Browsing Tag

indie-pop

Etherdene filtered her latest indie dream pop release ‘You Are My World’ through rose-tinted lenses.

Posted on 17 January 2024

In her ethereal alt-indie pop single, You Are My Word, Etherdene captured the transcendence of someone walking into your life and completely redefining reality around the light and colour they use to infuse your perceptions with renewed vibrance. To ground the track in realism, Etherdene used the all-too-relatable fear of rose-tinted glasses being shattered under the realisation of lack of reciprocation.

The ever-ascending melodies within the ardent yet sublimely tender track amplify the sticky-sweet romanticism drifting through the lyricism. Far from your average head-over-heels hit, You Are My World will leave you on a plateau, constructed by tentatively pure poetry which cohesively coalesces with the dreamy melodies that will easily be placed on any playlists featuring Cigarettes After Sex, Sigur Ros, and Beach House.

With over 10k monthly listeners behind her, Etherdene’s trajectory will only be upwards from here on out. Her rapid ascent after her 2023 debut reflects the affecting resonance within her self-expressive self-produced releases.

You Are My World was officially released on January 5th. Slip into the etherealism via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Heather McDowall visualised a digital delirium in her infectiously disorientated alt-indie pop hit, Truman Show

Posted on 16 January 2024

In 1998, The Truman Show exhibited the exploitative tendencies of media and how it damages self-perception; Heather McDowall spun that narrative a little further through the lens of a Gen Z raconteur of alt-indie pop with her latest single, Truman Show.

The Midlands-residing singer-songwriter burst through the delicate and twee indie pop bubble to deliver a funk-distilled, rock-licked earworm which transcends the candidly confessional and conversational style of Kate Nash.

The delirium of living in a reality marred by digital ties and afflictions is pervasive throughout the single; a nod to the unorthodox yet exhilarant production style, which allowed Heather McDowall to efficaciously visualise her disorientating experience with reality. It’s safe to say that she spoke for us all in yet another stellar feat of ‘multi-dimensional’ music orchestrating.

Since she made her 2019 debut on the airwaves following the success of her YouTube channel, McDowall has made several appearances on BBC Introducing, Live at the Basement Amazing Radio, and Totally Music. After bearing witness to the evolution of her style and the tangible resonance in Truman Show, McDowall is by far one of the most promising artists in the UK right now. For your own sake, dig in.

Truman Show aired on the airwaves on January 5th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

AFTERDRIVE augmented introspection in their curve-transcending indie pop-rock hit, Stick Around

Posted on 6 January 2024

If you’re a sucker for catchy indie pop-rock hooks, evocatively sonorous vocal versatility, and complex layered arrangements, you’re going to want to save a space for the UK’s hottest breakthrough artist, AFTERDRIVE, on your radar. Their standout single, Stick Around, which augments melancholic introspection to anthemic stadium-filling levels, is a testament to the outfit’s ability to craft music with swathes of cross-over appeal.

Opening with choral, reverb-drenched guitar lines that hark back to the dreamy soundscapes of Slowdive, Stick Around immediately sets a tone of profound contemplation. This serene beginning soon gives way to a burst of energy as the song transitions into an electrifying chorus.

With the vocal performance bearing resemblance to the impassioned earnestness of Matty Healy, the single comes charged with emotional depth, which gives even more power to the uplifting and poignant melodies. Even though their music is perfect for live performances where their energy and charisma shine the brightest, Stick Around has all the makings of a playlist staple.

With over 30 gigs in 2023 and a growing presence in the festival circuit, AFTERDRIVE is clearly on an upward trajectory. Their music, as Connor Bennett of BBC aptly put it, is the start of something big. For those who yearn for music that combines the best of indie pop and rock, look no further than AFTERDRIVE’s latest offering.

Stick Around is available to stream on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.

Keep up to date with the latest releases from AFTERDRIVE via Facebook & Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Succumb to the sonorous resonance in Sophie Lilah’s latest indie dream pop single, Hazy

Posted on 29 December 2023

Sophie Lilah’s latest single, Hazy, took a few leaves from the songwriting books of Big Thief and Angel Olsen but left plenty of room for her own dreamy indie pop innovation by crafting a soundscape that entwines the ethereal with profoundly grounding magnetism as the lyrics traverse stratospheres of emotion and experience.

The song is a breath-taking ode to its title, sweeping listeners up in melodiously airy tides that reveal new depths with each listen. It’s a dreamscape that keeps giving, a testament to Lilah’s ingenuity and ability to create music that resonates on multiple levels.

There’s something so seductive about surrendering to the soul in the melodies that have been polished to indie pop perfection and strike a delicate balance between accessibility and depth in the ambience which alchemically becomes intimately expansive. The themes of longing, boredom, guilt over laziness, and everyday maladies are handled with a deft touch, offering resonance and relatable catharsis in no short measure. Her lyrics transcend language to open windows to her vulnerable yet juxtaposing empowered soul. We can’t rate Sophie Lilah highly enough. Get her on your radar and anticipate her next ahead of the curve move.

Hazy was officially released with the B-side single, Take Back the Power, on December 19. Stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Markomallow is introspectively ethereal in her latest single, Alien

Posted on 15 December 2023

Markomallow’s latest single, Alien, is a masterful blend of emotional depth and musical innovation, marking a significant milestone in her evolving artistic journey. The song opens with a hauntingly beautiful piano score, setting a Christmas-adjacent mood that transcends the festive season. It’s a melody that lingers, reminiscent of a winter’s tale, yet universal in its appeal. Markomallow’s vocal performance is nothing short of spectacular, seamlessly transitioning from the introspective tones of Lucy Dacus to powerhouse belting, reminiscent of Lady Gaga. This vocal dynamism not only showcases her range but also the emotional intensity she brings to her music.

Lyrically, Alien delves into the theme of alienation, a sentiment many can relate to during the holiday season when expectations of joy and transformation often clash with reality. Markomallow’s introspective songwriting shines here, as she explores the dissonance between how others perceive us and our internal transformations. The track is a poignant reflection on identity and the loneliness of feeling misunderstood or unseen.

Markomallow, drawing inspiration from icons like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and Taylor Swift, infuses her music with a unique blend of colours and textures. Alien is a perfect example of her ability to combine different genres into a cohesive and captivating whole. Her dedication to exploring themes of anxiety, self-criticism, and perfectionism in her songwriting makes her music not only relatable but also deeply healing.

Alien was officially released on December 8th; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Chemistry becomes biology in Anna Salman’s seminal indie dream pop single, Blood Rush

Posted on 14 December 2023

Anna Salman’s single, Blood Rush, is a masterful blend of tender etherealism and emotionally charged lyricism. This track stands out as a poignant exploration of the transformative power of romantic chemistry on our very biology. Salman’s indie pop sensibilities are on full display, as she weaves a narrative that is both intimate and universally relatable.

The delicate balance of dream pop and nuanced orchestral elements creates a reverb-soaked atmosphere that perfectly complements Salman’s introspective songwriting. Her passionate vocals, glide effortlessly over the lush, evocative arrangements.

Introducing Turaab’s vocals adds a compelling dynamic to the track. This duet opens a dialogue, exploring the complexities of a relationship that leaves Salman’s protagonist in an affectionate haze, a sentiment mirrored in the song’s rich tonal textures. However, Blood Rush is not just an ode to love’s euphoric highs. Salman skillfully acknowledges the duality of passion, acknowledging that the sweetest of synergies often come with their share of misery. This acknowledgement adds a layer of depth to the track, resonating with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of love.

Anna Salman, originally from Pakistan and now making waves in the U.S., has already proven her mettle with her performance on Nescafe Basement and her nomination for “The Best Emerging Talent” at the LUX Style Awards. Blood Rush further cements her status as a formidable talent in the indie pop scene. 

Blood Rush was officially released on December 1st; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gemma Felicity – CHAOTIC: Confessionally Captivating Indie Pop

Posted on 12 December 2023

London’s Gemma Felicity set the bar high with her anthemic hit, Come Back to Me, which solidified her position in the industry as one to watch. With her latest single, CHAOTIC, she surpassed all expectations by exhibiting a strikingly authentic and evocatively rich track which captures the complexity of ADHD and subsequently, its impact on relationships.

Felicity’s candid storytelling, set against the dreamy yet rhythmically enticing backdrop of an indie-pop soundscape, offers a unique and personal perspective on the challenges and nuances of neurodiversity.

With her lyrical confessionalism finding the perfect balance between introspection and relatability as she touches on impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and the paradoxical fear of seeking security while fearing commitment, you can’t help but be affected by how she meticulously juxtaposes these themes while creating a dynamic listening experience. The chorus, particularly with its restless energy and poignant lyrics, encapsulates the essence of feeling trapped by one’s own contradictions.

Gemma Felicity’s background as a self-reflective songwriter, combined with her personal experiences and struggles, shines through in CHAOTIC. Her journey from using music and writing as a form of self-soothing during illness, to studying music performance and songwriting, has culminated in this impactful single.

The influence of artists like Holly Humberstone, Gracie Abrams, Lexi Jayde, and Julia Michaels is evident in her dark pop style, yet Felicity maintains a distinct and individual artistic voice. This song, as part of her EP, Baggage, promises to leave a lasting impact on the indie-pop landscape and on listeners who find a piece of themselves in its lyrics.

CHAOTIC hit the airwaves on December 1st; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Berto served an exotic elixir for the soul with his debut single, papi guapi

Posted on 9 December 2023

Berto’s debut single papi guapi is a striking entry into the synth-pop landscape, marking him as a promising new talent to watch in 2024. Hailing from the vibrant locales of Los Angeles and Orange County, Berto brings a refreshing and eclectic sound to the table, one that defies the constraints of a single genre.

The track stands out for its seamless blend of bilingual Spanish and English vocals, which Berto croons with a captivating finesse. His voice, an evocative elixir, gracefully flows over the new wave instrumentals which break free from the monocultural mould. The production is richly layered, featuring reverb-drenched motifs that infuse the track with an exotic 80s-tinged flair.

The track possesses an almost magnetic quality, seducing listeners into a dreamy haze reminiscent of the era’s best synth-pop offerings. Yet, it remains distinctly modern, thanks to Berto’s innovative approach to music production and his skill in blending traditional and contemporary elements. As the final track of Berto’s debut album Relampago Romantico, papi guapi holds a special place in the album’s narrative arc.

Papi guapi is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast 

Kaleidoscopic melodicism courses through Dons of Youth’s single, Rush

Posted on 29 November 2023

Dons of Youth, an indie-pop duo composed of Peter Moe and Kelly Matthews III, hailing from Nashville, TN, has crafted a dream pop reverie with their latest track Rush.

Rush is a pristine example of the indie dream pop genre, evoking the ethereal soundscapes akin to Cigarettes After Sex and Beach House and nodding respectfully to the Shoegaze pioneers. The textured tapestry of sound, with kaleidoscopically colourful melodies and harmonious timbres that weave through the air, creates an immersive auditory experience that you will want to be consumed by time and time again. The band’s artistry shines in the elemental melodic interplay, which complements the tranquil and honeyed vocal lines. There’s an intimate quality to the vocals that feels like a secret whispered in confidence, creating a strong emotional resonance that’s both personal and universal.

The duo, who began their collaboration at Belmont University, have matured into an outfit capable of bringing a cogent distinction to their self-produced sound, which puts them in good stead for their upcoming debut album, which promises to deliver a narrative journey through the labyrinth of young love, desire, and romance. These themes are palpable in the tender fabric of Rush, which not only showcases their technical prowess but also their ability to capture the nuanced emotions of coming-of-age stories.

Stream Rush on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shea delivered sultry, dynamic and utterly unforgettable dancehall-infused pop with CARTERTHEBANDIT with ‘U Mine’

Posted on 28 November 2023

Shea’s latest hot and steamy RnB pop track, U Mine, is a rhythmic aphrodisiac that invites you to lose yourself in its intoxicating groove. Collaborating with Peckham’s own CARTERTHEBANDIT, the track is a masterful exhibition of raw synergy and explosive musical chemistry. Shea, with his background in theatre and performance, brings a performance to the track that’s both glittery and soulful, encapsulating the essence of his queer and devilishly evocative artistry.

Between CARTERTHEBANDIT’s fiery bars that add a palpable heat and the meticulously stylised production choices, which set the verses up like foreplay to tantalise and tease before erupting into the climactic choruses, U Mine is a red hot remedy for the heart, libido and soul.

U Mine not only sets the mood but embodies it, from the rhythmically charged beats to the intoxicating vocal deliveries. It’s a testament to Shea’s versatility as an artist who can hold his own alongside the gritty authenticity of a rapper like CARTERTHEBANDIT. This track stands as a shining example of what independent artists can achieve, echoing Shea’s accolades and experiences from his performances at Pride festivals to his recognition on BBC Introducing. It’s a song that captures the essence of a night out—sultry, dynamic, and utterly unforgettable.

Stream U Mine on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast