motel void

LAIKS – SHAKEN ESPRESSO

Born in the South and raised in the West, Laiks draws inspiration from folk, country, rock, and indie, with influences ranging from Julia Jacklin and Neil Young to Angel Olsen. Known for sitting in her front yard and playing for her neighbors, Laiks writes songs that feel warm, welcoming, and deeply personal.

Laiks has a truly beautiful voice, but it’s her songwriting that really stands out. In a genre like indie folk, writing a genuinely memorable song is everything, and Shaken Espresso does exactly that. I especially loved the lap steel guitar and tambourine, which give the track its warm country-folk atmosphere. It’s the perfect summer song – one I’ve been happily playing on my drives from the city out into the countryside.

LANA LEONE – STARSHINE

This shoegaze gem from Minneapolis, Minnesota immediately grabbed my attention. The intro is incredibly catchy and captures exactly the hazy, guitar-driven atmosphere that makes shoegaze so addictive. Once the opening settles, the song eases into a gentler mood, making room for beautiful, ethereal vocals that float effortlessly above the guitars.

It may not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t have to. Within the world of modern shoegaze, this easily ranks among the stronger releases I’ve heard recently in terms of both quality and execution.

ROCKPOOL DRAMAS – CHECKBOOK

Rockpool Dramas make guitar pop that’s slightly singed around the edges. The Dutch four-piece blends alt-rock and Americana with fuzzed-out power pop and versatile songwriting, all wrapped in layers of jangly, occasionally glitchy guitars.

We don’t feature many bands from the Netherlands, so I was delighted to come across Checkbook. What impressed me most were the vocals – their tone, the production, the melody, and above all the emotion they carry are all exceptional. Add a beautifully crafted instrumental arrangement, and you’ve got a genuinely excellent track!