Browsing Tag

Indie Singer Songwriter

maxhauer – fifteen: Cerebrally Melodic Indie Pop

Posted on 12 September 2024

Maxhauer’s sophomore single, ‘fifteen’, sweeps listeners into an indie pop sphere of celestial fluidity and exhibits how the innovative artist has honed his sound after a promising 2023 debut to re-emerge with a melodically cerebral piece that cradles his vocals which are so light they become the oxygen you breathe as you follow the diaphanous progressions as they lead to gentle, ambient crescendos.

Positioned somewhere between the evocative expressions of Death Cab for Cutie and Elliott Smith, maxhauer channels the introspective spirit of these indie legends while marking his territory as the boygenius of a new era. His sophomore single reveals an artful orchestration, seamlessly weaving expansive, lush harmonies that paint a vivid scene of emotional intensity, satisfying those yearning for a more complex, emotionally dense soundscape.

Maxhauer, as a multi-talented producer and vocalist, will undoubtedly become revered for his unique ability to infuse the nuanced longing of adolescence into his music. His compositions are both a revolution and an evolution in the indie music scene, where plaintive vocals and expansive harmonies intertwine to create a sound that gnaws at the listener with its raw, poignant beauty.

After one hit, your rhythmic pulses will crave the emotive journey for the catharsis in the candour. Safe to say, he’s one for every indie fan’s radar.

Stream fifteen on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gaze into the introspective kaleidoscope of leo hc’s seminal indie folk release, the shades EP

Posted on 23 August 2024

leo hc’s debut release, ‘the shades EP’, elegantly strips music back to its most elemental form, serving as a pure conduit for emotion which resonates through the instrumental textures and the lyrical narratives.

The opening track, the aptly named ‘the shades’, introduces us to a semi-lucid reverie where the angular, fingerpicked guitar notes intertwine with leo’s reticent, whispered vocals. Each motif transcends sound to become experiences shaded in deep introspection, allowing listeners to immerse their own melancholic emotions into the abstract depths of the production.

The subsequent track, ‘two wrongs’, transitions into a more indie folk aura, with vocals that echo Elliott Smith, soaring within a seraphically toned lo-fi backdrop. This piece epitomises intimacy, transforming the listening space into a personal enclave of reflective peace.

Track three, ‘i’m the man’, continues the narrative with a progressively gratifying indie lullaby. It allows for a dynamic interplay of intensity, with artful flourishes that let emotional currents ebb and flow, underscoring leo’s mastery in balancing sonic peaks and valleys.

The EP rounds off with ‘lovers hilltop’, a stunning demonstration of acoustic indie songwriting. Here, the poignant strains of coming-of-age yearning are captured through evocative fingerpicked guitars, drawing influences from classical Spanish guitarists while paying homage to artists like Jose Gonzalez and Hot Left Pole.

Overall, ‘the shades EP’ by leo hc is a pacifying synthesis of introspection and musicality, offering a sanctuary where each track invites personal reflection amidst evocatively crafted soundscapes.

Stream the shades EP on Spotify now. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Georgina White became Trip-Hop’s most arresting chanteuse in ‘LOVE’

Posted on 8 July 2024

Georgina White’s recently re-released single, LOVE, is an aching reflection on the darker shades of affection. As the PJ Harvey-esque trip-hop aesthetics mirror the turbulence of a mind gaslit into accepting abuse by nefarious actions running under the guise of passion, the indie alt-pop framework ensures that White is doing far more than simply following in the footsteps of trip-hop pioneers, she’s synthesising a sound that is irreplicably her own.

The sepia-tinged production by the hand of Dan Myers brings an aura of old-school spectral soul to the soundscape which harnesses the haunting vocal delivery. Delicate yet commanding, White’s voice embodies the complexities of maleficent love, delivering each verse with a chanteuse’s grace and an insurgence of empowerment. Angel Olsen herself couldn’t have performed LOVE better.

Penned after drawing inspiration from the Cruel Intentions soundtrack, LOVE lends from the melancholic depths of the OST; despair pulsates throughout the progressions in the luxuriantly arcane production that melds gritty guitars with syncopated beats that mimic the frenetic rhythms of a heart beating out of sync.

Whatever the Brit-Austrian artist and actress turns her talents to next, it is going to be the epitome of iconic.

Stream LOVE on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Emotions Crescendo in Nocebo’s Introspective Indie Debut, Miles Away

Posted on 6 July 2024

Inspired by his icons of evocative introspection, Jeff Buckley, Fabrizio De Andrè and Thom York, singer-songwriter, Mario Ciardiello, traced the reflectively candid echoes of his idols through the debut single, Miles Away, from his newly initiated solo project. Under the moniker, Nocebo, Mario is carrying the legacy of intimate songwriting on his guitar strings.

In the production of his debut, raw unfiltered emotion rushes to the surface of the soul-bearing sonic escapade, which ensues from a stripped-back indie folk acoustic performance before a subtly striking Radiohead-esque crescendo delivers a rush of momentum and visceral emotion, visualising how affections ebb and flow through us, culminating in explosions of rumination.

The versing of abstract consolation to an enigmatically tortured protagonist seeking sanctuary grips you through its compassionate intensity; even if you can’t find a piece of yourself within the narrative, you’ll find yourself in awe of Nocebo’s proficiency in hitting raw nerves with his arrestingly unique sonic signature.

Miles Away is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

LuisG delivered a raw indie-rock shot of redemption with ‘Second Chances’

Posted on 29 May 2024

If you paired the pensive sting of The Verve with the euphonic consolation of Nada Surf’s most heart-wrenching hits and added the rugged heart-in-throat signature of Chris Cornell, you’d come incredibly close to what LuisG created for the title single of his debut LP, Second Chances.

The track finds a tender way of advocating for redemption. Though many of us operate as though we have only known wrong when it comes from the vindictiveness of others, Second Chances prises your mind open to the reality that we’re all leagues away from perfection. Through this vulnerable, confessionally powerful release, LuisG put his heart on the line; you can’t help but follow suit as you sink into the absolution of the melodies.

LuisG, with roots in indie rock, pop, emo, and folk, is increasingly renowned for filtering his powerful melodic style and evocative storytelling through a Southern Cali lens. Based in Las Cruces, NM, he has carved out a niche for himself in both online spaces and local circles. His journey, marked by reflective and personal songwriting, has seen a progression from his first single, Waves, in January 2022 to his debut EP, Somewhere to Call Home, later that year.

Second Chances is now available to stream on all major platforms, including 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

Vanguarde anchored in nostalgia and aimed at truth in his indie rock exposition of the trappings of conspiracy theories, Lost Inside a Hole

Posted on 17 April 2024

Vanguarde’s latest single, “Lost Inside a Hole,” anchors indie rock fans in the comforting nostalgia of the 90s Britpop era, in the same vein Mansun, while delivering some uncomfortable truths to those lost in the trenches of conspiracy through fear of confronting material reality. Rather than berating, the single extends an olive branch to pull listeners back from the dark, bitter realities of conspiracy theory knitting circles.

Through each note of this expansive indie rock allegory, compassion resonates deeply, ensuring the song’s message of empathy and understanding cuts through the noise of our post-truth era. The middle eight of the song unfolds with the spectacle and heat of a dying star, offering a mind-bending experience that allows for a reawakening of critical thought amidst prevailing paranoia.

This single is an essential listen for anyone who values indie rock’s potential to challenge and deliver vindication. In our times of unparalleled division, Vanguarde is the cohesion we’ve been crying out for.

Lost Inside a Hole was officially released on March 19th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sarah O’Moore – Troubled Mind: A Soulful Reflection on Contemporary Tribulation

Posted on 8 April 2024

Sarah O’Moore’s latest single, ‘Troubled Mind’, from her upcoming debut EP ‘Social Paralysis‘, is a poignant exploration of mental health and the complexities of modern life. The powerful narrative challenges the listener to introspectively sit with societal expectations and personal struggles and proves that good songs make you feel, great songs inspire profound shifts of perception.

‘Troubled Mind’ is a testament to O’Moore’s exceptional ability to blend genres, fusing elements of RnB, Folk, and Soulful Jazz into an indie singer-songwriter production. Her vocal harmonies, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Macy Gray, carry endless emotional weight, resulting in a hauntingly affecting delivery as the instrumentals complement her voice perfectly, creating an eye-opening soundscape which addresses the disconnect in conversations about mental health. She delves into the reality of living with the scars of trauma and facing an uncertain future, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s climate. Her music offers a space to sit with struggles authentically, without succumbing to the pressures of toxic positivity.

Inspired by James Joyce’s “Dubliners”, O’Moore’s upcoming EP, ‘Social Paralysis’, promises to delve further into themes of social stagnation and the struggles of today’s youth. ‘Troubled Mind’ sets the tone for this journey, inviting listeners to confront the unspoken and find solace in shared experiences.

Troubled Mind was officially released on March 29; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ami Leigh’s Dark Soul was reinvented in the shadows of the G185TARR Death by TripHop Remix

Posted on 22 March 2024

G185TARR’s remix of Ami Leigh’s debut single, ‘Dark Soul‘, is a masterful reinvention that amplifies the original’s raw innovation and emotional depth. This collaboration, a long-awaited fusion of talents, brings a new dimension to the track, infusing it with a darker, more enigmatic edge.

Ami Leigh, a multifaceted musician from County Durham, UK, originally captivated audiences with ‘Dark Soul’ in March 2019. The track, known for its candid confessions and intimate revelations, showcased her ability to weave personal narratives into compelling musical tapestries. In this remix, G185TARR, a producer with a discerning ear for unique soundscapes, has skilfully reimagined the song, maintaining its core while introducing a beguiling Trip-Hop flair.

The ‘Death By TripHop Remix’ elevates the original’s beguile to the nth degree. It retains the affecting shimmers of the angular cutting guitar strings while allowing Ami Leigh’s direct vocal lines to pierce through the veil of the Trip-Hop-ed production. The remix adds swathes of style to the substance that Ami Leigh is quickly becoming renowned for.

With vocal lines that ache in the same vein as Mazzy Star and an artful approach to songwriting, Ami Leigh pushes the boundaries of alt-indie into dark new territories. This remix, rhythmically bolstered and erratically arcane, is a stunning ode to the panache of Trip Hop. It’s a track that resonates with those whose souls are married to the shadows, inviting them into the disquiet turbulence of a sound that is both haunting and profoundly contemplative.

Stream the official music video for the G185TARR Death by TripHop Remix of Dark Soul on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nick Cave Meets the National in Harry White’s Latest Feat of Melancholic Liberation, A Way to Go

Posted on 17 March 2024

Harry White’s single, A Way to Go, extracted from his seminal LP Elvera, released on February 23rd, is a profound exploration of introspective lyricism and eclectic soundscapes.

The London-based artist embarked on a new musical chapter with his third album. A Way To Go, in particular, stands out as a vivid illustration of White’s artistic evolution. The influence of Nick Cave permeates through the keys and the gravelly drama of the vocal lines, while the introspective and intimate lyrics carry the magnetic flair of Leonard Cohen.

White’s venture into a more eclectic sound palette is evident in the fusion of electronic effects and the inclusion of a scratchily turbulent backbeat, hinting at The National’s influence. This backdrop is more than just a sonic layer; it’s a canvas for White’s philosophy that the world’s end is inevitable, regardless of individual actions. This theme, rather than being oppressive, is presented with a liberating twist, making A Way to Go a paradoxically uplifting anthem of melancholy.

The track is a compelling blend of styles, reminiscent of the transcendent zeal of ELO, yet amplified with a gothic romanticism unique to White. As the singer-songwriter gears up for live performances, A Way to Go solidifies his position as a seminal artist on the London circuit.

Stream A Way to Go on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast