Former Priests frontman Jonathan Weisberg captivates with wry wit and melodic shoegaze-influenced grooves to take on existential anxiety and global unease in this melodic shoegaze specialist’s solo debut. It’s truly captivating.
Los Bitchos draw from Mexican musical roots to craft an album that feels both playful and lush; their version of Saturn Returns’ emotional breakdown can only be described as relatable.
Alt-J
alt-J’s debut An Awesome Wave released in 2012 set off a movement of quirky indie pop. Their atmospheric, avant garde psych-folk style set them apart from their peers and earned them comparisons to acts such as Wild Beasts, In Rainbows-era Radiohead and Anthony & The Johnsons.
Joe Newman, Gwil Sainsbury and Gus Unger-Hamilton formed their band at Leeds University while studying fine art and English literature respectively. Their shared love of liberal arts brought them together and has influenced their music which explores rhythm, song structure and percussion as part of its repertoire.
After a three-year hiatus, the band released 2017’s Relaxer which highlighted a change in musical direction. Their fourth album The Dream continues this trend by exploring their eclectic sound while exploring darker lyrical themes.
Their performances offer a multisensory experience; for example, at their 2015 Boston Calling performance artistic projections were used to shape and transform the stage with each song, intensifying emotional peaks and valleys of sound creating an incredible visual narrative that perfectly complimented their musical landscape.
Band of Horses
“No One’s Gonna Love You” by Band of Horses is an intense amalgam of guitars and vocals, typical of their Seattle sound. Formerly known as Horses or Carissa’s Wierd, Sub Pop Records recognized them after opening for Iron & Wine at home in Seattle. Led by guitarist, singer-songwriter, and primary songwriter Ben Bridwell – who released their Tour EP in 2005 – Band of Horses has gone on to perform at multiple festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Sasquatch Music Festival and Highfields among many others.
Nyrobi and Chaya Beckett-Messam of Nottingham have taken inspiration from The Prodigy, Rico Nasty, and Billie Eilish to craft an unique brand of alternative indie music that has set themselves apart. Dubbed as ‘funky, political, and funky,’ Spiritual Cramp’s self-titled debut EP made waves last year with its energetic soundscapes.
This indie rock outfit is an exciting new sound to experience. Fusing elements from country, funk and rock together into their music makes for an original and refreshing sound – “March of the Sheep” will no doubt impress even cynic scene critics – they should definitely be kept an eye out for in 2022!
IMANIGOLD
IMANIGOLD are New York-based alternative musicians bringing an exciting freshness to the alternative scene with their hypnotic music and captivating live performances.
IMANIGOLD’s sensuous punk music connects with a generation that’s exhausted of hearing about politics and relationships on the radio. Their lyrics are empowering, discussing topics other bands shy away from such as abortion. Their songs make you feel powerful while reminding women they can achieve anything!
I’m Not An Ordinary Girl has amassed an enormous cult following due to their innovative sound and empowering lyrics, with songs such as 18+ serving as an anthem for young adults and Pink Push-Up Bra highlighting sexual assault justice issues. Their mission is to change the world through their music; their songs encourage listeners to stand up for themselves.
The band’s latest EP, ‘Raxis’ is an energetic and enjoyable record that will leave listeners buzzing with joy. Vocals float over understated instrumentals for an unforgettable pop experience that even pop-haters will swoon over. Their unique sounds harken back to early NYC punk days; you’ll want more after each listen.
CHRISTEENE
Brooklyn duo The Brooklyn Duo craft experimental hyperpop that defies classification while remaining thrillingly captivating. Their track ‘Root Canal’ could become their breakout single, so be sure to listen if you appreciate music that pushes boundaries.
Those Without are an incredible band who will have you rolling down your windows and singing their lyrics at top volume. Their blend of old school vibes with contemporary sounding melodies creates an incredible sound.
Dan Bejar’s third solo indie rock album explores more idiosyncratic sounds and ideas, with its more focused approach than some of their previous efforts yet still sounding fresh and exciting.
Ulrika Spacek offers up a warm embrace of sweet psychedelia from a group that’s been around for awhile now. Their transition from British Sea Power to Ulrika Spacek seems to have eased some of their burden, freeing them up for this album of expansive songs with wide appeal that spans generations and genres – it is one of their finest works yet, plus loads of fun!
CONTRACT
Indie music’s success embodies its values of creativity, authenticity, and resilience that drive artists to pursue their own paths. Its influence reaches far beyond musical realms – shaping fashion trends and lifestyle choices while building an inclusive community that honors individualism and critical thought.
The digital revolution has given rise to numerous niche online communities and platforms that enable musicians to cultivate fan bases without needing mainstream recognition. As consumers increasingly demand personalized experiences, indie artists with authentic lyrics that address socially relevant themes are well positioned to resonate with audiences with shared interests.
Indie music scenes are vibrant and dynamic communities that thrive under the challenges of today’s digital era. Independent artists are able to sustain themselves financially while upholding creative freedom and independence thanks to crowdfunding, merchandise sales, and direct-to-fan sales – showing the resilience of alternative economic models as an influential force within modern culture.
Homeplate
Homeplate released their critically-acclaimed debut LP New Long Leg back in 2020 to critical acclaim. They are an energetic genre-blending band influenced by Rage Against the Machine, grandson, and Linkin Park among others. Their high energy live performances feature observational songwriting for an intoxicating alternative sound – make sure not to miss them live!
Gen Z Asian American artists are taking full advantage of the expanding scope of musical experimentation by blurring musical styles. Korean American singer-songwriter James Ivy embodies this by mixing up indie rock, emo pop and electronica; Mexicali producer Trillones successfully bridges traditional Mexican music and electronic production through his groundbreaking Musica Para Estadios de Tercera Division LP release.
While Ivy and Trillones have established themselves in their genre, others in this new wave are only just making an impressionful debut in alternative music. This is especially true of Gen Z Asian American acts from New York City such as Low Coast. Their 2022 single Hairpin marries rock and country sounds to create a memorable sound, while addressing insecurities associated with young adulthood while providing empathy to millennials in its lyrics.
Audiophile
Sonics are just as integral to music experience as lyrics are, so for those who enjoy listening back in high fidelity, vinyl LP remains the preferred format. Audiophiles can find anything from classic alternative indie rock albums all the way up to experimental electronica releases here.
Dan Bejar’s 13th album pushes his established idiosyncrasies further than before, creating an album full of pop hooks, emotional vulnerability and sonic adventure.
Grizzly Bear pull from multiple genres to craft their unique sound; it’s impossible to place them into any one genre. On their latest release, the band offers up an unforgettable combination of sunny Euro-disco grooves and quirky indie pop melodies that is both enjoyable and irresistibly catchy.
This debut from this group of twentysomethings mixes power pop crunch with emotive ballads and reflective melodies for an impressive debut that deserves to be experienced live.