1. Mint – ‘Turbulence’ 

When Last Day Deaf hosted the Q&A from British band Mint about 2 months ago, we felt more than confident about their quality. And there it is:

Their latest track ‘Turbulence‘ is a thumping indie rock banger. On this single Grimsby outfit examines the highs and lows of mental instability in a digital landscape, an 100% current matter, especially in this post-COVID-19 era. This planetary system needs more bands like this to wake us up from the ‘digital coma’!

Christos Doukakis

  1. The Curfews – ‘Stunted’

They come from Michigan, they turn their heads when we shout The Curfews, they are cool, they are fresh and definitely promising. And they just released their 2nd 4-track EP, off which we chose the self-titled opener ‘Stunted‘ for this week’s Mixtape!

150 seconds of “indie rock meets jangle pop” energy ideal for stage-diving. Will wait for this a bit, but until then we will be spinning this gem on maximum volume until our speakers give up the ghost. Absolute slapper!

Christos Doukakis

  1. Desire  – ‘Black Latex’

Montreal electronic band Desire have released ‘Black Latex‘, the second single off of ‘Escape‘, the upcoming LP that breaks the 11 year silent spell since their 2009 debut album ‘II‘.

Black Latex‘ is an entrancing groove, cinematic, and an instant classic. The music video, a swirling mixing pot of colors inspired by Warhol, was directed by Desire and Chromatics member Johnny Jewel. Prior to live concerts being outlawed for the time being, Desire was set to tour with the Chromatics again this year, so we shall see if that’s still the case in 2021. We certainly hope so. ‘Escape‘ is due out this summer via Italians Do It Better.

Sarah Medeiros

  1. Rising Appalachia – ‘Stand like an Oak’

Sisters Chloe Smith and Leah Song, known together as folk-soul outfit Rising Appalachia, have shared a simple, soothing track for these worrying times entitled ‘Stand like an Oak‘.

Their beautiful vocal harmonies meld amongst lyrics of strength, letting go, and embracing your inner aspen tree who can weather many storms. They express elegantly with the sparkle of mystical knowing: “Anything that makes you feel smaller, leave it by the angels of the water.” If you’re ready and in the mood for relaxation and pushing away your cares, give ‘Stand like an Oak‘ a listen.

Sarah Medeiros

  1. Koalra – ‘Dear Daylight’

Yes that’s what I really needed right now! After almost 2 months of quarantine, the stunning audiovisual sense of freedom indie punk faves Koalra, generously unleash in their latest track/video ‘Dear Daylight‘. Hold you breath for 3 minutes. This is among the brightest moments of upbeat indie music for 2020!

Christos Doukakis

Compiled by Christos Doukakis & Sarah Medeiros