Best of Indiepop 2018

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Everyone has their own definition of indiepop; but I tend to ascribe to the original craft where DIY aesthetics and a softer response to punk were all the rage. But, to each their own. So I went through last year to compile what I think is a pretty all encompassing Best of Indiepop 2018; there’s no order, just a collection of really great indiepop. Some of the below are songs, some are albums, some are just bands or labels that were important. Click on for my picks and a playful playlist. Read more

Stream The New EP From Harms

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Harms is the solo project from Brooklyn based songwriter Jake Harms who previously spent a majority of his time in indie band What Moon Things. To be honest, I am not super familiar with Jake’s work in his primary band, though my extreme love of his new solo EP will likely turn me on to all his work. The new EP, entitled Aquarium, is a loaded 6 song short player with highly emotional vocals and Gothic pop themes. In particular, lead single “Pop Song” is definitely one of my favorites of the year and has already reached 10 plays on my iTunes. Something about the unique and totally transparent songwriting, paired with the slick beats, has me putting this on the “highly recommended” list.

Aquarium is out now on Good Eye Records.

More New Pedro the Lion

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Looking towards 2019, this Pedro the Lion album is high on my list of anticipated releases. We get a new single today, and while I love the noisier elements in the background, I’m really struck by the vocal tones. It’s every bit David B., but he’s really pushing his limits to the highest part of his register. I can’t help but to recall American Football or something off Jade Tree when I listen to this track, and that’s not a knock by any means. Just another step in the glorious evolution that is Bazaan; look for Phoenix to drop on January 18th via Polyvinyl. There’s never a bad day when you get a fresh Pedro tune, especially full-band Pedro.

Chris Cohen Pens New Single

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We haven’t heard from Chris Cohen since 2016’s As If Apart, so I’m scrambling to reabsorb all those old songs from his first two LPs. Today we’ve got a brand new single from Chris, and what a special gem it is. It walks that fine line between NPR-core (the indie rock your dad thinks is cool) and artfully branded pop music. It’s got a nice little sax solo that adds texture to the track, wrapping itself around Cohen’s mellowed vocal tones. The percussive element gives the track a jazz club vibe…and while I’m laughing in my head at the inclusion of the instrumentation, it’s what makes Chris’ work so intriguing; he captures this curmudgeon with his songwriting like so few ever do. Let’s hope there’s more to come from Chris in 2019.

Another Angelo de Augustine

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I’ve always appreciated Angelo de Augustine‘s music, but there’s something particularly perfect about this song dropping at this time of year, with Winter whipping at your windows. The recording has this whisper, as if his voice is muffled so as not to wake the neighbors in the sharing of his innermost secrets. Headphones will reveal this bubbling pulse beneath the entirety of the mix, as well as the occasional piano backbone, but in all honesty, the gentle strum of the guitar along with Augustine’s voice is all that’s required. His new album Tomb will be out on January 18th via Asthmatic Kitty.

Promising New Single From Small Forward

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It’s a beautiful day in Austin, TX and I’d advise you to play some tunes which fit the current sunny skies and moderate temps. My new friends in Los Angeles based Small Forward have this new single called “Tearjerker” to perfectly fit the mood. Don’t let the track title mislead you, the song is full of bright, shoe gaze style pop music perfect for a morning drive on a crisp, lovely day. These guys are fairly new to the game right now and I’m told we will be hearing much more from them in the new year.

New Music from Counterfeit Jeans

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Trolling labels always turns up something, even in the dead part of the year. I always keep an eye on Kingfisher Bluez, a label after my own heart with a pretty diverse catalog that branches all over the place. The label just upped a track from their first release in 2019, the new LP from Counterfeit Jeans. It’s melodic noise rock at its finest, offering up these discordant guitars chugging from the get go, while the vocals have this tendency to sore brightly amidst the song’s natural chaos. The LP is titled Good Morning, and it looks like it will drop in February of next year; I’ll keep you posted.

Chilled Out Pop from Deep Sea Peach Tree

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It’s fun to follow your favorite bands, see who they’re following, see who they’re playing with…you’ll likely discover something new, as I did with Deep Sea Peach Tree. The band just released the EP below, and they shared the stage that night with ATH faves, Pale Lights. But, the musical link ends there, as DSPT has more of a chilled pop vibe, even going so far as to declare themselves “surfgaze.” The Milk-Based Religion EP is definitely rewarding, opening up with the wayward guitars of “Mellow Richard” and wrapping up with the EP’s best tune, “Felt,” which adds some energetic pop vibes to the four songs. Whatever, it’s Monday. And this EP is tasty.

Harlem Share Another Single

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This track’s been floating around for a few days, but we were busy doing that list thing, so I’m just now getting to it. Those of you familiar with Harlem will likely hear something different below; it’s growth and maturity, benefitting both the band and the listeners. The melodic hooks have always been essential to the band’s formula, and they’re here, smoothed and polished and charming. For a band that made such a buzz playing off-kilter garage rock, the sharpness in the songwriting here is quite remarkable; don’t sleep on this LP, grab Oh BoyHERE.

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