Browsing Tag

Indie Dream Pop

kidd noir – gravitational; a séance of semi-lucid seraphic reverie

Posted on 28 November 2024

kidd noir’s single ‘gravitational’, taken from her hotly anticipated debut EP ‘Year 19’, is a séance of semi-lucid seraphic reverie with a palpable sense of emotional turbulence woven within its ambient aesthetics. In contrast with the transgressions in the indie dream pop production, kidd noir’s honeyed-in-harmony vocal lines never falter from their soft, almost reticent register.

As intimate as a nocturnal diary entry, ‘gravitational’ pulls you through the corridors of kidd noir’s psyche as the instrumentals caress you with their candid touch and the stream-of-consciousness vocal delivery reaches the epitome of unfeigned expression. Her ability to console coming-of-age pain within her debut EP abstracts the alienation commonly associated with trying to figure out the world and where you fit within it. Yet, the appeal of kidd noir’s sound extends beyond a younger audience; the meditations within gravitational speak a universal language.

The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist picked up her first guitar at age nine and never looked back; by 18, she earned her stripes as a producer, ensuring that no one else’s touch graces her sound, which synthesises alt-RnB, pop and indie influences with personal experience. With Year 19 as the crowning point of her career so far, there’s never been a better time to sink into her discography.

Stream kidd noir’s EP, Year 19, on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Keep your soul warm with Daniela Galasso’s slice of indie folk-pop reverie, Comfortable

Posted on 1 November 2024
Daniela Galasso

With an emotional richness and resonance that puts her in parallel to the most introspective works of First Aid Kit, Daniela Galasso, with her seminal single, Comfortable, radiates vulnerability and tonal warmth

Aside from the cinematic sonic sublimity, the real beauty of Comfortable resides in how the Italian-born, California-based singer-songwriter turns becoming comfortable in a relationship into something profoundly poetic. While so many people would perceive that as the moment the romance dies, Galasso flips the script with her ethereally tender, orchestrally scored single, allowing listeners to see comfort in a relationship as something just as sweet as the initial butterflies.

As an award-winning artist who has clearly mastered the art of textural alchemy within her productions, Galasso has stepped out of the shadows of her influences in the vein of Taylor Swift, Ellie Goulding and Imogen Heap and irrefutably come into her own through her installations of vulnerable reverie.

Comfortable will be available to stream on all major platforms from November 1st. Find your preferred way to listen via the artist’s official website.

Keep up to date with news of new releases from Daniela Galasso on Instagram and Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gravity: Millar’s Love-Induced Descent into Dream Pop

Posted on 21 October 2024

With her latest single, Gravity, London-based singer-songwriter Millar has fortified her discography with yet another fearless vignette of introspection. Drenched in raw, unfeigned emotion, Gravity offers a glassy, neon-lit dream-pop soundscape where love becomes a force of nature, pulling you into a spiral of intoxicating vulnerability. Millar’s tender vocal lines swirl in hazy, retro-futuristic synths, creating an irresistible sense of fragility that leaves you feeling exposed to both the sweetness and the inevitable scars of love.

From a young age, Millar began crafting her melancholic sound, first writing songs at 16 before honing her skills at a Stratford music college. It was there, after years of artist development, that she discovered the core of her creative identity, one steeped in the bittersweet duality of love and nostalgia. Her voice carries the weight of these themes effortlessly, with each note steeped in a chilled-out melancholy.

Gravity is a sonic collision of worlds, imagining The Weeknd and First Aid Kit sharing a sonic continuum. The ethereal quality of Millar’s vocal delivery contrasts beautifully with the retro, synth-driven instrumentation; the fragility she conveys is palpable, yet it’s clear that Millar is in control of her artistry. The synaesthesia-inducing blend of lush synths and vulnerable lyrics in Gravity demonstrates that Millar is carving out her own space in dream pop, and if she continues down this path, her success seems as inevitable as gravity itself.

gravity became a new force in the pop scene to be reckoned with on October 4th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Seraphic Soulstress, Cati Landry, Struck Again with Her Sophomore Single, Riptide

Posted on 18 July 2024

Cati Landry defied the confines of material reality with the rush of euphonic etherealism in her sophomore single, Riptide, inspired by an equilibrium of the timeless music she grew up on and the rugged beauty of her coastal Canadian upbringing.

Ensuing from the ring of acoustic guitar chords which tinge the intro with 90s nostalgia, the single quickly oscillates into a diaphanous, quasi-hymnal ballad which reminisces on the most tender and mystifying-on-the-heartstrings facets of a relationship while conjuring a seraphic sense of serenity.

Landry’s crystalline vocal lines take the dreamy indie pop meets alt-country soundscape to a whole other celestial level; you can’t help but surrender to her otherworldly command when immersed in Riptide, which doesn’t stop at washing over your rhythmic senses; the single permeates the soul to implant the reverie rendered into the release.

Cati Landry set the bar high with her 2023 debut single, Mind’s Eye, but she reached nirvana with Riptide and sits alongside Beach House, Mazzy Star, and Chayr in the dream-pop pantheon.

Prior to focusing on her solo career, the Vancouver Island-born-and-raised artist lent her talents to various bands and performed in jazz clubs, bars & theatres. After studying Literature at the University, she pursued a Master’s in Songwriting at Berklee, where she wrote her debut single, which was brought to life in an LA recording room and polished by producer Neil Wogensen.

The dream-folk daytime lullaby arrived on the airwaves on July 11, distributed via Foundation Media, stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

EmiTQM has made an ethereal debut with his installation of Latin indietronic pop, IGUAL Y ME PENSASTE

Posted on 5 July 2024

Latin pop sensation in the making, EmiTQM, has made an indelible mark on the Latin pop scene with his dreamy indietronica debut single, IGUAL Y ME PENSASTE, which arrests with ethereal melodic waves in the same vein as Cigarettes After Sex, and originates via tenderly warm and exploratively 8bit-adjacent sequences which envelop you in a sonic world of kaleidoscopic colour and soul.

Translating to ‘maybe you thought of me’, IGUAL Y ME PENSASTE is a reticently sweet embodiment of hope and yearning to reverberate around the mind of the person who ceaselessly occupies every waking thought.

The single is an affectingly unforgettable introduction to the Mexican pop singer-songwriter and producer’s unique style which has already seen him amass a loyal army of fans who relish in his ability to visualise universally resonant facets of the human condition.

The emotions that will flood through you as you follow EmiTQM’s lead through this future-forward earworm reach the pinnacle of visceralism. The hazy love-drunk hues translate with perfect articulation as the lines between reality and imagination blur.

One of the only things with more promise than his music career is that the sun will rise tomorrow. We are already stoked to hear what he has in store for his sophomore release.

IGUAL Y ME PENSASTE was officially released on June 27; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sun-kissed memory meets dreamy indie-pop reverie in Suni’s Barcelona

Posted on 26 May 2024

Suni, the 26-year-old Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter, delivered a mesmerising escape with their latest single, Barcelona, the shoegazey guitars and indie dream pop aura craft a lush-with-melancholic-soul atmosphere that drifts you away into the heat of bitter-sweet sun-kissed memories. The harmonies sting with emotional potency, amplifying in resonance with every listen as the production nestles into the euphonic middle-ground of Jaws and Cigarettes After Sex.

Suni didn’t just capture an emotion nestled within a sunlit landscape; with Barcelona, they positioned themselves at the heart of a panache-driven pop revolution. The textures within the track act as a key, unlocking a doorway to the pantheon of indie pop singer-songwriters. It’s a musical experience that transcends mere listening, inviting you to dive into an evocative world where each note tells a story.

For fans of introspective and emotionally charged indie music, Suni’s Barcelona is an essential addition to your playlist. Let the music wash over you, and transport you to a place where the lines between reality and reverie blur, and the only thing that matters is the emotional resonance of sound.

Barcelona was officially released on May 17th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Camila Knight Evoked (Day)Dream Pop Perfection in ‘Lavender Fields’

Posted on 17 May 2024
Camila Knight

Otherworldly enough to open a portal to a different dimension, the last self-produced single to be released from Camila Knight’s EP, Spacetime, evokes soulfully arcane alchemy that seduces the senses straight from the chorally lush progression. Even if Lavender Fields solely showcased her spellbindingly ornate and cuttingly crystalline vocal lines the dreamy bedroom pop ballad would be a standing ovation-worthy score.

By filtering the power of her flawlessly tender vocals through a reverb-rich and spacey with timeless soul production, the singer-songwriter, known for her affecting vocals and empowering lyrics, ensured that Lavender Fields is a sonic landscape far too much of a haven to want to leave.

Her words consume as they spill into the paradox of a filmic soundscape that arrests with ethereal textures while reaching the epitome of evocative intensity. The aching exposition of coming to terms with the kind of unattainable love that leaves us inclined to resign ourselves to daydreams because reality is too painful to bear, speaks to a phenomenon we can all relate to on some level. It speaks of the sanctuary of imagination while conjuring an aesthetic of delusional reverie, feeling far too personal to be a diary entry.

By pulling inspiration from an expansive selection of artists including Lorde, Ella Fitzgerald, AURORA and Joni Mitchell, Camila Knight hasn’t just forged a distinctive sonic signature, she’s written an entire chapter with her sound which resounds, most profoundly, in the ears of the outliers and disenfranchised.

Lavender Fields will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, with the rest of Knight’s EP, Spacetime, from May 17th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Slip into a post-punk dream with Forgotten Garden’s hauntingly ethereal single, Memoriam

Posted on 22 April 2024

Forgotten Garden’s sophomore EP, ‘In Memoriam,’ brings us the single ‘Memoriam,’ a track that deftly carves its niche within the indie post-punk landscape with its distinct blend of sound and sensibility. The hauntingly ethereal vocal lines in ‘Memoriam’ find a hallowed ground between Mazzy Star, Florence Welch, and Siouxsie Sioux, imbuing the track with an arcane nuance that resonates deeply.

This unique piece strides far from indie mediocrity, propelled by the quintessential angular intensity of indie post-punk instrumentals that jangle with a monochromatic yet vibrant dynamism. ‘Memoriam’ offers enough familiarity to draw listeners in but retains them with its ingenious deviations and its gothic tribute to shoegazed post-punk.

In an era flooded with throwaway indie filler, ‘Memoriam’ stands out as a track that spectrally stays with you, proving Forgotten Garden to be a razor-sharp cut above the rest. The power of ‘Memoriam’ not only captivates but also cements Forgotten Garden’s place in the music world as pioneers with a clear and compelling artistic vision.

In Memoriam was officially released on March 29th; stream the single on Spotify.  

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Leyton Thomas treaded water in the pool of pathology with the indie dream-pop etherealism in his latest single, ‘Screwcap Diet’

Posted on 7 March 2024

Leyton Thomas, with his latest single ‘Screwcap Diet‘, transcended the typical boundaries of indie dream pop. The Manchester-based solo artist skilfully merged influences from Mazzy Star to Sigur Ros, Radiohead to the Verve around his own authentically cultivated sonic signature.

The journey through the complex interplay of health, mindfulness, and the human condition stands out for its hauntingly beautiful guitar work, which weaves an ethereally melancholic narrative. The soft falsetto vocals add a layer of intimacy, making the exploration of our often-neglected appreciation for health all the more poignant. This song wrestles with the shadows of sickness, yet it’s not just about the struggle; it’s a revelation of the enlightenment found in moments of vulnerability.

Thomas’ artistic journey is marked by a fearless blending of genres, a testament to his courage and distinction as an artist. His previous work, including the hip-hop instrumental ‘I Forgot You At The Bottom of the Fridge‘, has already showcased his ability to resonate with a wide audience, amassing significant streams on Spotify. ‘Screwcap Diet’ is a continuation of this sonic exploration.

Thomas’ musical evolution is a narrative of constant reinvention. From his early days in London to his current place in the Manchester scene, his exposure to a diverse range of music has profoundly influenced his sound.

Leyton Thomas Said

“This release is – after a period of digital experimentation – a return to the melodic guitar music that I grew up with. Lyrically, it reflects a feeling that arguably every single human being experiences – that when you are ill, be it seriously ill or plagued with a common cold, everything superficial seems insignificant, and all you wish for is your health. It poses the question, who are we when we are left with just our mind and tired body?”

After being recorded in Leyton Thomas’ home studio and mixed by Will Levison, Screwcap Diet hit all major streaming platforms on February 27th.

Stream Screwcap Diet on Spotify.

Follow Leyton Thomas on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

millar explored the depths of ‘atlantis’ in her oceanic indie-pop release

Posted on 6 March 2024

With her latest single, atlantis, the London-based singer-songwriter, millar, plunges listeners into the depths of dream pop with a finesse that speaks volumes of her innovative approach as an ethereal architect of sound.

The track, resonant with themes of introspection and emotional depth, is unparalleled in the indie dream pop landscape. millar’s craftsmanship in blending indie sensibilities with ambient leftfield electronica creates a soundscape as expansive as the ocean itself. The synth lines in “atlantis” don’t just play; they oscillate with a rhythm that mimics the ebb and flow of tides, drawing listeners into a melodious undercurrent.

The lyrics of “atlantis” speak of being out of depth, exploring the worlds within ourselves. It’s a theme that resonates deeply, particularly in an era where introspection has become more significant. millar’s voice acts as a guide through this introspective journey. It’s as if she’s leading us through our own emotional landscapes, mirroring the song’s narrative of self-discovery.

And when the song fades, leaving listeners coming up for air, the impact of millar’s artistry becomes undeniable. Just like every time we hear her, we can’t wait to hear what’s next.

atlantis was officially released on January 12th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast