The National – “Demons”

The National takes on an odd time signature, but plays it off smooth on this dramatic new single, “Demons,” which is set for release via 4AD on May 20th. Enjoy!

Rustie – “Triadzz”

The latest offering from currently hot topic Rustie is a single titled “Slasherr,” which saw its release on Monday via Numbers. We heard the A-side, a couple of weeks ago, and the B-side is now available as well. Listen to “Triadzz” above via Rustie’s SoundCloud.

Rustie has proven to be one of the most significant players in the recent surge of trap-influenced electronic dance music, and rightfully so. The producer’s approach bears the colorful, immediate, and danceable mark which is shared by his contemporaries, but also possesses a distinctive personality and level of detail which elevates him beyond many such peers. “Triadzz” is no exception, pairing triumphant synthesizer melodies and galvanizing percussion with his typically vibrant aesthetic and quirky samples. Perhaps the strongest trait of “Triadzz” is its demonstration of Rustie’s knack for not only building anticipation, but making it pay off; when “Triadzz” establishes a “drop,” the climax feels neither cheap nor underwhelming, instead carrying momentum with tasteful yet unrestrained passages of high-powered euphoria. As trap has been growing increasingly more ubiquitous, Rustie makes the proper associations with the movement, but ultimately maintains his own voice.

Smith Westerns – “Varsity”

Smith Westerns groom their sound a bit on this clean, sweet, and ethereal pop track titled “Varsity.” The cut it destined for release on the band’s next album, Soft Will, which is gonna get a June release on Mom+Pop. Check a review of the band’s last album release right here:

Kylesa – “Unspoken”

Modern day psych and stoner rock heavyweights Kylesa have a new album on the way titled Ultraviolet coming in May, and the band saw fit to drop a track from it last week.

“Unspoken” may not be the heaviest songs in this style, but the track’s burning guitar solos and eerie vocals certainly make it one of the most convincing. Enjoy!

AlunaGeorge – “Attracting Flies”

A sweet, catchy bit of pop from London duo AlunaGeorge. The single is getting an official release with some remixes from Baauer and S-Type in March, and the the debut full-length it’s from is dropping in June. Anticipation!

Cold Cave – “Oceans With No End”

Cold Cave drops a loud, distorted new single; the project is teasing toward its next EP, Oceans With No End, which is looking at a release on Deathwish later this year.

It’s a good track, but drops Cave’s typically dark and moody sound. The result is a song that actually reminds me of the Handsome Furs in their best moments. It’s a change of pace, but certainly not a terrible one. Enjoy!

Dom McLennon – “Fool’s Gold”

I’ve been following the musical exploits of Connecticut MC Dom McLennon for a few months now, and “Fool’s Gold” is the first track to really stop me in my tracks.

It’s a smooth single with a good flow, atmospheric beat, and lyrics about personal success and progression. Common themes, but he’s got the charisma to make ‘em interesting–plus, the hook is sharp. Enjoy!

Low – “So Blue”

Low drops another track from the legendary indie rock band’s latest album, The Invisible Way. The album is looking at a March release on Sub Pop records.

A lot like the previous track to drop from this album, Low has a knack for giving soft, pretty sounds the kind of urgency that reels me in pretty quickly.

The vocal harmonies on “So Blue” are incredibly beautiful, and the song grows in intensity very nicely as piano and guitar chords get hammered harder and harder. Enjoy!

The Men – “I Saw Her Face”

The Men drop yet another track from their forthcoming album, New Moon, which is gonna get dropped on Sacred Bones Records in March. This one’s got a bit of a country tinge to it! The passionate, harmonized vocals are a bit of a surprise, too. Enjoy!

Terminate – “Rotten Dead Mess”

Some brutal, cutthroat, straightforward death metal from Terminate on this track from the band’s new album, Ascending to Red Heavens, which is out this week on Selfmadegod Records. Enjoy!