Lauren Minear caught our attention with her new single The Way It Was. The song erupts with chaotic electric layers. With her rare vocal style she breaks through the chaos like breaking through the clutter of modern conventions. It honors the songs noble concept, as Minear has penned an empowering anthem that seeks to break through preconceptions of womanhood. “It’s not about children, it’s not about love. Just say that you miss it, the way it was.”
An anthemic meaningful anthem gets a lift from Minear’s undeniable exotic vocal talent. Her voice is reasonably reminiscent of rare singers like Alanis Morissette and Natalie Merchant. Minear has her own trademark twang within this treasured stylistic realm. We were transfixed by her vocal presence, and the music offers some aggressive contrast to really grab you. The Way It Was is mesmerizing.
Lauren Minear is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
We were drawn to the eclectic reverence of Pool of Mystery, the new single from Heather Nation. The artist elegantly combines a wide scope of influence. A soulful guitar glides above the electro percussive layers as atmospheric synths create a dreamy harmonious aura. Heather Nation herself adds a candid in the moment burst of emotional sincerity. Her performance full of sensual yearning. Her desires flip the conventional narrative, finding her convincing an insecure lover that they’re enough.
The narrative mirrors some artists real life conundrum, an under documented variable of touring life in the spotlight. Heather herself just having returned from a two month, 11 country stint with Chvrches lead singer Lauren Mayberry. Standing in the shadows of stardom, Heather brings her own Motown inspired adaptation to this soul pop feel. It’s suits the abstract influences she embraces, projects like Little Dragon and Hiatus Kayote. We find Pool of Mystery collectively exhilarating in how it provides cinematic appeal with an added imaginative escape in the way she delivers this narrative.
Hear Pool of Mystery now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
Eden Rain immediately gets under your skin on her new single Ghost Girl. The ASMR affect of her voice presents like she’s singing in your ear. The vibe evolves out of that first section with an ethereal adaptation. Her vocal mix evolves in the chorus section to present a new immersive dreamy layer.
The artist intriguingly sways between these two worlds. It gives her a multi-dimensional presence and adds intrigue to her complex personality as an artist. One of those traits has an undeniable flash of soul in a way that recalls the works of Charlotte Day Wilson or even Rhye. We can dig it.
Hear Ghost Girl now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
If you’re going to take on The Magnetic Fields you can’t do much better than Richard Orofino and his new cover of All The Umbrellas In London. A glorious arrangement is amplified by the texturized sparkle of the primary guitar. Full of bright warmth, it brings this work sonic brilliance.
The vocals are killer too, with gorgeous harmonies and an 80s alternative aura that reflects the realms of Cocteau Twins and The Cure. The vibe is adapted with an indie sensibility akin to underground rockers The Districts. We adore all of it.
Richard Orofino is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 