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The Kraken Quartet and Adobo – “Backdrop”

“Backdrop” is more than just a song – it feels like a cinematic journey. This impressive and epic collab between The Kraken Quartet and Adobo is percussive and worldly – pairing what seems like an army of percussive instruments (think bells, glockenspiels, marimbas, xylophones) with mathy guitar riffs and a full-fledged rock drum kit… Not to mention a lyrical/vocal contribution from Adobo. Fans of Anathallo, Sufjan Stevens, or The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die are going to enjoy this one for sure. Check it out below – make sure you stick around for the epic chorus at the end. Backdrop by The Kraken Quartet and Adobo

Day Wave – “Potions”

Day Wave is sure to dazzle you with his impeccably curated sound – an amalgamation of bedroom pop and dark indie rock sentiment. “Potions” is our latest obsession – a frantic song that’s as upbeat as it is urgent and as uplifting as it is downtrodden. Exploring themes of mental health and self-exploration, this one is perfect for fans of Castlebeat or Craft Spells, and even has a hint of Arcade Fire energy peeking through. Check out the video below, a cool compilation of ancient science b-roll. Add “Potions” to whatever service you prefer here.

Ferdous – “Counting Stars”

Something about the funky rhythm of “Counting Stars” from afghan-dutch producer Ferdous spoke right to our souls. Part robotic rhythm and part stargazing heart, “Stars” makes for a song that is as perfect for chilling-out as it is for grooving along. Having already opened for Metronomy and Christine and the Queens, we think you’ll be hearing more from Ferdous throughout 2020. Get acquainted below and then be sure to visit his Spotify.

Trace Decay – “Sad Dance”

“I don’t give a fuck about your friends, I don’t care at all.” A perfect way to start off this indie rock banger from Melbourne duo Trace Decay. Crunchy guitar and lite-nu-disco sentiment power this one, full of catchy riffs and vocal melodies. Underneath the brash exterior, this song actually explores the side-effects of the 24/7 social media world we live in. Check it out below and add them to your Spotify playlist.

San Mei – “Cry”

San Mei (aka Emily Hamilton) is from Australia’s Gold Coast. Her new video for “Cry” brings to mind stargazing indie pop acts like Alvvays or Charly Bliss – full of sparkly guitars, bubbling synth energy, and a sky-high vocal technique. This one’s an uplifting one about making the best out of life – something we could all certainly get behind right about now. Check out the video below, full of summery imagery and fun-having for all.

Wray – “Jogging / Neon Forming”

Birmingham, Alabama act Wray have us endlessly spiraling over their swimmy, electro-indie-pop, specifically in their new video for “Jogging / Neon Forming.” Their music sounds deep and lush, full of chorus tones, squiggling textures, and haunting synth swells. Each individual part of their music feels like its drowning in something deep, curating an incredible overall aesthetic. Beyond that, their lo-fi, late-80s-camcorder-esque music video is equally as haunting, making a humdrum laundromat scene feel semi-creepy with hand-made effects. We thoroughly enjoyed this one – have a watch below.

Jacqueline Tucci – “Fear”

Jacqueline Tucci is a Canadian rocker whose “Fear” really caught our ears. This one is carried predominantly by a bouncy bass riff, but is filled out with lots of lovely jangle guitar and guitar-noise atmospherics. Tucci herself is a presence to be reckoned with – hints of anger occasionally peek through her otherwise even-keeled (but excellent) vocal delivery. This one is perfect for fans of Courtney Barnett, Bully, or just good-old-fashioned indie rock energy. Check it out below and swing by the Bandcamp if you truly want to support.

Mini Trees – “Slip Away”

Mini Trees (aka LA act Lexi Vega) have us feeling smitten with the delicate indie pop of “Slip Away.” Starting out with a bit of lo-fi flavor, “Slip Away” quickly evolves into something tight, light-hearted, and heartwarming. Vega’s voice is delicate and lays atop the music in a very pleasant, airy way. Fans of Soccer Mommy, Alvvays, or Jay Som are gonna love this one. Check out “Slip Away” below and be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.

Pharmacy Keys – “Take the Cake”

Cleveland quartet Pharmacy Keys have an ear for lovely indie rock melodies – case in point, “Take the Cake.” Any fan of Weezer, Fountains of Wayne, or even Pavement will dig this one – their sugary sweet vocal melodies combined with crunchy guitar prowess is dripping with nostalgic 90s sentiment. Despite the 90s nod, this one would still fit nicely on any 2020 indie rock playlist. Check it out below and add it to your Spotify.

Oftener – “Daydream”

Can’t help but love the visceral emotion here on “Daydream,” coming from Minnesotan quartet Oftener. Combining hints of energy from early Modest Mouse and Cap’n Jazz with elements of shoegaze, “Daydream” feels like the kind of song you’d get lost to on your fourth PBR at a crowded basement show. Put this one on and let the otherworldly guitars and raw mix take you away – check it out below.

Air Devi – “No Clearances”

Gotta show a little love to Air Devi for their super-chill, 90s-esque, indie rock style… Especially here on “No Clearances.” Waxing poetically about a carefree childhood of rolling down grassy hills, choosing favorite colors, and being a picky eater, this one combines the thrills of youth with a light-hearted slacker vibe. Fans of Liz Phair, Pavement, or Built to Spill are gonna love this one – check it out below. swanning about by Air Devi

Jake Ellis – “Same Sun”

“Same Sun” is a straightforward indie rock ditty, no arguments there. But this one is truly a lovely jam full of jangly guitar goodness, bell-tone guitar leads, and a progression that tends to tug on the heartstrings. Floridian Jake Ellis really captures the feeling of being stuck in a two-star town and the confusion that comes along with being different from someone else you want to love. Tinged with electric piano and tasteful effects, we think this one will sneak its way into your heart the way it did for us. Check it out below.

Ayelle – “Effort”

Yep, we can’t help but dig this latest jam from NY-based Ayelle. “Effort” is smart commentary on modern relationships – a dig at social media, relationships, and the ever-so-common (albeit justified) request to, I don’t know… Try a little? Beyond the spot-on social critique, “Effort” has slick pop production and a great chorus. Perfect for when you’re feeling a little bit sassy but want to groove to something anyways. Check it out below and stay up with her on IG.

Grace Joyner – “Fake Girlfriend”

We’re digging the ethereal vibes of “Fake Girlfriend” from Charleston’s Grace Joyner. This one utilizes gauzy synth textures and a funky, nu-disco bass line as the backbone to Joyner’s haunting vocal delivery. She explores the complexity of a relationship with a “fake girlfriend” – someone who’s there when you need them but not good enough when you don’t. This one is a delicate number with a not-so-hidden sneering undertone; def worth a listen. Check it out below or swing over to her Spotify.

Catastrophe & Cure – “Another Wave”

Austrian quintet Catastrophe & Cure wrote something great here – we’re loving on the indie rock vibes on “Another Wave.” Carried by a simple but effective guitar lead, “Wave” is tasteful in all the right ways. Other highlights: a groovy beat; bouncing bass; droning but melodic vocals; splashes of synth ambiance; and breathy exhale flourishes… Not to mention, the perfect mix with just a touch of lo-fi flavor. This one is a secret ear worm – add it to your Spotify playlist for later, too.