Criteria - "You Maketh Me"

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Photo by Audrey Hartel

Criteria is the new musical project featuring Stephen Pederson, formerly of Cursive. The Omaha band's latest single, "You Maketh Me," is prime melodic indie rock with hints of emo. It's a mid-tempo song with one of the best "Woah-oh-oh-oh-ohhhh"s just begging for a live scream along. Plus, the guitars have this crunch to them that truly makes the song great. Despite it's mid-tempo speed, the song is surprisingly intense, and packs a ton of emotion behind it. There are roots of Midwest emo in "You Maketh Me," but it's more along the lines of alt- and indie rock. Criteria might not have an exact 90's throwback sound, but there are direct lines from that era to their sound.

Stephen Pederson says of his band's upcoming album:

"These songs feel like alchemy under pressure — love as the undertow, empathy as survival, and seizing the moment as it seizes you.”

You can watch the video for "You Maketh Me" below. SEIZE! is due out May 22 on Spartan Records, and is available to pre-order here. For more on Criteria, check out the band on Instagram and Facebook.

On Repeat...

Sean Thomas Gerard - "Bright Side"

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Photo by Heather DeFoggi Gerard For his upcoming album, Sean Thomas Gerard recorded in the corner of his garage which is also a playroom for his two daughters. Somehow, you can hear that vibe in his latest single, "Bright Side." The song just feels like home. It's a laid back indie folk/singer-songwriter track that is overflowing with warmth. The sing is on the mainstream side of its genres, but when you nail a sound like Gerard has, there's certainly nothing wrong with that. This is the type of song that is pleasant and enjoyable when you first start it, and then you end up liking it more and more as it goes. By the time it's over, you're going to want to listen again. By the third or fourth listen, "Bright Side" is going to end up one of your favorite songs of this young year. Sean Thomas Gerard says of his music: “I think about some day when I'm gone, my kids will be able to put on my records and feel like they can spend time with me again....
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DJ Haram featuring Bbymutha, SHA RAY, & August Fanon - "Fishnets"

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Photo by Sultana Garritano Brooklyn's DJ Haram has a new single out that shows off her trademark boom bap sprinkled with Middle Eastern instrumentation sound. "Fishnets" features verses from Bbymutha, SHA RAY, and August Fanon, and has an intense and almost menacing vibe, despite being an absolute banger of a track. It's hypnotic and immediately grabs your attention, and if you're unfamiliar with the trio of rappers on the song, you're sure to start pulling up their bodies of work. "Fishnets" is one of those songs that just feels cool and makes you need to hear more from all of the artists involved.  DJ Haram says of her latest single: "‘Fishnets’ is for the eclectic bad bitches. The people united will never be defeated." You can listen to "Fishnets" below. Beside Myself is due out July 18 on Hyperdub, and is available for pre-order here . For more on DJ Haram, check out the artist on Instagram and Twitter . Upcoming tour dates a...
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Izzy Heltai - "Father"

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Photo by Joanna Chattman I've been referring to Northampton, MA based Izzy Heltai's music as mainstream modern folk with just enough of a unique spin to keep it appealing to music snobs, too. His latest single, "Father," might be the perfect example of that. It's a quiet, deeply personal song that starts off painfully sparse but ever so slowly builds and builds as it goes on. It walks that line between accessible/mainstream and indie expertly.  You can watch the video for "Father" below. Father , the upcoming debut album from Izzy Heltai, will be out October 9. You can pre-order a copy here . For more on Izzy Heltai, check out the artist's website .
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