BEST NEW TRACKS: SPECKLE ☆ PEOPLE MOVER ☆ SWEETSPIT

In our Best New Tracks section, we focus on the music that has caught our attention most in recent days, weeks, or even months. These tracks gradually make their way into our playlist as well, which we also recommend checking out. This time, we’re heading to Australia, Oregon, and somewhere in the unknown corners of the USA.

SPECKLE – BOARDWALK

I’m really into Speckle – this Oregon duo doesn’t seem too concerned with trends, especially when it comes to streaming services. In fact, I couldn’t even find them on Spotify. Could this be the future for indie bands? Staying off these giants, refusing to be shaped by playlists dictating how their music should sound, and instead making music the old-fashioned way – but also in their own way? Maybe yes, maybe no. But enough philosophizing – Boardwalk is a fantastic single: hypnotic, Modest Mouse–like guitars, a captivating melody, and then another vocal drops in… Who cares if today’s producers would have layered on EQs and who knows what else? On the contrary, that raw, garage-y feel is exactly what I love. It also happens to be the closing track on their debut The Last Good Month, and I can’t recommend it enough.

PEOPLE MOVER – JAMES ST

I can’t help it but music from Australia and New Zealand just endlessly fascinates me. Every discovery feels like stumbling across hidden treasure. That’s exactly the case with People Mover: a languid vocal reminiscent of Courtney Barnett, a laid-back charm, and a catchy melody. This must sound incredible live – too bad it’s happening on the other side of the planet. Still, I can always throw it on in my headphones, and I’m sure this won’t be the last time they appear on this blog.

SWEETSPIT – RETROACTIVE DEFIANCE / HOW TO KICKFLIP

They describe themselves as “a small indie singer,” and on Spotify you’ll find just a dark photo of a dog – exactly the kind of profile that so often hides the music I find most exciting these days. This track comes from the album Cataclysm, and it’s tailor-made for true devotees of lo-fi – the kind of lo-fi that sounded really lo-fi back in the ‘90s, when you couldn’t help but wonder where and how it was even recorded. The vocals remind me a bit of Bright Eyes, and overall it’s just a lot of fun for me, even if I can imagine some listeners might find the production a little too rough around the edges.