The National Parks

I was initially torn on this band; I couldn't quite decide if the music was too poppy and sugary sweet for me.  But after a few listens I'm pretty sure there is a lot of talent here.  They are evidently from Provo, which is interesting, and have only been around since 2013.  The musical style sounds like a mix between Tow'rs and Coldplay; it's quite poppy but the melodies and instrumentation are very well done.  So far I've only listened to their most recent album "Until I Live", but it's quite a pleasure to listen to.  There is a hint of electropop influence to the style, but also a hint of country/western.  I really like it.

DOSSEY

Alright, here's another electropop offering for all you fans of the genre.  This girl is from Austin; her music is a bit stronger on the "pop" side of electropop, but what I've heard is quite catchy.  Evidently her April EP "Electric" is no longer available for download on noisetrade, but the music is still worth checking out if you can.  There is a strong resemblance to Kye Kye in the musical style, actually...with maybe a bit less dreamwave and a bit more straight pop.  The last song on the EP is a cover of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes"; it's hard to go wrong with such an awesome song.  Give it a listen.

The Harbor

This is another recent noisetrade discovery.  This super chill ambient duo is from Austin, TX.  I'd compare them somewhat to Explosions in the Sky, but they have lyrics (which are very solid).  On top of the ambient vibe, they also take the best elements from the alternative rock genre.  The lead singer has a really ethereal voice, and the layering background instruments, particularly the picked guitar, really complement it well.  Their music is deeply powerful, in my opinion.  Definitely listen to their EP, which is available on their noisetrade; it's excellent.

Oh Wonder

Man, it's been a while since I've done a post.  The time has come.  This electropop duo from London is my most exciting recent discovery.  They sound a bit like CHVRCHES, a bit like the XX, a bit like 21 Pilots.  Their songs are intriguingly catchy and impossible to get out of your head.  Their voices work together very well, and I particularly appreciate the layering and variety of instruments.  The bass is especially awesome.  The style of the music has an undeniable R&B influence, which I don't normally enjoy, but for some reason they make it work.  Their self-titled LP has 15 songs (so refreshing in a day when most new albums are like 7 songs, 30-40 minutes), and is like $6 on amazong.  Evidently they have a new album coming out in about 6 weeks, which I will definitely be checking out.  If you listen to only a couple of their songs, check out Technicolour Beat and Livewire for the breadth of their music.  This band could become quite big I think.