We love how FRANK adapts an 80s alternative influence into their indie pop aesthetic on their recent single Stupider. It’s an effective blend that cites nostalgia and a scope of inspiration without feeling like a replication. They cleverly bridge a gap between Clairo and Cocteau Twins.
There’s a sentimental reverence that harkens to 80s soundtracks. It elicits visions of what this moment represents, a coming of age saga where romance and disappointment are constantly at odds. Beyond the stylistic flex FRANK offers a convincing vocal performance full of emotional tension and impressive dynamic. We love it.
Hear Stupider now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
We adore the chill introspective vibe heard on Ålesund, but its the exotic reverence of the vocal performance that makes this moment extraordinary. Singers like Jules Ahoi are truly precious. His voice has it both ways. It’s broken and beautiful. It’s raw yet refined. It’s the voice of a commoner brought to the halls of the royal court and put on display in a celebration of folk culture.
The music is produced in a manner that honors his voices magnificent complex. The drum beat offers some catchy uptick to the harmoniously picked guitar, as the orchestral arrangement builds from a flame to a fire. Its an internal fury as you grow more invested in the emotion of the moment, but it doesn’t demand Ahoi to rise beyond his measured delivery. This is about a feeling, not a repulse. The video accentuates the vibe. Stylistically we think Jules Ahoi connects with the works of Damien Rice, Jose Gonzalez, and James Blake.
June Ahoi is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
Denver based dream pop project mlady recently caught our attention with their new single You Laid Down. The rhythmic bedrock has an accelerating affect courtesy of its tribal lineage. It’s encouraging musical courage in contrast to the vocals contemplative trial. Together the combination reigns cinematic, inciting inspired interpretative visions. It’s the kind of vibe that begs for a repeat listen so you can enwrap yourself in its escape over and over again. Stylistically it blends the aesthetics of The National and more classically The Cranberries.
A deeper dive into their catalog shows a healthy eclectic dynamic. Most recently their single What’s Wrong With Me is a pensive indie rock anthem. It adds a variable in the vein of The Beths or boygenius. We like what that stylistic breadth offers to their live concert experience.
You can hear mlady now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
Our adoration for exotic voices continues with the discovery of Bryant Barnes. His new single I’d Rather Pretend is a rare piano ballad feature. It defies convention and contemporary purgatory courtesy of his unique timbre.
His voice is lush and full of character. Barnes has evolved his own style and nurtured it delicately. There’s an elevated charm in how he doesn’t try to win a talent context, he just lets it do what it does.
The melody has some nice variation to effectively showcase his range and delivery. It’s an intoxicating affect, with the portrait of the artists coming through in the aura of the music video. Stylistically we think it connects with the works of Frank Ocean with fair commercial appeal that feels genuine. With millions of place, the buzz is at fever pitch.
Here I’d Rather Pretend now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 