Browsing Tag

Mac DeMarco

“It’s Music” – The HiGrounds’ Latest Rock And Roll Hit

Based in Manhattan Beach, CA, The HiGrounds are a band with a very particular sound that is essentially rock and roll with an evident contemporary flair. These guys share a passion for this type of music in particular, and this is shown in their music which clearly has a vintage character with a modern touch that only true dedicated musicians are able to create. With funky guitar progressions, punctuated by percussive piano and Hammond organ sounds backed by a solid rhythm section, their music is just one of a kind.

“it’s Music,” which is taken right off of their latest album “Wouldn’t Hurt To Show,” is a true reflection of what sounds and stylistic choices these guys are passionate about. The instrumental arrangement and texture do indeed provide that special vintage feel, particularly through the use of the organ, but this is not all the song has to offer. It has no shortage of catchy choruses and it also presents a feel-good sound suitable for pubs and bars, providing an authentic warm atmosphere. “It’s Music” is not only a song which is enjoyable to listen to. It is well crafted and performed. So if you like what you hear, make sure to check out the rest of the album too, and you will not be disappointed !

-Sarah Marie Bugeja

Sunday Store – See The Sunshine – Electronic Pop With An Indie Vibe And Lots Of Layering Melodies.

Sunday Store is a driven, direct and eclectic music project that focuses on a unique blend of electronic pop music. The act’s recent release is a brand new single titled “See The Sunshine”, available through Youtube and accompanied by a stunning lyrics video for all of those who wish to sing along! The song is inspired by EDM and retro electronic music, with vocals that make me think of the work by artists as diverse as Empire of The Sun, Planet Funk or MGMT, just to mention but a few.

“See The Sunshine” is powerful, direct and edgy as a single, yet it is bright and uplifting, highlighting the band’s sonic coordinates perfectly. The production of the song also deserves a special mention. One of the biggest challenges of this kind of electronic music is certainly the concept of retaining a very organic sound, preventing it from sounding too sterile or aseptic. In this particular case, Sunday Store certainly managed to create a thick, organic and exciting musical backdrop, allowing the vocals to unfold over the track and fit seamlessly within this perfectly balanced song mix.

A&R Factory Present: Tourist Dollars

With just two singles to their name, Melbourne trio Tourist Dollars have certainly made a strong impression for themselves — having already charmed the likes of Triple J, Indie Shuffle and Spotify (who featured previous single ‘Horse Girl’ on their global Fresh Finds playlist) in recent months.

Ahead of their eponymous debut EP release, Tourist Dollars will share the record’s enchanting opening track ‘Ageless’.

Playing out like a hazy, reverb-doused ballad, ‘Ageless’ is teeming with soaring harmonies; underpinned by warbling synths and a rickety drum machine, it finds itself sitting somewhere between a Beach Boys b-side and an Ariel Pink offshoot.

Much of the heavy-lifting is left to the trademark croon of songwriter Jesse McCormack though, whose penchant for ‘60s favourites The Zombies continues to shine through — as it did with previous singles ‘Horse Girl’ and ‘End of Times’.

McCormack’s knack for crafting potent, and engrossing pop songs is what’s particularly at work here. It’s a talent sure to see  Tourist Dollars continue to gain recognition, and one that will likely see them go far.

Tourist Dollars ‘ eponymous debut EP is due for release June 9th