Cults

Promise of new music from guy/gal indie essentials Cults has finally arrived in the form of “I Can Hardly Make You Mine,” a dizzyingly catchy choon. Much like their former singles, this song is dripping in fuzzy reverb, like some lo-fi pop dream soundtrack. Its whirling in the sweetest way. And it sounds a lot like something Tame Impala might have composed (and discarded) for their most recent album, Lonerism. “Static,” Cults’ followup to their 2011 self-titled debut, is set to release in October. Check out “I Can Hardly Make You Mine” below.

Our favorite Sheffield slickers are back with a new album on the way. Arctics’ fifth titled ‘AM’ is set to drop in November. They’ve officially released three singles, including “R U Mine?,” “Do I Wanna Know?” and “Why’d Do You Only Call Me When You’re High?”, so far and it’s sounding awesome, albeit sexually frustrated. Notice they’re all questions? I find it difficult to believe that any of these guys have issues in the romance department, but take a look at the track list and you might begin to believe otherwise. The lyrics from these songs take an abrupt turn away from the enigmatically poetic verses of Humbug and Suck It and See, which might seem like a step backwards to some. They pull if off well, though, with a heavy rock and roll edge. Check out the corresponding videos for “Do I Wanna Know?” and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

FINALLY some new music from an old favorite of mine, We Are Scientists. Unfortunately, their upcoming album won’t be released until next year, so hopefully this song will tide us over until then. It’s awesome in true WAS fashion, not surprisingly. Check it out.

A new song from Beck is just further proof that the dude can do whatever he wants and get away with it. It’s a far cry from his Loser-era stuff, teetering into the realm of dream pop. It’s repetitive and dizzy but it works cause it’s fuggin Beck. Check it out.

The lesser-known, American (but close friend of) Ellie Goulding, Lissie, has new stuff out later this summer. She has released the track list, as well as a new single. Lissie has the pipes and gumption of kick-ass female front. I expect some pretty big things from her in the future. Talent is hard to ignore. Check out her video for “Shameless.”

Also, check out the live cover of Kid Cudi’s Pursuit of Happiness she did back in 2010.

Rogue Wave

If we try kinda hard, and we dig into our memory reserves, many of us can remember Rogue Wave. Think: Eyes and Everyday. It’s hard to listen to these guys and not feel like a socially awkward 15 year old with braces. Or maybe that’s just me. Seems like it’s been ages since we’ve heard anything about these guys but now they’re back with new stuff in the not-too-distant future. Stay tuned for more details about that when they release it. In the meanwhile, check out their released single “College.” It sounds pretty much exactly like their old stuff, with a more polished surface. It’s incredibly reminiscent and nostalgic, though. It doesn’t seem like these guys have strayed far, and for that I am grateful.

I have nothing official to say about this band because I can’t read French but I can say that their music is ridiculously catchy. I also have no idea what they are saying. Mystery lyrics aside, their music has a fresh sunny summer sound that I’ll definitely be over-playing for the next few months.