A selection of new and/or indie/rock genre tracks that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist, click here.
Sungaze — “Be a better man”
“Be a better man” is the narrative of a person who realizes they have been acting selfishly and later changes their behavior. From the soothing guitar chords playing along with the music till the end, Sungaze really makes the listener go through the emotions without downplaying them, while also understanding the realization and the change. Ian Hilvert, the lyricist, did a wonderful job of conveying those feelings to the listener. The nostalgic sound is carried throughout the track by the drums and the guitar. The vocals don’t completely dominate; instead, they progress alongside the instrumentals, which makes the song even more perfect.
Fierce Friend—”Make me forget you”
The emotional messiness of the on-and-off relationship, along with the contradictions of the mind and the body, is clearly explored in this track, “Make Me Forget You.” With the sharp guitars, this 90s alternative rock goes through emotional vulnerability with a hint of pop-punk energy. Starting with the electric guitar and the drums joining it, making the track high-energy throughout, while also conveying the vulnerable lyrics, creates the contrasts here. The confusion of letting the person go while loving them but clearly knowing this is not going to work out is exactly what Fierce Friend is trying to convey here. Somehow, the contrast in the lyrics’ heaviness and the dynamic nostalgia the song brings in makes the listener feel lighter about the whole messy situation.
Tim Ellis – “Easter Brunch”
Tim Ellis and his whimsical side are brought up in this track. With the jazz touch, the track talks about a secular Easter celebration in modern times, where people from different backgrounds come together for an Easter brunch. This groovy comedy rock balances the fun, and the vocals are mostly in a light, conversational style, making the track feel warmer and lighter. The jazz to this makes the listener tap their feet unknowingly. “Easter Brunch” captures the pleasure of a spring gathering in a novel way.
Yasu Cub — “Hometown love letter”
When we come back to our hometown after a very long time, where every sensation reminds us of something nostalgic that the time has grabbed away from us, the heavy-heartedness that happens throughout is perfectly delved into in this indie folk song, “Hometown Love Letter.” Starting with the simple guitar chords, later the vocals and the drums join as the track brings up the ache where you feel like you cannot realize which one it was, whether it is the sadness that comes because we missed it, or the realization that hits later by knowing that you could never be as you were once in this place. Yasu Cub elegantly created the emotionally dense atmosphere throughout the song, which the listeners can simply dive into and make their own.
Keller Leggett — “Ms. Tennessee”
“Ms. Tennessee” starts with lively countryside spring vibes and then carries the warmth of it throughout the whole song. It talks about the love that was there, which was tender and memorable when it lasted, but then trying to find the same person who once fell for others. The guitar progression with the melodious vocals and pan flute layers adds charm to the song. Keller Leggett is a very promising artist, and it’s almost surreal that he’s just 18 years old and possesses this artistic maturity, crafting the tracks with utmost creativity and vision.
