State lights are an Irish band destined for big things.
Their latest single ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ grabs our attention from the outset, hitting hard with some solid drums, before laying down a luscious and quite frankly filthy bassline, reminiscent of the early works of Walk the Moon.
The song continues to impress throughout its 3:36 timestamp, with catchy vocal hooks and a gorgeous guitar solo like riff through the chorus. If you need some indie-pop with a rock edge, then this is for you.
We are suckers for feel-good pop with heartbreaking beats. Cue 90’S KIDS.
The year old trio came up with the name, not because they’re 90s babies, but because they are all experiencing a feeling of nostalgia brought on by growing up in an in-between era, before the mass use of technology, but also witnessing technology become a dominant tool in music production.
NYC-based Dady is comprised of singer/songwriter Rachel Dady and songwriter/producer Jesse O’Connor.
Born from enemies, these two have somehow put their differences apart and now create delicate dream pop for the masses. ‘Failing’ effortlessly switches between tender moments and an anthemic hook.
Sounds like: Carly Rae Jepsen, Paperwhite, Taylor Swift, Haim
With it’s deceiving upbeat melody, Born Stranger‘s new single ‘Last Night on Earth’ is surprisingly about the sad topic of suicide.
An ode to those who have left our planet too soon, this track urges you to celebrate, live in the moment and be compassionate with each other.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Prinze George, Sia, The Wombats, Bastille, Major Lazer, Years & Years, M83, Foals, KAPTAN, The Brocks, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, Myzica
Dublin disco-noir trio Sleep Thieves shares new single ‘Sea of Shadows’.
With the song’s minimal lyrical attitude and looping darkly ethereal synths full of nostalgia that completely immerse your mind, it’s hard to believe the threesome met on Twitter.
Time for some sumptuous indie from a boy duo called joan (aka Thomas and Steven Rutherford).
Their debut track, ‘take me on’, is a strong contender in the current musical field of pop. Potential BFFs to Shura, ‘take me on’ echoes of retro synths, sending us back to a time where anything was possible.
Co-produced and mixed by Tim Pagnotta (Walk the Moon, St. Lucia, WildBelle, SaintMotel), ‘take me on’ is “about spending tonight and forever with the one you love.”
Sounds like: Shura, Two Door Cinema Club, St. Lucia, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok
The Wild Wild (aka Benjamin Dunn) has released another astounding number called ‘When We Were Young’, taken from Ben’s debut EP, ‘Kids’ released on 25 March via Descendent Records.
About Kids, Dunn explains, “The ‘Kids’ EP is my ode to unabashed and unbridled youth…I started hitchhiking when I was 18, that’s when I left the Midwest…I made my way west ended up in Venice beach, for a year and a half or so I just slept on beaches.”
With its Ukulele-styled riffs, inviting and expansive vocals, and soft drums, ‘When We Were Young’ is the perfect summer anthem.
Sounds like: Of Monsters and Men, M83, Bastille, Mew, Dive In, The Temper Trap, Landings, Kid Astray, Sekuoia, Kármán Line, XPLOR, Mackintosh Braun, FLOR, Friendly Fires, MGMT, Walk The Moon
The Wild Wild found a lot of inspiration from an array of opposing influences, whilst spending time on a California beach and his new album has the ability to make it feel you’re sat there right next to him. Benjamin worked tirelessly in the studio with close friends and producers who each helped to add extra levels of sentiment to the album.
The Wild Wild’s new song ‘Caspian’ showcases Benjamin’s powerful song writing, with its soaring vocals over a dazzling indie backdrop. It also takes influence from the Prince Caspian novel by C.S. Lewis.
‘Into The Sea, Into The Stars’ is available via a 2-disc CD album, vinyl and for download from the 11 December.
Sounds like: M83, Bastille, Mew, Dive In, The Temper Trap, Landings, Kid Astray, Sekuoia, Kármán Line, XPLOR, Mackintosh Braun, FLOR, Friendly Fires, MGMT, Walk The Moon
The Wild Wild is a one-man-band consisting of Benjamin Dunn.
Formerly a resident in Illinois, Benjamin left to find his dreams in California. The result is the melancholic synth pop and rock sound of The Wild Wild.
Listen to the gorgeous ‘Sing’ below, which is a well executed grandiosity of pounding pedals and soaring vocals shadowed by drizzling synths.
The Wild Wild’s debut LP is out on 22 January 2016.
Sounds like: Mew, Dive In, The Temper Trap, Kid Astray, Sekuoia, Kármán Line, XPLOR, Mackintosh Braun , FLOR, Friendly Fires, MGMT, Walk The Moon
