The song is something you’d expect to hear inside the mind of a freshly broken person. With their life falling downward, a contrast of happiness heard in the guitar, turns the song into a reminder of the temporary state. It’s a lush experience as Chrisy Hurn introduces herself though a sweetly tragic strum of guitar. An angsty mood builds as the sound from Basement Revolver finds a lovely harmony between grunge and indie rock with their debut single, Johnny. The bandmates, Brandon Munro (drums), Nimal Agalawatte (bass/synth) and singer Chrisy Hurn (guitar) perfectly pair mellow tune with distorted guitar offset by somber lyrics, making the first single off of their debut EP a memorable.
If there is one artist you need to start listening to,if you haven’t already it’s Ida Maria. The Norwegian songstress first caught my attention way back in 2009 when she was singing about getting naked with her breakout single I Like You so Much Better When You’re Naked.
In the years since her first album, Fortress Around My Heart, she challenges her sound and layers new tones and genres together to create sounds so new to her that she is almost a new artist with each release.
The punk princess in her first album was fondly remembered as the badass provocative sound of Katla (2011), took over. The 9 track album was a strong followup to the perfect first record. The sound was different enough to engage fans rather than push them away with the change, yet, there was something so familiar about the album. After one listen you knew it through and through, yet, each time you discovered something a little different about it. The new side was a quick change before the next biggest move for the musician.
After Katla, a long break revealed a completely different artist when Maria emerged. Bluesy and surrounded by a darkness only she could pull off, Accidental Happiness (2014), gave a new look into the new darker direction her music was headed.
In 2015 a unadvertised EP Love Conquers All, was released. A blend of rock, blues and some experimental rock, the EP was one of the weakest releases, though it’s unfair to say that it wasn’t good. Again, it seemed that rather than gaining popularity, the EP was a little something to tide over fans until the new album.
Recently, Maria released two new singles again, sticking with the theme of changing her sound. The new tracks feature something far from the ordinary. There is a gospel undertone in the tracks, layered in a way that you almost don’t notice it.
They’re back, frizzy hair and all. Hot Hot Heat are surprising fans with long awaited new music and summer tour. Though the bands return isn’t all good news. Their latest single, The Kid Who Stays in the Picture, is the first off of their new album, which will be their last.The upcoming album from HHH will be their last. They’re calling it a farewell album for their die-hard fans.
But at least we’ll have some new tunes from the Vancouver rockers to get us through the impending withdrawal. Check out the new single below.
Fresh out today, Dirty Nil released their latest video, Wrestle Yü To Hüsker Dü. The video features footage taken from their shows, giving the ultimate insight to the gritty, raw rush that you experience front row (without being trampled in the mosh pit that is). The track is off of their latest album, Higher Power, which released on Dine Alone Records last month.
OK GO is known for their mind bending videos, but their latest Upside down & Inside Out showcases them flipping, throwing laptops and galavanting with stewardess’ all in zero gravity. Shot in Russia on real flights, the visually thrilling video was shot in one take and is one of Ok Go’s most impressive triumph to date.
Yesterday Indie 88.com premiered the new video, Scruples, by Young Rival. You know that creepy guy? You’ve met him at a store, on the street, or in Young Rival’s case in a bar. Scruples is a video that puts that guy front and centre. The character, played by singer, Aron D’Alesio, is taken from reality and reimagined in the latest video. The track is off of the album, Interior Light. If you haven’t given the album a listen yet, check out the track below and lose yourself in Scruples.
Almost there Young Galaxy fans. With a tour on the way, the band has released a little something to tide you over. Their new single, Were You Ever A Dreamer?, off of their latest album, Falsework, has been released right on the cusp of their North American tour. The track features focus on Catherine McCandless, and has a the same robotic dance party theme as the album. Check it out below!
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
1.28.16 – Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY
2.03.16 – Black Cat (Backstage) – Washington, D.C.
There is no need for set up. These two are some of the most glorious musicians around. If you haven’t come across the Swedish stars on the brink of becoming rock’s best duo, Victoria + Jean, then take some time and listen to their new single. Just announcing their debut album, Divine Love, out April 29th, the new single is strong preview of what’s the come. The release will be followed by a North American tour and yes, they will be stopping by Toronto. So, you’ll have plenty of time to aquatint yourself with the two before their Canadian Music Week performance at Adelaide Hall in May.
“Can you please sit the fuck down?” Singer/guitarist Danny Miller and drummer/producer Max Harwood ask politely of you in their stunning debut single, Loud(y). Freshly signed to Colombia Records, the experimental duo have one of the strongest debuts singles off of their self titled debut EP,I’ve come across in a long while.It’s nothing short of perfection. From lyrics, meaning, to the style choices, the duo are a phenomenon waiting to happen. The EP, released January 15th, is a must hear. So early in the year, and these two have established themselves as the ones to watch.
Check out the single causing all the commotion below.
Just kidding. Sorry Romantic fans. But there is good news, today the band released a teaser trailer for their newest single, “Animal” set to be released next week. So for now indulge in the sweet, sweet (ultra) mini tune.
Fresh out today, Dirty Nil released their latest video, 
