Fever Fever – “Pheromone”: The pandemic era seems to have everyone in a darker, more contemplative headspace. Bands that have been on hiatus seem to be reemerging in unexpected ways. Fever Fever checks both of those boxes in the dark, atmospheric alt-rock track “Pheromone.” This is pretty far removed from the folky house show days of the band, who enjoyed a brief stint on Slospeak Records and received international recognition for their songs “Hypnotized” and “Beautiful Dream.” Fans of Mutemath will dig this. “Pheromone” is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming, EP Mother, out September 10th.

AK – “Ripples”: This “music making musician,” per his bio, dropped a chillwave track worthy of its title. I can already see the visuals for this song in my head—a feat, considering I don’t have synesthesia. There isn’t a lot to expand on here. This track does virtually one thing but does it very well. AK’s self-imposed descriptor of his music being “heartfelt” I would venture is accurate.

DK the Drummer – “Echo (feat. DiVinci, Swamburger)”: Funky collabs are all the rage these days, and it appears that will be a theme on Darren King’s forthcoming Lockers album, where he performs as DK the Drummer. “Echo” isn’t anything unexpected from the Nashville based artist. Expect fly vocals, punch-y drumming, and and overall feel-good, otherworldly vibe. The featured artists are known for their roles within Orlando-based collective Solillaquists. The result is a collaborative trifecta resulting in a deeply satisfying, straightforward, and aggressive alt-funk track.

Dot Allison – “One Love”: This music video borders between warm and heartwrenching. Maybe both? In any case, as we creep toward autumn, I can’t help but feel a little melancholy listening to this. A theme for me with fall, is that in the middle of beauty I’m struck by the passage of time and how I’m powerless to stop it. It makes me feel a lot of things. In the context of relationships these feelings are amplified. I think Dot Allison understands this.

Meet Me In Orbit – “Slip Away”: Fans of M83 and Tycho will find things to enjoy here, we’d bet. There’s a satisfying payoff in that initial beat drop, as the band transitions from a dreampop tune to a sweeping synthwave banger. The band has shared the stage with the likes of Banners, morgxn, Great Good Fine OK, and more. The band’s geographic location in the Bay Area seems to fit their sound, with the modern cityscape juxtaposed with sweeping landscapes.

Carver Commodore – “Queens”: The Alabama-based rock act knows how to write bangers with crunchy guitars that fans of bands like Royal Blood, The Blue Stones, and Odd Soul–era Mutemath will love. Carver Commodore seem to be searching for that song that could push them to the next level of exposure, and “Queens” is one of their most valiant efforts at this yet. If you ever wanted a song chock full of synth bass, look no further. This song is the opening track on the band’s TBA full length, due out before the end of the year.

Hear all of the above and more on our New and Nifty playlist, below!