Author: Casey Gallenberger

Dallas indie worship group South of Royal have released yet another single. "The Future is Yours" is the third single from the band this year and follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, mixing dense production, tight drums, punchy synths, and filtered vocals for a unique take on the genre.

We had the pleasure to talk with Nashville indie-pop trio VEAUX about their upcoming single (due 11/16), what it takes to survive as a band in this day and age, and how the band continues to refine their sound. 

Detroit post-hardcore duo American Arson have returned from a brief hiatus with the explosive-yet-catchy single, “Rise”, which you should definitely check out below. “Rise” opens with the pair’s trademark grit, before seamlessly going into a sing-along bit. The track shimmers with some of the most melodic elements we’ve seen from American Arson to date – the chorus is catchy and there’s a shimmering, synth-like ambiance at play that gives it a fair share of pop sensibility. However, if you’re familiar with the group, you’ll know their song structures stray from predictable and that’s certainly the case and the track oscillates from certainly-going-to-be-stuck-in-your-head to mosh-pit-inducing.… Continued →

Chamber pop may not be the most well-known, or well-respected genre. Nonetheless, it holds some of the most intricate compositions and rides the line between progressive and radio-friendly. Here are our top 10 chamber pop groups you need to check out. Anything we missed? Add it in the comments. In no particular order… 1. The Oh Hellos This brother/sister duo (plus a couple friends) has truly manager to refine their sound, with their last two EPs showing incredible growth in songwriting and some fairly poetic lyrics to boot.… Continued →

Heartbreak is certainly abundant in many modern songs, but rarely do songs tackle the subject with pure vulnerability. “Bang”, the first single from Moda Spira‘s (Latifah Alattas) upcoming album, Divorce, is a weighty, soulful track. The announcement that the relationship is coming to an end is described as a piercing gunshot, both sudden and devastating. Divorce is due 10/26 and you can preorder it here. Listen to “Bang” below: … Continued →

Nuoro's debut offering shows promise with an eclectic electronic sound, but it falls short a bit due to lack of cohesion.

The Last Bison returns with a shift in style toward South American-influenced electro-pop.

Formerly Bodies is another member of the growing community of singer-songwriter acts with electric guitars and delay pedals (think Julien Baker and Many Rooms). Thankfully this scene is still fairly diverse and it’s always refreshing to see a female artist deviate from pop and electronica. The Michigan-based project is run by Hannah Weir, who draws influence from Now, Now and My Epic – if anything, that should give you a good idea of the potential at hand. Although the sound is stripped down, it never feels too empty.… Continued →

Atlas is an artsy mix of post-rock and strong percussion grooves, paired with numerous sing-along moments.

Adjy's wordy, four-track EP is a whirlwind of driving percussion and proof that you didn't pay attention in English class.

Archabald flirts with hardcore influences on their latest conceptual EP.

Kevin Schlereth's newest EP is an intimate mix of Scripture-based acoustic songs.

The indie-electronic stylings of UK worship act Rivers & Robots have resurfaced. Along with a new logo, the band has posted a clip of something that will be out 7/6. This is certainly not a CCM act by any stretch, and Rivers & Robots have a great history of melding experimental indie and powerful synths for a worship experience that is entrenched in intentionality. … Continued →

Moda Spira, the electro-pop project of Latifah Alattas of Page CXVI, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for her new album, due this fall. 2016’s self-titled release saw a hazy mix of synths, passionate vocals, and diverse songwriting. The upcoming album chronicles the unexpected end of her marriage and her journey through pain. Subsequently, we can expect more serious subject matter, though the album (from the brief samples we’ve found) will carry much of the same electronic, pop, and orchestral mix seen on its predecessor.… Continued →

Chicago-based indie/ambient rock project Qajaq will be performing at Audiofeed in just a few days – but even if you can’t make it out, their 2015 debut The Light of Everything certainly deserves a listen. The band melds post-rock subtleties with elements of folk and chamber pop. The band is preparing to release a new album, A Canopy Above Our Endless Sky.  Check out The Light of Everything below. … Continued →

Archabald showcases a heavier, darker direction on "Carcosa", due July 13. Check out a new single here!

DENS' Facedown debut release proves that the label's decision to expand beyond their metal foundation is truly paying off.

We’re a bit late on reporting this, but Dallas indie-worship act South of Royal have released their take on All Hail the Power, complete with an added chorus (ala Chris Tomlin). Sonically, there’s a bit of 80s and chillwave influence presence and comparisons could be made to M83. Check out the track below and keep up with the group on Facebook. Be sure to check out their original EP, “Deliverance & Doubt”, available on all digital platforms. … Continued →

The gentlemen of pop/alt/prog act Captain the Sky are setting out to release their second full-length, “The Butterfly Effect”, this fall. This serves as a timely follow up to 2017’s “Lions & Foxes” and 2016’s “Mary Celeste”. Their newest single, Hibiscus, showcases a resurgence of their technical-but-radio-friendly sound with a strong mix of technical guitar lines, vocal trade-offs, and a strong rhythm section. Learn more and take a look at the full list of perks at their Go Fund Me page and check out their latest single below.… Continued →

Reach Records’ GAWVI has released a brand new single, SLINGSHOT, that showcases a modern pop/hip-hop sound mixed with a fair share of electronica. Lyrically, the song revolves around the story of David and Goliath. Listen below or find it on most digital outlets. … Continued →

We're excited to premier a brand new track from Captain the Sky!

Post-hardcore is a genre of stigmas – on one hand, the easycore bands tend to dominate modern perception. On the other hand, people might form expectations around Fugazi. Arguably, the staple of modern post-hardcore borrows from hardcore but throws in a stronger melodic focus. It’s a careful balance of mosh-inducing energy and admirable riffage. Here are just five albums you probably missed over the years. 1. Teraphim (Matter) Matter released “Teraphim” in 2014 before quickly breaking up. Sitting at seven tracks (30 minutes of material), it’s closer to an EP than a full-length; nonetheless, it’s conceptually cohesive and manages to cover a lot of ground – specifically, the book of Ezekiel.… Continued →

Songs of Water sends listeners on a journey around the world on their latest EP.

We had a chance to talk with Beaver Falls, PA indie rock group Captain the Sky about their new deluxe EP, the future of the band, and Chick-fil-A. Check them out on Facebook and be sure to follow them on Spotify!

Captain the Sky's deluxe re-release of "Lions & Foxes" blends the best of post-hardcore and math rock technicality with fun acoustic jams.

Lael's newest EP lacks artistic form and overindulges in pop clichés.

Archabald did a live Q&A earlier this week and here’s the session for you to listen to! If you’re looking for the key points, they have a new EP titled “Carcosa” that is almost ready for distribution. There will be accompanying materials like videos and even a short story (as a physical item to complement the lyrical content of the EP). The EP contains darker lyrical themes and a heavier direction in sound. Most of these auxiliary materials, along with upcoming singles/EPs/albums will be available on a “pre-release” rotation via their Bandcamp Archafriends subscription, which also gives fans discounts on merch!… Continued →

Wisconsin pop-punk mainstays Page 2 held their farewell show last night. Now’s a good time as any to spin their 2016 EP, “Us Against the World”. I’ve also been in talks with singer/guitarist Matt Peters about a possible new “heavier” project to follow so we’ll keep you updated! … Continued →

Off Road Minivan proves you can't always judge a band by its name on their debut EP which mixes indie and post-hardcore elements.

Whale Bones' ambitious debut EP is a refreshing, dynamic amalgamation of post-hardcore, indie, post-rock, alternative, and pop-punk that reaffirms the Indiana rock scene is still thriving.