Fingers – “So it Seems”: This song is effervescent, lush, and layered beyond anything we’ve seen from Fingers thus far. This marks the start of a transition to a new identity of sorts, that will culminate in the release of the band’s debut full length Little Waves, to be released later this spring. The steady nature of the song ought to reach beyond the feel and propel the band to the next level of public awareness – and hopefully fandom. As the waves of reverb and percussion crash down on my psyche, I’m excited for the band’s future.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/191502581″ /]

Night Argent – “Nothing More Beautiful”: As I watched the music video for this song in a coffee shop, the video paused to buffer right as a barista banged something on the counter, as if to emphasize the delicate feel of the start of this song. The love song quickly crescendos to a realm of strength, to no one’s surprise. In a world ruled by Imagine Dragons, this band ought to find a niche just outside of that band’s shadow.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCDJcqVl4l4[/youtube]

Leapfrogtown – “The Room”: This London has barely over 50 likes on their Facebook page, but likes be darned. This band is marketing itself early, and with good reason. “The Room” is a nice way to kick off a career I think. While each element of the song has been done before, this song is airy in a warm sort of way that many people ought to be able to get behind.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/178130499″ /]

Ex-Cult – “Clinical Study”: Wanna hear what post punk mixed with hardcore sounds like? Here ya go. Have no clue what post punk is? Listen anyway. “Clinical Study” is matter of fact and succinct, but doesn’t quite escalate to violent territory. This is probably a good thing.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rpeAi2ZFjA#t=48[/youtube]

Feather Beds – “Animal Fat”: A half whisper with the volume ironically on high is all that is needed to get my attention, although what makes me a fan is more the hypnotic ambient shoegaze vibes. It’s psychedelic and the junkie will want drugs to go with this, but none are needed. I mean… the title of this song is “Animal Fat.” That ought to be enough WTF for one track dontcha think?

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLf8UDv4iY8[/youtube]

Slow Turismo – “Corners”: Slow Turismo nearly fooled me. Twice, actually. The feel of the track changed twice on me… yet it feels like the correct path in retrospect. I guess this is what happens when you mix three brothers with two non brothers. In seriousness though, this is one of the more intriguing stand alone songs I’ve heard this year. I’ll probably stick with this band because of this song, which isn’t something that happens a whole lot. The last time a song left a lasting impression like this is Small Reactions’ “Saint in Robes”.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/188542505″ /]

Everyone Likes Cathleen – “Patient Zero”: A metalcore band with over 20,000 fans that no one on my Facebook friends list follows!? I’ve found a unicorn! This band is from Mexico City and like so many of their US counterparts, don’t do much to revolutionize the genre. I will say the music isn’t stale at all though – this is one of the better hooks I’ve heard in some time. I’m digging the production a bunch too.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0-rV2rGPYY[/youtube]