Los Angeles-based duo Bubble Tea and Cigarettes craft another dream-pop delight in “Emi,” described by the act as narrating “a poignant moment of falling for someone seemingly too perfect, yet realizing the disparities in their worldviews.” Thumping rhythmic escalation and flourishing guitar trickles glide into a lushly effervescent backing texture, propelled further by hints of vocals and their true, dreamy emergence. Nostalgic, elongated whimpers add further immersion alongside a sleighbell-like charm, making for a dream-pop delight fit for seasonal snowfalls and frosty windowpane spectati ..read more

Slow Code presents a softly introspective charm on new single “Someone Else’s Dream.” Understated acoustics and subdued vocal captivation drive into a synth-laden second half, capturing an absorbing build that’s thoroughly replay-inducing; the project’s third single holds a strongly atmospheric grip from start to finish. “Can we drift until we wake up in someone else’s dream?” the vocals lushly convey, aptly complementing a solid, dream-like aesthetic with gentle guitars and dazed vocal engrossment. Sleepy synth infusions in the second half craft a hypnotic allure, reminding fondly of The No ..read more

Sporting a thematically gripping music video alongside its hooky, charismatic pop production, “Headlines” is a new track from Islands. The project of Nick Thorburn has grabbed our attention for some time now, dating back to his work with The Unicorns, and also with Islands — with their 2006 album Return to the Sea being one of our favorites from that year. The track’s music video (above) is directed by Vali Chandrasekaran, known for his work as a comedy writer on shows like Modern Family and 30 Rock. Per the project, the video is “about an artist trying to steel himself to go on another tour ..read more

A strongly melodic fusing of vintage psych-pop and hooky rock shows on the Peppermint Lane EP, a new release from Pablo Moondog. The Providence, Rhode Island-based project of singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Paul Gott impresses across these five tracks, boasting a harmonious glow in a variety of satiating builds — often traversing from quaint piano-laden breeziness into twangy guitar delectability, with smoothly entrancing vocals retaining a consistent presence throughout. The EP’s opening title track evolves from a quaint psych-pop intrigue into bouncy piano and expressive guitar ..read more

Exemplary of Jake Simon‘s compelling synth-pop and funk/soul integrations, “Dream of You” is a gripping single from the artist, originally from New Haven, CT. Mellow vocals lead into a soulful vocal lushness, with the “I need you, babe,” yearning compelling into the “this could be fate,” synth-forward brightness. “Do you feel the same? This is not a game,” the vocals outpour thereafter; the interplay of bursting synths and tender guitar tones make for an immersive electro-funk arsenal. “Dream of You” enamors in its smoothly entrancing soulfulness and and palpable yearning. — This and other t ..read more

A crisply melodic rocker from Slow Coast, “Won’t Change the Game” intertwines suave, bass-fronted verses and glistening hooky emergences, with a glowing vibrancy. The effort represents the latest from the southern California project, led by singer/songwriter and producer Matt Lawton — impressing with the single “Don’t Let It Change You” in October. “Hypnotized,” another single, also impressed. “This song puts you right in the middle of a game of hard to get and highlights the inherent risk that comes with playing along,” Lawton says. “You can’t keep score of who’s got more, and who’s to blam ..read more

A textured, dreamy engrossment takes hold on “in the dark,” the debut single from pleaselevitate. A lonesome lyrical introspection — “no one’s waiting,” — sends chills alongside a murky bass-y undercurrent and concise guitar twangs, concocting an atmospheric dream-pop appeal reminiscent of Frankie Rose and Christine and the Queens. “Let go,” the vocals let out prior to a hooky expanse. “Dancing in the dark,” they continue, furthering the palpably nocturnal soundscape. Spacey doses of synths enamor here alongside the rising vocal emotion and steady guitar pin-pricks, setting a replay-inducing ..read more

The latest single from alpha gal, “ultimate charm” blasts off into a spirited array of jangly guitars. The longing vocals’ emergence coincides with more sporadic guitar pulses and a warming bass backing, escalating with seamless vibrancy into a soaring vocal enamoring as the initial jangly spirit re-emerges. An added guitar line past the mid-point adds an ardent, scorching quality with reflective immersion. A soulful series of guitars and laid-back vocals concoct a delectable conclusion to this stellar output from alpha gal. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the ..read more

Exuding a plea for love, kindness, and respect, “Love Is Wise” is a new single from Never2Late, a band led by Yorkshire, UK-based guitarist and songwriter SteveB. A familiarly inviting classic-rock production stirs throughout, alongside poignant sentiments from SteveB, who is also a semi-retired orthopedic surgeon. “Why is there so much anger? Why is there so much pain?” the opening vocals ruminate, asking further: “Can we just agree to disagree before things get out of hand?” The call for love and peace proves resonating amidst a timeless-sounding rock sound, exuding useful mantras like “li ..read more

A stirring blend of ’90s alt-rock nostalgia and modern sophistication compel throughout Imperial April‘s self-titled debut album. Hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, the band impress with a wide range of successes, from the spacey synth-pop incorporations of “Release Me” to the upfront alt-rock fuzz of the opening “Peachy.” Writer, producer, and frontwoman Victoria Knopp notes that the album was a long time in the making. “Versions of this album have been floating around on hard drives and CD-Rs for what feels like an eternity. It’s kind of hard to remember that putting my voice front and ..read more