Tag Archives: Empire of the Sun

Weekly Gems 116

XY&O – Left Alone

XY&O - Left Alone

What a way to kick off the gems this week! Welcome back XY&O.

Teasing a debut album (finally!) comes ‘Left Alone’ – another slice of hazy pop with simple and effective melodic structures, and of course, Skip Curtis’ luscious vocal mix.

Sounds like: Kid Astray, Sir Sly, Lost Boy Crow, Nonaphoenix

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Limón Limón – Barcelona

Limón Limón

Future indie duo Limón Limón is taking us back to sweeter times in ‘Barcelona’.

Conjuring up dreams of warm summer nights sitting on the beach drinking wine, as the salt air drifts over our warm bodies. Perfect!

Sounds like: Midnight Pool Party, La Felix, All The Rest, argonaut & wasp, Goldroom, Pastel, 90’s Kids, Empire of the Sun

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Jamws – Toronto

Jamws - Toronto

When you are in flow, you are completely engrossed in the task in hand. Hours can pass without even noticing. This appears to have happened to South London multi-instrumentalist, performer and bedroom producer Jamws whilst working on his debut EP ‘Toronto’.

The five heartfelt tracks describe various stages of heartbreak, starting with a separation, following his partner of ten years moving to Toronto.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, The 1975

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Max Alexander – Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander - Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander is a new alt-pop singer/songwriter from London.

Originally an acoustic artist by heart, he’s decided to go straight in with the electric guitar, to create an all together fist-to-chest sound in ‘Stay Where You Are’.

Sounds like: WEIRDO

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Victor Perry – What I Observe

Victor Perry

It’s always worthwhile to take a step back sometimes, and reflect.

NYC-based singer-songwriter/vocalist Victor Perry does exactly that in his lyrically mature new song ‘What I Observe’. As he croons in a poetic form of self-expression, we witness a subtle electro-pop space in which the track really starts to breathe.

Sounds like: Rhye, Rationale, Jacob Banks, James Blake, The Weeknd, Labrose

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dekleyn – Who We Are

dekleyn - Who We Are

Australian duo dekleyn fuses electro-pop with pop-leaning dance in the catchy single, ‘Who We Are’.

It touches on the topical subject of mental health and the sense of vulnerability that comes with almost every relationship.

Sounds like: LANY, joan, LAUV

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PELA – South Of

PELA

South London duo PELA share ‘South Of’, the first song they wrote together.

Amalgamating differing musical influences, it’s another stellar example of the duo’s sonic trajectory into a moody, melodic melodious song.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, James Blake, KAYTRANADA

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Amy Milner – Wildside

Amy Milner

Singer/songwriter Amy Milner shares her new single, ‘Wildside’.

Written about catching yourself before you lose control, facing those demons and welcoming the dark side of your mind, it’s energetic commercial alt-pop at its finest.

Sounds like: Birdy, Emma McGrath, Florence + The Machine

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Jens – Nocturnal

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Bergen-born Jens could be the next big Scandi-pop superstar.

His off-kilter single ‘Nocturnal’ has all the makings of a pop banger – upbeat, catchy vocal hooks with a carefree bass line.

Sounds like: Troye Sivan, Myylo, Charlie Puth

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Weekly Gems 108

Ant Antic – Good News

Ant Antic - Good News

We’re all dealing with the overload of impressions and information we’re all exposed to, which often leaves us numb.

Woozy-R&B auteur, Ant Antic interrogates the onslaught of clickbait in his Rupert Höller-directed visuals for ‘Good News’

Sounds like: Ben Khan, Moderat, Jai Paul, 5K HD, Sega Bodega

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Beth Duck – Nomophobia

Beth Duck - Nomophobia

British pop singer Beth Duck shares her cyber-inspired electro-pop single, ‘Nomophobia’, inspired by a realisation of our generation’s phone obsession.

With a clear European influence – the track is produced and co-written by One by One, a songwriter and producer duo from Berlin.

Sounds like: Ralph, Dagny, Tove Lo, ALMA

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Opus Vitae – Carry The Weight

Opus Vitae - Carry The Weight

Love isn’t perfect, and neither is life, and that’s the real fairy tale” says Los Angeles-based songwriter Banah Winn, aka Opus Vitae. Ain’t that the truth.

His new single ‘Carry The Weight’ is driven by the fired up angst about the current political climate of the world.

Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Sufjan Stevens, Porches

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Future Jr. – Back To You

Future Jr.

Inspired by missing home, Australian-born, pizza-loving, Los Angeles-based Future Jr. shares ‘Back To You’.

Conjuring all the nu-disco, dream-pop vibes one could ever wish for, the song was written by Future Jr. and a friend after attending a cliche house party in the Hollywood Hills.

Sounds like: joan, XY&O, Colouring, EXES, Akurei, Nightly

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School of X – Bad Love

School of X

Following the extremely well-received release with Lord Silva, School of X releases ‘Bad Love’.

Inspired by Eks-skolen – an anti-establishment art collective that was based in Copenhagen in the 1960s – the emo-tinged song by School of X’s Rasmus Littauer (, Liss, Clairo) is about the loss of trust or faith.

Sounds like: MØ, Máni Orrason, Soleima, Goss, Mura Masa, Clairo, Röyksopp, Lo Moon, Mew

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Tigerpunsh – Shade

Tigerpunsh

Born from a remote connection via Instagram and a mutual love of big cats, London-based Welsh/Finnish electro-pop duo Rochelle and Vee are Tigerpunsh.

Brand new onto the scene, their single ‘Shade’ holds a bursting energy throughout, with delicate Eastern synths and experimental pop elements. A great start to what could be a very exciting future for the girls!

Sounds like: Broods, EXES, MS MR, Vera Blue, RAINDEAR, Nova Club, Georgia

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Alex O’aiza – Out Of My Mind

Alex O'aiza

Alt-pop whizzkid Alex O’aiza shares the Instagram video for ‘Out Of My Mind’, produced by Austin Bello from Dallas pop-punks Forever The Sickest Kids.

Combining snappy pop melodies with gritty rock riffs and layered samples, the visuals show a fun side to O’aiza, whilst still conveying a timely message of pushing through adversity and hard times.

Sounds like: Kasabian

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juuku – healing Feat. wilo wilde

juuku - healing (ft. wilo wilde)

Commencing with delicate piano keys and leading to chill electronic production, juuku‘s new single ‘healing’ does just that.

Raw and unfiltered – like the body of his work – his collaborative single with wilo wilde is both angelic and moody.

Sounds like: Madnap, yetep

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Olivia Lunny – Think of Me

Olivia Lunny

Canadian singer/songwriter Olivia Lunny shares the catchy and radio-ready ‘Think of Me’.

Channelling pure pop vibes with vibrant electronic production, this post breakup anthem is one for all the broken hearts out there.

Sounds like: Halsey, TESSA

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HUDSUN – Shutdown

Hudson

Having entered the music scene from the early age of 17, this rising star has already received national recognition within the UK.

In his signature soul-infused, pop sound, HUDSUN’s latest offering ‘Shutdown’ speaks of the frustration in attempting to break someone out of an emotional prison they have created for themselves wrapped up.

Sounds like: Imagine Dragons

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Last Youth – Violent Ends

Last Youth

Last Youth has returned following their debut album release with new single ‘Violent Ends’ – an array of genre-bending vibrant pop and alt-rock.

Full of emotional angst, the track portrays the violent ends that the human race faces.

Sounds like: Imagine Draons, Bring Me The Horizon, Thirty Seconds To Mars

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Cape Lion – Deceiving

Cape Lion

Stockholm-based producer Cape Lion shares his new single, ‘Deceiving’.

A groovy masterpiece that expands outside of the current electronic sound space, the track is a sonic journey for the listener from start to finish.

Sounds like: Miike Snow, Amason, Peter Björn and John, Tame Impala, Empire of The Sun, MGMT

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An Indietronica Preview of NOS Alive 2018

NOS Alive

We do like a good festival, and after hearing that NOS Alive in Lisbon, Portugal is up there as one the world’s best music festivals, we decided to plan a trip in July to find out what all the fuss is about!

In the mean time, buckle up and check out our ones to watch within the indietronica genres (looks like we’ll mainly see you at the Sagres Stage then!).

THURSDAY 12 JULY

Friendly Fires, Sagres Stage

Friendly Fires

Energetic Brit boys Friendly Fires return to the festival circuit after a hiatus.

Having already had massive success with hits such as ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, their new single ‘Love Like Waves’ doesn’t disappoint and continues the theme of tropical-tinged synth sounds.

Expect a highly fun and bold performance at NOS Alive.

Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Two Door Cinema Club

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Jain, Sagres Stage

Jain

Jain is a multi-cultural singer/songwriter and self confessed beat-maker, originally from France, but who has also spent time in Dubai and The Congo.

Jain means achieving liberation of the soul, and that’s exactly what this music embodies with its flecked sounds of African rhythms with simple, yet vibrant vocals.

Watch the video for highly recognised song ‘Makeba’ below and catch Jain at the Sagres Stage on Thursday.

Sounds like: Brigitte, Santigold, L.E.J, Yodelice, Lilly Wood & The Prick

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Khalid, Sagres Stage

Khalid

One artist we are super stoked to check out live is Khalid.

The American singer/songwriter originally started writing music during his college years, where he was also declared prom king. Amalgamating an array of sounds from classical, pop to hip hop, Khalid shows a real sense of urgency in his music.

We can’t get enough of his track with Billie Eilish, and can’t wait to see him perform at NOS Alive.

Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, James Blake, Billie Eilish

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Wolf Alice, Sagres Stage

Wolf Alice

Indie rockers Wolf Alice have been our firm favourites from the UK for some time now. They never disappoint at a live show, fronted by a fresh-faced Ellie Rowsell’s seemingly blasé but endearingly nervous attitude.

Expect a set full of their most brilliant tunes…so that’s all of them then!

Sounds like: Black Honey, Peace, Superfood, Foals, Circa Waves, Harry

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Sampha, Sagres Stage

Sampha

Sampha is to be one of the UK’s best musical exports in 2018.

He has a knack for writing songs with deep and personal lyrics of pain and reflection, some of which have unfortunately has stemmed from health hardships suffered with his family at home, and we can’t help but think we are supporting him on this journey.

Truly thought-provoking stuff, definitely worthy of a slot at NOS Alive.

Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Frank Ocean, Solange, Moses Sumney, James Blake, Chet Faker, SBTRKT, Dallas Green

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FRIDAY 13 JULY

Two Door Cinema Club, NOS Stage

Two Door Cinema Club

We have watched Irish electro-poppers Two Door Cinema Club play live countless times, and that’s why they’ve made this list.

It’s hard to believe these youngsters have been around for over eight years. Still full of energy and banging tunes, catch them on the Friday!

Sounds like: Phoenix, Hot Chip, Passion Pit

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Future Islands, NOS Stage

Future Islands

Future Islands‘ front man Samuel T Herring’s dancing is reason enough to go watch these guys at NOS Alive. And of course, the US synthpop band are wildly brilliant in as many unique, refreshing and inspiration ways possible.

Expect big things on stage!

Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Perfume Genius, Twin Shadow, Sylvan Esso, Austra

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CHVRCHES, Sagres Stage

CHVRCHES

Feisty feminist attitudes and catchy lyrics is what CHVRCHES brings to the table.

Lauren Mayberry has faced her fair share of trolls online, but to her testament, the Scottish trio continue to go from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to this show!

Sounds like: Kate Boy, Avec Sans, Purity Ring, Vogue Dots, R.A.B.B.I.I., Kaleida, Gems, IYES, For Esmé, ALMA, Pale Hands, Acre Tarn, Prinze George, Leitbur, Monogem, PALMEDO, NONONO, Still Corners, MUNA

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Portugal. The Man, Sagres Stage

Portugal. The Man

Bold American rock band Portugal. The Man have been making serious waves of late, and if you haven’t heard of them, you soon will.

An iPhone soundtrack waiting to happen; expect goosebumps, sway inducing vocal harmonies and a fist pumping bass line.

Sounds like: Foster The People, Broken Bells, Grouplove, Circa Survive, MGMT

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Surma, Coreto Stage

Surma

Imagine if M83 and Joanna Newsom met one day and decided to make some music. The result would be the quirky and ambient tones of Portuguese Surma (aka Débora Umbelino).

Working with loop pedals, the solo artist works with analogue and digital sounds creating a primal yet sonic environment.

Sounds like: Yellerkin, Yoke Lore, M83, Joanna Newsom

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SATURDAY 14 JULY

Lotus Fever, Coreto Stage

Lotus Fever

Kicking off Saturday’s ones to watch are Lisbon natives, Lotus Fever.

They fit somewhere in-between Alt-J and Pink Floyd and it’s really refreshing to hear. We are expecting a super tight performance, thanks to their longstanding stint together since 2011 and it being their local city.

Sounds like: Alt-J, Pink Floyd

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Mighty Sands, Coreto Stage

Mighty Sands

Mighty Sands is a Lisbon-based quintet.

Their music has tendencies to sway in the 60’s, psychedelic market – imagine riding on a surfboard in space. However, we expect their set at NOS Alive to be a relaxed affair, where you can chill out and have a cider…or ride a surfboard in space, whatever takes your fancy!

Sounds like: Father John Misty, Tame Impala, MGMT

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MGMT, NOS Stage

MGMT

Less under the radar than the counterparts in this piece, but still worthy of a slot on one’s to watch at this year’s NOS Alive. The mighty MGMT!

The eclectic US-based duo are known for their otherworldly take on modern indie rock music, often combining psychedelic synths, crunchy guitars and stodgy vocals with fun videos.

Sounds like: Empire of the Sun, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Portugal. The Man

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Perfume Genius, Sagres Stage

Perfume Genius

Covering topics such as sexual abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) is one such musical role model we want to be more involved with.

His music represents such struggles and recoveries in a camp but delightfully magnificent way.

Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, Kate Bush, M83, David Bowie, Future Islands, Fever Ray

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Bernado, Coreto Stage

Bernardo

Wow, Bernado‘s vocals have blown us away after watching her live performance of ‘The Boy Is Mine’.

The London based British/Portuguese singer/songwriter effortlessly combines modern attitudes from London attitude with a jazzy flair.

Sounds like: Amy Winehouse, Jorja Smith

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Real Estate, Sagres Stage

Real Estate

With a warming lo-fi sound, Brooklyn-based dream team, Real Estate is our last act to consider watching at NOS Alive.

Run by childhood friends who played in their backyards during the summer months, Real Estate write simple and endearing songs full of luminous guitar riffs and delicate synths.

We envisage this show to be a perfect end to a perfect weekend.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out, MGMT

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Find out more info about NOS Alive and purchase remaining tickets here.

Weekly SubmitHub Gems 2

LIMITS – Falling

LIMITS

Belgian artist LIMITS shares ‘Falling’.

Having recently signed to Different Recordings (Anna Of The North, Kllo, Claptone), LIMITS manages to perfectly blend slices of ethereal, tech-house with melodic pop-inspired vocals.

The track is out now.

Sounds like: Shy Luv, Claptone, Tube & Berger, Rüfüs, The Magician, The Aston Shuffle

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Wayfarer// – Broken Wire ft. LANKS

Wayfarer//

Wayfarer// teams up with fellow Australian LANKS on ‘Broken Wire’.

It has a great positive message, about not letting fear force you to waste opportunities, with a d’n’b undertone.

Listen below.

It’s the third single off the upcoming ‘Garden State’ EP, due out later this year.

Sounds like: Sampha, Radiohead, Rudimental, Becky Hill

Wayfarer//
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Lanks
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Satin Jackets – Northern Lights Feat. David Harks

Satin Jackets - Northern Lights Feat. David Harks

German-based Satin Jackets teams up with British singer, David Harks on ‘Northern Lights’.

As with all of Satin Jackets’ music, ‘Northern Lights’ has a distinct cosmic vibe, which is to be expected with the title of the song. Add to the mix, nostalgic vocal tones and reflective melodies, to create a breathtaking listening experience.

It’s out today on Eskimo Recordings.

Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Goldroom, RAC, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Du Tonc, Future Islands, Phoenix

Satin Jackets
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David Harks
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Alice Gray – Pink Cadillac

Alice Gray

San Diego native, singer-songwriter and visual artist Alice Gray shares her debut single ‘Pink Cadillac’.

Describing her music as “sad songs you want to dance to”, Alice’s sound has a bittersweet edge to it thanks to beautifully planned pop hooks and wistful lyrics.

‘Pink Cadillac’ is out now.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, LINNEY, Sigrid, Billie Eilish

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Lissa Lo – All I Need Feat. Patrick Dunn

Lissa Lo

New song ‘All I Need’ is a collaboration between Brooklyn-based, bedroom producer Lissa Lo and Patrick Dunn.

On the duo’s second encounter, ‘All I Need’ was born with its innocently played vocal loops and lashings of romanticised lyrics.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Caswell, The Kite String Tangle

Lissa Lo
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Patrick Dunn
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Secret Weapons – Comeback Season

Secret Weapons

Love songs don’t have to be all about the doom and gloom of a relationship, they can be about the music you adore. Brooklyn locals, Secret Weapons do just this with uplifting new single, ‘Comeback Season’.

The twosome deliver a positive message about overcoming the odds (specifically the struggles they encountered whilst writing their album), which is further highlighted by the delightful addition of a gospel choir!

It’s out now via Epic.

Sounds like: Youngr, The 1975, Lionel Richie, The Levity, The Island Club, Ghost Beach, Backstreet Boys, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, The Knocks

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Seersha – Typical

Seersha - Typical

Talking of love songs…Atlantic artist/producer Seersha has written a gorgeous track called ‘Typical’ for her husband to listen to on his summertime drives.

Seersha’s ethereal vocals immediately make you feel free, as if you are screaming with joy at the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.

Sounds like: MS MR, CHVRCHES, Tears For Fears, Lights, Paramore, Phil Collins

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AWAY – Sleepwalker

AWAY

Los Angeles producer, AWAY, shares the stunning new video for ‘Sleepwalker’, featuring
London Thor.

Paving the way for the next generation of sound, AWAY likes to expose mixed feelings in his music, often touching on confusion, sadness, apathy, and anger.

Sounds like: Chainsmokers, Kiiara, Børns

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Midnight Mystery Club – Orange County

Midnight Mystery Club

Midnight Mystery Club is the musical project of David Paul Newell, who continues to hit our indietronica buttons with new single, ‘Orange County’.

It’s a steamy, synth-loaded love song with delicate vocals reminiscent of Peter Gabriel.

Sounds like: Goldroom, RÜFÜS, Fenech-Soler, Empire Of The Sun, Gypsy & The Cat, M83, Peter Gabriel

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Blair – Planetary Feat. Argonaut & Wasp

Blair - Planetary Feat. Argonaut & Wasp

Blair – Planetary Feat. Argonaut & Wasp

Meet Canada-born, Los Angeles-residing artist Blair.

He’s teamed up with New York act, Argonaut & Wasp, on galactic new single, ‘Planetary’.

It has a steady driving synth beat, with vintage vocals and bright harmonics. This is definitely one to help you get ready for the weekend!

Sounds like: Empire of The Sun, Pnau, Miami Horror, St, Lucia, Capital Cities, Bag Raiders, Daft Punk

Blair
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Argonaut & Wasp
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Kauf – Pacify

Kauf by Daniel Trese

Kauf by Daniel Trese

Kauf is the project of Los Angeles-born Ronald Kaufman.

With previous releases on Cutters Records under his belt, Kauf shares his new single, ‘Pacify’.

It’s a melodic and airy track about family issues, specifically a lament on lost opportunities for closeness, but also an offering of help.

This is an ongoing theme throughout his forthcoming debut album, ‘Regrowth’, of which ‘Pacify’ is the opening track.

Sounds like: Goldroom, Cut Copy, Jagwar Ma, Empire Of The Sun, M83

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VHS Collection – The Black

VHS Collection

VHS Collection

NYC synth-rockers, VHS Collection, return with ‘The Black’.

Channelling some Chris Isaak vibes (possibly as a result of only using analogue gear during the track’s recording), the light electronic floor filler is paradoxically about the darkest and ugliest emotions you suffer during a breakup.

It’s taken off their ‘Stereo Hype’ EP.

Sounds like: The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Savoir Adore, Bloc Party, Brandon Flowers, Future Islands, The Bravery, MOTHXR, Empire Of The Sun

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Midnight Mystery Club – Calling Me

Midnight Mystery Club

Midnight Mystery Club

Indietronica is an addictive genre. Other styles rarely get close to the type of highs that indietronica induces.

One band pushing forward such musical euphoria to the masses is Midnight Mystery Club (aka David Paul Newell).

Offering us light hearted synths, with addictive riffs and beaming melodies, it’s no wonder that Midnight Mystery Club has drawn comparisons to greats, such as Empire of The Sun and Peter Gabriel.

Sounds like: RÜFÜS, Fenech-Soler, Empire Of The Sun, Gypsy & The Cat, M83, Peter Gabriel

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