DANBEATS‘ new single “Vacation Home” explores themes of escapism, and aptly crafts a soundscape that lures with such temptations; its Brazilian Tropicalia inspirations pair with a dreamy pop mystique and hooky vocal rise for a climactic sense of detail. DANBEATS describes the release as “about a digital nomad, enamored with a beautiful paradise, grappling with escapism, envy, and identity, loosely inspired by the Lotus Eaters (from Homer’s Odyssey).” “Don’t make me go back to my home,” the vocals let out, then declaring they’re “on vacation,” as glistening guitar effervescence complements a ..read more

Steven Gudino traverses from serene pop contemplation to twangy vigor on “Sardonic Suburb,” a single that impresses in its melodic display of tonal range. Twinkling, dreamy keys arrive into a bursting guitar line, then cohesively incorporating Gudino’s alluring vocals in the title-touting hook — “I can’t wait to finally be rid of this place, this sardonic suburb.” The trickling guitars and jazzy, sporadic pace combine with the breezy vocals for a sophisti-pop aesthetical captivation in the moments between, capped off by an electrifying guitar emphasis and final vocal refrain. — This and othe ..read more

A dreamy captivation enamors on “Anyway,” a recent track from Nashville-based act Sundaes. “I could never handle you,” the vocal repeat amidst trickling guitars and starry-eyed synths during the central chorus, crafting a hypnotic engrossment. Illuminated, caressing vocal layers re-emerge in the second half during the refrain’s reprisal, swirling with a magnetic, weightless charm. “Anyway” represents the first single via the band’s upcoming album, call me when you get there. They describe the track as “a ballad to frustration over wasted love and time.” — This and other tracks featured this ..read more

“Goodnight Nobody” explores the power of choosing acceptance over bitterness, following a relationship’s demise. Home Remedies recorded their upcoming debut album, Goodnight Moon, at Headroom Studios in Philadelphia — and the consuming “Goodnight Nobody” represents the album’s third single. Taking heavy inspiration from Elliott Smith, the track evolves grippingly from more acoustic-set contemplation — ruminating on positive memories — into a rousing rock arsenal, which complements the lyrical decision to move on. The reference to a past beloved as “a former future,” in the chorus proves cath ..read more

Harmonious vocal layers and a pulsing range of melodic instrumentation adorn “Your Old Ways,” a stellar new single from Central Florida-based band Lou’s Rendezvous. Neil Carlson adds backing vocals. “You try so hard to find a way to keep it together,” the vocals unify, depicting a time of strife, when times are hard. Wordless backing vocal lushness and string-laden charm inject with cohesive allure, building into twangy guitar delights. “Your Old Ways” is a compelling success. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spoti ..read more

Give It Time by W. Y. Huang A comforting folk single from New York-based singer/songwriter W. Y. Huang, “Give It Time” reassures that “everything will be just fine,” amidst tender acoustics, serene vocals, and an eventual piano-laden brightness. The song’s easy-going flow is apt within thematic reflections of “patience and surrender,” inspired by personal experience with chronic pain. “This was the first time I wrote a song to myself,” Huang says. “There were things I needed to hear and feel to journey through this chapter in my life, and this was my attempt at giving that to myself. Perhaps ..read more

A gripping new prog-rock single from Philadelphia-based band Chewy, “Rubber Unfamiliar” unfolds with captivating variety — reminding of a cross between Black Midi and XTC. The track marks the opening effort on their new EP, Ostranenie. Pulsing guitar shimmers and a breezy brass convergence lead into a debonair one-minute turn, where crunchy guitars lead into a decisive vocal lead; the shift from art-rock experimentation into a delectably raucous fervency, and then into a psych-friendly wooziness, is exemplary of the project’s dynamic range. The gorgeous brass components re-ignite at the mid ..read more

Montreal-based act Chapeaux Pointus deliver a dreamy pop groove on new single “Fini,” which opens their new EP, Pour en finir. Sporadic guitar jangling and a thumping bass line traverse into a moody French vocal delivery, embraced by glistening keys as the title-referencing sequence takes hold. Playful guitar twangs immerse throughout the final minute, casting a trickling spell within the production’s lushly invigorating glow. Stream the rest of this lovely new EP from Chapeaux Pointus: — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Sin ..read more

A timeless-sounding rocker with a sense of impending doom, “Still Waiting” is a memorable single from Ricky Haze. The production traverses from a nostalgic doo-wop feeling into a sweltering rock passion. “The world’s about to end,” the vocals declare, complemented by backing vocal harmonizing as the playful percussion accelerates. The howling vocal assumption re-ignites the commiseration of feeling like the world is ending, enthralling with twangy guitar adornments. “Still Waiting” is a standout showing from Ricky Hazy. “I wrote this song one quiet afternoon, with the windows cracked,” Ricky ..read more

Memphis-based artist Joseph Ozment shows an escalating, nostalgic psych-rock appeal on new single “God Save the Queen.” A traditional, royal orchestration fades out quickly into the suave assortment of guitars and synths. Ozment’s vocals strut a calming clarity, emitting “I could never forget you,” into spacey synth tones that send chills. A brassy darkness takes hold at mid-point, following an uptick in vocal fervency that compels. “God save, god bless, what a fucking mess,” the vocals continue, espousing a complex state of in-between. “In this song I bemoan the boredom of modernity and my ..read more