Softmax is one of those discoveries where we can’t explain how she hasn’t broken out yet. One of our favorite finds this year, we can’t get enough of everything she sends us. The productions and melodies are smart and her vocals repeatedly deliver. Her new EP Any Minute Now seems to speak to the urgency of this moment, one where an artist might find themself on the brink of emotional collapse.
Its heard within the cinematic brilliance of the single Obsolete. There’s a chaotic beauty with conjured reality courtesy of an expected beat drop that never comes. Much like the payoff of life, a facet that never quite delivers with the impact that you imagined. Stylistically we hear elements of Japanese House, recent Bon Iver, and FKA Twigs. It’s imaginative genius electro pop. Get some.
Softmax is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
A favorite among classic rock icons, J.J. Cale doesn’t win quite as many covers as he did in the 20th century. But so it is that Hornsbee resurrects his Wish I Had Not Said That. It’s effective too, honoring the song while adding new sonic sparkle. Beyond the washes of synth and atmosphere, the artist brings a new brilliance to the core arrangement. It’s heard in the textured warmth of the main guitar and shimmering cloak of the shaker. Stylistically it connects with a realm known to Kurt Vile and Ty Segall, with some vocal cues reminiscent of classic Steve Miller. We dig it immensely.
Hear the Hornsbee version now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
As a Philly based music blog we’ve been following tri state natives Pine Barons since their first scene darling emergence. Embraced by underground breakouts The Districts, Pine Barons enjoyed some quick exposure that quite possibly stylistically bottled them in. New sonic movements show the project stepping into its own. It comes to fruition on their electro pop breakthrough Electric Fingertips.
Their fourth stand alone offering this year gives fully to their Postal Service style electro tendencies. The synths bring a bright sparkle to their instinctual emo scene kid writing. You can hear how that emo compositional palette harkens back to 80s alternative projects like The Cure. We’re big fans.
Hear Electric Fingertips now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
We’re big fans of Michigan based producer ttypes. The artist has a rich catalog dating back several years. His work consistently embraces an abstract aesthetic within an instinctually melodic construct, with an affinity towards blending an electro influence into his organic framework.
Still flying too far under the radar, songs like Apocalypse Horse from his 2017 War EP are worthy of another listen. Stylistically between the realms of Elliot Smith and Postal Services, ttypes is a sure thing for modern indie music fans. When it comes to underground music we still subscribe to the credo that if you haven’t heard it, then it’s new to you. Take the recent Kate Bush breakthrough for example.. Hopefully artists like ttypes enjoy that same Sugarman style revival. We’ll do what we can to help.
Hear ttypes now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 