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THE RADIO DEPT.
This Swedish trio has been around for 15 years making shoegazey pop songs. Have you heard of them? Likely not as American press has yet to give these guys much attention despite their overwhelming popularity in Europe. Their new album Clinging to a Scheme released earlier this year was unanimously praised, and the guys have already spawned a new EP as of this week as well as various singles, one of which blatantly …
These artists were recommended by College Music Journal, a conglomeration of all the major college radio stations in the United States as well as those in select countries. Each year CMJ holds a festival in New York City with thousands of bands spotlighting the best in rising indie music.
SUN AIRWAY
No one has heard of this duo probably. I hadn’t until a few days ago, and after hearing “Oh, Noako,” I have fallen in love with …
GAMES
If you haven’t heard “Shadows In Bloom” by this (what else?) Brooklyn-based duo, do yourself a favor and break away from this article to give it a listen. It contains what is probably one the best samples of the year behind M.I.A.’s Suicide riff in “Born Free,” and utilizing Secret Service’s 1980s track “Flash in the Night” is not only a) totally obscure since they are a Swedish new-wave band who no doubt have their …
Owen Pallett
Owen Pallett used to be called Final Fantasy, and that name might ring a bell in many more heads than the new moniker he’s adopted. While no one is sure why exactly he switched personas for the release of his new album, Heartland, it really shouldn’t matter. This is the same ol’ Owen Pallett we’re used to: beautiful, heart-breaking and violent compositions filled with advanced violin looping and crooning vocals. The guy has written …
Phantogram
This duo has been garnering a tremendous amount of buzz around the blog circuit, gaining accolades for their infusion of standard hip-hop beats and the angelic croon of lead singer Sarah Barthel. If you were in a Starbucks within the past month, they were the download of the week, they just signed to the esteemed labels, Barsuk and Ghostly International (Ra Ra Riot, Menomena, Mates of State, School of Seven Bells), and they’ll be at …
The xx’s debut album starts off with what may be the most effective introductory song ever made: a two-minute, brooding, bass-heavy anthem with indistinguishable vocal chanting. It is simply called “Intro,” and it seamlessly sets the disposition of the following 38 minutes that the listener is about to embark on. “VCR” comes next, and Romy Madley Croft’s voice sneaks in amongst a sparse beginning of chimes and no more than five guitar notes. This bare …