THIS WEEKS NEW RELEASES

It’s been a week of indie stardom in music, with the genre’s artists serving up new, emotionally resonant offerings that highlight their artistic growth and daring experimentation. From introspective ballads to hook-laden anthems, these tracks are full of distinctive storytelling and indelible soundscapes. Here’s my picks…

Katie Gregson-McLeod – Mosh Pit

“Mosh Pit” is an intense combination of intensity and intimacy. Katie Gregson-MacLeod achieves an intimate love ballad by equating the intensity of human connection with the wild energy of the mosh pit. The sparsity of arrangement by minimalist guitar accompaniment and her powerful singing voice is accentuating the vulnerably lyrical content. Katie’s ability to shape such an otherworldly metaphor into such delicate storytelling attests to her artistry and craftsmanship as a writer, ushering listeners into her world with unflinching candor and tempered intensity. The track is one that is deeply intimate but equally universally relatable.

Pulp|Spike Island

“Spike Island” is an uplifting return for Pulp after 24 years. The track is infused with Britpop nostalgia but is brought to life with renewed vibrancy that speaks about the maturity of this band. Jarvis Cocker’s lyrical magic and descriptive storytelling ability is at work, where lyrics reflect on youth rebellion and early incarnations that dictate who we become. The melody and rhythm are irresistible and memorable, leading up to a chorus that demands to be sung at the apex of one’s lungs. The single is more than an individual track, it is an ode to an enduring legacy that continues to reach out to newer fans. Read our full review here.

Lana Del Rey|Henry, Come On

Lana Del Rey continues to deliver moody masterpieces with her song “Henry, Come On.” The track is an exhaustive combination of her ubiquitous wistfulness and an undercurrent of Americana. Her otherworldly vocals waft over the tale of heartbreak, longing, and reflection as she paints a cinematic landscape for the audience. The twanging guitar and muted string support provide a rich but muted background to her storytelling. The kind of track that lingers with you, transporting you to the world of vivid images and feelings.

Fontaines D.C.|Before You I Just Forget

“Before You I Just Forget” is an ominous new track to Fontaines D.C.’s discography, available on the deluxe edition of album Romance. The track is an atmospheric, emotive number that treads territory of memory and identity exploration. The music is epic but detailed, with ominous basslines and the hauntingly beautiful string accompaniments building up to the tension. Grian Chatten’s unfiltered, gritty vocals pull you in with the reflective lyrics to the track. The track is one that is cinematic in nature, with the band demonstrating their continued artistic excellence.

Fontaines D.C.|Starburster/In Heaven (Lady In The Radiator Song)

Another track from Fontaines, this medley is an unsettling mix of Fontaines D.C.’s own track “Starburster” and their rendition of David Lynch’s dreamlike track “In Heaven”. The minimalist backing emphasises the intensity of Grian Chatten’s vocals to create an eerily beautiful sound. The range of this band is apparent in this medley, as the indie rock of the band has merged so smoothly into Lynch’s quirky textures. It is an adventurous and hypnotic exercise that is at the same time astounding and completely natural-sounding to the group.

Alice Phoebe Lou|You And I

Alice Phoebe Lou brings some sunshine to the indie world with “You And I”. The relaxing nature of the track is perfect for those languid, contemplative afternoons. The layering of the understated guitar chords and Alice’s soft, emotional voice imbues the track with the essence of an ode to the beauty of togetherness. The simplicity of the track belies the intensity of emotion conveyed through the lyrics as she describes beauty using shared moments. The track is one that you can’t help but pause, catch your breath, and enjoy the little things.

Laufey|Silver Lining

“Silver Lining” is another sleek addition to Laufey’s growing repertoire of sophisticated, jazzy indie pop. Her golden vocals waft over layers of lush strings and earthy piano chords for an enveloping tune that’s like slipping into make-believe. The words are reflective and poetic, with the lyrics detailing finding one’s way through love and life with purposeful grit. It is a love song to the sensitivity and strength of the human heart, framed by a sweeping, cinematic track.

Wet Leg|Catch These Fists

Wet Leg comes back with their signature offbeat sensibility on the infectious, fun tune “Catch These Fists.” The thudding bassline and slicing guitar chords join forces to create an infectious beat that’s supported by the group’s wicked sense of humor, both musically and lyrically. The track is both aggressive and crazy at times, and it solidifies Wet Leg as one of the best, most entertaining bands currently making up the indie ranks. The track is one that you have to listen to multiple times, with elements that become apparent over the span of several plays.

The Dare| LCA

This is an energetic, uncompromisingly blunt tune that appears tailor-made for late-night adventures. The Dare duo combines persistent rhythm with biting, throbbing vocal melodies to develop an uncompromising, aggressive sound. The track has an almost frantic energy to it, moving at the same breakneck speed as the surge of a crowded floor. The track is one that implies you’d better be moving your body than outright asks you to, with an acute understanding of teen-aged rebellion and abandon.

Orbital feat. Tilda Swinton| Deepest

“Deepest” is an unlikely one-off that has Orbital’s distinctive electronic sound entering into harmony with the hypnotic vocal stylings of Tilda Swinton. The track is an introspective journey, with acid-soaked synths creating an otherworldly ambiance. Swinton’s sonorous voice lends the track an aura of storytelling, taking the track into an intellectual, emotional level. A track that you find yourself getting lost within, it’s proof that innovation and experimentation lie at the heart of Orbital music.

The K’s|Helen, Oh I

Helen, Oh I exhibits The K’s ability to reduce raw emotion to their trademark indie-rock form. The song breaks into ringing guitars and pulsating beat at the start, creating urgency from the very beginning. Jamie Boyle’s passionate vocals add an air of confessional to the song, singing about remorse and coming to some realisation. The track reaches an electrifying climax, offering catharsis through both energy and honesty. A standout track, it is an example of the band’s ability to combine powerful storytelling with memorable melody. Catch Keira chatting to Ryan from The K’s on our new podcasts on all streaming platforms.

Dirty Blonde|Adore Me?

Dirty Blonde’s latest single, “Adore Me?”, is a fiery anthem born from raw emotion and post-breakup chaos. Written in the aftermath of simultaneous breakups experienced by band members Ailis Mackay and Hayley Tait, the track channels anger, heartbreak, and defiance into a grunge-infused soundscape. Interview with the band is live on the site now.