Flock of Dimes – Prison Bride

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Jenn Wasner, with her plethora of side projects is one of our favorite female vocalists in the biz right now. As founder of solo endeavor Flock of Dimes, one half of Wye Oak and Dungeonesse—not to mention purveyor of dreamy covers—it’s safe to say that the Baltimore chanteuse is keeping busy. She’ll be performing as Flock of Dimes at 9:30 Club tonight in support of EL VY, and in concert with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra tomorrow evening (November 12) for a special performance with Andy Stack, the other half of Wye Oak.

Stream the deliciously frenetic Flock of Dimes effort “Prison Bride,” plus a Dungeonesse cut for a sample of Wasner’s creative whimsy and plush vocals.

ABRA – ROSES XOXO

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Atlanta artist ABRA released her debut album Rose this past summer, but we were only recently acquainted by way of her supporting gig for Empress Of. Seems like an appropriate pairing for someone who calls themself “the darkwave duchess.” This pseudonym definitely fits her dark pop sound — with the minor-key chords and ’80s style synths, well-suited for fans of Solange and FKA Twigs. On the LP’s tense lead single “ROSES XOXO,” ABRA seethes “but you taste best when you’re in full bloom” as she explores the subject of betrayal and deception. Smell the roses and stream below.

Banoffee – Oceans

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Banoffee was one of our favorite breakout artists of 2014, and now the musical project of Martha Brown has returned with her new EP, Do I Make You Nervous?. The effort drops tomorrow, October 2 on Dot Dash / Remote Control Records, and can be streamed in full on Spotify today. Continuing her non-committal attitude toward any specific musical style that makes her sound so fresh — the EP fuses gliding synths and syncopated beats, and of course her signature textured vocals. Take a listen to standout track, “Oceans” and then revisit “Reign Down” from her self-titled debut EP below.

CHVRCHES – Clearest Blue

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In case you’ve been living under a rock, CHVRCHES are getting ready to release their sophomore album, Every Open Eye — out next week (September 25) via Universal. They’ve shared a couple of tracks leading up to the drop, and this week they’ve unleashed what might be their best yet — a song called “Clearest Blue.” Propelled by an electronic beat with their classic synth-drenched sound, the anthemic track embodies everything that makes the Scottish trio so beloved. Watch the lyric video for “Clearest Blue” below.

On the heels of their album release, CHVRCHES will be headlining Washington DC’s inaugural Landmark Festival September 27. Meet us halfway?

And if that’s not enough for you — here’s a brill CHVRCHES cover of Arctic Monkeys‘ “Do I Wanna Know.”

Young Galaxy – Factory Flaws

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Montreal’s Young Galaxy already have a tetrad of albums under their belt and are gearing up to release a fifth next month. The synthpop act are “constantly underrated and overlooked for being so consistent,” as observed by Stereogum who premiered the first single “Body” off the upcoming LP. Consistency is key to a lot of things, and the second single “Factory Flaws” proves this point with its quality silken synths and groovy futuristic beats we’ve come to expect from the group.

Informed by ’80s electro, acid house and R&B, the forthcoming album Falsework will be out October 30 on Paper Bag Records. Meantime, listen to “Factory Flaws” and a fantastic, tropics-infused Teen Daze remix of previous effort “Cover Your Tracks” below.

Empress Of – Water Water // Kitty Kat

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We’ve been primed and ready for this day for awhile now. Lorely Rodriguez (aka Empress Of) has finally released her debut LP, Me, which is nothing short of majestic. Written during a solitary five-week stint at a secluded small town in Mexico, Rodriguez’s self-produced and first full-length is an explosive and raw exploration of interpersonal relations. Pitchfork put it best — the record is a ‘requiem for a doomed romance.’

“Water Water” was on repeat on our playlist since it was offered up earlier this summer as a first taste, and hearing the rest of the album we could not be more thrilled. A dazzling blend of avant-R&B and intelligent pop, Rodriguez is in her element with the thoughtful lyricism and exhilarating synth production exhibited on the LP. Out on Terrible Records today, put your money where your mouth is and purchase the album on iTunes.

Last time Empress Of played in the DC area, she had a coveted spot opening for Florence & The Machine at Merriweather Post Pavilion, and thankfully she’ll be returning this fall to play in the intimate venue of DC9. Get your tickets for the October 14 show here.

Small Black – No One Wants It To Happen To You

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Brooklyn’s Small Black has released a couple of tracks in anticipation of their forthcoming album, Best Blues due out this fall. The follow-up to their 2013 LP Limits of Desire is “about loss, the specific loss of precious people in our lives, but also the loss of memories and the difficult fight to preserve them,” according to a press release. In fact, the synthpop outfit’s new single “‘No One Wants It To Happen To You'” was meant as a mantra,” says vocalist Josh Kolenik. “Something an older, wiser friend told you once that you might cling to in order to get through a terrible situation. The phrase you keep folded up in your pocket, letting you know better will surely come.” Cheers to that — Best Blues is set to release October 14 via Jagjaguwar.

Superhumanoids – Norwegian Black Metal

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Electropop trio Superhumanoids have offered up new track “Norwegian Black Metal,”  which is the second cut from their forthcoming album Do You Feel Ok?. According to the LA act, “the song is about obsession, escapism, and the power of something random to bring two people together — in this case the book True Norwegian Black Metal.” Despite the radical content of the book, the track itself is super dreamy, driven by lithe synths and singer Sarah Chernoff’s sugar-coated vocals.

Do You Feel OK? — the follow up to their 2013 debut Exhibitionists — drops September 11 via Innovative Leisure. Stream the new cut below and check out the dates for their fall headline tour,  which includes a stop at DC9 on September 30.

Superhumanoids Upcoming Tour Dates:

9/15 – San Francisco, CA; Rickshaw Stop
9/17 – Seattle, WA; Barboza
9/18 – Portland, OR; Holocene
9/21 – Madison, WI; Frequency
9/22 – Chicago, IL; Beat Kitchen
9/23 – Cleveland, OH; Euclid Tavern
9/24 – Toronto, ON; The Drake
9/26 – Montreal, QC; Divan Orange
9/28 – Boston, MA; Great Scott
9/29 – Philadelphia, PA; Johnny Brendas
9/30 – Washington, DC; DC9
10/1 – Brooklyn, NY; Baby’s All Right
10/3 – Richmond, VA; Stranger Matter
10/4 – Asheville, NC; The Mothlight
10/5 – Atlanta, GA; Drunken Unicorn
10/6 – Nashville, TN; Hi-Watt
10/7 – Houston, TX; Rudyards
10/8 – Austin, TX; The Mohawk
10/10 – Phoenix, AZ; Pub Rock
10/13 – San Diego, CA; Casbah
10/14 – Los Angeles, CA; El Rey Theatre

IYES – So Crazy

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Synthpop duo IYES are on a roll right now, releasing a trio of singles within quick succession in anticipation of their forthcoming EP. Standout track “So Crazy” is a colorful and kaleidoscopic duet that will hook you right from the start. Stream below and be on the lookout as the Brighton-based duo get ready to unveil their debut EP, Part One via Spotify on August 14.

Shura – White Light

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British songstress Shura has been captivating us with her singular sound since the release of debut single “Touch” just over a year ago. “It’s like someone’s taken something really shiny and rubbed it with sandpaper,” Shura says speaking of her ’80s-esque pop sound which reminds us of early Madonna. On her new number “White Light,” Shura combines influences diverse as Arthur Russell-inspired disco and the undulating psych-rock of The War On Drugs to create another dynamic and refulgent effort.

While Shura is currently at work on her debut album, look out for “White Light” to drop July 24 via Polydor. Stream the single along with the equally dreamy track “Just Once” below. Those in the Tristate area can also catch Shura performing at Mercury Lounge in NY July 28.