Tagged: indie

Wait for the day when the light scatters.

trophy wife

In perfect Monday fashion, the day was a whirlwind of highs and lows. Trophy Wife finally released their debut album, and then quickly laid their band to rest.

Parts of my life I can conjure up exactly what I was listening to then – I live my life by short-periods of musical obsessions and Trophy Wife’s sound easily depicts my immediate post-grade life. The Oxford-based trio created a dark, electronic pop sound. Each chord, effect, you name it sounded clean and exact. They garnered a lot of attention with their single, “Microlite,” and eventually started touring the UK with Esben and the Witch.

Slowly but surely new music emerged and our ears were left with the Bruxism EP, enough to satisfy our wants for more. Rumors swirled around last year about a full length finally being completed but nothing ever came of it. Now here we are, late spring of 2013 and the band has released their debut album – 3 years after appearing onto the music scene. It’s sad to see a group you made sure to keep on your rader slip away, but releasing the self-titled album for pay what you want was a fabulous career-ending move.

Listen and download the 11-track release below and if you’re based in the UK make sure you head out to one of their final live shows.

Also check out this super neat video collage the band made.

[Inbox Submission] Antics – Vundabar

vundabar music

There’s a lot that I instantly loved about Vundabar’s sound when I first heard their album, Antics, that was recently shot over to my inbox.

Opening track, “Greenland,” consists of lax chords, lo-fi vocals, driving percussion and a surfy pop-punk rhythm to it. And then you find yourself on the following track, “Voodoo,” that’s completely twangy and expansive. I love the diversity that these two musicians can make with the lack of physical members available. For their first stab at a full length – I think these two are promising. I’m finding myself listening and then re-listening to all of the different tracks, they packed a lot inside all 10 of them.

Do yourself a favor and download Antics for free via bandcamp and check out the full stream below.

Enjoy.

You make the earth move.

The London pop duo, Thumpers, croon love stories amongst heavy dance rhythms, searing synthesizers, and one of the catchiest choruses you will ever hear. Their new single, “Unkinder (Tougher Love)”  is a bit melancholic in content but will still make your limbs feel restless.

Watch the video above and be sure to mark your calendar for the release of their debut EP, Unkinder, through Transgressive Records.

[Music Video] Fingerprint – Bombay Show Pig

Slowed down, hushed vocals, and much more abstract visuals in Bombay Show Pig’s latest video for track, “Fingerprint.”

I really enjoy the minute details and evolving concept from small to large that builds throughout the entire video. The edits work well too. As the track gets larger and more momentous, adding plenty of brass and other elements, as do the shots tying everything together.

Indulge in more Bombay Show Pig here. Enjoy.

Unhand me I am not a criminal.

dreams of cannibalism typhoon

I remember the summer I first heard Typhoon. Those lyrics of despair, aching vocals, and tight instrumentation that held it all together. You could tell in that moment of first listen that this band wasn’t even close to finished.

Meaningful content, gorgeous chords, and always such a build-up, this dynamic indie-orchestra of sorts is beyond listenable. Depth doesn’t always have to come in the form of words; the many layers, the clashing of instruments, and the almost symphonic feel create a beautiful thing. I’ve been anxiously awaiting new music and their first single, “Dreams of Cannibalism,” is just stunning.

Plenty of highs and lows, a momentous building of instruments and tone – this one is a must download for all. Grab the track below and stay tuned for their late Summer release, White Lighter, here.

Dreams Of Cannibalism – Typhoon

Right-click and enjoy.

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[Music Video] Best Friends – holychild

I love everything about holychild’s music video for their bouncy Summer tune, “Best Friends.” From the wide angle shots, to the late afternoon shadows, to the beautiful and desolate setting of Bombay Beach, California – the entire production is absolutely solid.

From DC to LA, holychild seems to be moving at an exorbitant rate. Learn more about the group here, and be sure to keep tabs on these guys – I’m excited to see what comes next.

BONUS:   The location alone in “Best Friends” reminded me of the interesting documentary titled Bombay Beach which tells of local’s tales and features some incredible music. I believe it’s on Netflix too..

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So much trouble that I must leave behind.

sons of the east

Oh, wow. One of the best folk groups coming out of Australia these days is Sydney’s Sons of the East, a fabulous three-way blend of instrumental and vocal harmonies that can truly stand alone.

Sure, you could say these gentleman completely have got those Mumford-like qualities, but in my mind, anything executed incredibly well should be recognized. Friends who came together in mid-2011, the band has been touring up and down their country’s coast gaining exposure – something that has completely paid off. Their newest single, “Hold On,” has already amassed over 70k views on YouTube. The easy sound of simple instrumentation and just a few guys having a great time playing has really caught on elsewhere in the world so be sure to watch the gorgeous video below and see what they’re up to these days.

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[Tape Label Spotlight] Buddha Tapes

buddha tapes

I don’t think we’ve ever featured a cassette-only indie label here on what’s protocol? before but, there’s always a first for everything right?

Introducing Buddha Tapes, referenced before when we’ve featured artists Psittacines and Hectic Zeniths in the past, this little tape label is based out of Virginia doing some very special things. With a few releases under their belts, they’ve finally got another one to be proud of.

Wax Monsters are a dynamic synth-pop duo coming out of Ohio with a brand new self-titled full length album that recently dropped. Each track has got a different mood and tone keeping you fully aware of all of the tempo shifts. Available on gorgeous (and limited!) blue cassette, stream the release below and grab your tape here.

And be sure to keep Buddha Tapes on your radar and check out the rest of their releases here.

I hope this song will guide you home.

kris orlowski

Covers of “Such Great Heights,” will never, ever get old.

Listen to one of my favorite musicians hailing out of the Pacific Northwest, Kris Orlowski, and his momentous interpretation of one of the most popular Postal Service track there is. Gorgeous. And it’s name your price!

Check out the rest of Independent Clauses’ celebration of making it online for 10 years and the album, Give Up, here.

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[Nice In The Headphones] Silent Speech EP – Porcelain Raft

silent speech porcelain raft

Atmospheric and incredibly spatial, Porcelain Raft’s instrumentals take our ears and mind far beyond average reach. The textures and layers alone really take hold of your attention but what I’m really impressed with is the sort of orchestrated sound, the ebb and flow of each track from start to finish.

Intro song, “Playground,” starts off momentous then dropping us right into, “Off Track,” which plays well behind headphones with flickering heavy tones and thick synthesizers. I really enjoy the entire mood of the EP and its listenability. Stream the entire thing below and be sure to check out more of his work here.