[LISTEN] Kyiki - We Are The Ocean

Kyiki might be someone who you're familiar with, she's Ellie Fletcher who performs live with Crystal Fighters, and here is her latest offering called "We Are The Ocean". It's not an ode to the rock band of the same name rather a dark-pop track with plentiful vocal hooks and laden with atmospheric noises capable of filling up any arena!

The single is out May 20th via iTunes.

[LISTEN] LEØ - Hold On

As it's a bit shitty here in my flat, and a bit dark outside I'm roaming the internet for some new dark-pop, and I've found a pretty ace track called "Hold On" by LEØ. LEØ are from Brisbane in Australia and this is currently their second single, I can see a Triple J performance around the corner if they keep up this hype.

"Hold On" has it all, so stream it below and enjoy - it's free to download too!

[LISTEN] Lyves - Darkest Hour

Were big fans of singer-songwriters, and especially more so if they are producers! Londoner, Lyves returns with her first musical output in nearly a year, and after being much hyped in 2015 her latest offering is a return to form!

"Darkest Hour" is actually as dark as the title might suggest, with whispering vocals, haunting and atmospheric guitars wallowing away in the background as well as a great wash of break-beat drums this track just captures your attention and doesn't let you go. Head on down to listen to it! The song was written by Lyves and produced by Lyves and Crada.

High Tyde reveal video for epic new single "Dark Love"

"Dark Love" is the latest offering from brooding, indie upstarts High Tyde – the track was premièred by Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1. The track is the first release from the groups third EP "Safe", whch is released April 8t.

The track is a lot darker as the title would suggest, however they've still left in the upbeat Indie-Pop but have conbined with with some more rockier edges, similar to that of Bring Me The Horizon's work. The quartet also hit the road soon, the dates are just below.

[LISTEN] VIMES - Tuem

In two days time VIMES' début album will be out, "Nights In Limbo" will be out February 12th, 2016 via Humming Records / Rough Trade, and a few weeks later it'll also herald the start of the band's European tour.

The track is an eclectic mix of dark and moody synths, bass heavy beats, processed clicks and very heavenly vocals. It's definitely one for your 'late night session' playlists - listen to it below as well as their EU tour dates! 

"Nights In Limbo" Tour
09.03.16. Aachen, Kulturbunker
10.03.16. Duisburg, Steinbruch
11.03.16. Cologne, Gebäude 9 * record release show *
12.03.16. Stuttgart, 1210
14.03.16. Munich, Milla
15.03.16. Mainz, Schon Schön
16.03.16. Luxembourg, De Goude Wellen (L)
17.03.16. Nuremberg, Stereo
18.03.16. Dresden, Paula
19.03.16. Berlin, Musik & Frieden
23.03.16. Hamburg, Häkken
24.03.16. Hannover, Lux
30.03.16. Düsseldorf, FFT
16.04.16. Kassel, Schlachthof

[LISTEN] Astronomyy - The Secret

So here we have a brand new track from Astronomyy, after last week's stunning remix of "Somethin' About U" we have a rather dark track from the West Midland producer come singer-songwriter. Like I said, it's a bit darker compared to his other work, but it's great to see a new act delving into other sub-genres from time to time, and don't worry, if you're wondering where his guitars are, they're there and are delightful as ever!

Head on down to check it out!

[LISTEN] Armors - Catastrophic

A lot of people say these days that bands are 'too generic', but this band is far from it, I mean if you listen to "Catastrophic" it's kinda hard to pigeon hole, it's part Dubstep in places with some elements of Indie-Rock, Synth-Pop and heavy elements of Dark-Pop - it's a real tease for the ears and by the end of the track you're just yearning for more!

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

[INTRODUCING] HAUS

It's really weird that we've never really formally introduced you all to HAUS - We first had them on the site with their old tune "Token" and then subsequently a killer remix by Loco of their track "February". They've been hard at work for the past two years refining their sound, adjusting their line-up and are now looking to take the big boys on!

When we checked them out in 2014 at The Horn in St. Albans we loved every second of the show, and when they re-emerged out of the shadows in January of this year we couldn't believe it was the same band! The band were taking their time in the studio for "Haze" and with this self-produced track it shows off the bands newly found sound, Indie-Pop with a dark twist and full of anthematic riffs and uplifting vocal yelps in the choruses.

The band have their sights set on 2016 with the release of some more tunes, then followed by some live shows, but after hearing what they're getting up to we're too damn excited!

For fans of // Peace, Foals, JAWS

[LISTEN] Secular Ghost - The Bystander Effect

Secular Ghost is the solo musical project by Ryan James, who is half of the electronic outfit Man Without Country, as you might be able to tell from the vocals. Here the track has some 'West Coast' influence, with some instant comparisons to The Neighbourhood's sound. Also it's got a lot going for it, some wonderfully laid down vocals hush over the track, the thick bass just oozes out and the whole track just shouts that it's a dark-pop anthem in the waiting!

Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

[TRACK OF THE WEEK] RIVE - Wanna Change

Last week we premièred a brand new band and their début video, this was a first for us and the band we brought to you was RIVE. They're one latest in a string of amazing acts to come out from New Zealand as of late and they craft lush pop melodies with some heavyweight electric grooves and culture-crossing guitar hooks, with influences taken from all 4 corners of the world.

The track we've ended up loving is "Wanna Change", which is a dark-pop track with whispering vocals, howling guitars, industrial sounds and some delicate guitar tones. It's a big track that shows how ambitious this band is, they're reaching for the stars here, and why the hell not! "Wanna Change" is the perfect track for them to announce themselves to the world with.

Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Free Mp3 / RIVE - Open Road
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

[LISTEN] DORJ - Move On

Listen to Isreals finest export, DORJ. His latest track "Move On" is full of emotive hooks, processed beats and some sublime vocals.

Real name, Dor Turgeman, Dorj has eloquently explained the lyrical meaning behind this latest track, the second part of the EP trilogy - "Move On speaks of internal struggles and questions found along the journey towards one's own sense of belonging --onto the world, and onto oneself. The song speaks of a driving sense of restlessness in search of creative and spiritual self realisation posited against struggles of everyday life. Faced by challenges to be true to one's inner essence, "Move On" is a cry towards overcoming any obstacles that may stand in the way."

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

RIVE reveal themselves with début video for "Wanna Change" [IAI PREMIÈRE]

It's not everyday that you get to première a brand new video, and especially considering this is the official unveiling of RIVE, the latest in a string of amazing acts to come out from New Zealand. They craft lush pop melodies with some heavyweight electric grooves and culture-crossing guitar hooks, with influences taken from all 4 corners of the world.

The video is for their track "Wanna Change", which is a dark-pop track with whispering vocals, howling guitars, industrial sounds and some delicate guitar tones. It's a big track that shows how ambitious this band is, they're reaching for the stars here, and why the hell not! "Wanna Change" is the perfect track for them to announce themselves to the world with.

Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Free Mp3 / RIVE - Open Road
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Georgia Buchanan reveals striking video for "Intentions" [IAI PREMIÈRE]

Today we've got Georgia Buchanan's brand new video for "Intentions", the follow up to her début self-released track "Sinners", which we loved! Hailing a stones throw away from Disclosure, Georgia is the latest export to come out from South West London, just think of a UK version of Banks but with bigger and more anthematic tunes!

The truly independent artist who recently worked with De$ignated has teamed up with producer Oliver Leonard for her 2nd single. Georgia tells us "It is essentially a song about frustration and wasted love - he is desperate to turn them into something they're not and in turn is ruining what they have."

The promo was directed and produced by Charle and Jordan at Fraction Films. It's a very simplistic stripped back video to echo the style of the song - "I am singing straight to camera as if I am singing straight to the boy, imploring him to listen. As the music and the frustration escalate, so do the visuals, until it hits breaking point and we see red." Georgia says.

An EP is due to follow in spring/summer 2016 and some exciting features to be announced, along with a string of live shows in 2016.

Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Watch / [YOUTUBE]

[LISTEN] Amethysts - Alone

Amethysts are one of the latest bands to be breaking out of East Anglia at the moment, with the band straddling the border of Essex and Suffolk they've even got both BBC Introducing stations very excited about their debut track "Alone", and we can see why.

"Alone" is a dark-pop track with some gorgeous harmonics, howling backing tracks and is all wrapped in a RnB style drum-beat and sumptuous licks of guitars, we can easily say that this is by far one of the best début tracks of 2015. In ancient Greek " Amethysts" is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewellery, and it's to be believed that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. Personally saying, I'd love to get drunk to this song, it's a chillout classic of the 21st century!

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]
Other / [OFFICIAL SITE]

[LISTEN] Alice Glass - Stillbirth

Alice Glass has today dropped her début track since leaving Crystal Castles. "Stillbirth" is to be released tomorrow, without a label. The song was co-written and produced by Jupiter Keyes. All proceeds from the song's digital sales will help survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and incest.

The song itself is a haunting one similar of her work with Crystal Castles with a very dark edge apparent from the off. It sounds like it could easily soundtrack any horror movie sequence. With the words "I wanna start again" being chanted throughout the track this is a big statement from Alice. 

Speaking about her new track, Alice said this...

Years ago I began the process of trying to remove myself from an abusive relationship that started when I was a teenager. Over the course of that relationship I was systematically cut off from anyone and everyone that I could truly be close to. I was talked down to, yelled at, locked into rooms and criticized daily about my abilities, my weight, my looks, my intelligence and almost every move I made. When I couldn’t take it anymore and I wanted to end the relationship I was threatened, then I was told I was loved, and the cycle would begin again.

I want young women and young men to understand that this kind of treatment of others can happen where it might be least expected. Even in environments that thrive on creativity and open-mindedness, that advocate artistic and counter-culture ideals. Sometimes people will use these things to camouflage themselves so that their abuse might go unnoticed. So that you wouldn’t think to consider it could be happening right in front of you.

The clarity I’ve gained since getting out of that situation has opened up my life in a way that I didn’t imagine was possible. Although some of the pain and anger still lingers, my life finally feels as though it has value and meaning. I speak out now hoping that I can encourage other young women and young men to affirm their value within their relationships or get out. Abuse isn’t always obvious and it doesn’t have to involve black eyes, blood and broken bones. Emotional and psychological abuse can be just as damaging, and it is extremely difficult to remove yourself from.

Those that have known me throughout my career might be surprised that someone who publicly gave the impression of being fearless and seemed as though they didn’t take shit from anyone could find themselves being severely mistreated and manipulated by someone they were close to. This person nearly stripped me of myself. And for years I felt as though they were waiting for my life to end.

Stillbirth was written by myself and Jupiter Keyes in our basement. There is no label involved. It will be available through iTunes, Spotify, etc. beginning July 18. All proceeds for digital purchases of this song will benefit organizations (like the nonprofit RAINN) that help survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and incest. You can donate directly to them at https://donate.rainn.org or via the link on my website at http://www.alice-glass.com/

There is a sister song to Stillbirth that I hope to release soon, she is a lullaby and she can’t wait to meet you

[LISTEN] U.R.I - Diamonds [IAI PREMIÈRE]

We now get to chose who we post about, and today I'm honoured to première U.R.I's first ever single. After moving back to London from Tel Aviv in Israel he's been heavily inspired by the city that he once lived in, and after working intensively in the studio with producer Richard Formby (Wild Beasts, Ghostpoet) and home based producer Orel Tamuz the outcome is astonishing. "Diamonds" is a delicate track that any Wild Beasts, Radiohead and Half Moon Run fan will love!

He's been experimenting with analogue synths, fluent drum beats and edgy guitar sounds, he managed to create an interesting dimension within the indie-rock genre, showcasing a processed electronic production whilst still keeping the warmth that always stood out in his songs.

U.R.I will be launching his E.P at The Finsbury Pub in London on July 20th - get a taste of what he's all about just below!

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

LOCK stream début single "Click"

LOCK is comprised of two sisters, Edie and Gita, and they bring their brand new single "Click" into the world on a wave of optimism, and I can vouch for it too! If you imagine the vocal dominance of Lana Del Rey combined with the electronic backing of Banks' debut LP then you're onto a winner. This Dark-Pop track is a slick track that's certainly going to be putting LOCK on the lips of everyone in no time.

Listen to the track below!

Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

MS MR share new track "Painted"

With everyone releasing new tracks this week on Soundcloud it looks like MS MR want in on the action, and they've made a comeback with their piano lead, electro-pop dance-floor ready track "Painted". It's a great example of synth-pop darkwave, you can expect to hear more from the band in the coming weeks and months, an album looks like it's on the cards!

Buy / MS MR - Painted
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Garden City Movement unveil "When We Had It Easy"

Garden City Movement have revealed their latest track, "When We Had It Easy". The latest cut from the Israeli band is a chillout classic in the waiting, with dark underlying tones, glitchy samples and hazey vocals. They're certainly putting their foot down on their sound now.

Check it out below!

Daily Download... PILLGRIM - Disclosure

This week we start our 'Daily Downloads' section with a bang, PILLGRIM's brand new track from his equally new EP - "The Thrill". "Disclosure" is a really great slice of Dark-Pop with heavy synth-pop elements and downtempo hip-hop beats for good measure.