A selection of new and/or relevant Indie and rock-leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist click here.
Wotts – Be Kind
Canadian indie-pop duo Wotts have a knack for delivering melodies that sound like they have been running through your head eternally. This track introduces a shimmering guitar-led sound that seamlessly fuses 90s alt-rock radio nostalgia with contemporary indie attitudes. The song serves as a thematic farewell, exploring the emotions tied to bidding goodbye to past relationships without achieving closure.
Wotts‘ commitment to a DIY approach, from recording to mixing, amplifies the track’s authenticity. “Be Kind” is proof that the band’s fearless exploration of their creative impulses is a worthwhile endeavour. Stay tuned for an upcoming INTRODUCING feature that will delve deeper into the duo’s music and background.
King In Yellow – “Lightning Returning”
In the electrifying surge of “Lightning Returning” by King In Yellow, the Hudson Valley quartet ignites a sonic storm, seamlessly blending relentless energy with melodic finesse. Drawing parallels to the earlier material of Scottish legends Idlewild, the track showcases a blistering intensity led by Kyle McDonough‘s vocals and Nick Vining‘s fierce guitar attack. With McDonough and Vining sharing a 15-year friendship, their chemistry crackles through the speakers, conjuring palpable urgency—a tempest navigating the delicate impermanence of human connections. Recorded at Gage St Studios with Chris Turco, the production captures the track’s essence in its raw and unapologetic form, placing King In Yellow among the acts poised to reshape the future of alternative music.
HighSchool – “August 19”
HighSchool‘s “August 19” unfolds like a blurred recollection from adolescence, teetering between reality and imagination. In the hands of Rory Trobbiani and Luke Scott, emotions surge amidst crackly production and dreamy guitar pop, a testament to the Melbourne-born, London-based duo’s adept fusion of their own post-punk roots and this new lo-fi aesthetic. Letting the lyrics delve into the significance of teenage romance and the bittersweet sting of hindsight, guiding the listener through a hazy dream of youthful escapades.
IDLES – “Grace“
“Grace” by IDLES unfolds as a surprising departure into soulful territory, showcasing the Bristol-based punk provocateurs in a different light. Co-produced by the formidable trio of Nigel Godrich, Kenny Beats, and IDLES‘ guitarist Mark Bowen, the track gradually builds, revealing newfound depth and vulnerability. The song departs from their usual ferocity, evolving into an epic crescendo. Frontman Joe Talbot‘s vocals navigate with poetic precision, proclaiming, “No god, no king, I said love is the thing.” This softer side unveils a charming, humane facet to him. Following on from their previous single “Dancer,” “Grace” sets the tone for the upcoming album, “TANGK“, promising a thrilling evolution of IDLES‘ sonic manifesto.
Middle Kids – “Terrible News“
Middle Kids continue to tease their upcoming album ‘Faith Crisis Pt 1‘ with the single “Terrible News“. The track is an exploration of life’s complexities. Lead singer Hannah Joy, in her signature heartfelt delivery, reflects on the disorienting challenges life throws our way. The guitars, as she aptly puts it, are “shouty” yet urgent, creating a harmonious chaos that resonates with the theme. The addition of brass, played by the band’s pal Brendan Champion, gives the track the feeling of a triumphant march. In the accompanying video, a single tracking shot of drummer Harry Day running his little heart out in slow-motion complements the song’s energy. Middle Kids once again masterfully blend introspection with sonic vitality, making “Terrible News” a compelling precursor to their forthcoming album.
