Cougar Microbes Selects Indie/Rock

Cougar Microbes Selects: Indie/Rock February 2024 #2

A selection of new and/or relevant rock and indie-leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist click here.


Bromsen – “Someone”

Bromsen‘s latest single, Someone, injects pure 80s pop bliss straight into your veins, transporting you back to a time of leg warmers, neon lights, and Duran Duran.

The track is the new anthem for anyone who dares to be different. With its repeated refrain of “Someone, I could be someone,” the song encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and chase their dreams. Seamlessly fusing rock, hard rock, prog, and the unmistakable 80s synth sound, the track creates an explosion of sound.

So, if you’re feeling lost in the crowd, rediscover the courage to be yourself and give “Someone” a listen. It might just be the inspiration you need to embrace your inner rockstar. And while I have your attention check out their latest video for the “Merryman” featuring Brazilian dance combo Grupo Lux


Sparks Fly From A Kiss – “I Saw The Future”

Hop in a time machine with Sparks Fly From A Kiss and their unearthed collection, ‘Cornered and Shot’. This album of outtakes and demos instantly transports you back to the sweaty mosh pits and ringing ears of early 00s alt-rock. Think …Trail Of The Dead playing table tennis against Rival Schools. It’s an energetic burst, with dynamic shifts that pack a punch. Dive right in with the album opener “I Saw The Future,” a track featuring bombastic guitars and shoegaze fuzz that’ll remind you why you miss those days. Though Sparks Fly From A Kiss may be sadly gone, their music lives on. This collection is a must-listen for anyone who craves a trip down memory lane or simply wants to discover a band that deserved more recognition back in the day. Crank it up, dust off your old band tee, and relive the glory days.


The Mars McClanes – “Until You Lose”

The Mars McClanes are back with a bold shift in direction on ‘Until You Lose.’ Forgoing some of their alt-folk tendencies for a more grungy exploration of imposter syndrome, this Portland band delivers a raw and honest track that cuts deep. From the outset, jangly guitars and pummeling drums lay the groundwork for a purging journey through fleeting success and the fear of exposure. As the vocals wrestle with vulnerability, refusing to be consumed by it, it’s the electrifying guitar solo towards the track’s finale that truly steals the show—a blistering crescendo that will have you reaching for your air guitar. ‘Until You Lose‘ feels like a sonic reckoning, an introspective dive into the shadows. The Mars McClanes extend an invitation to confront your inner demons—will you accept?


Point3nine – “High Rollin”

Point3Nine trades the fiery intensity of “The iLLEST” for the smoky allure of a backroom casino in the EP “High Rollin“. This genre-bending gem, his fifth release since December, seamlessly blends rock instrumentation and indie hip-hop attitudes, immersing listeners in the heart of a Guy Ritchie film. Searing guitar riffs, accompanied by J Dilla-esque offbeat charm, crackle with smoky energy.

Each track on “High Rollin’ unfolds like a captivating vignette from a daring heist film. The title track, with its infectious groove and fuzzy guitar lead, exemplifies this gritty yet engaging sound. Point3Nine deftly blurs boundaries, so grab your night vision goggles and casino blueprints, “High Rollin” is our soundtrack.


Velika Velika – “COMING.GOING”

Buried beneath glorious layers of fuzz lie the sweet melodies of “COMING.GOING.” by Velika Velika. Imagine Ride‘s aesthetics colliding with the energy of The Stooges and Nirvana‘s knack for a hook. Distorted guitars swirl around Benjamin Davies‘ intentionally obscured vocals. Lyrically, it hilariously skewers the “deluded ego,” a character convinced they’re finally desirable despite having absolutely “nothing to offer.” This catchy blend of garage rock, grunge, and shoegaze is a testament to Velika Velika‘s genre-bending talent. Dive in, it’s a fuzzy delight that will leave you wanting more.