Listen to The Lulls

The Lulls, a band birthed on the California coast, describe themselves as “soft, dreamy indie that’s equal parts surf rock, post punk, and dream pop,” a combination of sounds that settle on the spirit like a calm, gentle wave. Founded by Rutger Rosenborg on guitar/vox and Ryan Miller on drums, the duo met at the ripe age of 8, starting with Blink-182 covers, talent shows, and enough stamina and musical endeavors to seal their collaborative deal. At 12, they had nailed their debut EP. Now, many years later, and the duo have another EP, “Meridian,” out in the universe. Listen to my personal favorite, “Take It As It Comes,” and stream the whole thing (playing on Spotify and Apple Music). And if you live in NYC, make sure to catch their EP release party at Berlin on October 13th.

Watch Lavender Flu’s Video for “Follow the Flowers”

What happens when a crew of kooks get together in a cabin on the Oregon Coast, feeling all sorts of Goonies vibes, and make a record? Well, Lavender Flu is here to show you, explicitly, and their new video for “Follow the Flowers” is an exercise in duality. Just like their sound, which can be dreamy and psychedelic and also jolting and incongruous, the video is somehow soothing yet unsettling, a nightmare within a dream, fireworks on an acid trip. Directed by Chakra Mike with camera assistant by Rebecca Price, the video compliments the song’s intention, acting as a “mantra and plea for the return of creative inspiration and the return of enthusiasm to play music.” “Mow the Glass,” the Flu’s second album, is out now on In The Red.

Listen to SASAMI

I first recognized the powerful force of musical nature known as SASAMI, the project of musician Sasami Ashworth, as she plowed through heavy synths backing Cherry Glazerr. And from then, it was as if she was everywhere. Helping out with Wild Nothing, Avi Buffalo, even King Tuff for a hot minute. So it’s no surprise really that Sasami is now SASAMI, performing under her own name, her own songs, her own voice. Bare and exposed for all to see. She was recently signed to Domino, and just dropped her first set of singles, “Not the Time” and “Callous,” two incredibly personal tracks that represent both the hard and soft side of her soul. Of course, I prefer the soft, the slow, the intimate dimensions of SASAMI. So listen up. Fall into her warm arms.

Watch Johnny Payne’s Video for “Alice On the Other Side”

Johnny Payne is a return to classic chord arrangements and the kind of heartwarming pop rock songs that infiltrated the radio airwaves in the 50s and 60s. It’s full on adult-contemporary, with a bit of modern reverbed vocal overlays, particularly on “Alice On the Other Side,” which features guest harmonies by songbird Alaina Moore of the band Tennis. The track comes off Johnny Payne’s solo EP “Johnny” which he recorded with Tennis as well as Beach House drummer James Barone. Watch the video, it’ll soothe your soul.

Listen to Pavo Pavo

Pavo Pavo is the project of Oliver Hill and Eliza Bagg, and their romantic pop creation sounds like something from outer space, with high soprano harmonies and symphonic melodies that burst with emotion. Watch the video for “Mystery Hour,” the title track off their sophomore album, out January 25th on Bella Union. The video is a little bananas, but this song will be stuck in your teeth for weeks.