The London-based rock duo Ora Violet are joined by vocalist Jeet Mulkerj and bassist Adam Liston on their new single out now via Black Tiles Music.
‘Have You Met Me’ slinks along the dancefloor. Ora Violet’s punchiness recalls 70s punk with a delectable groove. The track seduces with a driving bassline and flirty guitar.
“Influenced by Grinderman, Elizabeth Wurtzel, Marmaduke Duke & Earnest Hemingway, the song was inspired by the realization that the same way we go down, we come back up; gradually and then suddenly,” Ora Violet says. “The antihero protagonist has lived a life of unapologetic excessive in all ways and despite nearing the end, the statement is clear… I won’t go down.”
‘Have You Met Me’ is available on all streaming platforms.
If you have not come across the special music of Nashville musician Rich Ruth yet, here’s your chance.
Following his 2019 debut release, Calming Signals, Ruth caught the attention of Jack White‘s Third Man Records label. They liked his “spiritual jazz, new age, and experimental ideas on a constant quest for the cosmos” so much that they featured him as a guest artist on their public access live streaming show.
Ruth has a new, and spectacular, single to share: “Goldenrods.”
Based on “Goldenrods”, the first single from Ruth’s E.P., we can imagine the entire six songs of the new E.P. reflecting some of the previous energy and engaging nature of his 2019 release as well as however Ruth dealt with the pandemic.
Interestingly, he did drop the following note on his Bandcamp page: “Where There’s Life is a collection of meditative pieces written in the early months of the pandemic. These songs helped me cope with the collective sense of uncertainty and solitude of the time.” Word.
Take a few minutes to listen to “Goldenrods” and see where it takes you, especially if you enjoy talented and different coupled with incredibly sophisticated ambient compositions brimming with experimental elements like tweaked vocal expressions, unorthodox rhythms and beats, and other-worldly sound effects.
Credits:
Michael Rich Ruth – Synthesizers, Guitar, Production, Mixing Caleb Hickman – Saxophone on tracks 2 & 6 Michael Hix – Additional synthesizers on track 4
Modest Mouse is back with new music and tour dates.
The indie rock band released the song “Leave a Light On” on Monday.
“Leave a Light On” appears on Modest Mouse’s forthcoming seventh studio album, The Golden Casket.
The album also features the single “We Are Inbetween,” released earlier this month.
Modest Mouse will release The Golden Casket on June 25. The album is the band’s first since Strangers to Ourselves, released in March 2015.
Modest Mouse will promote the album on a new tour. The band will perform July 29-Aug. 1 at Lollapalooza Music Festival and kick off the tour July 30 in Madison, Wisc. Indie rock band Future Islands will join MM in late September in Colorado and into early October for a total of seemingly five dates.
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Here’s the full list of dates for Modest Mouse’s new tour:
July 29-Aug. 1 – Chicago, at Lollapalooza Music Festival (Grant Park)
July 30 – Madison, Wisc., at The Sylvee
Aug. 3 – Columbus, Ohio, at Express Live! (Indoor Music Hall)
Aug. 5 – Philadelphia, at The Met Philadelphia
Aug. 6 – Boston, at Leader Bank Pavilion
Aug. 7 – Cooperstown, N.Y., at Brewery Ommegang
Aug. 9 – New Haven, Conn., at College Street Music Hall
Aug. 11 – Brooklyn, N.Y., at Brooklyn Steel
Aug. 12 – Brooklyn, N.Y., at Brooklyn Steel
Aug. 17 – Washington, D.C., at The Anthem
Aug. 18 – Pittsburgh, at Stage AE
Aug. 20 – Detroit, at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Aug. 21 – Milwaukee, at Riverside Theater
Aug. 22 – Minneapolis, at Armory
Aug. 24 – Missoula, Mont., at Kettlehouse Amphitheater
Aug. 27 – Portland, Ore., at McMenamins Edgefield
Aug. 29 – Bend, Ore., at Les Schwab Amphitheater
Sept. 11 – Seattle, at Marymoor Park
Sept. 16 – San Francisco, at The Masonic
Sept. 18 – Las Vegas, at Life is Beautiful Festival
Sept. 19 – Phoenix, at Arizona Federal Theatre
Sept. 20 – Tuscon, Ariz., at Rialto Theatre (Tuscon)
Sept. 22 – San Diego, at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Sept. 24 – Pioneertown, Calif., at Pappy and Harriet’s
Sept. 25 – Los Angeles, at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Sept. 27 – Sandy, Utah, at Sandy City Amphitheater
Sept. 28 – Morrison, Colo., at Red Rocks Amphitheater
Sept. 30 – Oklahoma City, at Diamond Ballroom
Oct. 1-3 – Austin, Texas, at Austin City Limits
Oct. 4 – Nashville, at Ascend Amphitheater
Oct. 5 – Cincinnati, at Andrew J. Brady Icon Music Center
Oct. 8-10 – Austin, Texas, at Austin City Limits
Oct. 11 – Huntsville, Ala., at Mars Music Hall
Oct. 12 – New Orleans, at Hard Rock Live
Oct. 14 – Orlando, Fla., at Hard Rock Live
Oct. 15 – Miami Beach, Fla., at Fillmore Miami Beach
Oct. 16 – St. Petersburg, Fla., at Jannus Live
Oct. 17 – St. Augustine, Fla., at St. Augustine Amphitheatre
One of IRC’s favorite European indie-folk duos, Norway’s Kings of Convenience, will drop their first album, titled Peace or Love, in 12 years.
The indisputably talented duo, Eirik Glambek Bøe and Erlend Øye, have already shared one single from the album, “Rocky Trail” (see below).
Set to drop June 18th via Imperial Records, the indie rockers have shared a second single, “Fever.” The singles are creating a lot of buzz and excitement online for the album release.
The first single, released a few weeks ago, “Rocky Trail,” is accompanied by this official music video.
The dreamy, swooning “Rollercoaster” is a delightful track from Drauve, the pop duo comprising Victoria Draovitch and Stephen Grzenda. Now based in Los Angeles, after relocating from Pennsylvania last year, Drauve released their SELF IMPROVEMENT EP this past December. That release saw nice praise, and now “Rollercoaster” makes a strong mark as their latest single. Serene guitar swirls and lush vocals craft an engrossing, accessible initial feel, with punchier percussion and key-laden flourishes emerging thereafter alongside spirited vocals for a more pop-forward feeling. The project struts a dream-pop lightness with ample appeal, strengthed by the band’s production, produced alongside collaborator Jeremy Rosinger (Isaac Lewis, My Favorite Color).
“The song, at face value, is about a toxic relationship with a partner,” says Draovitch, “but I’m actually talking about pursuing a music career. I love it and could never let it go, but it definitely sends me a spiral of anxiety and self-doubt at least once a week.”
Up and comer Black Bear (Sam Beebe) from Brooklyn is an interesting new indie rock artist.
He has recently released two new tracks, “Overflow The Boarders” and “Such Great Heights”. Both songs offer a fun and airy feel, with a propelling beat and a unique sound. They offer a great insight to the true talent this artist has.
“Overflow The Boarders” is a track about grabbing freedom for yourself. It is based on the story of Beebe’s father-in-law, who was a journalist in Bulgaria in the 70’s, but it is extremely easy to relate to. The song is intriguing and easy to listen to. It seems like a perfect track for anyone looking to feel free.
“Such Great Heights” is Black Bear’s collaboration with Viki Peitchev, with whom he’s been in love for 14 years. The couple chose to cover this Indie classic with a twist of their own. They chose to reimagine it as a duet of their own, with a whole new soundscape. This is an interesting take on the song and simply a good listen.
There is much to pay attention to when it comes to Black Bear. His tracks are easy going and simply good listens. It would truly be a mistake to miss out on these two amazing songs and the talented musician behind them.
Brandon Riley is an Indie Pop artist inspired by the glam and excitement of the Roaring 20’s and the heartbreak of the Depression. He embodies this energy with everything he does, including his music. Recently Riley has put out a new single titled “Marco Polo.” This track presents an energy that is simply true to the era, whether it’s the 1920’s or the 2020’s.
With “Marco Polo” being Riley’s first release, it is a perfect entrance into learning more about who this artist really is. The song has a modern nostalgic and fun feel to it. It blends casual and lowkey feel with an eclectic sound. It is truly a song that anyone can get into.
Growing up in Kansas City, Riley was influenced by a variety of classic tastes, ranging from The Beatles to Rolling Stones and so much more. It was these influences as well as his focus on improving himself as an artist. All of his hard work paired with his talent and the release of his first single has proven that Riley is truly an artist to pay attention to.
Be sure to check out Brandon Riley and his awesome new track. He has shown an amazing amount of talent and is sure to continue to put out more tracks that are just as good. Now is the perfect time to get behind this artist.
The lyrics of “Creases” feel a bit like a personal essay set to a melody, with Heno starting with a thesis statement – “you can never know the extent of the pain someone’s going through” – and then outlining his experiences, his philosophy, and his plan for action in life. It’s thoughtful and clear-headed, but also direct in speaking about depression and trauma in a way that feels very particular to this moment in time.
I’ve noticed that when musicians write about these topics now it’s almost always in plain and direct language that wouldn’t be too far off from, say, an Instagram caption. It makes some sense, in that being this clear about it is the most effective way of communicating these ideas and it’s a choice to be raw and vulnerable, but I do find myself yearning for more abstraction.
I can imagine a version of this that isn’t quite so obvious in its language and plays more on the ambiguous feel of the melody and arrangement, which conveys a feeling of calm just on the other side of panic and chaos.
Spoken-word woven into dreamy saxophone and piano, “Hard Drive” is a gorgeous and expansive single from Jenkins’ upcoming album, “An Overview On Phenomenal Nature” (due Feb 19). The New-York-City-based artist’s voice memos become “intimate vignettes, the musings of strangers as poetry and meditation.” The song ends with a rhythmic “1…2…3…,” — a calming exhalation that tows you back down to earth. Through “Hard Drive”, Jenkins invites the listener to take a breath, masterfully sowing a much-needed sense of grounding.
2. Song For Nick Drake – Skullcrusher
I typically don’t judge a song by its name, unless it’s called “Song For Nick Drake.” As a huge Nick Drake fan, I’m sort of required to like this track. And I wasn’t disappointed; it’s a gorgeous, delicate slow-burner. Skullcrusher (aka Helen Ballentine) released her debut self-titled EP last July under Secretly Canadian to excellent reviews. Her voice is whispery and emotive, her lyrics confessional; much like woman-of-the-hour Phoebe Bridgers. That being said, Skullcrusher assuredly maintains her own sound. I’m excited to see what she puts out in the future.
3. 4th of July – Hand Habits
“4th of July” is a soaring, vivid track, Hand Habits ’second single since 2019 record “placeholder.” Hand Habits, the moniker for Los Angeles based artist Meg Duffy, played guitar with Kevin Morby before they went solo. Duffy’s smooth, almost monotone voice and downcast lyrics counter the built-energy of the instruments. Indeed, “4th of July” makes articulations about factories and demolition sound like a pleasant incantation. Hand Habits is definitely one to watch.
4. Angeles – Cory Hanson
Wand’s Cory Hanson is a truly undefinable artist; his many efforts and collaborations over the past decade can be categorized as psych-rock, metal, lo-fi, acid-folk, and pop. His uncompromising assiduity allows him to expand into country and indie-folk with “Angeles,” — a wistful and swirling tune. It’s soft, but affecting, an offering for meditative moments. Be on the lookout for Hanson’s second LP “Pale Horse Rider,” coming soon.
5. Night Rider’s Lament – Bill Callahan/ Bonnie Prince Billy (ft. Cory Hanson)
Last September, veteran folk-rocker Bill Callahan put out a fantastic album, “Gold Record”, featuring stripped-down, narrative compositions such as “Pigeons” and “Another Song”. Since then, he’s released an unanticipated amount of singles and covers with long-time collaborator Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Louisville native and prolific artist in his own right. “Night Rider’s Lament,” a 1975 Jerry Jeff Walker song, also features Drag City compatriot Cory Hanson (see no. 4). It’s a lyrical, earnest folk-country ballad, perfect for shuffling into a walking/chill mix.
6. Candle – Buck Meek
Riding on the sustained success of his band, Big Thief, Buck Meek released his sophomore solo effort, “Two Saviors,” in January. “Two Saviors” is more indie/country-influenced, his mellow melodies far more understated than the passionate divinations of Adrianne Lenker with Big Thief. In “Candle”, Meek’s warm, lilting voice builds imagery of highways, bloody noses, and other comforting quotidian scenes. It’s a lovely soundtrack for a gray February morning.
7. Good Fortune (Demo) – PJ Harvey
Through quarantine, PJ Harvey has taken time to revisit her substantial body of work, sharing photos, songs, and archival material. For the first time, streaming services have access to raw-edged demos from her four seminal ‘90s albums, “Dry”, “To Bring You My Love”, “Is This Desire?”, and most recently, “Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea.”
“Good Fortune (Demo)”, off the last-mentioned, (Mercury-Prize-winning) album, is unrefined and unrestrained, revealing the bare-bones beneath the original’s elaborate electronic/trip-hop arrangements. Nonetheless, the song remains just as poignant, if not even more so. Harvey’s enigmatic persona is somehow strengthened by tapping into the profound current that runs through the depths of her work.
8. Dimension M2 – Stereolab
30 years has nothing on Stereolab. In their recent release “Dimension M2,” the inimitable quintet maintains their groovy, unbothered sound. As always, Stereolab manages to effortlessly blend rock, rhythm-based lo-fi, electronica, ‘70s krautrock, ambient, elevator music, and whatever else to create something entirely distinct. It’s like the most listenable background music—requiring just enough attention to enjoy but not too much to get caught up in. “Dimension M2” is a fun and worthwhile track.
9. No One Is Missing – Valley Maker
I recently happened upon Valley Maker, the moniker for Austin Crane, a self-described “PhD Student in Human Geography.” The North Carolina-based indie artist is releasing his third album, “When The Day Leaves” under Frenchkiss Records on February 19. Despite being recorded while quarantined in an old horse barn in rural Washington, the song has a spacious, unenclosed feel. Indeed, as if carried by the dirty interstates Crane describes, “No One Is Missing” has an intuitive velocity. Crane’s oscillating voice speeds up to pause, making space for landscapes to form between lyrics.
It’s hard not to despair with the current state of things. As the pandemic reaches its first anniversary, the weight of inconceivable suffering and shutdowns extends around us like a boundless fog. Armie Hammer is a cannibal, Kobe died over a year ago, and your roommate’s friend still hasn’t gotten the hang of social-distancing. It’s bleak out here. 2021 may be off to a questionable start, but plenty of new music is surfacing to mitigate these Winter-y, COVID-y,mid-semester blues. And for your sake, I’ve spent an inordinate time on Spotify, sifting through new releases. Here are 9 of the most compelling indie, folk, and alternative tracks to listen to this February. 1. Hard Drive – Cassandra Jenkins Spoken-word woven into dreamy saxophone and piano, “Hard Drive” is a gorgeous and expansive single from Jenkins’ upcoming album, “An Overview On Phenomenal Nature” (due Feb 19). The New-York-City-based artist’s voice memos become “intimate vignettes, the musings of strangers as poetry and meditation.” The song ends with a rhythmic “1…2…3…,” — a calming exhalation that tows you back down to earth. Through “Hard Drive”, Jenkins invites the listener to take a breath, masterfully sowing a much-needed sense of grounding. 2. Song For …
This indie top 10 songs playlist for March 2021 is not to be missed. The top 10 songs include tracks from new, DIY, and relatively unknown artists and bands to others who are pretty much established and well known within the indie rock orbits.
Right off the bat, we just had to make Brooklyn-based indie-pop band Nation of Language‘s new single, “Deliver Me From Wondering Why,” the No. 1 track for March. How amazing is this track!?
NOL’s single has a luring, bold retro techno-beat, space-age sound effects, and impressive minimalistic keyboard work. “Deliver Me From Wondering Why,” is expansive, fun, and weird. Think Brian Eno mixed with The Talking Heads and Devo.
The musical composition and production are spectacular. This track will last into the summer. (we also have a feed here.)
Next, Montreal indie rock band ISLANDS recently dropped the exhilarating and transfixing new single, “My Brother.” The soaring, atmospheric guitars, heartfelt vocals, and captivating melodies make the song another resounding release for the band. No surprise – ISLANDS has a solid track record (that’s interesting: ‘track’ and ‘record’. Huh.) of releases and remains one of our favorite Canadian bands.
Next, The U.K. indie rock band Thrillhouse is making inroads to the U.S. music space with a number of single drops this year gaining attention, including the No. 3 track below.
The single, “Just At The Right Time,” encompasses everything indie rock folks have come to expect from the young band. This nostalgic song gem flows with the emotive, infectious, and masterfully crafted sound we have come to love from the U.K. rockers.
The chugging energy and epic melodies make the song not only unforgettable but worthy of wider recognition. “Just At The Right Time” bubbles up from softer, observant moments to racing, kinetic rhythms and joyous instrumental blowouts layered with chorus-fueled vocals. It’s thrilling and also reminiscent of Arcade Fire.
Checking in at No. 4 is the latest from U.K. indie rock band The Hunna. The band switches things up on the wonderous, heartfelt love song (and it has a twist), “Bad Place.”
Los Angeles indie pop/alt. rock trio Limon Limon get the foot-tapping and air drums going on his new love song, “Attention” (No.5)
The relatively new indie rock band Eades – out of Leeds (England) – made a big impact on the team with the fresh single, “Coltrane,” (No.6) – a tribute of sorts to the master jazz musician John Coltrane.
The song flows with a hybrid stitch of genres, sounds, and voices hinting at influences (similar to Thrillhouse above) such as The Talking Heads, Brian Eno, and perhaps unintentionally, Big Star (you know, the largely-forgotten, but legendary, 70s band that made a big impact on pop/rock and the indie movement that was soon to follow).
Genre-wise, Eades weaves new wave, post-punk and garage rock along with their “unique lo-fi recording style” to produce songs like “Coltrane.”
Eades take influence from new wave, post-punk and garage rock along with their “unique lo-fi recording style.”
Checking in at No. 7 is the latest from DIY artist Sir Sly. The Orange County California recording artist keeps the party thumping and bumping going with the electrifying dance-pop track, “Welcomes The Pressure.” Those some fab waves.
Yet another U.K. indie rock band in this top 10, London’s Simple Fiction, tugs hard on the heartstrings with the flowering, powerful song, “The Weekends” (No. 8).
It may be no surprise that English glam rockers Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard dropped a kick-ass fresh rock single, “New Age Millennial Magic”, that landed in our Top 10. The track sports a terrific 70’s ELO vibe. The Cardiff band has a special touch that has made them fairly popular.
And to close out the Top 10 is L.A. duo World’s First Cinema enthralling pop/rock track, “The Woods”. The contrast of the two parts of this song gives it a theatrical edge from start to finish.
We appreciate the art of genre-mixing: it’s essentially what indie rock is in our opinion – the freedom to write, sing, compose, produce whatever an artist or band wishes to. No doubt that includes mixing genres. That artform – which arguably has been around for a long time – has, since the birth of the ‘indie rock revival,’ produced so many sensational albums, songs, artists, and bands. And they keep coming!
So far, 2021 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for indie and alt. rock, including among DIY artists and bands.
The textured sound of Gabriel Richards is a can’t miss for fans of earnest and introspective rock. “Gave Up Light” is a beautiful wave of sound that crashes through genre preference while keeping listener hearts afloat. Gabriel blends anthemic rock with shoe gaze and post rock to craft something truly breathtaking. It is difficult to believe this recording is credited to the UK songwriter alone. It is expansive and arresting; showing the large talent of a breakthrough artist.
Abandon the Fall – “Forever”
While our other editor typically prefers his instrumentals more on the Neoclassical side, I prefer all of the Post Rock available. There is something artistic in how it takes listeners to a different place entirely, while seemingly stopping time and space. Abandon the Fall is a solo project that checks all the boxes we like in our favorite rock genre. Guitars that nostalgically echo, a growing drumbeat that builds throughout, and even the perfect amount of background keys. “Forever” is a great example of both the genre, as well as an artist with loads of talent.
Mutes – “Severe Clear”
It would be too easy for us to classify this as Post-Punk. Instrumentally, we may be more inclined to do so despite the rock mix. The Interpol style is strong with this one, however vocally, it has an elegance to it that reminds us of an almost Incubus style croon. The climactic ending is dark and plays well with acts like Joy Division. With all of these acts in mind, we must shout their distinction among the packs of bands out there. Mutes do their own style and the result is attention grabbing and alluring. “Severe Clear” is a tight but combustible track worthy of adoration.
After announcing her anticipated second album Happier Than Ever earlier today, indie sensation Billie Eilish has just shared the full tracklist for the 16-song album.
See below
Here’s Eilish’s latest music video, “Your Power”.
Tracklisting for Happier Than Ever
The track list for Billie Eilish’s new album ‘Happier Than Ever’ is finally available:
'Getting Older'
'I Didn’t Change My Number'
'Billie Bossa Nova'
'my future'
'Oxytocin'
'GOLDWING'
'Lost Cause'
'Halley’s Comet'
'Not My Responsibility'
'OverHeated'
'Everybody Dies'
'Your Power'
'NDA'
'Therefore I Am'
'Happier Than Ever'
'Male Fantasy'
