You got to be ready to get a little funky with yourself when you step into Empty the Bags, the new single from Noak Hellsing. The imaginative Swedish recording artist covers a lot of ground on this infectious release. There’s a wide scope of influence both modern and classic, all blessed with an updated punchy sonic sensibility.
You can trace this vibe back to Motown, through the influence of Marvin Gaye, soul, disco, and so on. Most recently you can draw comparisons to Leon Bridges and Brittany Howard. Empty the Bags is a vibe.
Hear it now on our All New Indie Playlist.
We were drawn to the nostalgic reverence of Mary Cowell, the breakout single from ’59. The original version triggered the algorithm enough for the artist to go back and update the mix. No matter how you prefer it, you can’t deny its stylistic flavor.
We dig these kind of dissonant chord changes, like a warped psych infused Todd Rundgren or 10cc. Those are rare stylistic citations and we relish in the opportunity to make that comparison. They’re worth it. Hear for yourself.
Mary Cowell is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
Proper Youth reiterated that where there’s smoke there’s fire. We were already high on their last release, Edited Adrenaline. The band follows up with an equally infectious jam courtesy of their single Modern Cowboy. The video (see above) shows the vast in concert potentia. This band simply rocks and the various pieces compliment each other well.
We can draw indie similarities to projects like Lo Moon, M83, and The War On Drugs. Two of which also employ saxophones within this aesthetic; a rare instrument in the world of indie rock. But it works, and we appreciate that the band cites Tears for Fears and Bruce Springsteen as influences. It’s just more evidence that you can expect them to tear your face off in concert. Keep it epic.
Proper Youth are featured on our Best New Indie Playlist
Typically we’re not into spoken word but the trippy dialog on Moon Boy strikes a chord. The new single from First Day Of Spring is everything we want from a very real engagement between two twisted artistic individuals. Debauchery is one stream of popular musics legacy, and this kind of existential foresight has us smitten.
The dreamy harmonious layers of the production add to the contrast. Some of the layers melodically fight against convention in a way that mirrors the interaction and this theme of existential plight. The cinematic appeal is enhanced in the progressive shift from conversation to singing. For us Moon Boy bridges the gap between Animal Collective and Post Punk. The project also cites black midi and Slow Pulp as influences. Dig in.
Moon Boy is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 