motel void

MOODLIGHTING – CBA

Twee/indie/power pop duo from Denver, currently based in LA — that’s Moodlighting. Their single CBA caught my attention even before I pressed play, thanks to its lovely cover art depicting the stands at some kind of sporting event.

But what really stayed with me was the song’s wonderfully nostalgic, summery atmosphere, which runs through the entire track alongside the warm, pleasant vocals. There is a subtle Alvvays vibe to it, with a little bit of Alex G here and there, but it still feels very much like its own thing. The vocals are soft and understated, fitting the song perfectly. A beautiful little track!

THE VAN PELT – KRIS IS RIDING HORSES IN OJAI

The Van Pelt are one of the great cult bands of American independent music. Formed in New York City in 1993 around singer, guitarist, and songwriter Chris Leo, the band emerged from the same fertile underground scene that gave rise to many of the most influential post-hardcore, indie rock, and emo acts of the decade.

After disbanding in 1997, the band’s reputation continued to grow. What began as a well-kept secret among underground music fans gradually became a touchstone for listeners looking beyond the obvious narratives of 1990s alternative rock. Reunions in 2009 and 2014, the release of the long-lost Imaginary Third, and a series of acclaimed live performances introduced their music to a new audience while reaffirming their enduring relevance.

Now, more than three decades after their formation, The Van Pelt are set to return in 2026 with Remain Obscure, their fifth studio album. We highly recommend the excellent single Kris Is Riding Horses in Ojai, which immediately caught my attention with its fantastic production, great atmosphere, catchy chorus, and gradual build. It still sounds unmistakably like The Van Pelt, but at the same time feels remarkably fresh. I’m really looking forward to the album!

AIRHOCKEY – FELT

Airhockey are a shoegaze/indie rock band from the suburban outskirts of Miami, Florida, formed in 2018 and consisting of Melanie Sarria, Sebastian Hidalgo, John Olin, and Mike Diaz. Their driving rhythms and dreamy vocals complement each other as melancholic themes surround the listener, while piercing leads, melodic basslines, and chugging drums come together to create something both fresh and reminiscent of various ’80s subgenres.

Their new single Felt has that wonderfully fun, laid-back, slightly nostalgic atmosphere. The drums and guitars push the song forward with plenty of energy, while the vocals remain relaxed and almost effortlessly cool, creating a great contrast. Airhockey are really good at making music that is all about the vibe, and I could easily imagine this appearing in a great independent film – or providing the soundtrack to a late-night drive through the city.