Check out this arresting live acoustic version of “I’ve Been Alone Too Long” recently cut by one of our new favs French singer SoKo. SoKo’s simple picked guitar figure is a beautiful complement to the song’s soul-wringing melodies. Enjoy this one.
SoKo 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
Jam! Summer 2k12 is right around the corner and “Skirts” via Bristol collective “Skirts” is most definitely a joint to get you in the mood! Get into it below.
The Other Tribe – SkirtsThe Other Tribe 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
One of our favorite new bands, Orlando FL 5-piece Saskatchewan (off that great Weeknd cover fame) drops new track “Fronting”. The song’s a sharp little mix of R&B influenced beats, synth pop textures, and sort of more far off 2012 indie-inspired melodies. Catch a little Orlando FL below.
Saskatchewan 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
New folk collective U.S. Elevator Music, by way of the legendary Guthrie line, have seemingly popped on to the blogosphere with a new and interesting approach to beat folk. The track “Looking For You” is a fresh spin on an outtake from earlier sessions and will be included on the band’s new A Valentine EP, the first in a series of EPs that the group will be releasing in 2012.
U.S. Elevator Music – Looking For YouU.S. Elevator Music 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.1
“Dem Bones” knocks. BLKKATHY is definitely one for your radar, the band take what everyone loves about music from bands like The xx, and adds an extra touch of vulnerability and BASS (can’t forget that bumpin’ bass). Listen.
BLKKATHY 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.4
If you’re into motivational pop rock and discovering music via primetime TV, then Right The Stars is a band for your radar. The Los Angeles based collective fronted by Rich Jacques is set to release their new LP, Hello Yes OK, on March 6. Get a sneak peak of what’s to come by checking out the new EPK video below. Also, grab an exclusive download of their song “Give It All”, and just try to get this song out of your head after one spin.
Right The Stars – Give It All Right The Stars – We Got It All
Portland’s Mint Julep has been heavy in the b3sci rotation the last several weeks. If you’re a longtime reader of the site, you’ll know that the gravitas-filled electronic-tinged cinematic pop style that is in Mint Julep’s music (ex. “To The Sea”) is right in one of b3sci’s “sweet spots”. Mint Julep is a band you should/need be listening to.
Mint Julep 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Newcomers out of NYC Noosa let loose the title track of their upcoming EP “Fear of Love”. A well executed piece of synth/dream pop, “Fear of Love” earns its b3sci bread on its irresistibly hooky chorus. Give yourself a sample below.
Noosa – Fear of LoveNoosa (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
Santigold today let loose the second previewed track from her upcoming sophomore album Master of My Make Believe. A definite upgrade from lead track “Big Mouth”, “Disparate Youth” sounds somewhere between an islands flavored remix of “Big Jet Plane” (seriously, it’s same progression/feel, guys) and (at least in the intro) of Young Money’s “Bedrock”. The melodies here are good, though, as are the neat bits of arrangement magic in the rhythm and instrumental tracks. Get a sample below.
Santigold – Disparate YouthSantigold 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
Colin Munroe comes through with a strong return on new joint “The Fight of My Life”. The song, which features Pusha Ton, has a sharp, stomping 1-2 verse and an oceansize chorus hook. We’re expecting big things from Mr. Munroe’s upcoming new material.
Colin Munroe – The Fight Of My Life (Feat. Pusha T)Colin Munroe 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
By Chris Gedos
Theme Park’s new single, “Two Hours”, premiered on Huw Stephen’s Radio 1 show late Wednesday night. A unanimous hit here @b3science HQ, the track features a rollicking beat with a little less Sting / Orange Juice / Reggae tinge, in contrast to their previous release, “Ghosts”. The lush, Ian Broudie style production on “Two Hours” is the sort of pop rock sound which toes the threshold without going overboard. The single is set for official release on 2 April, so I would expect the LP sometime this summer. These cats are one timeless hook away from dropping the “Pumped Up Kicks” of 2k12.
Theme Park – Two Hours
Theme Park 
(Facebook) (Official)
Rating 8.2
By Jon Herriot
Here is a version of Lana Del Rey’s hit single “Video Games”, by Arkells out of Hamilton, Ontario. They keep it quiet, acoustic and simple, which is change-up from their typical rock sound. I have had the good fortune of seeing them play on two occasions, and their lead man has stage presence unlike anything I have seen. It makes for quite the live performance. Arkells are one of Canada’s hottest indie rock acts, and their latest album Michigan Left is one of my favorite from 2011, I highly recommend it. They are joining The Maine on their North American tour this spring.
The Arkells – Video Games (Lana Del Rey)The Arkells (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
