Soundcheck - April 26, 2019

Every week or so we will roundup some songs we really dig and share them with you. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Have a nice day. (Sorry we have not done one of these in a while!)

Being Dead - "Apostle's Prom" 

The whole EP Fame Money Death by Being Dead is so enjoyable. Seemingly light-hearted and fuzzed out, this two piece from Austin, TX makes rock quite entertaining. "Apostle's Prom" has a slow burner feel that makes you wanna drop dead on your bed, kick your feet up, and play air instrumentals. The commentary at the end before the final moments of the track is just so raw. Honestly epic. Music just isn't like this anymore. I'm going in for seconds on this. 

Shormey - "Boogie Island" 

Do you need a pick me up? Shormey has the goods for you. Cruise into positivity with  "Boogie Island." As you could assume from the track name alone, this single is rather groovy. Combining sounds of psychedelia, disco, and soul, Shormey Adumuah whips up music her own way from the confines of her bedroom. I can't help but move to this. People need to smile more. Seems like Shormey will be attacking just that on Boogie Island Vol 1., which is dropping May 10 via Citrus City.  

Pale Spring - "Happening" 

I don't know what it was but I got my hair cut a little bit shorter yesterday... was really feeling myself... this song kinda hits in the same vein. Own the club in the shadows of others being ridiculous. Emily Scott's vocals shimmer over top gloomy electronic production to deliver a fully realized and original goth-pop sound. Look out for her debut full-length CYGNUS next month. It'll surely be tighttt. 

Wild Firth - "Nevermind" 

Wild Firth just released their new album Lawn Memory TODAY! "Nevermind" is a cut off that record. There is something to be said about this self-described "blissed out" indie rock. The droning garage tones on this track are so comforting. I definitely dig Will Fraser's vocals as well as they fluctuate between lethargic muttering and cracking high pitch calls. I'm in for the ride. Check out the complimentary "vision quest" below and spin the full album if you like.

Peter Cat Recording Co. - "Floated By" 

This jazz track really caught my attention. The video is just as captivating as it dives head first into Indian culture at frontman Suryakant Sawhney's own wedding. I love every bit of this. A beautiful horn section, smooth drums, confident vocals, guiding guitar... this is it :) 

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Soundcheck - March 25, 2019

Every week or so we will roundup some songs we really dig and share them with you. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Have a nice day.

The Gotobeds - "Calquer the Hound" 

Pittsburgh post-punkers, The Gotobeds, are back again with a new record on deck. The album title itself Debt Begins at 30 is humorous and terrifying as continue to ballout on student loans. Fortunately, the lead single "Calquer the Hound" is a fun punk track I can envision myself yelling along to with my friends in the pit. It has a certain aggression to it that makes it all that more enjoyable to listen to. I think this is a good sign for the future. Shoutout loan forgiveness.   

Wes Ambien - "Callin' Me"

A friend of mine shot this in my DM's this week. I really love the experimental hip-hop brewing in Baltimore. If you check out anyone, be sure to peep Infinity Knives. Dreary and tasteful.. this guy has it figured out. Also lookout for the track they did with jack-of-all-trades Giddeon Gallows.

URBN SHMN - "love me feat. Shiloh Dynasty"

This fella is one of my favorite producers that I have recently discovered. Stumbled upon him some time back and he is kinda on the same wavelength of Infinity Knives who we shared in our last Soundcheck. The music definitely is a little more soul oriented and less experimental, but it is tight nonetheless. Below is just one track from his most recent tape Cuffin Season 3, but I really do enjoy everything that I have heard from URBN SHMN. There's something in the water in Baltimore. Not sure if it is worse than what we got here in Pittsburgh though haha.

Mess - "Cave"

Hailing from Kansas City, MO, Mess is set to drop their debut LP later this week. Lemme tell ya... it's gonna hit hardddd. "Cave" is so well done. Reminds me of when I listened to Kississippi the first time. The track tugs at the heart strings between beautiful vocals and grooving bass lines. I really dig this. Hope this track does it for you as well. "Don't you think you're better off... painted over the sidewalk." ... Love that.

Junaco - "Willow"

A fresh take on Americana-inspired pop-folk. This emotional track is warm in all the right ways. I like the trade off of vocals here. The nice guitar breakdown and soft howls from Shahana Jaffer complement each other so well. Be on the lookout for their upcoming EP out soon.

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Soundcheck - March 12, 2019

Every week or so we will roundup some songs we really dig and share them with you. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Have a nice day.

bdrmm - "heaven"

I am surprised no one else came up with this band name already. bdrmm is a sensible take on bedroom and the whole bedroom-pop/dream-pop thing going on. Took me a second to figure that out which is a good thing I suppose. The track "heaven" shimmers and shines with a transition from synth to guitar focus. Give this a go. 

INFINITY KNIVES - "ugly nigga from heaven"

A friend of mine shot this in my DM's this week. I really love the experimental hip-hop brewing in Baltimore. If you check out anyone, be sure to peep Infinity Knives. Dreary and tasteful.. this guy has it figured out. Also lookout for the track they did with jack-of-all-trades Giddeon Gallows.

CALYX - "Onom"

CALYX makes really really tight power punk hits and they have been for a hot minute now. This is Exhibit A. Please listen. 

Driver's Ed - "Social Smoker"

With twinkling xylophone beginnings, Driver's Ed of Newark, DE would go on deliver a wholesome emo-punk tune right here. "I only smoke because I think it looks cool." ... haha nice.

Helado Negro - "Please Won't Please"

Beautiful, comforting lyrics that ride softly above a chill electronic backdrop. Oh this is nice.

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Soundcheck - March 1, 2019

Every week or so we will roundup some songs we really dig and share them with you. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Have a nice day.

Crumb - "Part III"

One of my biggest regrets was not being in town to see a show Crumb played at a house years ago. They are back with another hit, which I assume is the beginning of more things to come this year. Creating spacey, silky jams is their core competency and they keep getting better at doing exactly that. Honestly Crumb is the Three Course Dinner Chewing Gum of modern alternative music. What else do you possibly want? 

Graham Hunt - "Every Person"

This forward garage-pop track is here to remind you that you can hit a semi-hard reset when meeting new people. Go listen to their new record Leaving Silver City out now on Forged Artifacts. It's a goodie.

THE EYYES - "Waiting For You"

Spooky vocals, bare strumming, and plenty of layers... For some reason this song hit really hard for me. Although winding in nature, "Waiting For You" is beautifully experimental and definitely worth the ride. 

Coughy - "V"

Check out this fun animated video for "V," Coughy's quick grunge-inspired single. Be on the lookout for their new record out later this month!

Club Night - "Village"

Club Night splashed onto the indie radar with their previous introductory releases. Now they are set to release their first LP in April on Tiny Engines. Peep their new single "Village" for a noisy, jangly treat.

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Soundcheck - February 18, 2019

Every week or so we will roundup some songs we really dig and share them with you. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Have a nice day.

Laveda - "Dream. Sleep."

Power pop that hits in all the right ways. Charged guitar and dreamy vocals leave just enough room for electronic drums and twinkling keys.

Sad Girls Aquatics Club - "Oh Billy"

SGAC is a new act out of Pittsburgh, PA. This track is off their debut record 'Vodkawine' which was released late last year. If you are into groovy, electronic psych-pop, give this a spin.

Boio - "Dad"

This art-rock act Boio from Brooklyn takes fans on quite the trip in this single. The video below aims to depict "the tactile and oral fixation of early childhood." It is only when you realize that all children put random things in their mouths, this video is rather reflective of one of the simplest elements of human nature. Sporadic song progressions and rebounds in tempo really kept me listening to hear what was going to happen next. To say the least, Boio has the sauce.

Solar Estates - "Shape"

The perfect fusion of alt-country and warm fuzz rock. Solar Estates from Chico, California has this music thing figured out in their single "Shape."

Princex - "Headlights"

With entertaining vocal commentary and old-school guitar Princex has created their own classic sound in "Headlights." Turn this track all the way up on your way home from work.

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Soundcheck - February 8, 2019

Every week or so we will roundup some songs we really dig and share them with you. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Have a nice day.

Homes - "Younger Sun"

Layered vocals and clean guitar strumming all the way from Slovakia that really hit home. Listen to this as the sun breaks the horizon tomorrow morning. 

Corduroy - "Portico"

New jangle-pop from Baltimore (members from Wildhoney, Expert Alternations, Mess, Gloop) to keep you boppin' on your way to whatever you do during the day. Definitely check out their self-titled EP.

THYLA - "Only Ever"

THYLA just dropped their new EP last week via REX Records. Vibe out to the powerful reverb-drenched guitar and uplifting vocals on this single. 

loner spring - "Disconnect"

Clever drumming and strumming in the beginning really hooked me into this track. However, that is not all she wrote... "Passing Dreams" progresses into a defiant grunge piece that keeps the head banging. Do not skip this.

Saeyers - "Cruise"

Groovy and nostalgic. Saeyers has found a great medium in his sound that anyone could truly cruise to. Listen carefully and the synth instrumentation will get the best of you too.

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Soundcheck - January 16, 2019

Every once in a while we will roundup some songs we really dig and share them with you.. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Have a nice day.

Fiasco - "b(l)ack"

Fiasco is a band of friends from Paris, France that makes synthy pop songs to dance to. b(l)ack vibes right with a choice beat and a buildup to a beautiful song-ending crescendo. Be sure to listen to this catchy single ahead of their new EP due sometime later this year. 2019 is looking good for Fiasco.

Newscaster - "Rumors"

Newscaster's somewhat scattered performance in Rumors is soothing in the strangest of ways. This kooky track is meant to depict the twin perspectives of a serial killer and a indie-star who has fallen out of favor with the press. Go ahead and experience the madness yourself.

Parrot Dream - "Light Goes (In Mines)"

Parrot Dream creates atmospheric pop that is hard to not like. They recently shared a music video for "Light Goes (In Mines)" from their debut record they released last year. The video came in conjunction with a benefit show put together for the TransWomen of Color Collective in December in Brooklyn, NY.

Priests - "The Seduction of Kansas"

Priests is an A+ post-punk act from Washington D.C. Their new album, The Seduction of Kansas, is due for release this April via Sister Polygon Records. Be sure to check out this thrilling title track.

castle og - "24/7 (ft. June Pastel)"

castle og is a groovy R&B inspired outfit from Richmond, VA. They just wrapped up a series of tour dates with Baltimore's June Pastel and they are rolling strong into the new year. Hit play on this spicy collab track.

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