Another week, and it’s a BIG week of releases this time around, with everything from Isle of Wight indie to Norway nu-pop. Enjoy our top picks from our Hot New Indie playlist update this week…
ATTAWALPA – DONE HANGING ON
Gearing up for the release of his debut EP, London-based South American-born multi-instrumentalist Attawalpa has dropped a melodic indie-rock hit in the form of Done Hanging On. It’s probably not indie-rock actually, it’s a really intriguing delve into his rhythmic, relatable world. A song about letting go, Done Hanging On’s production excels, white it is layered beautifully with the addition of backing vocals from fellow Londoner Misty Miller.
BOCA – NIGHTMARE
The Isle of Wight has been producing some real indie greats in recent years, and indie-rock trio BOCA are no exception. Mellow and melodic in equal measure, Nightmare is a delicate offering, transporting listeners into BOCA’s world of escapism told through sad songs, executed with their signature guitar pop.
GLASS ANKLE – FOR ANOTHER DAY
It’s hard to pigeon-hole Glass Ankle to a specific genre, and that’s the beauty of them. For Another Day is a mellow offering, blurring the lines between indie-folk, dream-pop and everything in between. Sweet and sun-kissed, For Another Day explores the urge to escape a sticky situation, in probably the calmest manner possible.
KIND LIES – STRAIGHT LINES
London pop trio Kind Lies’ latest release Straight Lines blurs the lines between electronica and the mainstream pop that is gracing our radios at the moment. Vocalist Corinna Jane truly feels like Anne-Marie or Zara Larsson in this – a really confident delivery, and a voice that would fit perfectly featuring on a big dance track. Get this one blasting out of your sound systems – it’s a summer-pop hit!
MATILDA EYRE – WATER
A collaboration between UK/German songwriter Matilda Eyre and UK producer PALMR, Water is a chilled out pop tune that expresses itself through driving synths and empowered drum beats. The production feels reminiscent of Georgia, but Matilda’s vocals are closer to someone more mainstream – showing some massive potential in what she’s doing. Described as “alt-electronic” but I think this is a cool pop hit that has the capacity to blow.
NOPRISM – HOUSE OF SMITH
Electro-pop band NOPRISM’s House Of Smith is as equally energetic as it is thrilling – it’s a real rollercoaster of a pop song, think Scissor Sisters meets Friendly Fires. There’s some real noughties influences, and the guitar solo towards the end is as cool as you like. These guys are definitely on our radar now, and I anticipate them to be making big waves in the UK’s new-age synth-pop scene very soon.
NOVELTY ISLAND – THE DESPERATELY STRANGE
Written to take you on the “greatest pub crawl ever”, The Desperately Strange is a trippy indie-pop song from Tom McConnell. It’s vintage in tone, but Tom’s creativity in lyricism and melodies brings it into the modern age, creating a track that has psych-infusions and is lo-fi in essence. The full EP, Suddenly On Sea, will be released on 21st August.
SPLIT THE DEALER – HARMONY
Split The Dealer, A.K.A. the solo project of Sam Brett, has produced a hit in the form of Harmony. His pop-esque tones are accompanied perfectly by the guitar sounds he lays them upon… there’s even a rap verse in there too. In fact, it’s a song full of nice surprises. For me, it’s as if Sam Fender met John Newman on a night out – it’s a really great release, and shows that Sam is seriously full of promise.
TEMPERATURE FALLS – DON’T THINK I’M SHALLOW
Norway natives Temperature Falls have released a pop banger in the form of Don’t Think I’m Shallow. It’s a real experimental, interesting look into their mad production world, all about the difficulties of splitting up with someone. There’s certainly some alt-rock influences in here, matched alongside more mainstream pop inspiration, creating an incredible mash-up that is powerful and cathartic in equal measure.
TROPICAL BOYFRIEND CATALOGUE – WASTED ON YOU
Probably the most fun release we’ve ever featured on our Hot New Indie round-ups, Wasted On You has got a whole Lily Allen meets indie-pop vibe going on. It’s certainly quirky, and their stand-out sound has been picked up by the likes of Radio X and BBC 6Music… the quartet have got something really good going on here and I’m excited to see where their creativity takes them next.
CHECK OUT THE FULL HOT NEW INDIE PLAYLIST BELOW:
