Soundclouds of the Underground: Relationship Issues/Relationship Tissues Edition

ABOVE: HAIM

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 newest and most 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 sleuths go 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.

Relationships are a tricky business. Luckily for us, the woes of love are something that musicians often work out through their songs. Break-up and come-on tracks get the most attention, but the middle of a relationship can be stressful too: do you see each other often enough,  do you see each other too much, who loves whom more, is it time to take “the next step,” are you one of those couples. This week, we chose three songs that address the murky transition from hook-up to love, love to cohabitation, cohabitation to marriage—better known as “where is this going?” conversation.

Kid Cudi feat. HAIM: “Red Eye”

Who: Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) surprised us slightly by joining up with HAIM, aka Este, Alana, and Danielle Haim (it rhymes with “time”), three sisters from LA. Before they became HAIM, Este, Alana, and Danielle toured as a family band with their parents.

The Song: A floaty pop song with an oft-repeated and catchy hook, “Red Eye” will bring HAIM into the mainstream and remind us that Kid Cudi is much, much more than just a rapper.

Current Project: HAIM are in the middle of a European tour. Don’t worry though; they’ll be back in the states for the Governor’s Ball in June. You can see their full tour schedule on their Facebook page. Kid Cudi has a new album, Indicud, coming out on April 23, which also features collaborations with A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, and Father John Misty.

Viceroy & French Horn Rebellion: “Friday Nights”

Who: Viceroy is Austen Afridi, a producer based in San Francisco; French Horn Rebellion are Minnesotan brothers Robert and David Perlick-Molinari who currently live in Brooklyn.

The Song: The elusive weekend date, an important step in any relationship. Sure, you can have a “groovy” time on Monday and Tuesday nights, but what about Friday? When “Friday night is always a maybe,” they’re probably dating someone else that day. An unpleasant realization delivered through ’80s-style vocals over grooving synth beats.

Current Project: French Horn Rebellion are playing at Brooklyn Bowl, you guessed it, every Friday night from April 19 to May 10. You can download “Friday Nights” for free on French Horn Rebellion’s website.

Flume: “Holdin On”

Who: Flume is Harley Streten, a self-described “very young Sydney beat maker.” Streten started making music when he was barely a teenager and has collaborated with some of our other Aussie favorites including George Maple and Chet Faker.

The Song: We’re a sucker for soul vocals over dance and house beats, and this track is great example of why. “Holdin’ On” is passionate music you can dance to; all the sincerity of ’60s crooners with a groove worthy of 2013.

Current Project: He’s released several remixes on iTunes and will be touring with Chet Faker in Australia in May. No news on when he’s coming to the US yet. You can find out more about Flume on his website.

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