Sourmilk Release Another Hit

Indonesian based group Sourmilk is coming off a truly strong year with the release of multiple hit singles, including the personal favorite “Sick Girl.” The new year looks to be starting off strong as well, coming on the heels of this impressive new track called “Sike.” It’s wild when a band can execute such a performance while giving a sense of effortlessness or even a hint of boredom. You can almost hear it in the lead vocals from Jess as she gives off this aura of “yeah I am great at this and you will enjoy it.” I am here for every bit of it. Stay tuned for more info on upcoming 2024 releases.

Grrrl Gang Share Better Than Life Video

When I first heard Grrrl Gang, I was definitely intrigued by the Indonesian outfit’s pop-prowess from within the confines of a gritty indie sound. On their latest single, the band completely indulge in the gritty realm, coming into the darkened territory where you’d expect acts influenced by Sonic Youth to party together. The drums pound away, driving the rhythm of the song forward and really building this baleful atmosphere. Angeeta’s voice is heavy, but buried just beneath the mix, so it kind of feels weighed down by the song’s power; this ties into the thematic elements, however, as the song comments on her struggles with her mental health. Really digging in on this one. Spunky is out on September 22nd via Trapped Animal/Kill Rock Stars.

Grrrl Gang Share Rude Awakening Video

It seems fairy impressive that Indonesian pop rockers Grrrl Gang are just dropping their debut LP this September, especially when you listen to this fresh single. There’s something in the songwriting that feels years beyond a debut, with the guitars delivering the hooks in all the right spots, allowing the vocals to double down there, especially when they hit the chorus. They add in little bits of flare too, just to keep it extra interesting, like the background shouts in that aforementioned chorus. Honestly, they’re coming out of the gates sounding like a band on par with acts like the Beths or Alvvays, which is a pretty solid platform to stand upon. Their album, Spunky!, arrives on September 22nd via Trapped Animal/Kill Rock Stars.

Grrrl Gang Sign to Trapped Animal Records

What a big day for Indonesian outfit Grrrl Gang, announcing their signing to Trapped Animal Records, with support from KRS and Big Romantic for distribution world-wide. Thumping drums rip through your speakers as soon as the volume gets up, with the classic play of quiteloudquiet from the vocals to hit you right in the face. I love how the backing vocals build into a full group formation, soothing the ears right as the song draws to a close. A bit of a growl, a bit of sweetness, and a whole lot of promise; Grrrl Gang will drop Spunky! this September, but you can pre-order HERE.

Sorry I Missed This: Sourmilk

Though very little is known about Indonesian band Sourmilk, their new song called “Sick Girl” has seen some moderate coverage and plays since its release back in September. As can often happen, I missed the track during the initial release but found myself entranced when the band’s song came up under the “new & notable” section on bandcamp. So yeah I’m a bit tardy on sharing, nevertheless I’m sure you can see why I simply had to share this gem of a track. It’s full of brightness, with slight hints of guitar edge during the bridge and just an overall warm and inviting sound. Lovely song.

Once we hear more from the band, we’ll try to be the first to share next time… ;).

Clubwater Prepare Self-Titled LP

Feel like we’ve been rather light on good old school indiepop as of late, which is great that these fresh sounds from Clubwater came across my desk this morning. The group immediately jumps up with those shimmering sharp guitars over a kick-your-heels up beat in the background. Vocals enter with this smooth wistfulness, wrapping the syllables in melodic warmth ever so gently. Then the shoes get the kicked up in the chorus as the guitars churn faster, jangling through your speakers…and all the while Muhammad’s vocals seem cool and indifferent. Need some classic indiepop in your life? Well, Clubwater drop their self-titled LP this Valentines Day courtesy of Shiny Happy Records.

Pleased to Meet You: Grrl Gang

Yesterday I compiled a huge list of traditional indiepop, my own Best of 2018 for the genre. In there, I exclaimed how I was really digging into Indonesian indiepop scene, but apparently I hadn’t dug deep enough because a friend pointed me towards Grrl Gang. In circling back, it seems that there’s a huge gap in my coverage that needs to be filled; this band is so so good. The opening tune, “Love Song” on the band’s Not Sad, Not Fulfilled EP is jumping, fueled by a steady beat and delicious vocal harmonies. For me, the winner of the five tracks is the forlorn feel of “Night Terrors;” lightly twinkling guitars, subdued vocals made me an immediate convert. The band are currently giving these songs away, so do them a favor and throw them a dollar or two so they can write more; do that HERE.

Jigsaw Doubles Down on Indonesian Indiepop

It seems that all over the world people are jamming to those jangling guitars and smooth harmonies that make us swoon…and Jigsaw Records is helping educate me (and others, I hope) on the indiepop scene over in Indonesia. The first of two releases from the area is the new LP from Sharesprings titled Paraparlor; they sound exactly like you’d want them to if you were into indiepop in any way. The other release is from Kaveh Kanes (which I always wondered if that was a GoBetweens reference), offering up the band’s second full-length, Loanwords. They employ similar dreamy guitar work, though there songs seem softer to a degree, blanketing the listener in pop music. Both releases are available, so go and grab ’em while their hot.

Indiepop from Toy Tambourine

First, this song was suggested to me by Indie Pop Saved My Life, so I take no discovery credit here other than this song is so so great. Toy Tambourine playthe sort of indiepop tunes that I’ve loved for so long, fueled by energetic guitar chords with just the right amount of distortion. The vocals overlap one another seamlessly, providing depth to the overall sound. It’s looking like this song will appear on Indonesian pop label, Shiny Happy Records, which seems like the perfect place for a band such as this. I’m looking forward to hearing more, but for now, do your part and fall in love.

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