Photo credit: Coley Brown

Mac DeMarco – “On the Level”: Let’s start this post with a song a little more out there, eh? “On the Level” goes against the wild reputation of DeMarco with simplistic synth pop that, dare I say it, has a slice of darkwave. Actually to be honest, I’m not really sure how this song makes me feel, just that’s a little unsettling and that I’m intrigued about what the dude does next. Yeah. So if you want to feel a little confused by some simple melodies yet oddly enjoy it, here you are.

The Raquels – “1982”: My initial thought when this song kicks in is “gee, this kinda reminds me of Safe and Sound by Capital Cities.” That’s meant to be a compliment. Columbus, Ohio is in need of indie pop bands and The Raquels are here to fill a void. This song also has “summer single” written all over it. The tease of a key change that leads into a carefree guitar part just drives that point home.

At the Wayside – “Lose One Friend, Lose All Friends, Lose Yourself”: One of my favorite blogs, Indie Vision Music, has a little record label. Pop punk group At the Wayside just so happens to be releasing music on said label in late May, and this is a lead single from the project! I had kind of a rough weekend (see the title of this post) and this song is two and half minutes of fun that makes me feel half my age. This song is straightforward yet fresh in sound.

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Pleasure House – “Calm”: If you like your tunes bombastic and dreamy, here’s a band that combines these attributes in a very appetizing way. Man oh man. I hope this band tours the states soon because I would definitely attend a Columbus show. “Calm” this song ain’t, but that’s okay. “Soar” and “power” are two words that come to mind. Perhaps you’ll agree? The Birmingham, UK rockers have a promising future, for sure.

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Kidepo – “Ramada”: Alternative R&B, man. One comment on this Soundcloud stream notes “interesting rhythms.” I would actually say that the tempo is simple, yet utilizes complex instrumentation to make the song feel more layered. This song has the effect of making me want to learn more about the story behind the artist, just by virtue of hearing the song. Learning of the artist’s Ugandan background and love of Sufjan Stevens just heightens my intrigue.

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Color Film – “52 Minds”: The vocals of the new art pop duo on Epitaph Records are abrasive and desperate. What we have here isn’t darkwave or gothic, but could be nestled well in such a playlist. This band’s live show, I get the feeling, stands alone as a work of art and is neither hindered nor enhanced by an audience, it simply is. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t spread the word on what Color Film is up to, though.