Los Angeles-based act Easy Sleeper exude a breezy, jangly rock charm on new single “Timekeeper.” A track from their upcoming album, out this fall, “Timekeeper” enamors in its dynamic vocal range — spanning from contemplative steadiness to shout-y, anthemic pulses. “Timekeeper, half sleeper,” the lead vocals let out into melodic guitar flourishes past the two-minute turn, making for an especially compelling sequence as erupting guitars and ardent vocal stimulation take hold. “Timekeeper” has us firmly anticipating the band’s forthcoming album. Guitarist and vocalist Douglas Guttenberger elabo ..read more

Two Perched by Aquamarine Sonoma, CA-based band Aquamarine strut a riveting rock sound on new single “Honeymoon Phase,” the fourth track on their new full-length, Two Perched. Dreamy guitar jangles complement an emotive vocal presence, letting out “I am not compelled, I am not under that spell,” with a touch of nostalgic sophisti-pop, a la Prefab Sprout. A jangle-pop arsenal arises more in the ensuing verses, conveying a crisply melodic charm. “Only one thing could be worse, honeymoon phase in reverse,” the lush vocals conclude, followed by glistening guitar lines and hypnotic, thumping bass ..read more

“Dissolve” is a serenely caressing, jangly gem of a track from New Orleans-based artist Juno Dunes. Their “like slacker rock for yachts” description is apt, conjuring a breezy, weightless charm in its dreamy guitar tones and carefree lyrical charm — “we can just dissolve,” giving into emotion with a heartfelt enthrallment. The thematic emphasis compels in writing as a “ballad to ourselves, and the things we leave behind so we can continue to grow,” per the artist. The initial “when I met you, I was chasing my tail,” retrospection guides into a “trying to just enjoy the ride,” ethos, meshing ..read more

Melodic summertime-set pop and moody post-punk intertwine on “I’m The Salt Dog,” a delightful new single from Austin-based project Safety Vapor. Serene guitar twangs enamor to start, quickly joined by a bouncy bass line. The guitars scale back as lush keys and vocals enter. These elements converge melodically amidst lyrics reflecting a desire to chase a “summer day,” serving as an antidote to looming dark skies. A hypnotic and melodic success, “I’m The Salt Dog” is a quality showing from the project led by Nick Jamshidi. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updat ..read more

Abundant with jangly melodic beauty, “Forever Ended Today (Max’s Song)” is a standout success from the band mid. “Don’t go away, stay for the day,” the vocals plead, as glistening guitars and an all-out smooth tone enamors. “And I still wonder why,” they contemplate in the next sequence, reflecting a sense of disbelief upon a deteriorating personal connection and the day one “slips away.” The track’s structural navigation is direct, though its predictability lends well to the warm jangly qualities and genuine vocal yearning. The keys and twangy guitars converge with gorgeous results. — This ..read more

On The Loose by Sigh Twombly A twangy success “about breaking free and feeling happy for others who have broken free,” “On The Loose” is the debut single from Sigh Twombly, the San Francisco-based project of Lukas Wagner. Hazy, frolicking guitars find lush accompaniment in shimmering acoustic guitars, which lead as Wagner’s laid-back vocals emerge. The title-touting hook enamors with its jangly engrossment, as does emotive electric guitar lead in the ensuing bride. Produced by Worn-Tin and Runnner, “On The Loose” is a memorable success — and a standout debut — from Sigh Twombly. More recently ..read more

Impressing last year with standouts tracks like dark surf-rocker “What Do They See” and the soaring “To Be Yours,” Dog Walk meet these lofty melodic expectations on their newly released album 22. “Just Let It Go” kicks the release off in stellar form, exuding a debonair jangly rock character whose title-touting hook reminds fondly of Mac DeMarco. The playful guitar jangles and soaring vocal hook combine for a replay-inducing success. Another highlight, the subsequent “I Saw You On the Dance Floor” rides on a mellower guitar adornment and breath-y vocal initial spell. “I kind of wanna ask you ..read more

Wisconsin-based duo hangouts. charm on their new single “No Money, Drugs,” a dazed and twangy success birthed from a “spontaneous jam” in “the 420 lounge.” “I’m not saying it’s right, but sometimes…” the vocals let out during the memorable central hook, uplifted by a soaring vocal whimsy with title-touting engrossment. A deeper-toned, conversational punctuation follows into a serene guitar solo. The diverse vocal showings, from debonair commiseration to higher-pitched ascension, consumes alongside the jangly guitar hypnotics. The band describe the release as “a tongue and cheek song about ho ..read more

A jangly pop sound enamors throughout “Forgive Forget,” a catching debut single from Local Derby, a duo hailing from Naarm/Melbourne. Earning quick praise and airplay on national radio (Triple J), the project’s sound resonates with a cathartic, vibrant character driving into the “forgive but don’t forget,” chorus. Telling “the story of an uncertain relationship and a road trip through Central Australia,” the track shines with its suave vocal confidence and steady jangly shimmering. I’m anticipating what’s next from this duo, comprising Elsie Lange and Luke Henriques-Gomes. — This and other t ..read more

Smokey Shady by Sam Wrangle “Dress to Impress” is a single released today from Brisbane-based artist Sam Wrangle, via his newly released album Smokey Shady. The track’s haunting initial synth tones drive into jangly guitars and forlorn vocals. The introspective lyrics compel into the blissful guitars, with crisp guitar jangles and a more soaring vocal affection intertwine for spine-chilling results. “‘Dress to Impress’ is quite literal,” Sam says. “It’s a commentary on a narcissist’s want to please people and to present a good image—whether it’s on a first date or during the daily grind at wo ..read more