A selection of new and/or relevant rock and indie-leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us
Mt St Helens Vietnam Band – “Eyes Wide Shut“
Seattle-based band Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band has returned with their first single in more than a decade and it’s an utter triumph. The track is a haunting exploration of the cognitive dissonance between the mundanities of everyday life and the turmoil of a society that appears to be falling apart. The instrumentation is sparse yet effective, with haunting vocals that create an eerie backdrop for the lyrics.
This is a band that has previously toured with Cougar faves like Cursive and Japandroids in what must have been electrifying shows. The long-awaited release of “Eyes Wide Shut” suggests that the band’s momentum is riding high leaving us eager to hear more.
Nilüfer Yanya – “Rid Of Me” (PJ Harvey Cover)
Nilüfer Yanya’s now has a track record of covering some of my favourite songs ever. Hey take on the Pixies “Hey” is a regular in my playlists. Her take on “Rid Of Me” is a raw and exhilarating rendition of the classic PJ Harvey track. Yanya‘s distinct voice adds a new dimension to the song, with playful melodies and subtle overtones. While Harvey‘s original is brimming with anger, Yanya‘s version feels unhinged and unpredictable, delivering strands of venom that hit almost unsuspectingly.
This cover is a fantastic addition to Nilüfer Yanya‘s already impressive discography, showcasing her ability to infuse her own style into everything she touches.
alt-J – “Powders
Over the years we have covered alt-J in their many guises but I’m not sure we have ever featured a song quite like “Powders” from them. This is a beautiful and captivating track that showcases Alt-J’s talent for crafting intricate and emotionally resonant music.
As the closing track of the album “The Dream”, “Powders” leaves a lasting impression. The spoken word segment at the end is a powerful and emotional moment that further cements the album’s message of love and optimism.
Rex Orange County – “Threat“
“Threat” is a funky and upbeat summer jam that is sure to get you grooving and, at the very least, attempting to sing along. Produced with close friends Teo Halm and Jim Reed, the song features Rex Orange County’s trademark confessional style, weaving together themes of love and the tribulations of fame.
In the hands of a different musician, the heart-on-sleeve insecurities of the lyrics may have come across as grating, but when contrasted with the fun nature of the song it all adds up.
Broken Bells – “Saturdays“
Broken Bells made an explosive return with their single “Saturdays“, an upbeat, feel-good and vaguely psychedelic hit that leaves you yearning for more. From the opening bars of the shuffling beat to the wandering bass guitar and sun-drenched melodies, this psych-pop tune oozes retro vibes.
This single is an excellent indication of what’s to come from Broken Bells and promises to be a treat for fans of the duo’s previous work. Crucially, it shows that the duo of James Mercer and Danger Mouse still have what it takes to create an instant classic.
