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.
Sotto James – “Cold Fingers”
“Cold Fingers” by Sotto James explores the threshold between longing and despair in the wake of a softly ruinous heartbreak. Through simple, unpretentious instrumentation and carefully inhibited lyrics, “Cold Fingers” builds an atmosphere of slow, subdued dissolution. The lively guitar strumming at the start of the song contrasts with the dispirited lyrics to create an interplay of yearning and resignation.
The quiet pain of uneasy stillness is revealed in “How can I make this silence less violent?” while “We’ll keep it moving, kept it moving this far” expresses the ache of missing someone deeply and having to pick up the pieces to continue living in the void of their absence. Through this quintessential Indie track, Sotto James taps into the liminal space where grief lingers, honoring the ordinary snippets of sensory memory that are left imprinted on us long after departure, replaying over and over again
dreamscent – “Don’t Mind”
Emerging from Raleigh, North Carolina, dreamscent is an up-and-coming collective rapidly claiming space in the realm of alternative and Indie rock music. Brimming with confidence and high energy, they are bringing fresh, genre-blurring music to listeners around the world. “Don’t Mind” is the leading track of their debut album ‘Burning Days‘.
With driving drums, powerfully distorted and reverb-drenched guitars and vocals that are submerged yet engaging and melodic, “Don’t Mind” is a smooth blend of shoegaze and Indie rock. The upbeat, energetic instrumentals are paired with lyrics that capture a sense of mental unease through lines that move between reassurance (“Everything is fine”) and a looping sense of anxiety (“Until we’re out of time”). dreamscent channels emotional introspection through repetition and abstract imagery, creating a feeling of disorientation that is typical of the genre.
Ultimately, “Don’t Mind” is full of verve, striding in and demanding to be played at the highest volumes.
The Wheel Workers – “Fine Time”
Based in Texas and linked together by over fifteen contributing members, The Wheel Workers are an underground indie music collective that has been making music for over two decades.
Opening with an unsettling tritone, “Fine Time” instantly instigates a visceral reaction, making you wince in discomfort. The intention is clear – demanding tolerance from the listener in a world that seems to be increasingly losing the last remaining traces of it. Spearheading their latest EP ‘Live From The Attic’, this unvarnished and forceful Indie rock track unveils a sense of grievous rage. Steady, anchoring drums, subtle keys, driving bass, and skillful guitar riffs are intertwined with unwavering and lightly melodic vocals. The lyrics are direct and aiming for impact – “Hark the herald profits sing” stings with an acerbic sarcasm while “Be all you can be killing for your masters” lays bare deeply fermented disillusionment.
The world is on fire and The Wheel Workers believe it’s a fine time for us all to finally face the flames.
