Melbourne-born and Boston-based singer-songwriter KiKi‘s debut release, Don’t!, released June 22, is a well-balanced EP that easily blends elements of pop, rock and classical music with a live recording technique that makes the indie pop music sound genuine. The music on Don’t! is catchy and upbeat, but at the same time, KiKi’s formal training as a singer … More EP Review: KiKi – Don’t!
Hazel Bloom‘s latest alternative pop EP, Space Between Words on a Page, comprises five ultimate chill pop tracks, two new and three singles. Released Friday, June 14, the EP solidifies Hazel Bloom’s identity as a solo musician, and while it is all exciting, catchy and on-trend, Hazel Bloom maintains a uniqueness and individuality and provides listeners … More EP Review: Hazel Bloom – Space Between Words on a Page
The word “Wasuremono,” in Japenese kanji, roughly translates to “lost things,” though alternative musician Wasuremono‘s latest album, Are You OK?, does away entirely with the idea of being lost or left behind. Out June 14, the alt-pop record is surprisingly unifying and hopeful in its enveloping synth and fun drum beats, even with the contrast of … More Album Review: Wasuremono – Are You OK?
An alternative pop band inspired by the ’70s onward, New Jersey quartet Sleep House released its latest single, “I Hate That I Miss You” on Friday, June 7. The song, which follows two EPs and a single in the last two years, is sunny, bright and upbeat, and despite the youth of its members, who … More Single: Sleep House – I Hate That I Miss You
While the band Whatever We Are refuses to limit itself by defining its music by genre, the group’s debut single, “LIMBO,” was released on May 31 and rings somewhere close to alternative pop. It’s a fun, fresh track with catchy melodies and clean acoustic strumming, and though the four musicians have varying backgrounds, their collective … More Single: Whatever We Are – LIMBO
British synth-pop duo Thandii teased its upcoming EP (Serious Town, out July 5 on Bad Hacker) Friday with the release of “Honey,” the second single from the EP and a melancholic-pop track packed full of gorgeous vocals and lush instrumentation. It is a mesmerizing track about making the wrong decision time and time again and being … More Single: Thandii – Honey
Mike Mains & The Branches returned April 5 with the band’s most intimate record to date, titled When We Were in Love. It’s a personal account of marriage and the rough patches that come with it, and it is made all the more volatile by the fact that Shannon and Mike Mains, two members of the … More Album Review: Mike Mains & The Branches – When We Were in Love
Songwriter Ames’ debut EP, My Name Is Ames, achieves a strikingly intimate disposition across its six alternative pop tracks. Out Friday, April 5 on Mateo Sound, My Name Is Ames strikes a clean balance of moving lyrics and upbeat synth instrumentals on an EP with overall near-flawless production. The EP opens on a highly emotional note: “Old Hero”, … More EP Review: Ames – My Name Is Ames
Columbus alternative-pop artist Sam Craighead expertly balances reality and sardonic wit on his new EP, Self-Portrait w/Fries, released March 22 on Head2Wall Records. His sound may be lighthearted and upbeat, but Craighead utilizes lyrics that are both humorous and reflective to create a jarring contrast, covering content from eating at a fast-food restaurant to masculinity. The musical … More EP Review: Sam Craighead – Self-Portrait w/Fries
International alt-pop band DOMI released its debut single and music video earlier this year and is quickly making a name for itself; “Let Me Follow” is catchy and full of energy, and its shimmering hooks are borderline irresistible. It’s low, modern and poppy all at the same time as the band draws inspiration from their … More Q&A: DOMI details band’s history and debut single
