For Esmé – Just Yet

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Electropop project from Toronto For Esmé recently released their first single “Just Yet” and it is a gem of a debut. The band — the title of which derives from J. D. Salinger’s short story, “For Esmé—with Love and Squalor” — is comprised of Martha Meredith (Vocals, Drum Machine, Synths), Dave Thiel (Bass) and Nathan Crook (Guitar, Vocals). According to Meredith, they wanted to make pop that “pushes the envelope through poetry, reflection and some dark undertones” (oh hay).

“Just Yet,” off their forthcoming album Sugar is a lyric-driven piece with deep synths, pulsing percussion, and immersive soundscapes — all with polished production thanks to producer James Bunton. Their sound is already drawing comparisons to CHVRCHES and Robyn, so needless to say we’ll be looking forward to the record’s release. Check out the official video below.

Marian Hill – Wasted

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Philly electropop duo Marian Hill are back with a new EP and stellar lead single, “Wasted.” Made up of Jeremy Lloyd (production/songwriting) and Samantha Gongol (vocals/songwriting), the rising duo have a singular style that consists of sliced vocals, silky synth lines, sultry electronic soundscapes and even elements of trip-hop. With playful lyrics and punchy percussion to boot — as demonstrated on the latest track — Marian Hill can rest assured their immense talent isn’t wasted on us.

Marian Hill’s second EP Sway released today via Photo Finish / Republic Records. Stream “Wasted” and check out their upcoming tour dates below.

Marian Hill 2015 Upcoming Tour Dates:

Feb 17 @ The Turf Club | St Paul, MN
Feb 19 @ Schubas | Chicago, IL
Feb 21 @ Brooklyn Bowl | Brooklyn, NY
Mar 26 @ Club Bahia | Los Angeles, CA
Mar 27 @ Rickshaw Stop | San Francisco, CA
Apr 07 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg | Brooklyn, NY
Apr 15 @ The Drake Hotel | Toronto, Canada
Apr 16 @ Le Bleury | Montreal, Canada
Apr 18 @ The Middle East Upstairs | Cambridge, MA
Apr 22 @ Rough Trade | Brooklyn, NY
Apr 23 @ DC9 | Washington, DC
Apr 24 @ Boot & Saddle | Philadelphia, PA

// LSBV // – Smoke N Mirrors

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London duo LSBV (short for Little Shoes Big Voice) dropped a lovely new piece of dreampop in the ether this week — a track called “Smoke N Mirrors.” Made up of Jack Durtnall and Emily Harvey, the British two-piece released their debut EP, Little Things last year and continue to assert themselves with instantly accessible singles such as this one. Enjoy the whimsical gem below.

EXROYALE – Stuck In My Head

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Portland artist/producer EXROYALE first popped on our radar about a year ago with his debut track, “Give It Up” that was picked up by Ra Ra Riot for a remix shortly thereafter. Since then EXROYALE (aka Josh Schroeder) has been working on his EP and has released a few tracks, including “Stuck In My Head” and most recently “Lovesick Youth.” The former is an enticing piece of electropop tinged with R&B, replete with moody melodies and pulsing tempo, while the latter is more of a shimmering pop anthem. Stream both efforts below.

Banoffee – Let’s Go To The Beach

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Banoffee‘s back with a new single—which, while part of her debut EP released in August—wasn’t officially dropped on Soundcloud until this week. Refusing to conform to any one genre, the Australian artist’s sound is a fresh eclectic blend of 80s synthpop and 90s urban soul in what may best be described as new wave R&B.

Lighter than Banoffee’s previous offerings, “Let’s Go To The Beach” is a bouncy, ebullient track imbued with her staple syncopated beats and layered synths. The track really takes off at 1:53, breaking out into a sportive and rollicking beach number (seasonable in Australia although not so much here).

Hemisphere of origin aside, you can catch Banoffee performing stateside at CMJ’s Music Festival happening this month in New York. Check out her schedule below, and purchase her album (via Two Bright Lakes) on iTunes.

 

Banoffee CMJ Dates:
10.22 – Aussie Beat Pie – Santos Party House – 8:50-9:15PM
10.23 – College Day – Rosenthal Pavillion – 9:45-9:55AM
10.24 – The dFM + Vitalic Noise – Mondrian Soho Hotel – 7:00-7:25PM
10.24 – The Green Room – Knitting Factory – 9:00-9:25PM

Beat Connection – Another Go Round

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In anticipation of their forthcoming album, Beat Connection has shared a new single, “Another Go Round.” Since their 2012 debut The Palace Garden, the Seattle trio have been unparalleled purveyors of tropic-pop, and the new track is no exception. This time around, they’ve also added sitar and tabla drums to their roster of worldly instruments.

Stream the sunny single below, along with a sleek and chilling rework of their recent track “Hesitation” from LA producer Jerome LOL. There’s nothing funny about this melancholic mix, however — a free download of which is available on SoundCloud.

Really looking forward to seeing these guys at Austin City Limits next month.

Saint Pepsi – Fiona Coyne

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While we wouldn’t normally endorse an artist revering the inferior brand of cola in the title, it’s hard not to fall for the sugary electropop sounds of Saint Pepsi. Ryan DeRobertis, the 21-year-old producer behind the pop hails from Long Island and was just named The Guardian’s New Band of The WeekTake a listen to his disco-tinged and end-of-summer-vibes track “Fiona Coyne” — off his debut EP release with DC label, Carpark Records. We’re also digging his polished rework of Beat Culture‘s “Drift.” Stream below.

bAnoffee – Got It // Reign Down

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There’s a certain “it” factor that emanates from new buzzworthy artists, and let’s just say bAnoffee‘s got it. The Australian newcomer, born Martha Brown has just released the single “Got It,” in anticipation of her debut EP set to release next month. With entrancing production from Oscar Key Sung, the intricately syncopated rhythm draws you in from the start and the abstract percussion provides the perfect backdrop for Brown’s gossamer vocals. Stream “Got It,” along with earlier release “Reign Down” below.

Lykke Li – Gunshot

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At long last, Lykke Li has dropped her third studio album, I Never Learn as of today via LL/Atlantic Records. The Swedish siren’s highly-anticipated album is essentially an ode to a devastating breakup, wrought with expansive studio production and emotive power ballads. “Gunshot” is the glaring standout track of the album, with its anthemic chorus and lush reverb-laden vocals. Listen below, along with a heart pounding remix by Dutch producer Joris Voorn of another single off the album, “No Rest For the Wicked.”

Little Dragon – Paris

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Loving this new single from Little Dragon, to be released on the Swedish trio’s upcoming album Nabuma Rubberband. “Paris” is the perfect piece of electropop to get your second wind of the day with their engaging, synth-forward sound. Stream below, and if you can’t deal with the radio version from Zane Lowe, pre-order the album on iTunes now to receive a free polished version of “Paris” instantly. The album drops May 13 via Loma Vista Recordings.