Best Indie Rock Songs, Bands, Albums

Indie Band of the Week – The Elected

Posted on by IRC Staff

Introducing The Elected, a band that effortlessly blends indie folk and alternative rock with heartfelt storytelling and infectious melodies.

Led by the multi-talented musician Blake Sennett, The Elected has crafted a distinct sound that resonates with fans around the world.

With their introspective lyrics, rich instrumentation, and captivating performances, this California-based group has solidified their place in the music scene.

Formed in 2003, The Elected emerged as a side project for Blake Sennett, who is also known for his work as a founding member of the critically acclaimed band Rilo Kiley.

With The Elected, Sennett fully embraces his artistic vision, crafting songs that showcase his songwriting prowess and his ability to create atmospheric soundscapes.

The band’s music can be described as a delightful fusion of folk, country, and indie rock elements. Drawing inspiration from classic acts like Neil Young and Gram Parsons, The Elected infuses their songs with warm acoustic guitars, lush harmonies, and a touch of twang.

Their music takes listeners on a journey through introspective themes of love, longing, and self-discovery, while the melodies weave their way into the hearts of those who listen.

One of the standout features of The Elected’s discography are emotionally resonant songs that feel simultaneously introspective and yet universally relatable.

The band’s discography showcases Sennett’s astute lyrics and views of the complexities of human emotions, displaying an authenticity that is both raw and poetic. The band members command their instruments and vocals with true skill and dedication.

Here are some of the band’s best songs:

“Not Going Home” – This heartfelt ballad showcases The Elected’s ability to craft emotionally charged songs. With its introspective lyrics and beautiful melodies, it leaves a lasting impact.

“Go On” – A fan favorite, this track captures the essence of The Elected’s sound. The combination of poignant lyrics, lush instrumentation, and infectious hooks makes it a standout song.

“Would You Come with Me” – With its catchy guitar riffs and melodic hooks, this track showcases The Elected’s ability to create infectious indie folk-pop tunes that stick in your head.

“It Was Love” – This introspective and bittersweet song resonates with its relatable lyrics and evocative storytelling. The haunting vocals and delicate instrumentation make it a standout track.

“Desiree” – Known for its irresistible folk-rock groove, “Desiree” is a catchy and upbeat song that highlights The Elected’s knack for crafting infectious melodies.

“Not So Old as Yesterday” – This atmospheric and contemplative track features dreamy instrumentation and poetic lyrics, showcasing The Elected’s ability to create a captivating sonic landscape.

“Greetings in Braille” – A beautiful blend of acoustic folk and indie rock, this track showcases the band’s talent for crafting introspective and melodic songs.

“Have You Been Cheated” – With its introspective lyrics and infectious hooks, this song delivers an emotional punch. It showcases The Elected’s ability to infuse their music with vulnerability and authenticity.

These are just a few examples of the many exceptional songs from The Elected. Exploring their discography uncovers a treasure trove of heart-felt, captivating tracks that showcase the band’s musical prowess and unique artistic vision.

Throughout their career, The Elected has released a string of critically-acclaimed albums. Their debut album, Me First, introduced their distinctive sound to the world, while subsequent releases like Sun, Sun, Sun and Bury Me in My Rings further solidified their reputation as masters of their craft.

Each album is a testament to their growth as artists, showcasing their evolving sound and unwavering dedication to their art.

The Elected’s line-up, of course, is key to their success as a band. Each member is an essential element.

Blake Sennett: As the founding member and primary songwriter of The Elected, Blake Sennett has been the driving force behind the band. He is known for his distinctive vocals, guitar skills, and songwriting abilities. Sennett’s musical background also includes his involvement as a founding member of the critically acclaimed band Rilo Kiley.

Mike Bloom: Mike Bloom is a guitarist and a former member of The Elected. He joined the band in their early years and contributed to their musical sound with his skilled guitar playing. Bloom’s contributions helped shape the band’s distinctive folk and indie rock fusion.

Jason Boesel: Jason Boesel is a talented drummer who has collaborated with The Elected. Boesel’s rhythmic expertise added depth and energy to the band’s live performances and studio recordings. He is also known for his work with other notable acts like Rilo Kiley and Conor Oberst.

Daniel Brummel: Daniel Brummel is a multi-instrumentalist who played bass guitar and contributed backing vocals during his time with The Elected. His musical versatility and harmonizing skills added texture and depth to the band’s sound.

It’s important to note that The Elected’s lineup has evolved over time, and there may have been additional musicians who have contributed to the band’s recordings and performances.

Each member has brought their unique musical talents and creativity, collectively shaping The Elected’s distinct sound and contributing to their musical journey.

The Elected’s live performances are a testament to their musical prowess and showmanship. With their charismatic stage presence and heartfelt delivery, they create an immersive experience that leaves audiences captivated.

Whether performing at intimate venues or large festivals, The Elected never fail to connect with their fans and create an atmosphere of shared emotion and musical camaraderie.

As The Elected continues to captivate listeners with their signature sound and thought-provoking lyrics, their influence on the indie folk and alternative rock genres continues to grow. With their timeless melodies and poignant storytelling, they have carved out a unique space in the music world.

So, dive into the enchanting world of The Elected, where introspection meets melody, and allow their music to transport you to a place of emotional resonance and musical bliss.

R.I.P. – Andy Rourke, 59, bassist for The Smiths

Posted on by IRC Staff

Andy Rourke, the immensely talented bass player of the iconic band, The Smiths, has passed away at age 59.

Rourke’s distinctive bass lines contributed to the band’s unique sound and undying legacy.

Born in Manchester, England, Rourke was destined to become a musical virtuoso. With his innate talent and unwavering passion for music, he became an integral part of The Smiths, joining forces with Morrissey, Johnny Marr, and Mike Joyce to create one of the most influential and revered bands of all time.

Rourke’s bass playing skills were truly exceptional, characterized by melodic hooks, rhythmic precision, and a remarkable ability to infuse emotion into every note.

His contributions to iconic tracks like “This Charming Man,” “How Soon Is Now?,” and “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side” helped define the sound of The Smiths and resonate with fans across generations.

Beyond his musical prowess, rourke was known for his warm and humble personality. He had a deep connection with the band’s loyal fanbase, whose admiration and appreciation for his talent only grew stronger over the years.

Rourke’s infectious smile, genuine interactions, and down-to-earth nature endeared him to countless individuals, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

While The Smiths disbanded in 1987, rourke continued to contribute to the music industry, collaborating with various artists and pursuing his passion for creating and producing music. His talent and creativity extended beyond his work with The Smiths, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to his craft.

Rourke’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of music history. His profound impact on the alternative rock genre and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level will continue to inspire musicians and fans for generations to come. As we bid farewell to a true musical icon, let us remember Rourke for his immense talent, his contribution to the world of music, and the indelible mark he left on our hearts.

We extend our deepest condolences to rourke’s family, friends, bandmates, and fans during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his music continue to resonate and uplift us all.

10 Musicians Noted for Using AI

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Brian Eno

Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of generative music, Brian Eno has been creating ambient and generative music since the 1970s. His “Generative Music 1” and “Generative Music 2” software systems have been influential in the field.

Björk

Icelandic musician Björk has incorporated generative elements into her albums, such as “Biophilia” and “Vulnicura.” She collaborated with software developers and composers to create interactive and generative music apps for her audience.

Holly Herndon

Known for her experimental electronic music, Holly Herndon explores the intersection of human and artificial intelligence. She has used generative techniques to create immersive soundscapes and interactive performances.

Autechre

This pioneering electronic music duo, consisting of Rob Brown and Sean Booth, has been creating complex and abstract generative compositions throughout their career. Their music often combines intricate rhythms and evolving soundscapes.

Alva Noto (Carsten Nicolai)

A German composer and visual artist, Alva Noto has embraced generative music as part of his creative process. His works often involve minimalistic and glitch aesthetics, with generative algorithms shaping the sonic output.

Ryoji Ikeda

Japanese composer and visual artist Ryoji Ikeda explores the realms of generative music and audiovisual installations. His works incorporate precise mathematical patterns and data-driven structures.

Mark Fell

Mark Fell is an experimental electronic musician who utilizes generative systems to create intricate rhythmic patterns and textures. His compositions often involve algorithmic processes and generative software.

Richard James (Aphex Twin)

Known for his innovative approach to electronic music, Aphex Twin has incorporated generative techniques into his compositions. His album “Selected Ambient Works Volume II” features generative elements and evolving textures.

Laraaji

Laraaji is an American musician and ambient artist who has utilized generative music techniques to create mesmerizing and meditative sonic landscapes. His music often incorporates improvisation and relaxation elements.

Tim Exile

Tim Exile is a British musician and innovator who has developed his own generative music software, such as “Flow Machine.” He uses these tools to create dynamic and interactive live performances.

Generative Music: Unlocking the Boundless Creativity of Artificial Intelligence

Posted on by IRC Staff

In recent years, a fascinating musical phenomenon has emerged: generative music. This innovative form of composition and performance harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to create unique and ever-evolving musical compositions.

With the ability to compose, adapt, and respond in real-time, generative music offers a glimpse into the creative possibilities that arise when human ingenuity collaborates with AI algorithms. Let us explore this exciting intersection of technology and artistry and its impact on the music landscape.

The Essence of Generative Music:

Generative music refers to music that is continuously created and shaped by algorithms, often driven by machine learning techniques. Unlike traditional composition, which is fixed and pre-determined, generative music evolves in real-time, responding to various inputs such as user interactions, environmental factors, or random fluctuations.

Through a combination of predefined rules and the exploration of new patterns, generative music produces unique and unpredictable musical experiences.

The Power of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in generative music by enabling machines to analyze vast amounts of musical data, learn from patterns, and generate new musical sequences. Machine learning algorithms, such as recurrent neural networks and genetic algorithms, are trained on vast musical databases, absorbing the essence of various musical styles and structures.

This knowledge empowers AI systems to create music that emulates specific genres, artists, or moods, or even to produce entirely novel and groundbreaking compositions.

Endless Creativity and Collaborative Potential

One of the defining aspects of generative music is its ability to continuously evolve and adapt. By incorporating feedback loops and real-time interactions, generative music systems can respond to external cues, audience input, or even changes in the environment.

This fluidity and adaptability foster dynamic and ever-changing musical experiences, where no performance is the same.

Generative music also opens up exciting possibilities for collaboration between human composers and AI algorithms. Composers can use generative systems as creative tools, leveraging the machine’s ability to generate musical ideas, explore unconventional structures, or suggest novel chord progressions.

This collaboration between human intuition and machine-generated suggestions can push the boundaries of musical exploration and composition.

Expanding Musical Horizons

Generative music challenges traditional notions of authorship and creativity, blurring the lines between human and machine. It introduces new aesthetics and sonic landscapes that expand the listener’s musical horizons.

With generative music, the focus shifts from fixed compositions to the exploration of emergent patterns and sonic possibilities that continually unfold and surprise.

Applications and Impact

The impact of generative music extends beyond artistic expression. It has found applications in various fields, such as gaming, virtual reality, meditation, and ambient environments.

Generative music can create immersive soundscapes, adaptive soundtracks, or interactive musical experiences that respond to users’ actions, heightening engagement and enhancing the overall experience.

Moreover, generative music offers opportunities for therapeutic and therapeutic applications. Its ability to adapt and respond to individual needs allows for personalized and emotionally resonant musical experiences, supporting relaxation, focus, and emotional well-being.

Generative music represents a groundbreaking convergence of art, technology, and human creativity. It pushes the boundaries of musical composition and performance, offering an ever-changing and immersive sonic journey.

By merging the capabilities of artificial intelligence with human intuition and expression, generative music opens up a new realm of musical exploration, inspiring both composers and listeners to embrace the unexpected and tap into the infinite possibilities of sound.

As we continue to harness the potential of AI in the realm of generative music, we embark on a thrilling journey where human and machine creativity harmoniously coexist, transforming the way we perceive, create, and experience music.

Album Review: Dropkick Murphy’s Ode to Woody Guthrie on ‘Okemah Rising’

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BOSTON, Mass. – An ode to Woody Guthrie, Okemah Rising, the new album from Boston-based punk rockers Dropkick Murphys, is a triumphant celebration of resilience and hope.

The album is a tribute to the band’s roots and the blue-collar spirit of their hometown, and it showcases their signature blend of punk rock, Celtic folk, and socially conscious lyrics.

From the opening track “Middle Finger,” which is a blistering call to arms against oppression, to the closing anthem “Until the Next Time,” which is a moving tribute to the band’s fans and the power of live music, “Okemah Rising” is an exhilarating ride.

The album features explosive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and infectious sing-along choruses that are sure to get any crowd jumping.

Throughout the album, Dropkick Murphys tackle a range of issues, from the struggles of working-class families (“L-EE-B-O-Y”) to the fight for social justice (“The Bonny”) to the enduring power of friendship and community (“Mick Jones Nicked My Pudding”).

The band’s lyrics are thoughtful and incisive, and they are delivered with a raw and passionate energy that is impossible to ignore.

One of the standout tracks on the album is “Queen of Suffolk County,” which is a tribute to the band’s late friend and former tour manager, Billy Sullivan.

The song is a heart-wrenching ballad that showcases the band’s emotional depth and their ability to connect with their audience on a personal level.

Overall, “Okemah Rising” is a tour de force from one of the most important punk rock bands of our time. It is a powerful reminder of the power of music to inspire and unite people, and it is sure to be an instant classic in the Dropkick Murphys’ catalog.

If you are a fan of Woody Guthrie, punk rock, Celtic music, or socially conscious lyrics, then this album is a must-listen.

EXCLUSIVE: San Diego’s Drug Hunt will drop slow burner, ‘Through The Night’ on Feb. 4

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San Diego indie rock band, Drug Hunt, just dropped this slow-burning, bluesy proto-psych track, “Through The Night.”

Paired with haunting vocals and lyrics, the band belts out a sped-up, reverb-veined, crunchy retro rock jam in the final stretchs of the track.

The track marks a new and refined sound from the hardened proto-psychedelia they first astonished the scene with.

From band’s publicist:

Recorded at the infamous Big Fish studio in Southern California with engineer Jordan Andreen (Earthless, The Damned) and featuring Adrian Terrazas-Gonzalez (Mars Volta) on saxophone… “Through The Night” manages to capture a sunday drive stroll, a bank robbery, a high speed pursuit and climactic cliff dive in a 1970 Buick Skylark.

“Through The Night” is 3 part epic with three sequential ingredients; one part nocturnal psychedelia, one part frenetic desert rock, and a finishing dollop of manic blues.

This array of genre-bending hallucinations is nothing new for the band. In the past they have been referred to as “Tarantino-esque” in their ability to take source material and mold it to their own likings.

But what is different here is the ‘mise en place’ they’ve developed over the years. The music is mischievously raw, yet meticulously measured and tested.

The narrative is also broken into three distinct parts, and resembles the onset of an existential episode turning deeper and deeper against its narrator. Lyrically the song meanders down the dark alleyways of an urban hellscape; through creepy avenues of inner monologue we glimpse the reflection of our frail minds, “I saw you walking through the night, terror filled the darkness in your eyes… there are no colors in your mind”. In this state we are subjected to our own hindrances, traumas, and addictions.

LISTEN: Composer Ross Lucas drops new track; LP set for Halloween

Posted on by Max Hammer

Wisconsin musician Ross Lucas sent us a new track, “All Day Longing,” as an ode to his wife.

“It’s sort of poem that I wrote for my wife. During many tedious days at work, I would ruminate about how much I missed her and wished to be with her,” he says.

“In time, I was able to form these sentiments into the lines of a song. Some occasions and some emotions call for just such shameless romanticism.”

Based in the small town of Elk Mound, Wisconsin, Lucas’ new album, Endless Winter, is set for release this coming Halloween day.

We were first introduced to Lucas’s music back in 2020 with his touching single, “Under The Sun.” Lucas is a forklift operator by day, and musician and composer by night.

Check out his socials:

https://www.facebook.com/ross.lucas.798

https://rosslucas.bandcamp.com/track/all-day-longing

He says that he failed music in his freshman year of high school and promptly left school to start his first band Wussbudget. Lucas never looked back, opening for bands like Tenement, Arms Aloft, and Savage Unicorn.

He moved to the U.K.  following the break up of the band.  During his two-year sojourn, Lucas wrote a flurry of new songs while managing to “get kicked out of a couple different bands for failing to sound like either John Squire or Tom DeLonge.”

He plays, records, mixes, and masters his tracks laying down all of the work on guitar, bass, drums, and vocals.

IMMERSE: 5 Talented Artists You Didn’t Hear in 2022

Posted on by Max Hammer

Get to know talented indie DIY artists and bands we’ve been listening to this summer. We decided to highlight one 2022 track from each artist or band, even though they all have others we dig as well. There’s a range of sub-genres represented as well.

Young Robin – Perth, Australia
Loops & Loops – Bronx, New York
Patches – Enid, Oklahoma
Nathan Colberg – Nashville, Tennessee
Cries For Colour – Waterloo, Ontario

Aussie alt-pop band delivers bliss on latest single

PERTH, Australia – Originally released in May, “Waste My Time” by Australian band Young Robin, is a blissful indie track that really stuck with us through the summer; thus, its inclusion in this series.

The band leans into the maturing sound it has discovered, blending bright signature riffs with sound elements borrowed from genres such as modern pop-driven hip-hop.

The alt-pop quintet comes straight out of Perth’s eastern suburbs, fusing a kaleidoscope of influences, and delivering a soulful, blissful sound and captivating on-stage performances.

The group are forging their own path in the music scene with a sound that doesn’t conform to trends. With a natural chemistry between the members and a knack for creating a euphoric atmosphere, their live shows are unmissable. ”

Social: https://www.instagram.com/youngrobinband/
Members: Jed Begho – vocals, Sophian Manik – vocals and guitar, Hamish Graham – bass guitar, Jarred Osborne – guitar, Tyler Vivian – drums
Influences: Clairo, The 1975, Last Dinosaurs, Foals, Jungle Giants, Glass Animals
Opened For: South Summit, Adrian Dzvuke, Pacific Avenue
Formed: 2013

Bronx one-man band Loops & Loops blends dream and lo-fi

BRONX, New York – Last year, Loops & Loops, aka Peter Bogolub, purked our ears with the lo-fi, dream-pop number, “Not Yet” – a track he says was based on a walk through NYC during the pandemic.

Lately, he’s been on a roll and quite prolific – dropping four EPs and albums so far this year, intermixed with a series of singles.

Other notable tracks we dig from his 2022 discography include “County Fair” and “Pain In My Heart,” among others, both from his Fake Face drop.

Clocking in at just under 2 minutes, “Pain in My Heart” highlights Bogolub’s inner monologue as he navigates the weird, limbo-like transition period following the end of a personal relationship.

Fake Face, he says, “serves as a return to indie roots of such bands as Yo La Tengo and The Magnetic Fields.” (two bands we’ve been covering since our start in 2007) .

Melding somber elements from the lyrics, a melancholy vocal delivery as if he was frowning throughout the entirety of it, the track delivers an optimistic ukulele riff and a bouncing pop melody hook.

One of his releases this summer, The Mysterious Case of Harper Goodwin, features 11 experimental space-pop/rock/shoegaze/dream-pop instrumentals, including stand-outs like the opening track, “Call Of” and “Lost In It”. If you’re into meditation music, check this out.

For nearly 20 years, Bogolub played in “noisier bands,” but the pandemic “opened the doors for me to find a more intimate and lo-fi groove as a solo artist,” he says.

However, he did not release his own recordings again for nearly 14 years. It was during the quarantine that he discovered, experimented with and released lo-fi music. We’re glad he did. You can

Social: https://www.instagram.com/peterbogolub/
Members: Peter Bogolub, songwriting, instruments, composition
Influences: Yo La Tengo, The Magnetic Fields, My Bloody Valentine, The Shins, Lord Huron
Opened For: n/a
Formed: 2020

New Trio Outta OK crafts spacey-pop rock

ENID, Oklahoma – Patches is a new indie rock/post-punk trio out of the mid-west that held our attention with the band’s February release of the single, “A Nice Day to Orbit Saturn” from the debut album Tales We Heard from The Fields.

“We have been making harmonic, pop infused rock with experimental noise since our inception, and the three members switch instrumental roles on the fly,” notes vocalist and bassist Nick Robilliard.

“We have a pronounced lo-fi and DIY aesthetic when it comes to everything from songwriting, to artwork, to production. With backgrounds in REM style jangle pop, minimalistic art rock like Wire, and the bombast of bands like Jesus Lizard, each member brings something unique to the band which is reflected in the song variety,” he adds.

“‘A Nice Day to Orbit Saturn’ was the third song created for our debut album. It is equal parts melody-oriented pop and scathing, distortion heavy feedback that quickly builds into layered guitar play.

“Lyrically, it is a bitter, first person narrative of an astronaut in a futuristic setting who has resigned himself to being stranded on one of Saturns moons. Clean harmonies obscure some of the dread,” Robilliard concludes.

Social: https://thesoundsofpatches.bandcamp.com/track/a-nice-day-to-orbit-saturn
Members: Evan Seurkamp – Vocals, Guitar; Nick Robilliard Vocalist/Bassist; Melodica Aaron Griffin – Guitar, Drums
Influences: Wire, The Cure, Guided by Voices, Kitchens of Distinction, Gang of Four, REM
Opened For: n/a
Formed: 2021

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Earlier this year, Nashville-based indie-pop songwriter and musician Nathan Colberg released his debut album, Dream On, Kid.

The stunning track, “Oblivion,” has been on repeat in our Best DIY Music of 2022 playlist series on IRC’s Spotify channel.

The album was produced by Jason Mater (Encanto, High School Musical the Series) & Chumba (Dua Lipa, Maroon 5) with songwriting contributions from Sam Martin (John Legend, Maroon 5, Jason DeRulo)and Bo Rinehart (Needtobreathe).

Colberg is originally from Charlottesville, Virginia but moved to Nashville in 2018 to pursue a career in music.
Interestingly, Colberg chose Nashville even though his music is not country or even close to country; instead, Colberg produces heart-felt pop/rock songs.

“Despite an insanely talented team,” he says “I am still independent and currently have a small following.”

Other notable tracks from his latest release – Dream On, Kid – include “Gateway Bridge” and “Gold,” among others.

His catalog of music (on Spotify, YT and Soundcloud) claims to have amassed more than 10 million streams – and not from being featured on any high-profile playlists, but instead from likes and adds by bloggers and music lovers who have latched on to Colberg’s music. Most of his streams came from the 2018 album, Silo, and his 2016 EP, Barricade.

His 2018 song, “Calm,” racked up over two and a half million streams on Spotify alone.

Social: https://www.instagram.com/nathan_colberg/
Members: Nathan Colberg – all instruments
Influences: Phil Collins, Maggie Rogers, 1975
Opened For: Johnnyswim, Matt Wertz
Formed: 2018

WATERLOO, Ontario – Based in Canada, indie dream pop solo artist Quinn Downton, aka Cries for Colour, weaves together disciplines in songwriting, compisitions and production. with a focus on atmospheric and melancholic sounds.

“The songs are fleshed out by an incredibly talented rotating carousel of guest musicians and singers to ensure that the music remains fresh and ever-changing,” Downton says.

One of his latest single, “Sea Fret,” has been on our ‘favorite DIY songs’ all year. Perfect for you chill-loving dudes.

“"Sea Fret" is an atmospheric yet fun indie pop song meant to mesh the acoustic and melancholic strumming of bands like Fleet Foxes with the more upbeat and funky pop of The 1975, Talking Heads and Daft Punk, but with a hint of modern electronica elements in the mix,” Downton writes.

“While the lyrics seemingly hint at a broken relationship they are actually about my own relationship with intrusive thoughts and anxiety.”

The song was released ahead of his debut album, Fairlight, that dropped earlier this year.

Social: https://www.criesforcolour.com/
Members: Quinn Downton
Influences: Fleet Foxes, The 1975, Talking Heads, Daft Punk
Opened For: n/a
Formed: 2020

DIY DRIP: newmath drops new single, ‘Poison Apple’ ahead of new album

Posted on by Max Hammer

SEATTLE, Wash. – Experimental outfit newmath‘s latest single, “Poison Apple,” weaves elements of dream pop, shoegaze and other sub-genres of rock and indie pop to create a song inspired by “the fears, worries, and uncertainties about becoming a first-time parent,” according to musician Chris Fish.

The song takes inspiration from Deerhunter, M83, Blink 182, and the repetitive structure of acts like Glenn Branca and Swans, he adds.

Newmath evolved from a lo-fi acoustic drone project to the noisy dream pop sound heard on Fish’s 2021 release Kudzu.

Fish’s top musical influences are My Bloody Valentine, Kanye West, Blink 182, and Glenn Branca.

The forthcoming album, BLOOM, is a noise-rock, rock opera about the panic, uncertainty, and love of becoming a first-time parent during a time of social unrest. The album will drop in October.

https://newmath1.bandcamp.com/

SINGLE:Denver band VYNYL drops new track, ‘Strawberry Blonde’

Posted on by Max Hammer

DENVER – DIY outfit VYNYL has dropped a rich new single, “Strawberry Blonde” – a sweet, moody ode to summer and the tribulations of love.

The pop rock-oriented track was mixed and mastered by reputed sound engineer Matt Bishop (U2, Bad Suns, The Killers) and is the first ever fully self-produced track from VYNYL.

According to frontman John Tyler, the catchy new single came about after realizing that he had fallen for a girl that “would come to show me that love exists after heartbreak.”

“It’s about learning to trust someone with your heart again, even if you’re scared,” he adds. The trio’s musical influences are hinted here and there throughout VYNYL’s dynamic 80’s-evoking music, recalling the sounds of artists such as Prince, The Cure and Tears for Fears.

VYNYL has been steadily-building a fanbase over the past few years and shared the stage with artists such as Blink 182, Bleachers, 3Oh!3 and girlfriends, among others. The single is a “culmination”, Tyler says, of the band’s rising profile.

Tyler, who performs guitar and drums in addition to writing and producing, is backed by his bandmates Andries Ceronio on bass and Hunter Heurich on guitars and synth and Caique Morais. The band originally formed in 2016.

instagram.com/vynyltheband

STREAM: U.K. outfit The Elegant Chasers drop debut ‘Sentimental Dust’

Posted on by IRC Staff

South London indie outfit The Elegant Chasers dropped a dazzling debut album, Sentimental Dust, on Friday following a series of single releases in recent months.

The latest, and fourth, single from the album, is “Car Salesman Smile” is a menacing alt rock-driven track with a mean riff running like a vein of discontent throughout. A cool new music video is also produced by Loizou.

After switching careers during the pandemic, the multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter behind the moniker is South London native Maz Loizou, set out on a road trip writing songs “around a derelict London [character]”.

Loizou, a former – and disgrunted – television producer, set out to assemble his own customize recording studio at home.

His musical style incorporates sounds from the 1990s grunge, alt rock and Brit-Pop movements as well as 1980s new wave influences.

“The music for ‘Car Salesman Smile’ was largely written during the Sentimental Dust album sessions,” Loizou says.

“The riff, bridge and chorus were conjured within a matter of minutes. I was looking for a 1970’s rock vibe along with influences from 1990’s bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Faith No More and Terrorvision.”

Terrorvision’s “hit ‘Alice, What’s The Matter?’ inspired some of my rhythm guitar work. But for the vocals it was a line from a Therapy? track that stuck with me. The phrase ‘Car Salesman Smile’ was featured in their song ‘Hellbelly’…I penned down most of the lyrics for CSS a few years back, which was unusual for me in terms of songwriting approach,” Loizou explains

He adds that the song is essentially about a woman “being unfairly treated and how relationships can play out. Sadly, I have female friends who have these stories to tell. I felt compelled to write a song about it from someone on the outside looking in.”

Loizou explores how women are “taken advantage of by men (who appear to be genuine and charming).”

“My message [is]…don’t give up hope…you don’t deserve to be thrown on the scrapheap.

Loizou wrote, performed, recorded, mixed and mastered Sentimental Dust totally DIY.

He is currently on a tour throughout south England to support the album.

His musical influences Foo Fighters, Faith No More, REM, Urge Overkill, Depeche Mode, Oasis, Pearl Jam and Stone Roses.

The Elegant Chasers on Instagram

STREAM: Ali Hugo drops inspiring new single

Posted on by Max Hammer

Canadian singer/songwriter, videographer and engineer Ali Hugo returns with the inspiring new single, “There’s A Light Out There.”

The single is the first release from his upcoming new album of the same name.

The song, he says, ” is a tribute to the kind of music I grew up listening to on the radio in Ontario. This was also the first time that I did not write down the lyrics,” he adds. Rather, he wrote and sang the lyrics after the musical composition was nailed down. Further, he wrote the song specifically to perform live on the road.

“The singing style is different than anything I’ve recorded before,” he adds, “it was important for me to stay true to my influences which was not so hard for me because I grew up actively listening to this kind of music.”

“However, while in the studio, instead of picturing a video concept that could accompany the song,” he writes, “I kept picturing shorts, reels, and spotlights and that gave me more room to maneuver my way around the song both musically and vocally.”

https://ingrv.es/there-s-a-light-out-ynn-q

“Also, I wanted the song to have the right balance between the feel of city life as well as a small town so a listener in Vancouver or someone from a small town in Nova Scotia, that is; both listeners would be able to connect to the song.”

Hugo plays keyboardist, music, video producer, dancer, sound engineer. He used PreSonus and Yamaha keys for this production.

Hugo will be performing a number of shows throughout the Ontario area in the coming months.

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Musical Influences: Kenny Loggins,; Richard Marx; Bryan Adams; Cyndi Lauper
Indie musical influences: The Pixies; Oasis; Metric

 Background

Ali Hugo started his music career at the early age of eight when he joined his family’s band, Leo,  as the lead singer.

After attending university, Hugo set out to start a career in music.

His debut album charted into the top ten on the global indie charts and the hit single “Tears of a Broken Heart”.  Hugo has continued to pursue his music and video production career since then, releasing an EP titled Time Machine – which he says: “used a complex engineering process to transport the songs into the digital streaming age.”

The album generated three indie hit singles and earned Hugo a gold record from his Canadian label Mirage Records. He also produced the  Time Machine Rockumentary  that documents the Time Machine project.

Hugo’s rockumentary was a finalist at The Carey Movie Festival in North Carolina.