Indie Babe of the Week The Australian-born, London-based up and comer George Maple (who you might have heard on a Flume or Snakehips song) has stepped out on her own again and released the down right sultry “OPST”. A more mellow approach than her previous collaborative exper iences, the beautifully soulful voice is given a static, piano-led playground to work with. A classical talent that fits perfectly in with a moody post-modern sound. She’s currently working on her debut record with the likes of Bondax, Snakehips and Shadow [...]
The Channing Tatum of the production game, Ryan Hemsworth is set to release a new EP Still Awake next week. Our first taste is the utterly romantic “Perfectly”. If there was any ever musical form to express the love for your one and only in life, this is it. The woozy samples show that sometimes feelings are too intense to be said through an easily interpretable language. The Canadian prince continues to prove how he can do no wrong.
Danish dark-pop starlet MØ uses a more heavy set load of kung-fu electronics on the first official single from her debut album, the sinister “Waste of Time”. Becoming more intimidating by the minute, the songstress tells tales of broken love through strained black and white imagery. Karen Marie Ørsted is just so powerful and soulful at times, that it’s so fun to hear her competing with the oncoming riffs at the track’s peak. Last week, MØ also put out a video for the MS MR remix of “Pilgrim”. The debut [...]
Del’Boy drops some animated visuals for new single “Half Pint”. The subtle, jazzy beat creeps up on you as we learn all about the struggles of growing up.
Splashh continue to deliver hazy waves on the All I Wanna Do” b-side “Today (Fade Away)”. Heavy psych-pop riffs fill the air as raw energy starts to take over. Even though the band has hit their most aggressive, the hazy charm remains fully intact. Once again, this band makes the type of songs that are best heard while laying in the sand as the undying sun sits overhead. Stream and download below. The debut album Comfort will be out in September on Kanine.
It feels so good to have Fenech-Soler back in our lives. While we still have to wait until September 2nd for the sophomore record Rituals , we can now feast our ears on the set’s first single “Magnetic”. As we still have “Lies” on constant repeat here at HCM HQ, I can happily report that this explosive new single can stand right next to that classic gem. This is obvious perfect electro-pop and this feels like it has major charting potential. The boys are back. The video explores the confusion between reality and fantasy [...]
The hottest LA chanteuse on the scene at the moment, Banks , hooks up with Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs to deliver a delectable slice of electro-pop on “Warm Water”. Though I have lived next to the awful and constantly freezing Atlantic Ocean my whole life, I imagine this is what it sounds like it when your feet first touch down on Pacific Ocean soil. Full of warm unabashed coolness and silky melodies that put you in the most serene on moods.
Can hardly find any information about these guys (besides the fact they’re from Lake Orion and a man named Joshua Coy Jouppi is involved) but COY MAN BOY have crafted the perfect Summer campfire ode on the instantly lovable “My Brothers”. Full of charming harmonies, a chugging ukulele, and hazy thoughts all the way through, this is one to have on blast as you enjoy your lakeside residence in a couple of months. Shout out to Hilly Dilly for the introduction.
New Desert Blues continue to shine in telling introspective and dour tall tales on official debut single “Adam”. The video features a man suffering from a Tyler Durdern-esque identity crisis, and if you know this band’s music at all, a happy ending does not seem likely. The mountainous setting fits in perfectly with the band’s ongoing fascination with the American west. The first song from the group to officially not have a “demo” tag attached, this noir-americana work shows that even band from the UK can tell stories of patriot outlaws better than those of the native land/
As Swedish trio NONONO have already delivered one of the most unrelenting and massive singles of the year in “Pumpin Blood”, it would be a difficult feat to top. Luckily, these three don’t fail us on new track “Down Under”, as the band explore a more subtle, atmospheric take. Equally as affecting as their previous single, the intensity of Stina Wäppling’s powerful vocals still amazes me through every note.
Auckland surf-rockers Ghost Wave have released the first single off their upcoming LP Ages . “Here She Comes” has the sort of easygoing flow that has us reminiscing about crashing waves attacking the sandy shores during Summertime. With hazed-out vocals, a psych-pop atmosphere soon takes over as the girl of our dreams slowly becomes reality. Ages will be out this Summer on Arch Hill/Flying Nun Records.
Kendrick Lamar heads to church in the video for “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”. Dressed in all white, the star rapper takes part in one of the more joyous funerals you’re bound to see. Mike Epps comes in to deliver a timely comedic performance
From everyone here at HCM, we would like to congratulate Magic Man on getting signed to Columbia/Neon Gold. I knew for certain it wouldn’t be for too long that a major would come knocking on the door for this fantastic band. In celebration of the exciting news, the band have released The Fox Den Demos, which contain previously released “Paris” and “Texas” and a brand new song entitled “Nova Scotia”. In the always fascinating geographical journey of title names, we head north of the border for another truly special musical masterpiece. Having more [...]
After cleaning up out of the pig sty , Cosmo Sheldrake has released another intriguing musical adventure in the form of “The Fly”. The eccentric electronic-folk musician takes on the role of Jeff Goldlum and imagines life through that of an insect on a jazzy back beat.
Swedish synth-pop heroes Club 8 have released their 2nd single from their upcoming 8th album, Above the City . “I’m Not Gonna Grow Old” is a disco-stylized anthem for everyone out there who wants to hold on to their youth for as long as possible. Complete dance sensibilities take over immediately, as infectious hooks abound everywhere you look. Pop in 13 Going on 30 , tie your hair in ponytails, and sing along at the top of your lungs. Above the City will be out [...]
Manchester’s NO CEREMONY are what I really want Crystal Castles to sound like. Their dubious trance-pop pulsates deep within and never loses it’s grip. The band is finally set to release their proper debut single “HURTLOVE” later this month. With dual echoed out vocals crooning over a keyboard-led path to destruction, the track feels like the comedown after an intense rave. A sorrow, chilling time period where anything can come alive. Hear the original and remix below.
Pusha T is more menacing than ever in the clip for his best G.O.O.D. Music-era song to date “Numbers on the Boards”. The eeriness of it all has me feeling that Paris is the darkest, scariest place on the planet. Watch out for the Yeezy and Chief Keef cameos.
I absolutely love this. LA duo Wardell dropped a new track entitled “Call It What You Want” off thier upcoming debut EP Brother/Sister . Gorgeous melodies are in abundance, as Cali pop shines bright and loud. Swaying side to side due to the infectious and loosely-wound riffs, siblings Sasha and Theo are in perfect sync throughout the beach wonder. When the calypso-inspired breakdown sets in, the song really takes off into pure Summertime bliss. Complete with the adorable cover art up above, this is as good and as heartwarming as you can get. [...]
After throwing down at Irving Plaza last night, LA synth-pop kings Capital Cities have delivered a groovy cover of Bee Gees’ smash “Stayin’ Alive”. Keeping the disco element perfectly intact, a more lush environment is so delicately placed on top. Listen and download below.
Roxanne of Veronica Falls and Jess of Brilliant Colors have joined forces to form Baggy Attitude . Their first track together “Don’t Ask Me” is swaying indie-pop that is tailor-made for the warming Spring days. The joyous output will have it impossible not to smile throughout. The 7” of the track can be ordered through Wacky Wacko.
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MP3: Daft Punk – “Horizons” (RAM Japanese Bonus Track)
Listen to producer Jacques Greene’s “On Your Side,” featuring How To Dress Well
