A selection of new and/or indie/rock genre tracks that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist, click here.
The Forever Takeback – “Breath Again (Semi-Stripped)”
“Breathe Again” is the callout for the claustrophobic, perfectionistic, romantic relationship that one might come across in their life. “The Forever Takeback” is very well known for making music, which helps him to get through the ups and downs of life, and so it is extremely relatable as well. In this track, which stars the acoustic guitar and vocals, adding the pleasant violin that gives the layered depth for the music, along with his emotionally immense lyrics, connects with the listeners. It reclaims the person and their free will, parallelly exploring the sorrow and the weight of not reaching that potential kept in the relationship, which consumes the person, and then ensures that it is okay to be imperfect because that’s how humans are.
Prem Byrne—“Orion”
Sailors use constellations so that they will have an idea of the direction in which they are moving so that they will not be lost in the never-ending oceans. Similarly, when we are lost in the ocean of thoughts and responsibilities, it is very hard to find a way out of it, and we keep wandering through the same things we’ve been through. The track “Orion” by Prem Byrne brings the sense of hope in those times. Along with the acoustic guitar and the soothing drum, the vocals and the chorus with flutes highlighting them give a calmness that is exactly needed. In the ever-changing world with humans and their interactions, the importance of something constant, which gives us the sense of familiarity and relief, like the constellation Orion, which just doesn’t ask for anything but just shows up, is very significant and is very well explored in this track.
Rosie Haze—”Fresh Flowers”
“Fresh Flowers” recreates the journey of personal growth and self-discovery. With the shadowy, quite intense guitar and the layered harmonics, it creates the dark and inner dialogue atmosphere that Rosie Haze tries to bring through her song. Even though it is the same person, the inability to recognize oneself after the reformation, resilience and the strength that pave the way to this, and the acceptance of the new person, hence ‘cutting fresh flowers’ for one’s own graveyard of the old self, are what the song is all about. Through the indie-pop genre, it carries the deeply intimate yet messy space of the process of one’s own rebirth.
Undercity Kings – “HERE’S A BUCK”
“Here’s a buck” is a track from the EP “Funsucker” by the project “Undercity Kings.” This EP is a tribute to the late band cofounder Tommy Walters, using his unrecorded lyrics. This track, with its breakneck tempo and noisy garage punk, transfers the energy rush to the listeners, demanding their attention instead of asking permission for it. The song explores the frustration of loving a person despite knowing that is not healthy. The snarling female vocal, along with the chorus, perfectly conveys this frustration. With the raw bassline and sharp guitar, the band shows the influences of the 80s hardcore Black Flag and Bad Religion. This track triggers the urge to ‘throw back a buck’ and end the loop of frustration.
Truse—”Tragic Comedy”
“Tragic Comedy” focuses on the lyrics and tries to convey the meaning of them to the listener, and so, the rock atmosphere is minimalistic. With the guitar solo and the raspy voice, Truse grabs the attention of the deep-toned vocals and the thoughtful lyrics. It questions the philosophy of the war, where somebody claims to be righteous over the other, whereas, finally, the loss is faced by the people who loved them, leaving the question, ‘Who has won as the bloody war goes on?’ The irony of the war fought for humanity, killing its own humans, is highlighted in this track. The track successfully conveys the tragedy of the war and the grief of the loved ones who lost their people in it. This creates a strong, profound message to reevaluate the listener’s collective consciousness.
