A selection of new and/or relevant INDIE tracks from SEPTEMBER 2026 that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist, click here.
Alan Mair – “Ghost of You In Me”
Alan Mair brings his many years as a seasoned rock musician to “Ghost Of You In Me,” a classic-rock track that is gritty, loud, and sultry. Known for his work with The Only Ones, Mair continues his solo run with a sound that’s edgy and full of character.
The track hits hard with bold drums, fuzzy guitar from Zal Cleminson, acoustic guitar detailing and Mair’s honest and smooth vocals. The lyrics emanate longing, grief and familiarity in each word. They encapsulate the idea that those whom we love deeply can still find a way back to us even after leaving. It’s painful yet comforting.
“Ghost Of You In Me” feels like classic rock with an experimental zeal. Its beauty lies in its honesty which makes it so much more relatable. Definitely a track that has become a repeat listen for me!
Rusty Shackle – “Your Arrows”
Another rock gem from this time’s collection, Rusty Shackle’s “Your Arrows” is a nod to 2000s alt-rock with a Celtic twist. It gives off a certain bravado in its soundscape mixing outlaw country chords, Celtic folk and edgy hard rock, the song proudly owns itself and asks you to do the same.
Liam Collins leads the charge with powerful vocals, while Scott McKeon’s fiddle gives it that old rustic charm. The verses are restless and urgent, driven by George Barrell’s punchy drums and Ryan Williams’ heavy bass. The chorus is anthemic and completes it with a cherry on top. It almost sounds like a battle-cry.
This rebellious, hard-hitting song has found its comfortable space in my playlist and it should do in yours as well.
The Real Anthem – “Coming Home”
The Real Anthem’s “Coming Home” is a post-punk and shoegaze inspired modern alt-rock track. But let’s not shoebox it into one genre and let it be what it is.
It opens with layered, jangly guitars that quickly build into a delightful mix of dreamy vocal harmonies and crisp, controlled drums. The post-production embellishments tucked between the guitars makes the song sound fuller. It’s hazy, dreamy and entrances you into another world.
It’s cool in its core yet intimate. The lyrics talk about something similar. Like shedding a mask of pretense and finding “home” within yourself again. It’s about finding a place where you can be yourself without all the background noise.
This was one of my favourite listens from this time’s collection and if you’re a fan of that modern shoegaz-y alt-rock sound, you’ll love this.
John Muka Band – “Bus Stop”
John Muka Band’s “Bus Stop” may have been written as a post-9/11 song, but still remains relevant even today. Originally penned in the early 2000s, the track upholds the feelings of dissociation, uncertainty, loneliness and that come during trying times. Its ‘bus stop’ becomes a meeting point for all those thoughts, where questions about life, society and the future seem to get louder.
The Jacksonville band brings together indie rock, Americana and folk-rock with a loose, live-band energy. Guitars, violin, horns and percussion complete the arrangement complementing John Muka’s grounded vocals. Although the theme of the song is heavy, there is a certain optimism to it.
I think we need songs like this the most right now. The John Muka Band reminds us that sometimes what we really need is to talk to a person beside us, not just through another text on the screen.
The House Flies – “Derelict Crawl”
Last but not the least, The House Flies’ “Derelict Crawl” is another shoegaze drenched alt-rock track that builds its world around heavy, hazy guitars, a reverb-soaked vocals and an atmosphere thick with Midwestern bleakness. Everything feels worn down, distorted and fading. If you like bands like Placebo, this might just be your jam.
Alex Riggen, Burnie Eckhardt, Ozzie Woods and Nick Pompou are in complete sync and harmony, making the song sound hypnotic and becoming increasingly unsettling. It’s like walking into a limbo space and losing your out. The refrain, “We don’t belong,” reflects a similar sentiment. Against the growing noise, the vocals remain restrained, making you feel the tension.
The song stops abruptly followed by a split-second silence before the next song on your playlist begins. It leaves you hanging in the air, and you quickly add it to your playlist.
