Wrong Choice Finds: August 2024
A monthly amalgamation of new discoveries I’ve had on repeat this past month — throw it on shuffle or listen straight through (or along with this post for short takes on each song).
This month is moody, dreamy and dancey indie rock, for the most part.
Check them out, click through, and keep up with one of your new favorite bands. Statistically, you’ll love at least a couple. Let me know which.
Swollen by Dejima
Released April 18, 2024
psych/alt rock - Boston, MA
The title track of Dejima, aka Kaveh Hodjat’s third EP and coinciding short film, “Swollen” is Beck-like, Pink Beach Boys Floyd. With Tame Impala-esque production, it’s jazzy and chill with pops of heaviness.
i used to feel different by MAITA
Released May 30, 2024
indie rock - Portland, OR
“i used to feel different” is the lead single off “WANT,” the fourth album from Japanese-American singer-songwriter Maria Maita-Keppeler. With laid-back vocals and fuzzy guitars, it feels like being held-close while spinning in circles.
My Hands by Letters from my Garden
Released June 27, 2024
dream pop - New York, NY
“My Hands” is the second single from singer-songwriter and artist Letters from My Garden. It’s too easy to get lost in these dreamy guitar licks, heavenly vocals, and ethereal synths.
Stereo Games by Kynsy
Released July 16, 2024
alt rock - Dublin, IE
“Stereo Games” is the second single of Kynsy’s partnership with the esteemed UK label Nice Swan Records. The drum groove is yummy, and I love the synthy lead guitar tone, which Kynsy is no stranger to, heard as early as her early singles in 2020.
Escalator Man by Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice
Released April 19, 2024
garage rock/punk - Melbourne, AU
Your foot is already tapping to this raucous, in-your-face energy blast of a song — you know it. The band’s most recent effort, “Total Reality” is 30 mins of pristine garage synthpunk.
Don’t Worry About The Time by The Fictionals
Released June 18, 2024
garage rock - New York, NY
The NYC four-piece have had a string of singles this year, with another due August 13. What is best envisioned in a sweaty basement mosh, “DWATT” is a high-energy track that catches you in the jaw with a swift upper cut with its infectious bass line weaving around gritty vocals and layered guitars.
Break the Curse by Abby Paradise
Released June 14, 2024
power pop/garage rock - Los Angeles, CA
“Break the Curse” is Abby Paradise’s second single, brimming with the confidence of Joan Jett X Britney, bitch.
suffer dude by Colatura
Released July 11, 2024
alt rock/dreamgaze - New York, NY
“Don’t ask if I’m alright, I’m no good at lying, I’ll tell ya that I’m fine while crying”
…I’m not crying, YOU’RE CRYING. “suffer dude” is an upbeat alt rock track, bouncing with scream-it-back vocals that linger in your head for days. This is the band’s first single since their debut album in 2022, “And Then I’ll Be Happy.”
Million Degrees by Nautics
Released June 28, 2024
Pop rock - New York, NY
Nautics’ new single “Million Degrees” is a classic feel-good rock n’ roller that brings you up and down like Bruce would.
Panic Growth by The Nagging Doubts
Released June 21, 2024
indie/rock - Sydney, AU
An angsty and heavy tune, their most recent of a string of singles since their second LP Autocalm in 2021. The guitar and bass lines bounce off each other beautifully.
carnage by Neumatic Parlo
Released July 19, 2024
psych pop/alt rock - Düsseldorf, DE
Just close your eyes and imagine yourself in a bar fight. Carnage is an apt title for this upbeat single, with it’s chaotic run-around vocals, angular guitars and relentless beat.
Rock de Combate by Supersilverhaze
Released June 26, 2024
psych/garage rock - Mexico City, MX
Supersilverhaze brings a super cool, bouncy tune with killer vocal arrangements — gang falsettos! This track is off of the project mastermind, Patricio Gonzalez’s second full-length, El Gran Reinicio.
Late Night by The Girls
Released July 9, 2024
glam/garage rock - Wilmington, NC
Turn this one all the way up and jump around like its 1977. Peep the vid!
Max Mena is the founder of Wrong Choice Records. He plays bass for two nyc bands — Blanket Approval and Part Time Trauma.
