This weekend selection sees and accepts you in all of your glory from this year, even if you think it wasn’t enough.
Read and listen on below.
Olympia, Washington-based Acid Smoker share “Down for Whatever”, evoking recognition of a particular way of existing. Its closing lyrics/warning, “never look towards the sky, never look towards the ground, both will destroy you”, are guaranteed to leave you wide-eyed.
For fans of: Daniel Johnston, Matt & Kim, Tokyo Police Club
COTE is vocal heavy, lyric focused and dream-inducing with her latest single, “Restoration”.
For fans of: Marissa Nadler, Mariee Sioux, Hope Sandoval
Leeds quartet Far Caspian share their newest, “Blue”, a shivering, infectious dream-pop adventure.
For fans of: Gardens & Villa, Yumi Zouma, No Vacation
Yann Le Razavet, as known as Marble Arch, shares hazypop charms while exploring narratives inspired by adolescence with “I’m On My Way”.
For fans of: Lotus Plaza, Launder, Castlebeat
Cape Francis is the solo project of Kevin Olken Henthorn, pulling from folk and modern influences alike to bring his audience to “a feel good place where familiarity and discovery are both at the forefront.” His latest, “Nobody” is equally addictive, heart-warming and full of tender melodies.
For fans of: Andy Shauf, Kevin Morby, Lord Huron
Portland-based American moon-rockers Mondegreen drop “Magnetosphere”, a whirling, slowly navigating soundscape that keeps you finding something new every time you play it again.
For fans of: Mountain Man, Maria Taylor, Mirah
EmawK crosses between the boundary of lofi pop and the slow r&b with “here, now”.
For fans of: Shy Girls, Inc., Miguel
Husband and wife duo from Providence RI O.B. Howard share their own eclectic pop interpretation through “In the Light”.
For fans of: Beach House, Sylvan Esso, Hundred Waters
Stockholm-based Delsbo Beach Club are DIY-obsessed and standout amongst other fuzzy pop acts through their eerie vocals. “Something’s Over” makes no exception.
For fans of: Miniature Tigers, Still Parade, BOYO
New York surf-gazers Deep Sea Peach Tree take on dream-jazz garage and release their newest single, “Mellow Richard”.
For fans of: No Joy, Alex Calder, Drugdealer
Art punk Portlanders BOINK share “Nod at God”, a single from their debut LP Something Colorful for Sure. Full of energy, rage and unexpected arrangements.
For fans of: Ex Hex, Japanther, Drahla
CATSIGNS (fronted by Anthony Braun Perry formerly of the Growlers) shares their debut single “Smokin’ The Clouds”.
For fans of: PAINT, Dead Ghosts, Mr. Elevator & The Brain Hotel
Bad Animal’s relentless first single “Blackout” is equal parts heavy and addictive.
For fans of: together PANGEA, Fidlar, the Orwells
Fuzzy romantics FUR share a charming new single, “Angel Eyes”, a fresh take on nostalgic melodies.
For fans of: the Growlers, Hunx and his Punx, Mean Jeans
Clem Darling and the Astronauts share “Nothing”, a sneak into what’s next for the daringly playful punk act.
For fans of: Tomorrows Tulips, the Babies, the Soft Pack
Self-taught multi-instrumentalist Michelle Blades is unpredictable, sweet and provocative with her latest: “Kiss Me On The Mouth”.
For fans of: Eleanor Friedberger, Cate Le Bon, Molly Burch
Ether Teeth gently ease with “5th Season”, a distant and emotive wonder for the New York band.
For fans of: Deerhunter, Grizzly Bear, the Morning Benders
French pop artist Pi Ja Ma combats Christmas loneliness with imagination and sweet cooing.
For fans of: Tennis, Chairlift, Alpine