Vice

Lisbon is without a doubt one of my favorite cities, but this band actually hails from the UK. They bring some fun and upbeat vibes to their latest song, "Vice." The guitar in it--the chords throughout and the solo--is also nicely done, without overkilling it. The soft vocals add a good touch too. Tracks like this one just make you smile because of their overall feeling!

Lisbon - Vice

Crystals

How about a little otherworldly tune to take you away from your hectic thoughts. I'm loving this super toned down beat by Ardency and the delicate snowflake vocals by Icelandia sprinkled on top. This one is just lovely, enjoy!

Ardency - Crystals (feat. Icelandia)

The Words

Perhaps you recognize the name Freedom Fry (not talking about our beloved frites here) from their feel good songs "21" or "Shaky Ground (Na Na Na)." If not, "The Words" is the most recent track by this French/American duo, and it takes things into a more minor key, making things sound a bit sadder than their previous tracks, but no less good. The vocals in this one sound a bit like the drawn out alternating intonations of Phoenix (French people, you know). But it still has some paradisal LA instrumentals mixed in there so that we don't get too confused! Digging this one.

Freedom Fry - The Words  

Love Alight

I'm so happy to hear from Crystal Fighters again! I first heard their soothing tune "At Home" back in 2010 and immediately fell in love. Then, they released their happy, ukelele-based track "Plage" and I fell even more in love. Their latest, "Love Alight" definitely takes on a deeper feeling and uses more electronics than their previous work, but it's been awesome to see this group evolve. It's a perfect upbeat summer jam and makes me look forward to their upcoming tracks.

Crystal Fighters - Love Alight

Control (+ Remix)

This openly confessional song by Olympic Ayres, an upbeat duo from Sydney, is entirely refreshing. It's been awhile since I've heard from a new indie-ish group that I actually enjoy but they absolutely kill it. Can't wait to hear more from them!

Olympic Ayres - Control

***BONUS: A lil' remix for your listening pleasure.

Olympic Ayres - Control (Pat Lok Remix)

P L A Y

I am going back through all my drafts of posts and trying to publish all of them and here is a little indie pop gem that I didn't want to get left behind! A sweet beat combined with dreamy vocals is a good match. Nothing but good vibes here.

Fickle Friends - P L A Y