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[PREMIERE] Touch Tone – “Perfect Lover (feat. Van Bobbi)”

Those of you “in the know” have been loving this song for a while now – it was featured on VINYL MOON Volume 011: Night Eyes – but today, “Perfect Lover” is officially released for all of your digital listening desires! And it couldn’t have better timing, because it’s a bonafide summer jam. Touch Tone’s disco rhythms pump along to rich, deep, synthy goodness. TBE favorite Van Bobbi makes singing instantly catchy hooks seem like child’s play. There’s already a light show in my head as he chants the title lyric, silky backup vocals crooning out “Oooh”s like nobody’s business. Time to get those dancing shoes re-soled. We’ll see you under the disco ball.

[PREMIERE] Quiet Domino – “Mystery Cup”

It’s easy to slap a Thom Yorke comparison on any left-leaning electronic song with falsetto male vocals, but “Mystery Cup” is much more than another copycat track indebted to King Of Limbs. A unique skittering percussion loop keeps things active even at the most minimal moments, but manages to never interfere with Quiet Domino’s voice as it echoes and rolls down unseen hallways. The way he builds the song slowly around the melody hits paydirt in the middle of the track, when soft pads and added vocal layers bloom into every corner of the sonic space. Making a transition feel simultaneously huge and subtle is no easy feat, but “Mystery Cup” is a masterclass in these understated flourishes. Somewhere, Thom is nodding slowly in approval.

If you want to hear Quiet Domino turn up the funk (which obviously you do), dig into “Slo Mo” below.

 

Inspired & the Sleep – “First Time” // Art: Lisa Lloyd

“First Time” is a straight-forward song – light guitar chugs follow the constant bass and simple drum pattern – but the lack of complicated instrumentation leaves lots of space for the earnest voice and the big payoff of the chorus. It’s the rare pop song that feels familiar and new at the same time, which means you’ll be singing along by the second chorus. If you’re in the midst of a new romance, this should go on the first playlist you make for that lucky someone.

If you need more great songs for that playlist, we recommend Inspired & The Sleep’s “Sleeps Well On Knives” from VINYL MOON Volume 008: Seedshine.

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DYAN – “Cycling Trivialities” (cover) // Art: Fredrik Lerneryd

Updating the placid finger plucked guitar to cosmic bell synths and Jose Gonzalez’s police voice to the precise vocals of Alexis Marsh, DYAN’s cover of “Cycling Trivialities” is elegant and considered. Despite the challenge of the song resting on the same chords for most of its duration, DYAN gradually adds subtle twists and touches that, by the conclusion, immerse you in an expansive, ethereal world. Airy textures swirl above you in ways that would be trivial on their own, but mean so much more in context with everything else.

Afterwards, queue up “St. James” from VINYL MOON Volume 010: Dry for more clouds to get lost in.

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Chris Ayer – “Heavy” // Miro Denck

With heavy, sorrowful vocals combined with the spacious production and hard-driven guitar and bass lines, Chris Ayer’s “Heavy” is sure to emotionally capture you in his melancholic bubble but still give you a fun time.  Perfect for an immersive and reflective day people-watching at the seaside.

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Thunder Jackson – “Guilty Party” // Thomas Danthony

“What exactly is a Thunder Jackson?” asks a woman near the beginning of Jackson’s own track, “Guilty Party.” Thunder Jackson himself quickly answers that question in the only (and coolest) way he can: a song full of swagger and soul.  With booming drum beats, striking bass notes, electronic textures, and a few sweet guitar licks here and there, “Guilty Party” is probably the only song you’ll need to get your acoustic dance party going.

Georgi Kay – “Guilty Pleasures” // Casey Weldon

Georgi Kay’s “Guilty Pleasures” is a song that embraces the impulses of love and lust.  With a swaggering production and beat coupled with majestic electronic instrumental brass lines, “Guilty Pleasures” is the soundtrack to the slow motion pan between two soon-to-be lovers’ gazes, perfect for color-splashed nights at the nightclub.

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[PREMIERE] Shoffy – “Motions”

Do you ever feel like you are “drowning in the ocean”? TBE Favorite, Shoffy does and we do too. With his Premiere Music Video for “Motions”, Shoffy brings us into the life of a lonely guy just trying to make it through the day. This track is one of many heartfelt tunes off his self-titled EP ‘Shoffy’ out now. Set in suburbia, Shoffy shines light on the monotony of the every day. Scenes revolving around clumsiness, frustration, and being overwhelmed by your day job can sum up this anti- fairytale of a music video. Keeping it real and keeping it relevant are two things that Shoffy does in his sleep. Before you hit the pillow, take a few minutes to watch this more than relatable premiere video of “Motions”.

If you want to hear more of “Motions”, you can also find Shoffy on VINYL MOON Volume 026: Nightshining.