House of Harm convincingly converge their influences on their incredible new single Two Kinds. New wave, 80s alternative, and even grunge have a stake in this delectable blend.
House of Harm charmingly tags Bowie in the opening verse, an icon who has his influence in all of this. Mainly the Cure and Smashing Pumpkins are more prominently represented in the singles sonic design. We also hear a melodic sensibility known to Maynard and his work with A Perfect Circle. The synths direct the spotlight towards their retro inclinations, the most dominant influence heard in their sound.
They add a revelatory music video (see above) to substantiate their reality. While similar acts mostly exist behind the curtain, House of Harm bring synth pop back to the big stage. A solid work that will appeal to both indie rock and retro pop fans, we are most grateful that they represent it effectively in concert. The world needs more of that.
Hear Two Kinds now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Give us all the organized chaos you can muster. No Waves delivers, erupting into immediate tantrum fits on their enthralling new single Missing All. Post Punk energy and aggression intersect with emo derived instincts within this gritty melodic soup. They push the gain threshold, it’s a testament to their intense heavy playing, mics just aren’t meant for this ferocity. It’s part of their sound and honors their vicious fury. In essence the musicianship is phenomenal. They assert that with head spinning instrumental breaks. You can hear some melodic evidence of a Strokes influence and an ascension dating back to At The Drive In, warped within the ferocity of this design. We love it all.
No Waves are featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
The Pilot Waves caught our attention with their new single America (A Love Song). This is our kind of classic alternative, still viscous and ascending from a ‘Mats scope of influence. The drums hit hard while the singer sounds conflicted between the realms of the underground and his Beatles bred instincts.
Lennon was an understated screamer after all, and The Pilot Waves bear some power pop resonance, but the single has more in common with early 2000’s indie than anything else. In that way it connects with a vibe known to Heartless Bastards, ALVVAYS, and classic Wilco. Is it a love song? You decide. Regardless, the vibe reigns infectious.
The Pilot Waves are featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Love People adapt an influence of 80s alternative elegantly on their new single Normal Bias. The shimmering rapid percussion creates a seemingly floating foundation, as sparkling synths and emotive strings sparkle excitingly.
The main vocal conjures the spirt of new wave, adopting an influence of Morrisey and Robert Smith with some added 90s Brit Pop reverence. The affect is cinematic, playing to your nostalgic tendencies while reigning unfamiliar within this vibe. Check it out.
Normal Bias is featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 