Scott C Park – Marlene
‘Marlene’ is the soft yet sharp, off-kilter indie rock release by Scott C Park. Exploring the absurdity of self-deprecation, the track offers a first glimpse into his upcoming album. Park’s soothing voice guides us through the mellow soundscape, where dream rock and hints of shoegaze melt together into a refreshing blend, punctuated by bursts of powerfully distorted guitar riffs. It’s a captivating preview that leaves you eager to hear what the rest of the record has in store.
Bad Progress – Pictures of Girls
Bad Progress’ ‘Pictures of Girls’ is a high-energy alt-rock groove driven by a strong, thumping rhythm. The track leans into eccentric, spoken-word delivery and sharp vocal harmonies that closely echo the distinctive style of Yard Act. However, Bad Progress carves out their own lane by throwing warm, pulsing basslines into the mix, transforming the song into an intriguing and deeply infectious alt-rock mantra. It is a bold, rhythmic piece that grabs your attention from the first beat and refuses to let go.
Tiny Tiny – Friend in Philadelphia
‘Friend in Philadelphia’ by Tiny Tiny is an instantly infectious release packed with a fast-paced, eclectic energy. While deeply rooted in vibrant indie rock, the track boasts a distinctive personality that sets the band apart from others within their genre. It captures the exact, sun-drenched feel of a lazy summer afternoon picnic soundtrack, wrapped up in a highly rhythmic and bright production. With this standout single, the band has well and truly carved out a permanent, signature spot for themselves on our playlists.
Sparkle Blood – Restless
‘Restless’ is a fun, power-packed alternative rock release built on a foundation of thumping, authoritative drumming by Bre Day. Sparkle Blood delivers a straight shot of tight, economical songcraft amplified by sweetly fuzzy, distorted guitar riffs. Singer and guitarist Tyler Stewart and bassist and singer Bailey Kate conjure iconic Pixies-style “boy/girl” dynamics, topping the track with soaring, winsome vocal harmonies. With its mantra-like lyrics tailor-made for shouting along on summer festival fields, the song balances infectious hooks with a spirited energy!
Nathan Kendall – Drowned In Still Water
‘Drowned In Still Water’ is a captivating dreamgaze journey that plays like a beautifully distorted fever dream. The track opens with a soft, gentle intro before diving into a heavy, thumping rhythm that dramatically shifts the pace. This powerful beat contrasts brilliantly with the sweet register of the soft, ethereal lyrics, creating a striking balance between grit and melody. Echoing the cinematic, unpredictable sonic journeys of The Last Shadow Puppets, it is a thrillingly dynamic release that pulls you in and takes you along for the ride.
Christian Cohle – Living With Lucy
Opening with a brightly sounding synth-driven intro, ‘Living With Lucy’ is the disco-infused alternative rock release for fans of David Bowie and Talking Heads written and released by Christian Cohle. His charming voice takes centre stage on this release, coloured and dressed by its soundscape that shimmers and shines in its subtlety and slowly yet steadily beats to the rhythm of our hearts, the track is an addictive charmer yet still showcases only a small part of what Cohle has to offer!
Iona Luke – Can We Still Hang Out
‘Can We Still Hang Out’ by Iona Luke is a soft yet soaring alt-pop release that demands to be played on repeat. Driven by deeply poetic lyrics and a highly relatable theme, the track is anchored by Luke’s grand, unapologetic vocal performance as she effortlessly commands both her highest and lowest registers. It is a remarkably strong and powerful alternative pop track, beautifully balancing emotional vulnerability with an expansive, cinematic production that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Hauspoints – FFS
‘FFS’ is the spoken alternative rock release that reintroduced us to Hauspoints, the eccentric rock outfit hailing from the north who bring their viewpoints on modernity and find beauty in the mundane. They, and in particular ‘FFS’ sounds as funky and thumping as one of my personal favourites Deadletter, yet drenched in their own musical sauce with spoken vocals and ever surprising, wandering soundscapes. ‘FFS’ is addictive in its very own way and I can’t wait to hear more like it!
Amateur Ornithologist – I See Faces
Northern pop rock outfit Amateur Ornithologist marked their return with funky new release ‘I See Faces’ which is electrifying and uplifting and plays with elements taken from indie, rock, and pop. Soft vocal harmonies and warm musical elements that make for a bright soundscape are what makes this one of my personal favourites out of the band’s catalogue. The single is taken from album ‘The Haunted Life in Architecture’, a collage of gothic post-punk, indie folk, chamber pop and art-rock!
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