Marisa Finley reenforces one of our theories about the evolution of indie pop with her new single Hallelujah (Movie Through Ya).
We have felt for some time that modern indie pop is heavily inspired by mid 90s alternative projects like The Verve who blended elements of trip hop and rock. The new single from Marisa Finley absolutely fits that blend while adding her own exciting persona to that vibe. Her writing also connects with artists like Alice Phoebe Lou and Faye Webster. Marisa Finley is a revelation.
Hear Hallelujah (Moving Through Ya) now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
There’s an elevated suspense full of mystery and the lure of the unexpected in the video for Roll, the new song from Photocomfort. In real time this might have been a 20 second interaction, but slowed down the drama is elevated and the narrative stretched in a way that makes speaks volumes.
It’s not as sinister as you hoped, or is it. In those final moments it’s up to interpretation. The video adapts the song darker, adding some elegant contrast and amplifying the Kate Bush influence. We also hear the influence of Sylvan Esso and Joanna Newsom. We’re into it.
Hear Roll now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
Lyves caught our attention with their new single Plenty of Ways. This intoxicating indie pop feel coerces you to sway while simultaneously losing yourself within its dreamy vibe. It’s a sensual serenity, courtesy of the singers lush sultry nature.
Full of conjured emotion while displaying impressive control, Lyves bridges the gap between Billie Eilish and London Grammar. Plenty of Ways is a chill pop triumph with some sneaky 90s soft pop influence. We dig it.
Hear Plenty of Ways now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
From the very first moments of Girl I Was we were thrust into the cinematic narrative. The new single from Rosalie James is the kind of launch point meant to seduce an unfamiliar listener. A deeper dig and you’ll find several recent single releases that bear a compositional insight that matches the intellect of Sharon Van Etten and Kathleen Edwards. Every song is graced with thoughtful arrangements and a lucid lyrical touch.
She’s dynamic too, embracing an ethereal somber version of herself on ISLAND (feat. Storefront Church). On the flip side, she evolves more emphatic on the anthemic Soft Target. Her eclectic nature reflects her affinity for classic influences like Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush, while also embracing recent indie innovators like boygenius and The National. There are a lot of layers to Rosalie, all within that glorious broad indie canon. Just how we like it.
Rosalie James is featured in our Best New Indie Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 