Cardiff indie pop dup The Vanities join forces this season with award-winning songwriter Kaysha Louvain, for a sharp and sultry 80’s venture that’s as nostalgic as it is smart, and unignorably catchy.
Indie Pop
Indie pop with a hopeful groove and contrasting darkness on display lyrically – Cam Row delivers a gentle but impassioned and captivating pop-rock gem, with the therapeutic escapism and confrontation of Shoulderman.
The wonder of a poetic folk song, modern in concept, traditional but soulful in set-up. Grace Honeywell captures a feeling and a moment with seamless expression and hope, for the stunning Time Finds A Way.
Crisp acoustic guitar, generated alongside a raspy vocal style that suits the short but striking lines of the writing. Deepak Chandrasekar brings a catchy reggae-pop gem to the modern scene, with the slick and recognisable King Nothing.
but…why? is wonderful, in short – self-explanatory but not, focused and free; a multitude of moments presenting the complexity of feelings and relationships in a bold and beautiful way. This closing song again lets the passion and layers collide and culminate, amidst this subtly unique soundscape, for a haunting crescendo that leaves you keen to replay the whole project once again.
Sweeping sonic landscapes bring drama and depth, to an otherwise intimate singer-songwriter approach to vulnerability and expression. Australian artist LACHYO captures a uniquely meaningful series of moments, for the five-track EP Tell Me No.
Dublin creative The Neon Sea ventures further into the poetry and dreamy alt-rock sound of former tracks, with the Troubadour Version of Burning.
As an introduction to the introspective and revealing poetry of this project, Armour is superb – a relatable resolve proving inclusive and melodically satisfying, with deeper-seeking verses that shine a more specific light on the intricacies and weights of living with autism.
Chaotic folk-punk moving into psychedelic dream pop – the gritty guitar sound, the smoother alternative flair, the colourful structure and storytelling with a twist of darkness. Original melodies and stories bring through an indie freedom grounded by a brilliant hook, as Brighton duo FATECRIMES blend genres with pure artistic commitment, for their latest single SUMMER THUNDER.
Lush organic grooves and intimate vocals and lyrics pave the way for a deeply comforting five-track EP. goodtoknow present a collaborative impromptu musical space, a creative moment captured in time, live and spontaneous, from Mexico City, and it’s as humble and nostalgic as it is gorgeously calming.
Funky indie bass and guitar lays out a strong groove for pop-fusion, as ALEXIS dives into a colourful and upbeat debut, for the catchy synth-pop single Blue Jeans.
Raw indie vibes, lush vocals, distortion and softness humbly intertwined – and there’s a dog in the video. What’s not to like?