Stream: Receipts - Dominique

Receipts is the new alt-R&B-pop joint from NYC based musician Dominique.

Having first discovered her passion for music making growing up in Florida, Dominique started out making music in Garage Band and playing live at local coffee shops and talent shows. Having taken a break to pursue a degree in Biology at NYU when she was 18, Dominique got back into music making upon graduating.

Having already received attention from NME and The Line Of Best Fit, Dominique is determined to show the various sides to her sound on her forthcoming EP. Receipts is out now and provides a taste of what to expect.

Receipts is a song the describes the experience of being asked by an ex-love for a second chance, but being too overwhelmed by all the memories of things they have done wrong in the past. Dominique’s laid back vocal perfectly captures the world-weary sound of someone who has already heard to many excuses. With a cool synth melody and layered vocals Receipts manages to sound fresh and modern but also remarkably simple and restrained.

Describing the process of making he song, Dominique says:

“Working on the record with my songwriter friends MDA and EJAE was such an uplifting experience and I’m so happy with what these two talented women contributed to the track. To top it off, my dad played bass on each chorus in the song, and I got to record him myself when I visited my hometown last month.”

Check out Receipts below.

Video: Depth - Upwhirl

Originating from Nashville, TN, Upwhirl are duo Nina and Michael Green and together they make rock influenced by electronic and computer-based sound design. They have just unveiled their new track Depth, ahead of their forthcoming debut album.

Depth is one of those songs that I knew I had to share as soon as I heard it. That bass line is just something else - majestically dark and organic... It’s a little White Stripes, a Little Nine Inch Nails. Nina’s vocals float above this track like they are untouchable, all the while sinewy distortion and rhythms pulverise those of us forced to exist on this earthly plane.

Throw in the paranoia-inducing video and you have something just a little bit wonderful. This all feels like it could have come straight out of season one of True Detective.

Stream: Who We Are - Tep No

It has been a few years since I’ve covered Tep No here, a Canadian artist who originally came to my attention as a result of his blissed-out R&B and electronic music.

Who We Are hits the exact moments that make Tep No’s music so wonderful. This is a warm, sun drenched track that feels like half-remembered memories. On hearing this I’m suddenly back in Mediterranean back streets, slowly baking in the midday sun whilst I wait for a little relief. I’m remembering the blissful feel of seawater at my feet or the cooling embrace of climbing into a pool as I slip away from the humid heat. It’s like being hit with your favourite memories from a forgotten holiday.

Describing the track, Tep No says:

“The song is about a lifelong bond between friends and lovers, sharing moments while getting high, reflecting on the past and realizing that you're in a better place because you have the support of the people in your life.”

Check out Who We Are below:

Stream: Malibu - DD Walker

Malibu is a new dreamy new wave song from NYC based musician DD Walker.

DD Walker, real name Alex, describes Malibu as being “An exercise in the anxieties of modern love in crowded places”. The musical equivalent of shifting waves, Malibu rides along on a pumping base of tight percussion whilst guitars pick out dreamlike guitar melodies. DD Walker’s earnest and impassioned vocals soar on an irresistible chorus, and all in all this feels like a pretty perfect pop record.

Check out Malibu below:

Premiere: Your Eyes - Bell Always

Ahead of their debut album Daylight Slowly Fades, alternative trio Bell Always are premiering their new song Your Eyes.

Your Eyes is a spectral wall-of-noise that envelopes the listener. Gradually building from humble origins, this is a song that swells like a wave. With hushed vocals drenched in echo, melodic and introspective guitars and a rapid, transit-like rhythm, Your Eyes sounds like Radiohead written for urban-sprawl cracking in the heat. It’s a little bit Brutalist, a little bit Balearic.

The band have honed their sound through series of intimate sessions in Tel Aviv that saw audiences scatted through the room, removing the conventional boundary between performer and listener.

Check out You Eyes below and look out for Daylight Slowly Fades, due out next month.