From queer grunge anthems and political fire to dreamy textures and first flights, this week’s picks cover every corner of independent music with something to say and the sound to back it up. For the full playlist, click here.
Caitlin Starr – “Will U B My Girlfriend”
Caitlin Starr’s peak grunge rock banger “Will U B My Girlfriend” has a pace that pulls the rug from under you before you realise it.
It’s queer love representation without any noise. It’s unapologetic, bold, and gets straight to the point without wasting any time.
On the technical side, the instrumentation comes in geared to handle the power of Caitlin’s vocals, which cut through like it costs her nothing.
There is no wasted moment, no hedging, no asking for permission. “Will U B My Girlfriend” does exactly what it sets out to do and does it at full volume. A cult favourite in the making.
St.Divine – “30 Dolls”
“The land of the free is a doll economy” and you instantly fall in love with St. Divine.
“30 Dolls“ refuses to be subtle, diving into aggressive criticism of the current political climate in America with razor sharp words wrapped in classic hardcore instrumentation.
St. Divine have mastered the art of holding your attention through a solid song structure that tenses and pulls without overwhelming you with speed.
Anyone can be loud. Fewer artists know when to hold back, and “30 Dolls” understands exactly when to do which. It is sharp, deliberate, and impossible to ignore.
Tether The Star – “Degeneration”
Tether the Star’s “Degeneration” holds nothing back. It commits to its subject without pause and follows it all the way through to the end.
The band has experimented with a range of effects and tones throughout the track, which speaks to an ambition worth acknowledging.
“Degeneration” feels like a band getting closer to finding their own voice, and that process is interesting to watch in real time. The lyrics follow the theme with intention, and while the arrangement leans chaotic, the song’s structure holds clear shape underneath it all.
Theo Black – “Follow the Money”
Theo Black has a clear vision and tends to it in every aspect of “Follow the Money.” This is evidently a lyrics-first track, and it shows in how tight the words are. Theo does not try to hide them behind the music.
The entire arrangement serves the words with diligence, which is a harder discipline than it looks. The drums are delicious, and the electric tone and bass push the production outwards in all the right directions. The intro motif is woven neatly into the chorus and becomes memorable after just one listen.
All in all, this was one of the easiest on-repeat track for us.
Brian Noyes – “Tarot”
Brian Noyes sets the tone for “Tarot” with an acoustic melody that feels sun-faded and worn at the edges making the song feel older and wiser? in the best possible way.
His vocal delivery follows naturally from that, unhurried and close, like he is sharing a rather emotional moment with a dear friend while watching the sun set on a hill far away from the city.
The melody moves with the same ease, each section finding the next without effort, and by the time it settles, you’ve absorbed it well and feel like you’ve known Noyes from a long time.
Find our previous indie/rock review here.
