Twenty two best tracks I’ve been listening to this month! Small names, big names…
(I am not a native so sorry in advance for mistakes, I will try to improve my style in the future!:))
Cousin Luke – Flies 🇺🇸
A new video by Brooklyn band Cousin Luke, they’ve only released four songs but all of them are definitely worth checking out! I like their minimalistic approach and relaxed vocals. The outro is the best part of the song. (Music starts at around 2:10 in the video.)
Business School – Lose You
Alexei Pacholuk is back with another indie gem. No wonder that even popular ‘influencer’ David Dean Burkhart put it on his YT channel where you can also read that “If The OC was still being made in 2021, this song would feature on it” – very true. I’m a big fan of the vocal which carries this dreamy and pensive atmosphere.
Work Wife – Plastic Windows
The best song in this selection? Probably Plastic Windows by Work Wife. A splendid guitar intro, an amazing vocal… If this was released by an acclaimed artist (think Lucy Dacus, Snail Mail), it would have like a million of listeners I believe! Work Wife also plays in a band Colatura (haven’t checked this one yet, will do in the near future and you should too!)
pecq – Over and Over
I just love the vocal & the melody on this. And the visual is fascinating!
Orchid Mantis – never knows best 🇺🇸
Orchid Mantis releases most of his music on a popular cassette label Z Tapes. His bedroom pop songs seemed to me always more melancholic & sad than other tracks from this genre. I’ve got the same feeling about one of the newest tracks ‘never knows best’. very unique style and one of my favorite bedroom pop artists for sure!
Denim Gorgeous – Home Alone 🇦🇺
I’ve always had a weak spot for Australian bands. Most of the indie/bedroom pop tracks are 2-3-minute-long so this is a nice change. And those ‘Mac DeMarco’ guitars in choruses are pretty entertaining! For some reason I am not a big fan of the album cover, maybe it reminds me of medieval times or something like that! But the song is great!
Isak Daun – What If I Do
Sweden is a country full of great songwriters like Tallest Man on Earth and José Gonzalez. And young Isak Daun has definitely big potential to follow in their footsteps. On What If I Do? he gravitates more towards indie pop (in chorus his voice even reminds me of early Coldplay) but the song still keeps this beautiful intimate and mysterious atmosphere.
Sufjan Stevens – Back to Oz 🇺🇸
No words needed, this might be my ‘album of the year’. Fantastic collaboration between Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine.
Adventureland – Next Summer 🇺🇸
A very pleasant indie rock track with great production and catchy melodies reminding me of David Bazan/Pedro the Lion music. Whenever you’re looking for a track with a perfect atmosphere of the ending summer, this is the right one… also reminds me a bit of The Weakerthans and John K. Samson music which I love!
Slothtrust – Waiting
Haven’t heard Slothtrust music since their 2016 album and I’m very glad to hear they developed and kinda “grew up”! I really like the vocal of Leah Willbaum in these rather sad and slow songs. Will definitely check the rest of the album and you should too!
Опиа – “Семейное рабство
Okay, I don’t understand the language, but this Kazakhstan indie is just fantastic. Catchy choruses… and the fact that I don’t know what the song is about is even better, cause at least there is a big place for imagination. (Anyway, that outro was a bit weird!:))
SIPPER – Crybaby 🇺🇸
New York band Sipper is already established on the indie scene and here’s the reason why:
His His – Sweet Company
The song is about the loss of a beloved grandmother, a prominent figure in the life of an artist who calls himself His His. “I wanted to keep the recording process as simple and honest as possible, so I recorded it with just a guitar and one microphone.For those who know me well.”
Very beautiful and intimate track!
Serengeti – end 🇺🇸
Haven’t seen Serengeti live for a while and I’m always curious what he is coming with next! This track has only 55 seconds and reminds me of Smog a lot, the whole EP is really good.
New Avenues – Taking Flight 🇺🇸
Nice nostalgic video that suits the mood of this song. Very cool indie bedroom pop, I’m a big fan of the vocal that is just beautiful and very smooth.
Lip Service – College
Very unique vocal delivery, really a special track! also the instrumental part is creative and fun to listen to.
Tommy Genesis – A Woman is a God 🇺🇸
I loved Tommy Genesis’ eponymous debut album so I really looked forward to the follow-up. I listened to it a few times and I must say I’m kinda disappointed with the production that sounds a bit flat and not that interesting as on the debut album. Anyway, this single is pretty good!
Sam Plecker, Steve Stout – Winnebago 🇺🇸
Hearing this makes me miss this summer really bad. The production here is just perfect, that bass, those drums… gives off very nice 60s-70s vibe. Next time I’m traveling US this will be my soundtrack!:)
Jon Morrow – 1999
Never too much reverb on the vocal!:) Really nice little gem.
Elliott OK – Joey
Name Elliott OK made me think of my favorite musician Elliott Smith. Elliott OK’s music is more pleasant and heart-warming even though it carries a bit of nostalgic/sad atmosphere too. I imagine listening to this song while sitting around the campfire by the river. Top 5 in this selection!
Damien Jurado – Take Your Time 🇺🇸
American singer-songwriter Damien Jurado never disappoints, his fast pace of releasing music might’ve done some harm to the quality of his recent records, though. It doesn’t draw you in as Johnny Caravella (from his latest album) did, but still a very nice track… The mood and words speak for itself.
Tongg – Play It Cool 🇬🇧
This is such a good track! I love these playful instrumentals, the effect on the vocal, those joyful melodies… such a fun song to listen to! One of the best track of the month for sure.
motel void 
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