Soundclouds of the Underground: Ready for Their Close-Ups Edition

ABOVE: FILLIGAR PERFORMING IN NASHVILLE

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the most new and exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes deep into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.

Movies are nothing without their music—nearly every iconic scene comes with an epic song attached. And although none of these tracks (to our knowledge) are currently at the center of a blockbuster, each song carries a certain cinematic quality worthy of soundtracking. Check out the choice cuts below and decide if they could find a place in your favorite flicks.

Filligar: “Dead Wrong”

Who: A modern rock quartet from Chicago, Filligar is built of three brothers—Teddy, Pete, and Johnny Mathias—and their childhood friend Casey Gibson. Unlike the bulk of its contemporaries, the band keeps its unique sound rooted in the classics, with distorted guitar solos and raw, energetic vocals taking the place of more electronically inclined elements.

The Song: “Dead Wrong” is just about made for that climactic moment in an indie drama where the main character mans up and decides to take life by the horns. The punchy track never loses pace, with piano riffs and a big hook keeping things in order.

Current Project: The band is currently touring the states through February, Find out more on Filligar’s Facebook page.

Clubfeet: “Everything You Wanted”

Who: Our pals Clubfeet make sexy-sounding synth pop with nu-disco undertones. Originally from South Africa but now based in Australia, the band’s contagiously catchy music is sure to make big waves in 2013.

The Song: A track that would’ve been perfectly cushioned between Kavinsky and Chromatics on the Drive soundtrack, “Everything You Wanted” is essential music for a movie’s “club scene.” The song’s sexy crescendos give it an interesting arc akin to M83’s “Midnight City,” but with subtle twists all its own.

Current Project: Clubfeet recently released a new album, titled Heirs and Graces—pick it up here.

High Highs: “In A Dream”

Who: High Highs are an Australian duo, Jack Milas and Oli Chang, whose dream-pop dynamic makes them sound as if they’re stationed in some big puffy cloud. Ethereal instrumentation and pure vocals help make the High Highs whole, but it’s their near-perfect mix of retro and youthful sounds that give them a special sort of staying power.

The Song: Inarguably their breakthrough track, “In A Dream” seems ideal for a romantic movie’s more tender moments, especially if said movie happens to be set on some sort of paradise island. The whole track tends towards the fantastical, and when the group coos, “Won’t you stay a while?” it’s pretty darn hard to say no.

Current Project: High Highs’ debut album, Open Season, will be available tomorrow. Keep updated via their Facebook page.

Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.