There’s an exotic tribal reverence in the backbeat of Drugstore Brand, the new single from Megan Burtt. It alters the conceptual landscape, like a progressive commentary on the insanity of our cultural progression. As if to say, ‘ we felt the need to displace an entire civilization for this?’
The commentary suits the narratives existential dread, as new formalities stifle the protagonists right to self discovery. Within that plight Burtt dissects the various entities who call these crisis industry. She dresses her insightful poetry in a folky indie pop vibe, blessed by her instinctually smoky smooth voice and candid cool delivery. She finds the middle ground between Sharon Van Etten, Kathleen Edwards, and Norah Jones. Like them, she’s a musical chameleon with room to roam. Drugstore Brand feels like one shade in a beautifully complex palette.
Megan Burtt is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
Ellysse Mason and Callum Spencer are eloquent on their new single Blowing Smoke. This tasteful duet finds room to shine the talents of both singers while embracing their complimenting features. With cinematic reverence it begs for a sequel. You’re dying to hear what more this partnership offers and to find some closure in this narrative. It’s a testament to the convincing emotional tension. Real or inspired, the moment delivers.
Her voice is lush and emotive while his is soulful and vulnerable. Together it’s indie pop bliss that bridges the vibes of Holly Humberstone and Sam Fender. Imagine that. Dig in.
Hear Blowing Smoke now on our Best New Indie Playlist.
We adore the dreamy moody sultry brilliance of REM, the new single from Lyves. There’s a sentimentality to the main melody that’s familiar but fairly less travelled. It’s a rare scope of influence warped elegantly courtesy of Lyves sneaky R&B influence within this style. The closest integration might be the work of Jeff Buckley, and how you hear evidence of that influence in the work of Radiohead.
The chord progression also recalls the inspiration of early Coldplay. What’s most exhilarating is how that influence is altered by her vocal style. It has major crossover appeal and indie darling consideration. It’s undeniable and you simply want more of it.
Lyves is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
LOLA caught our attention with her new single I Hope the Sky is grey when I wake up. The legacy of Nico and The Velvet Underground are baked into this vibe. LOLA finds some fresh footing within this style, while honoring her influences elegantly. Like them the new single bears fantastic contrast, that classic conundrum of sad and whimsical.
The authenticity is a reflection of her rich accent, smooth delivery, and stylistic pomp. Her vibe is instinctually intoxicating. The attitude ascends as the song progresses. Her delivery adapts more assertive. The band stays true to the aesthetic too, refusing to over extend while the layered percussion offers some musical density. We love it.
LOLA is featured on our Best New Indie Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 