motel void

The best tracks that have come our way in the past week or so and that we highly recommend listening to…

Steven Anthony – Grey

Steven Anthony is a prolific singer-songwriter originally from the U.S. (I hope I got that right!). Since 2021, he’s released a string of singles and two full-length albums. One of this year’s highlights for me is his track Grey – a gentle slice of slowcore that clocks in at just a minute and a half. For most of its duration, it’s just Anthony’s voice carrying the weight, giving the song a melancholic, romantic feel. The production occasionally feels a bit rough around the edges (I tend to prefer a more natural sound, and here it sometimes comes across as if it was recorded straight through an audio interface, but that’s really just a minor quibble :). Overall, it’s a beautifully intimate little piece.

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Cherry i – Alaska

Now let’s head over to the UK, where we find Cherry i – a relatively new indie rock band with just two singles out so far, both from last year. But for me, they already show huge promise. Their sound reminds me of the energy of one of my all-time favorite bands, Hop Along, combined with the moody atmosphere I love in Daughter. Alaska isn’t just great in the studio – I have a strong feeling it must be incredible live, too. It’s a real emotional ride – the kind of song that makes me regret listening to it in a library right now, I’d much rather be blasting it during a late-night walk (maybe with a bit of alcohol in my system).

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Marni – Bee Stings

In the past, I’ve featured the American project Marni here, a band that tends to lean toward the heavier side of the spectrum. But the opening notes of Bee Stings initially gave me a very different impression – something closer to Race or Beach Music by Alex G, with its pleasant lo-fi production. That illusion didn’t last long, though: screeching guitars quickly took over, and the track burst into an energetic storm of sharp riffs and catchy vocals.

If I ever return to the U.S. as a traveler and find myself at some sweaty houseshow, this is exactly the kind of music I’d hope to hear. It’s a brilliantly executed take on rock music for 2025.