Noting a clear similarity to the early years of Arctic Monkeys, Black Lounge access a current gap in the modern music scene, with great vocals, clever lyrics, fresh melodies and smart guitar play. Their musicianship is second to none, their unity as a band undeniable, and the pace and presence of this track, the sheer tempo and their faultless delivery of it, quickly overcomes any nostalgic comparisons.
Indie
Indie trance of evocative and deeply reflective origins. STREAMER capture a cinematic moment of escapism with blissful purity and power, for the enchanting and near-five-minute epic The Island.
Big beats and old school production gifted a certain ethereal clarity, to effectively transcend the barriers of time. Sheezyb and Panduh deliver a timeless hip hop anthem, with the uniquely smooth and catchy soundscape and sharp bars of Talk The Talk.
Introduced by an organic ambiance, a kind of reverberating arena of accordion-like waves and vocal-choir fragments – Rob Power’s EP The Lost Mine proves a boldly distinct and enchanting listen; one that’s both impressively original, and atmospherically inviting.
Introducing the latest immersive creation from the unmistakable Spells Lab – Wounds compiles organic keys, poetic indie vocals, and uniquely engaging sonic design, for a journey both ethereal and euphoric as it rolls along.
Powerful songwriting, and a respectably humble but unique style. Auld White Label have something special about their writing and stylistic approach, and Tangents captures some of the very best of that.
Beginning with a Content Warning, the album sets out to explore the story of a girl who attempts to commit suicide, but winds up immersed in an Alice in Wonderland-style adventure – within which she’s forced to confront her mental health demons. It’s a dark topic, but broadly relatable, and the album is loaded with imagery and ideas that feel hopeful and optimistic in contrast with the desperation at its core.
Instantly an indie-nostalgic gem for those with strong connections to a simpler era – Soft Yes bring back the quiet and canned vocals, quickly-picked guitar notes, and hyper-active rhythms, with the upbeat but delicate and surprisingly brief Odd Numbers.
Aruba four-piece activemirror. continue to bring the colour and melody to the indie shoegaze scene, with the summer-ready anthem that is Opal.
Haunting complexities and profound reflections build up a sort of cinematic and poetic chamber of sound and uniquely intriguing expressions. Ireland’s Kevin Gleeson is the artistic mind behind Sour Blood, a project from which the album Suas emerges as a deceptively hazy, ultimately complex and compelling collection of original works.
The UK’s own indie rock three-piece The Hinterland showcase the breadth of their ability as both songwriters and an arena-ready organic band; with a mighty ear for evocative arrangements. Their brand new single Biology offers a melodically charming and finely produced indie anthem, which feels well rooted amidst the influence of some of the UK’s most unique bands.
Long-time favourite and easily one of indie’s most engaging songwriters from recent years, Kyle Jaymes leans into the anthemic uplift of Folk Rock, with the brilliantly captivating new single Haunting.