix)

2. Posted in: female vocalist, synth-pop, electronic remixes, female vocalist remixes, diplo

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

I’lls – Speak Low

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

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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.

Pure Bathing Culture – Pendulum

Christiana Bartolini — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:29 +0000

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Sounds like: Beach House, Best Coast, Real Estate

Song: Pure Bathing Culture - Pendulum [download here]

What's so good?

Are you as excited as I am for Pure Bathing Culture’s newest single, “Pendulum?” If you’re not yet, then I think you’ll understand why I am after reading this.

This track is gorgeously glimmering, with the perfect balance of synths, drum machines, acoustic guitar, a lovely bass line and lusciously ethereal vocals. This is the type of song you turn on when you’re looking to tune in and tune out. There’s an undeniably breezy and light quality to the character of this song — it’s slightly slow-paced for those relaxing days when you want to take it down a few notches. Pure Bathing Culture has the uncanny ability to bring that through their music.

Hearing this single makes me anticipate the release of their debut album, Moon Tides, even more! Mark your calendars for August 20, 2013 when it drops!

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1. Original post: Pure Bathing Culture – Pendulum

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

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

Tesla Boy Ft. Tyson – Broken Doll

aniballuque — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:08:36 +0000

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Sounds like: Miami Horror, Cut Copy, Gary Numan

Song: Tesla Boy Ft. Tyson - Broken Doll [download here]

What's so good?

If I were to come out of retirement and don my luchador mask once again, this track would be my entrance music. “Broken Doll” is the newest single by Tesla Boy, the project hatched by Russian producer Anton Sevidov. After some switches in their line-up, Tesla Boy is following up their debut LP with the highly anticipated The Universe Made of Darkness.

The first two singles, “1991“ and “M.C.H.T.E.,” have already delivered with their full-bodied soul, and this latest release doesn’t disappoint. London’s Tyson adds some sensuality to this track with his lush vocals to perfectly complement the funky basslines and smooth synths.

This song has everything you need to keep you grooving all night long. Just one question remains…do you want to dance?

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1. Original post: Tesla Boy Ft. Tyson – Broken Doll

2. Posted in: electro pop, dance, synth-pop, electro dance, synthwave

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

When Saints Go Machine – Iodine

Kavit Sumud — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:35:45 +0000

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Sounds like: Ghostpoet, Ta-ku, Flume

Song: When Saints Go Machine - Iodine [download here]

What's so good?

Recently, a friend asked me if the new direction that When Saints Go Machine are taking made me throw any shade their way. And I thought, “How in any multiverse could it? They’re taking everything that made my favorite track by them (and eleventh favorite song of all time), “Fail Forever,” and extrapolating its essence out into a full LP.”

“Fail Forever“ is a song with a deep, inherent loneliness that never played weak. It’s lyrics and video inspire me endlessly, making its way into some of the cinematographic methods for a movie I’m soundtracking/writing.

New single “Iodine” plays right to my muse. It’s the kind of track made for solitary, urban wanderers that don’t dare to admit to (but swirl endlessly within) their own darkness. The beats bring a swagger to your heavy footsteps and girds your heart against the whips of the winds of a Danish winter. Lyrics are everything on this song, but you might need a guide, so read them here.

If you’re as big a fan as I am, you can preorder the new album on iTunes.

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1. Original post: When Saints Go Machine – Iodine

2. Posted in: electro pop, synth-pop, synthwave, flume, dark pop

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

Estate – Slipstream (TEEEL Remix)

Louisa Ferguson — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:24:25 +0000

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Sounds like: Cut Copy, Cold Cave, Darius

Song: Estate - Slipstream (TEEEL Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

The original Estate song “Slipstream” is great, but TEEEL‘s rework just takes it to a new level.

The song half loses itself in its more ethereal moments, but the relentless pace keeps it barreling forward, and the intersection of the two is quite successful. The beginning made me think I was going to hear something much more electro, but it gives way to something lighter right away. There is promising, immediate tension between the lyrics (“You can’t feel it until you feel it so bad”), and the artifice of the song’s seeming fluidity (hello, electronic music — if there’s one thing it has mastered, it’s artifice). I’m hooked.

This is a quintessential TEEEL sound, but the pairing of the two artists could not be more complementary. (DCUP‘s also done a version, but it’s much slower).

Yummy, synthy goodness.

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1. Original post: Estate – Slipstream (TEEEL Remix)

2. Posted in: electro pop, dance, synth-pop, electro dance, male vocalist

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

Le Roi Crocodile – Battles

Christiana Bartolini — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:16:46 +0000

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Sounds like: Daft Punk, Small Black

Song: Le Roi Crocodile - Battles [download here]

What's so good?

Le Roi Crocodile is the moniker for a very talented 17-year-old located in Vancouver, and his track “Battles” deserves a listen. This electro pop gem has a fresh and smooth feel and an infectious sound. The warped vocals lend a more intergalactic effect to a song that could’ve otherwise been categorized as surf pop. The poppy synths also give the track a breezy feel while the beat keeps things chill and low key.

It seems as though each element of this song is balanced without overshadowing each other. I’m really excited to see what Le Roi Crocodile comes up with next; at such a young age, the opportunities seem endless for him.

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1. Original post: Le Roi Crocodile – Battles

2. Posted in: Electronic, synth-pop, synthwave, dark pop, Tropical Wave

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

Mikky Ekko- Disappear

Kavit Sumud — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:00:37 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Ryan Hemsworth, Teen Daze, Active Child

Song: Mikky Ekko - Disappear [download here]

What's so good?

I think Gorilla vs Bear put it best when they said the new Mikky Ekko track “swells.” It’s the kind of track that feels like an oxygen mask, blowing life into your lungs with each beat. It swells my tattered, liar heart and plays it like a lyre. And it’s such an expert player at that, all I can do is let re-energize me.

Everything about this song — from the repeating “ooh ahs” that sound angelic to the affirming lyrics — feels like a “fresh breath of innocence.” It’s a song about finding the sun in the cold wasteland of your life and having another take you away to disappear inside it. By the time I heard the exquisite synths on the bridge, I said to myself, “Holy shit, I’m powerless here,” all I could do was lay back in my desk chair at work and disappear in the track’s warmth.

Stunning work from Mikky Ekko. Check him out on SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Mikky Ekko- Disappear

2. Posted in: synth-pop, teen daze, orchestral, active child, ryan hemsworth

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

Lancelot – You’ll Never Be Mine

hmcclure — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:53:15 +0000

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Sounds like: Goldroom, Moon Boots, Perseus

Song: Lancelot - You'll Never Be Mine [download here]

What's so good?

Sydney producer Lancelot is no stranger to Indie Shuffle, with a few of tracks/remixes already sitting pretty in our archives. His 2012 We Can Dance EP (which featured the single “Spoken Word“) was quickly circulated, introducing this young man as one to watch. Even noted producers like the Magician and Goldroom (who even remixed the EP’s title track) were transfixed by this disco-house champion.

He’s just released his first original material of the year, with a two-track available on his SoundCloud for free download. “You’ll Never Be Mine” is a sure-shot; I can’t remember hearing a smoother track in recent memory. Perfectly produced, Lancelot claims it shows off the new, deeper direction his music is taking on.

Lancelot’s follow up EP, Thinking of You, will be released in full next month; hopefully this is enough to tide you over.

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1. Original post: Lancelot – You’ll Never Be Mine

2. Posted in: electro pop, dance, synth-pop, house, Australia

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

Pikelet – Pressure Cooker

hmcclure — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:44:50 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Chairlift, POLIÇA, Nite Jewel, Ava Luna

Song: Pikelet - Pressure Cooker [download here]

What's so good?

Melbourne’s Pikelet are a creation of Evelyn Morris, who, back in 2006, debuted as a solo project. While still on her own, she opened for the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Jens Lekman after releasing her first album in 2007. Now a four-piece, Pikelet are soon to release a third LP — a follow up to their critically acclaimed 2010 album Stems.

The first tease of the album has just hit the Internet with “Pressure Cooker,” a taste of what’s to come. Psych-pop would be a prudent way to describe this band; Morris leads the way with her somewhat shadowy vocal renderings. The celestial landscape is finished to perfection with psychedelic key and guitar layers and a slightly hazy finish to the production. It’s got a terrific dark-beauty to it.

Calluses will be out in August this year via Chapter Music.

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1. Original post: Pikelet – Pressure Cooker

2. Posted in: female vocalist, synth-pop, Australia, psychedelic, lo-fi

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

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

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.

Pigeon – Encounters (Airwolf Remix)

hmcclure — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:48 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Friendly Fires, Bag Raiders, Miami Horror

Song: Pigeon - Encounters (Airwolf Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Pigeon are a Brisbane-based group still in the early stages of their assault on the Australian indie pop scene. The five-piece released their debut EP Fortunes last year, drawing plenty of attention and prized support slots for the likes of Van She and Strange Talk.

The EP’s second single, “Encounters,” was perfectly designed to be remixed, and that’s exactly what Melbourne based DJ/producer Airwolf has done. Already known for his disco-infused mixes, Airwolf has done a solid job with this one. He hasn’t altered it too drastically, but has definitely added to the pop anthem by speeding it up and giving it his renowned disco signature. And of course, the epic sax solo towards the end doesn’t hurt.

This is a track I should have featured last year, so thanks Airwolf for giving me a fresh opportunity to give this one a shout-out.

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1. Original post: Pigeon – Encounters (Airwolf Remix)

2. Posted in: electro pop, dance, synth-pop, Australia, friendly fires

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

Bestfriends – A-Sides

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

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

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.

Edith Beake – Always In Love

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

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

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

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

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.

Alex Cameron – She’s Mine

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

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

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.

PLOY – Too Far Away (Premiere)

Bronte Martin — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:41:48 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Sun City, Tourism, Museum

Song: PLOY - Too Far Away [download here]

What's so good?

Today PLOY are following up their last release “VRDSNT” (which Indie Shuffle copped the premiere of as well) with yet another bubbly, synth-infused single.

“Too Far Away” seeps upbeat electronica through an unbelievable variety of synth, layered vocals and ticking percussive lines. Singing about some far away lover that appears to be just out of reach, Justin Victoria and Gil Wojcik find their touch with the use of slight syncopation, stressing each and every beat. Melismatic in every which way possible, the vocals enhance the overall tightly-packaged four minutes of pure bliss.

I adore the direction that PLOY is exploring, utilizing their signature keyboard sound, used in tandem with synthesizers and the oh so important drum machine. Although respecting the shadow their previous work, both Victoria and Wojcik uniformly have taken “Too Far Away” into what electro-pop should be.

Like what you hear? Check out their Bandcamp.

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1. Original post: PLOY – Too Far Away (Premiere)

2. Posted in: electro pop, synth-pop, Sun City, PLOY, Tourism

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

Glass Animals – Mambo

Jason Grishkoff — Sat, 11 May 2013 14:44:53 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Glass Animals - Mambo [download here]

What's so good?

The last time we picked up on Glass Animals was for their track “Cocoa Hooves,” released back in October of 2012. The song captivated my attention with it’s smooth and deep bassline, a signature sound present in this new single “Mambo.”

The song comes as part of a double A side release on Paul Epworth’s label Wolf Tone, alongside the second track “Exxus.” Not entirely sure when the release date is, but you can keep abreast on the band’s Tumblr.

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1. Original post: Glass Animals – Mambo

2. Posted in: Electronic, synth-pop, James Blake, flume, glass animals

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.

Cambio Sun – Intuition

hmcclure — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:04:50 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Shlohmo, Guerre

Song: Cambio Sun - Intuition [download here]

What's so good?

Back in March, I reviewed a great track from Sydney electronic duo Lusinth. Now, one of the artists, Charlie Tait, has started a side project, Cambio Sun.

His first finished work is “Intuition,” a release that a seasoned performer would be proud of, let alone an 18-year old still finishing high school. The instrumental half of Lusinth, Tait has structured this track beautifully, with sparkling guitar, smooth percussion and well-placed breakdowns showing this talent’s large potential. The vocal arrangements on the track are super too, rising and falling throughout, giving it a really dreamy vibe — and best of all, it’s Tait singing himself!

Another wonderful young producer to keep an eye on in the coming year.

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1. Original post: Cambio Sun – Intuition

2. Posted in: electro pop, synth-pop, chillwave, Australia, dream pop

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

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

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.

Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive (Capital Cities Cover)

Justin Lam — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:38:53 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive (Capital Cities Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

Capital Cities covering a Bee Gees classic? I think we all know what to expect here…

True to form, this version of the massive retro hit single “Stayin’ Alive” is rich with synth work and harmony. With their signature approach, the band have stayed clear of anything too fancy or over the top, which is exactly how one should cover the Bee Gees.

The artwork on this track is also pretty sweet. Not exactly what I’d envisioned when I first heard “Stayin’ Alive,” but clearly quite applicable!

Free download available via SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive (Capital Cities Cover)

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

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

Small Black – Free at Dawn

Rhett Flowers — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:40:15 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Washed Out, Beat Connection, Blackbird Blackbird

Song: Small Black - Free at Dawn [download here]

What's so good?

Small Black is a chillwave artist, and like most bands in that genre, they have looked past the label and are continuing to create unique music; their sound improves with every record.

Their newest release is called Limits of Desire. There’s a light, airiness to the songs, mostly created by the synthesizers — but behind the big sound is always a smooth back beat. This first single, “Free at Dawn,” is a perfect example of what Small Black is trying to accomplish on Limits of Desire; it kicks off the album with a hypnotic mix of synths and drum beats.

If you’re a fan of bands like Washed Out, Blackbird Blackbird, MillionYoung, Neon Indian, or Teen Daze be sure to check them out.

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1. Original post: Small Black – Free at Dawn

2. Posted in: synth-pop, chillwave, lo-fi, washed out, teen daze

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

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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.)

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

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.