I haven’t posted nearly enough Trails and Ways through the run of EWH.  Every track released by this foursome has an intangible charm and warmth.  Whether they are spouting lyrics in English or Spanish, it’s easy to feel connected to what they produce.  They are pretty balanced in the amount of original work and covers that are released into the digital world.  Although their cover of Miguel’s “Sure Thing” is one of their older releases, it’s still catchy and a great interpretation of this 2011 R&B track.  Enjoy.

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“10,000 Emerald Pools” is the debut single from emerging indie artist, BØRNS.  A Michigan native now soaking in the west coast, laid back vibes of LA, BØRNS is translating his new state of mind directly into his impressive, dreamy new track.  BØRNS is a one man show, so don’t be fooled by the vocals…that’s all the work of this new star.  The new indie mainstay just signed with Interscope and after hearing his masterful indie pop debut EP, Candy, Interscope just made its best move all year.  Start listening to BØRNS now so you can brag you were one of the first.  Enjoy.

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Scoop “10,000 Emerald Pools” here

Roger Sellers creates simple, calming music to get completely lost in.  His single, “Lates,” off his recent album, Primitives, is no exception.  There’s a magical way that this Texas native’s music absorbs you and unravels all that entangles you.  His songs are uncluttered and precise, yet effortless and unbounded.  “Lates” is the perfect track for when you need to turn things down and fade away for a bit.  Enjoy.

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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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Scoop “Every Other Freckle” here

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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Scoop “Sweet Ophelia” here

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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Scoop “Awake” here

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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It wasn’t all that long ago that I posted an article on the UK’s Osca and their impressive debut single, “Blood.”  The foursome returns with “Illume,” an emotional track that sways between intimacy and exhilaration.  “Illume” proves that Osca is the real thing.  The near orchestral nature of their songs coupled with the maturity and openness of the lyrics (Come on love/I hold you closer than my skin) melts together into a song that makes the blood rush through every vein in your body.  Osca is bringing us the beginning of something amazing.  You might as well bask in the glory of being there from the start.  Enjoy.

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London-based quarter, Osca, has released a remarkable debut single with “Blood.”  The track is almost stripped bare, giving immense weight to the solitary piano and folksy intonations of the vocals.  “Blood” courses through your veins with an intimacy and clenching need to give yourself entirely to someone because it’s all you have left to do.  Lyrically, “Blood” is somber and sincere, holding up a mirror to some of our most private emotions.  Osca’s ability to trade off between solitude, hope, love and despair so effortlessly is a remarkable feat and one I hope to see them repeat in the future.  Enjoy.

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Scoop “Blood” here