K. Kilfeather

Plastic Smiles of Dishonesty

“All songs were written and recorded on the spot so don’t be such a dick about it,” reads a disclaimer on Plastic Smiles of Dishonesty. Kevin “K.” Kilfeather’s second 2016 release is a 16-song collection of gritty, breakneck punk rock, taking influence from bands like Motörhead, Misfits and Dead Kennedys. Kilfeather is literally all over the place as he jumps between artistic duties: playing every instrument, writing, recording, mixing and mastering the record. Converse to its name, Plastic Smiles of Dishonesty is a straightforward rock album that showcases the musician’s range and knack for all things heavy, be it hardcore punk or grungy, dirty blues. Hear: “I Feel Sick,” “Cerbo Vulva.”

Demi Vie

“Some Kind of Way”

Vegas indie band Demi Vie came together at the end of 2015 but we’re just now hearing what this four-piece is capable of—and it’s promising. While the band works to finish its debut album, first single “Some Kind Of Way,” is out on Soundcloud. The band cites influences like Arcade Fire and Death Cab for Cutie on its website, but Demi Vie’s latest track is reminiscent of early aughts indie bands like Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s, layering magnetic harmonies and piano runs atop bright horns and melodic, atmospheric guitars. It’s a catchy, tug-on-your-heart-strings pop tune that you’ll play on repeat.

WNTRBRK

Heat

Vegas singer-songwriter Jordan Collins might be better known for his band Echo Stains (one of Weekly’s bands to watch in 2016), but the musician’s quirky, avant-garde solo project is definitely worth a listen. Delving into darker, stranger territory on his recent EP Heat, Collins purposefully branches out from Echo Stains’ poppier, new-wave roots, opting instead for complex, sometimes eerie textures, layered synths and breathy vocals that were intended for cranked-up headphone-listening—or for an altered state of mind. Hear: “Sugar Boi,” “Dracula.”