Move over Chevy – this ain’t no car commercial jingle. “Like a Rock” by Dave Lepage is a peppy indie pop number that brings to mind summery afro-poppers Vampire Weekend. Pairing a blistering tempo with a sunny disposition and riffs for days, we think Lepage is up to something good. “Like a Rock” is the lead single from Lepage’s latest release, Wave Deux – check it out here.
This latest banger from Swedish act Niva has us bobbing our heads. “Sudden Changes” is a hush-hush take on electronica chillwave – pairing ethereal synth work with mysterious vocals and plenty of bleeps and bloops to keep your ears entertained. Put this one on a long evening drive and bliss out to these fine Swedish soundscapes.
Marella is a self-taught guitarist, pianist, and drummer whose been trying his hand at indie pop. We were charmed by his latest single, “YOWIE” – a lighthearted indie pop jam about happy summer vibes. This one is pop centric but with classic, lo-fi vibes. Marella has an uncanny way of adding interesting elements to an otherwise straightforward song – check it out below.
There is nothing better than some infectious, Swedish pop to get your day going. We’re absolutely glued to “Say Ooh La La” by mysterious artist LD Donovan. The juxtaposition of an inescapable “Ooh La La” motif with ear worm instrumentals makes for pure electropop enjoyment – check it out via the widget below and see what we’re talking about.
Faux Canada is a SF-based indie pop band whose “Stockton” grabbed our attention. The group is heavily inspired by the early 00s (and also 90s shoegaze and grunge) and that all comes out on this peppy single. Full of upbeat riffage, bouncing basslines, and relatable lyrics, “Stockton” is a good time all the way through for any indie rocker – turns out we’re all just “shitty kids from shitty cities” after all!
Lately, we’ve been digging the ethereal indie rock from Austin singer/songwriter Tiny Dolphin. We recommend starting with “Come Apart,” a piano and synth driven banger that brings to mind other reverb-soaked crooners like Coldplay, Copeland, or Tame Impala. Fans of pop, rock, electronica, or acoustic music will all find something to like in Tiny Dolphin’s offerings – check it out via the widget below.
Washington, DC act Mystery Friends are a dancy indie pop band whose “See Right Through” caught our ears. Their latest offering, “See Right Through,” pairs powerful vocals with buzzy synth tones and plunky guitars and bass. This one is sure to get your head bobbing – fans of Alvvays, Charly Bliss, or CHVRCHES will dig Mystery Friends’ vibes. Past & Future Self by Mystery Friends
Nerdiest or coolest band name ever? Either way, “Wizard Daughter” from Brooklyn act Teen Girl Scientist Monthly is a fun indie-jangle jam set off by delightfully squiggly keyboard accents. If you like what you hear via the widget below, be sure to swing over to their Bandcamp page – they just came out with a new album. Fans of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Motion City Soundtrack, or Diet Cig will dig this one.
If you are looking for a rowdy aural pick-me-up, check out the latest from UK funk-punkers The Bugles. “Give Up” is an absolute rager, pairing nimble basslines with ska-flavored guitar upstrokes and a distinct UK vibe. Fans of Kasabian, Bloc Party, or Vampire Weekend will find something to like here. Be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.
Harlan is the moniker of TN native Harlan Hutton. We’re smitten with her latest offering, “Fingertips;” it’s full of thick chorus-laden guitars and lilting vocals from the promising 21 year old. Her new self-titled album is available now (check it out on Bandcamp) – be sure to get acquainted with “Fingertips” if you’re already a fan of TOPS, Alvvays, or Crumb
Paris synth-pop duo Their Names have crafted a deeply groovy sound, most evident on their latest single, “Closer.” The duo revels in warbly synths and disco-esque rhythms, giving this song a very tight, retro feel. Beyond the subtle tambourine and synth hits, the smooth vocals are what really makes “Closer” such a jam. Check it out below – “Closer” is out now on Cookie Records.
Canadian quintet The Drug Rugs charmed us with the upbeat indie pop of “Sandbar.” Full of deep swirly chorus tones and an upbeat, jangly demeanor, this fresh faced crew mixes elements of pop, psych, and indie rock. If anything, “Sandbar” is certainly indicative that these musicians are destined for good things. Fans of Best Coast, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, or Alvvays. Sandbar (Single) by The Drug Rugs
LA three piece The Haunts subscribe to the less-is-more ethos, aka “minimum members, maximum sound.” They manage to sound huge on their post-punky garage-pop single, “Proverbs,” a guitar-driven, reverb-soaked jam that is reminiscent of early to mid-aughts heroes like The Thermals or even the White Stripes. Be sure to stick around for the “woo” laden chorus.
Boston based indie rocker Gatch writes paradoxically sad beach music – case in point his catchy new jam, “Time Goes On.” Gatch backs up his simple vox with squiggly keyboards and a drum loop that brings early 90s pop music to mind. It’s a summery song with a retro feel that gave us that beachy feeling while still plucking on our heartstrings a bit – give it a listen below.
If you’re a fan of mad flow and breakneck beats, we recommend the latest from Costa Coast. The New Jersey native caught our ears with “Hereditary” – Costa’s aggressive style and nimble rhymes propel this one forward at maximum intensity. Be sure to stick around for the earworm “da na na na na” (and ras and las) in his choruses.