Alt-J has really mastered the indie/electronic/folk vibe.  Every time I play their sophomore album, This Is All Yours, released a few months ago, I discover a new gem.  The most recent gem that is getting repeat play, “Every Other Freckle,” has made its rounds on the indie blog circuit.  What’s remarkable is how they can really mesh so many genres together into a slow, sexy track that even makes ridiculous lyrics seem perfectly fitting (I’m gonna bed into you like a cat beds into a beanbag).  Only Alt-J can craft such an alluring track while referencing cats and beanbags.  Enjoy.

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It’s been eons since GRRL PAL released their ethereal debut single, “Amazon.”  Finally, the indie duo returns with their remarkably chill follow-up single, “Paradise.”  A sharper use of electronics snakes through this exotic, pulse soothing track, as Jay Daniel’s voice effortlessly floats above with each verse.  Hopefully, we won’t have to wait over a year for a third track.  But while we wait, it helps to be able to have a little “Paradise.”  Enjoy.

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Half pop singer, half hippie, Zella Day instantly pulls you in with her starry-eyed, carefree intonation.  With her recent single, “Sweet Ophelia,” Day seems to join these two converse approaches into something somewhat intoxicating.  Day’s voice spirals throughout the entire track and only breaks to to explode with a hook heavy chorus that makes all the blood rush to your head.  “Sweet Ophelia” can be found on Day’s recently released, self-titled EP.  Enjoy.

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 Minipop creates hazy pop tracks that should be the soundtrack for just about any dream sequence.  Since forming in 2004, they have crafted sweet little pop tunes that are equal parts enchanting and endearing.  “Chances,” off their latest EP, is perhaps their catchiest tune to date, starting off with dripping guitar chords until they are consumed by the misty voice of songstress, Tricia Kanne.  Enjoy.

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There is something in Cannon’s music that separates them from the spate of synth pop bands that seem to emerge every twelve minutes or so.  Earlier this summer, we highlighted the R&B laced “Up All Night,” off of Cannon’s debut EP of the same name.  This time around, the focus is on “Neon Light,” a more upbeat track that has massive soft disco elements.  The contrasts between “Up All Night” and “Neon Light” shows the group’s flexibility in embracing various influences, all with the purpose of making danceable grooves.  “Neon Light” moves seamlessly between verse and chorus with sparkling tones and appropriately placed buildups (the hallmark of any great disco track).  Enjoy.

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It’s no secret that Polyenso draws its inspiration from the likes of Radiohead and Coldplay.  “17 New Years,” the first single off what will hopefully be their sophomore album under the name Polyenso (they previously released music as Oceana), looks to be taking inspiration from an unlikely source and combining it with their love for their alternative rock and pop roots.  “17 New Years” has unmistakable R&B and neo-soul flavor, which works surprisingly well as an extension of what they created with their first album, One Big Particular Loop.  Polyenso makes the marriage of alternative, experimental rock with soul seamless.  “17 New Years” has me excited for what’s to come.  I hope it does the same for you.  Enjoy.

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How could I not post about Be Forest after seeing them last night live for the first time?  This psychedelic dream pop group rarely makes a stateside appearance so it great to see them and even better to witness how well their music translates live.  Be Forest is a cross between tribal music and the XX, with a mix of pounding, rhythmic drums and near ambient melodies.  “Airwaves,” from their debut album, Earthbeat, is a perfect example of the hypnotic tones Be Forest conjures up, and is even more consuming when seen live.  Enjoy.

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About a year ago I posted “Better Off,” a song by R&B duo, Quadron.  This was the first song I heard off of Quadron’s sophomore album, Avalanche.  Had I listened to the album fully at that time, I would have realized that Avalanche is filled with slick R&B tracks that easily eclipse “Better Off.”  One of the most notable tracks is “LFT” (Looking for Trouble), which oozes cool and has a subtle funky groove to it.  Hard to resist that.  Enjoy.

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Battleships basically likes to torture us.  They come out with an incredible song and then make us wait months and months for the next track.  It’s a punishment I’m willing to endure when every song they come out with is so powerful and intimate.  Their most recent track, “You Can’t Change It,” basically keeps the streak alive with us sitting patiently and then being rewarded with a track that mixes beauty and frustration and connects with you on every level.  Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for a debut album.  Enjoy.

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Sometimes our best work happens somewhat by accident.  The same can be said for Holy Holy.  While taking a break in recording their debut EP, the Aussie duo wrote and quickly taped “History,” a single that shines brighter than anything the band had originally planned on releasing.  Full of folk and rock nostalgia, “History” has rich textures and feels like its taking you on a journey from the opening chord to the last staticky note.  Enjoy.

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