Droves of New York musicians have sought to create art that makes sense of what’s happening in the city right now, but Brooklyn-based duo Drug Couple have been creating prescient-yet-comforting music since late 2016. Their previous EP Little Hits and the forthcoming Choose Your Own Apocalypse detail the necessity of human intimacy during strange times, with new double B-side No Outside / Alone 2gether continuing in a similar vein. Notably more driven by a percussive groove (“No Outside”) and more prone to darker tones (“Alone 2gether”) than previous efforts, the two songs represent a expansion of Drug Couple’s sound beyond the softer, more downtempo qualities of Little Hits. That said, both tracks hone in on recurring themes of companionship and cautious optimism (or sunny pessimism), embodying the zeitgeist of our increasingly uncertain epoch. Regardless of how you’re quarantining, give it a stream below, and keep an eye out for Drug Couple’s next extended play, out this August.
Spiral Galaxy
Spiral Galaxy recently released their self-titled debut album. This is spaced out Psych music of flautist/painter Sara Gossett and treated guitar/machines manipulator Plastic Crimewave. For this recording they were joined by Makoto Kawabata, Jean-Hervé Péron, Ryley Walker, Alisha Sufit, Hands of Hydra, Taralie Peterson, Will Maclean, Matthew Shaw, Christian Luke Brady, and Jean-Marie Varain.
This project has a unique approach to ’60’s and ’70’s Krautrock with modern elements and explorations hidden through out.
Moontype “The Great Ohio / Not That Easy”
Moontype has released a new single called "The Great Ohio". This is the work of Ben Cruz (guitar, vocals), Margaret McCarthy (bass, vocals), and Emerson Hunton (drums).
The trio also participated in the Attic Salt Records Charity Compilation along Sonny Falls, Geronimo!, and more.
A Deli Premiere: “Back in The Woods” (feat. Tyre$$e X, Genuine & Jdot) by Big Finny
Diversity above all else, production and delivery excellent—that is the motto of Salem, Massachusetts’ Big Finny, and it shows in his new collaborative single “Back in The Woods.” The new 3LTHEGOD x Ran-produced song has Finny’s addictive brand of melody stamped on it, accompanied by a flow for flow performance with Boston area rappers Tyre$$e X, Genuine and Jdot. Arpeggiating piano notes chart the path for each of the artists to tactically deploy their pressing thoughts, stinging and reminding the listener, in rhythm, that New England can be a hot spot for the genre too. Genuine’s Spanish verse adds to the trap beat a hint of reggaeton’s hot commodities; each rapper takes its time on the mic, heating up and transferring that energy to the next performer with fierce intent. “Back in The Woods” is a power move and paid tribute to the New England rap community, performed by a group of young artists on the rise; we are thrilled to premiere “Back in The Woods” below for you. – Rene Cobar
NightFire Offers an Escape on New Single “Cave of Dreams”
As the pandemic persists and continues to pervade our lives with fear and anxiety, the next renaissance of artistry is slowly fomenting. Artists and creatives are leveraging their quarantine as a solitudinous period to make art – to make something.
The pulsating rhythm of NightFire’s new single, “Cave of Dreams,” recalibrates and validates ones senses. NightFire released her new single as the first track of her latest EP, which is scheduled to be released sometime this fall. A self-produced singer, songwriter out of Houston, TX, Nightfire has been gaining momentum with recent music releases that have become to garner attention. The EP itself was produced before life crystalized under quarantine, but her lyrics provide a beacon in this dark, restless time. For some of us during lockdown, it may feel like we are in, “dreams, a cave of dreams.” Energy feels more potent lately, dreams are more vivid, interactions have become more sacred. If anything can happen overnight, NightFire asks ‘Which of your wildest dreams are you bringing into a reality?’
It’s not difficult to lose yourself in the bombinating rhythm of "Cave of Dreams". Sweet like a siren, NightFire sings, “Cast your loving spell now….they can’t find us down here because they don’t know how." It’s in this private cave, which includes the dreams that light you up, that makes you feel most authentic, and allows you to leave behind what no longer serves you. NightFire’s hypnotic voice will protect you as you descend deeper and deeper into your subconscious.
-Mel Green
Without Light “All The Kings Must Burn”
Doom Metal group Without Light recently released a new EP called "All The Kings Must Burn" via Weed Cabinet Records.
This is the quartets follow-up to their 2019 debut album, The Dead Gospels.
Kerrin Connolly soars in new record “Almost”
Kerrin Connolly gives us something sweet to chew on, something excitable to muse over with the release of her fun indie-rock record Almost. The new compilation of tracks by this talented Weymouth, Massachusetts resident is a blast from start to finish: tracks like “It’s a Conspiracy,” and “Planesong” blend ukulele strings with slightly overdriven electric guitar riffs and bop-pop drums for a chill type of entertainment. “Contagious” is true to its namesake: funny, catchy, and almost theatrical in its presentation. The title track features a groovy bassline, slow dance-inducing, and Connolly’s impressive vocal elevations reaching falsettos that soothe ears with their lovely warmth. “Thanks for Playing” is intimate and honest, like the whole record, and that is the charm that Connolly can’t separate from—thank goodness for that. Stream “Contagious” below for a style you won’t soon forget, for an artist destined to be a part of your playlist. – Rene Cobar
Iverson “Purity of Youth”
Iverson has released a new single called "Purity of Youth". This is the first new music from the five-piece Alt-Pop group since their 2017 debut EP "Pink".
This is the work of Alec Watson, Gene Knific, Luc Parcell, Ethan Parcell, and Charles Iverson.
Henry Grant maintains composure on new track “Stay Well (feat. Ryan Wyner)”
You’re likely already acquainted with the psych-laden, occasionally crunchy sound of Henry Grant by way of his previous project Zula, and new single “Stay Well (feat. Ryan Wyner)” shifts Grant’s hazy instrumental approach from driving indie rock towards hazy dream pop. Still present is an off-kilter, DIY approach to instrumentation that gives “Stay Well” a discordant-yet-melodic energy, albeit such sounds are now presented at a chilled pace. Moreover, this steady, dreamlike quality lends itself well to Grant’s lyrics, which detail the quarantine distance, the process of “celebrating lonely sounds” and “laying low till they figure it out.” While certain elements of Grant’s songwriting feel anxious and claustrophobic at times (“formless feelings, melancholy”) the track’s mellow, progressive structure endows a sense of resolve, an ability to maintain cool composure in the center of the storm. Stream it below, and watch Henry Grant’s page for more intrepid synth later this year.
Van lifer flowers de moon releases single & video for “Anthem of Bob”
It is a time to celebrate whatever freedom we can, and Doug Fraley’s doing so with his solo project flowers de moon and new single "Anthem of Bob". Fraley’s new track gives praise to the van life, a life upon which Fraley embarked last year as he trekked from his home base of Pittsburgh to his new digs in Highland Park. "Anthem of Bob" is Fraley’s LA debut, as well as his first release as a solo project, although the new single does include contributions from former bandmate Olivia Price. The video features the indietronica track over clips of Fraley near the Salton Sea, all of which were filmed before quarantine. The song and video stand as a testament to freedom of spirit and location, which will hopefully resume in full force soon. Take a look at the video for "Anthem of Bob" below. – Will Sisskind
I.E. Kokoro “Signs of Life”
I.E. Kokoro has released a new single called "Signs of Life". This track was written and recorded during the pandemic and 50% of the all proceeds from the song will be donated to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, which supports local nonprofit organizations serving Chicago’s most vulnerable neighbors.
Chelsea Bridge x Milk Mandarin
Experimental Artist Chelsea Bridge (aka Mallory Linehan) recently a new collection of pieces she collaborated on with Milford, CT musician Milk Mandarin called "Lung". Mallory is a classically trained violinists and beautifully manipulates the sounds that instrument can make through this album.