Sir Sly – “High”: I once said that Sir Sly was my favorite live band since Paper Route. Their indie pop sound stands out, with distinct vocals, dark synths, and big choruses. The distinct synths and drums are back, but here we have a bit more guitar than I’m used to, fading in and out. The aethestic of the band has definitely shifted, and I’m curious to see how this new warmer sound feels fleshed out in the context of a new record.

Coast Modern – “Pockets Full of No”: If Glass Animals spent a few years living in Southern California, it’s possible something like this song would result. The band has only been releasing singles, in the lead up to their debut record, it’s easy to see why they’re generating a buzz in the industry. Look for these guys to be selling out 2-3k capacity rooms within a year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315236329″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Rejjie Snow – “Flexin (feat. Ebenezer)”: With such an in your face hook, it’s somewhat surprising just how matter of fact the flow of the verse is. If you don’t think they’re serious, think again. The verses get steadily more urgent in feel, and the production is on point. I think the goal of this song is intimidation, and if someone rolled up on me walking down the street while blasting this song I might feel a little vulnerable.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/314895717″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Lave – “Sea Foam”: We’re a couple of months late on this, but the song “Sea Foam” by new dreampop artist Lave feels, well, like floating in slow motion amidst sea foam. It’s a huge step up from the project’s first single, and Joey of Pace of Glaciers is involved (we really, really dug the Pace of Glaciers album that came out last year) so we’re really glad this is rad too. I think it’s a shame that although dreampop is trendy, it hasn’t broken through more to the mainstream alongside the heavy hitting pop artists. Could Lave change that? Time will tell.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304845377″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

GAWTBASS – “Coins”: I’m stepping out of my comfort zone by reacting to this single. GAWTBASS is an independent producer, but has experience playing cello and drums as well. This experience seems to give him a unique perspective in the industry, and while I haven’t spent as much time as most EDM fans listening to bass music, I have to say that the structure and progression of the song strikes me as being more creative than the norm.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315693810″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]