Best New Indie – Mirrorball, Sara Hartman, Schauss, Fiona Grey

Emerging indie-pop band Mirrorball is back with their latest single release, “The Hour,” an easygoing, euphoric sonic journey that leaves us wanting more. We love the vocal work in this tune. The lead vocalist’s intimately delicate tone perfectly matches up with its dreamy backing instrumentation, complete with an intriguing drum pattern and multiple electric guitar layers.

This one starts off with a rather minimalistic production style that develops into a wall of sonic propriety. We hear layer upon layer of backing vocal work that accelerates the groove of the song and adds an atmospheric layer to this mix that we cannot get enough of. Fans of boygenius will instantly connect with conglomeration of ethereal tones and intricate harmonies.

Hear it now on our Best New Indie 2025 Playlist.

You need to hear Sara Hartman‘s latest single, “Burn The Witch,” an intoxicatingly moody song that serves as a raw exploration of inner chaos and disillusionment. We love the confessional, metaphor-heavy lyricism in this one. They suggest a life that is falling apart at the seams with a desperate, unstable individual at the helm. With religious and mythical imagery, Sara paints a picture of longing for redemption while struggling with self-destructive patterns simultaneously.

The instrumentation is wonderfully eclectic in this tune as well, complete with sinister organ and piano tones, atmospheric synth layers, and unsettling drum groove. We hear similarities to the music from St. Vincent in this song; fans of the darker side of indie-pop will instantly connect with Sara’s style. We look forward to hearing more.

Hear her now on our Best New Indie 2025 Playlist.

Schauss instantly caught our attention with his new single, “Ahh,” a groovy indie-pop tune brimming with nostalgia. The vocal work in this tune is uplifting and superbly authentic. The lead vocal track is accompanied by what sounds like a choir of perfectly performed harmonies in the chorus sections, showcasing this artist’s attention to detail and vocal prowess.

The production is masterful here. Percussive elements are snappy and reserved, providing a stable foundation for the bass and guitar players to show off their chops. We hear a mix of modern indie and folk elements in this one, bridging the gap between artists like Peach Pit and Bon Iver. Do not miss out on this up and coming indie sensation.

Hear it now on our Best New Indie 2025 Playlist.

Fiona Grey is back with her debut record, Adult Tantrums, and we love the ninth track, “Rat on a Wheel.” This one is eclectic and inventive, to say the least. We hear themes of living an inescapable, cyclical life for the benefit of others without having the freedom to choose otherwise. We dig the heady instrumentation in this one, complete with layered, distorted guitar tracks that carry a similar emotional impact to Fiona’s commanding lyricism.

Her vocal timbre is raw, authentic, and unforgiving. We absolutely love it. Fiona flawlessly matches the energy of her lyrics and instruments in this moody, anthemic indie-rock banger. We think that fans of Amy Winehouse will have no issue connecting with this authentic, gritty style. If you are looking for a fresh, female driven indie-rock sound, go no further.

Hear her now on our Best New Indie 2025 Playlist.

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