(Credits: Far Out)
No matter what, the music world keeps on going. That’s the best thing about art, there will always be more of it. But it’s also the draw back for anyone keep to try and keep up – there will always be more of it. Making sure that nothing great is left behind, welcome to the Big Indie Playlist.
We say this every single week it seems, but this week really was a strong one. In the world of LPs, some of this year’s most hotly anticipated released were shared like Geese’s Getting Killed, which stole our album of the week crown. Robert Plant released a new record, as did Cate Le Bon.
But here, we’re focussing in on the new singles and especially, the best work from ones to watch. From silly songs about turning into a dog courtesy of Sophie May, to fresh indie ragers to get your body moving from Blousey and Brogeal, there is something for everyone. As for our top track of the week, that one went to Pem who released a staggeringly beautiful song not to be missed.
If you’re after something more left-field, Ben Forrest has selected the best off the beaten track songs released this week, including fresh funk, a Maastricht quartet and reissues of old disco tunes that shouldn’t be forgotten.
All in one place, all you have to do is hit play.
The best new music of the week
Home Counties – ‘Meet Me In The Flat Roof’: Half love letter and half self-aware take down of gentrification, Home Counties invite you into the old school boozer for a complex pint here. [3.5/5]
Rozie Ramati – ‘Blinking Aisles’: One of those voices that silences you instantly and paired with powerful lyrics that demand to be listened to, Rozie Romati proves her one-to-watch status with each exciting and unique delivery. [4/5]
Sophie May – ‘Dog Body’: Taking it upon herself to write a soundtrack to the novel Nightbitch about a woman going go crazy after becoming a mother that she believes she’s transforming into a dog, Sophie May wonders the same thing. Silly on the surface with depth under, it’s exactly what she does best but this time with a ‘60s doo-wop finish. [4/5]
Florence and the Machine – ‘One of The Greats’: The type of song that should be scribbled on the walls of museums, Florence Welch does for the gullet of music’s misogyny here with her most direct approach yet. [5/5]
Nell Mescal – ‘See You Again’: On her upcoming EP, Nell Mescal seems to have truly found her footing and sound with these indie-folk tunes that keep her voice and lyricism in the spotlight. This is a gorgeous one, looking at heartbreak from a side-angle for a fresh take on the timelessly universal feeling. [4/5]
Sarah Kinsley – ‘Fleeting’: She’s back and better than ever. The only word to describe Sarah Kinsley’s work is euphoric and this track will make you feel like you’re levitating or in some movie where you’re the main character. [4/5]
Kate Bush – ‘Rocket Man’: Yes, that’s right. Kate Bush. Sharing a new compilation of b-sides and covers, this Elton John rendition is a treat for the fans. [4/5]
Magdalena Bay – ‘Second Sleep’: Following up last year’s incredible record and a strong year of shows, Magdalena Bay are back with ‘Second Sleep’, applying their signature sound to a dreamy track that turns a nap into a cinematic event. [4/5]
FKA Twigs – ‘Cheap Hotel’: FKA Twigs’ unique artistry continues to elevate. Thick with vocal effect and lead by beats that hook you instantly, this perfectly bridges experimentation with infectiousness. [3.5/5]
Sofia and the Antoinettes – ‘Revolver’: Going through it? Want to feel like you’re in a Sofia Coppola movie? Look no further than the debut EP from Sofia and the Antoinettes and this luscious stand out track. [3.5/5]
Brogeal – ‘Draw The Line’: Combining traditional celtic sounds with an indie-rock sensibility, Brogeal deliver the hooking, arms in the air energy of iconic Britpop acts, but if those acts were plucked from a pub in Scotland. [3/5]
Sofia Isella – ‘Out In The Garden’: I cannot stress enough how much you should be paying attention to Sofia Isella. An artist with such sharp vision to match her dark, gothic energy, it’s creepy and utterly hypnotic. ‘Out In The Garden’ is the latest chapter, and one where her vocals sound better than ever. [4/5]
Blousey – ‘Tried It With Her’: Sharing their debut EP, Blousey are an indie act to be paying attention to. Covering all corners across the four tracks, this is a stand out as it builds, soars and has you dancing all the way. [3.5/5]
Looney Bergonzi – ‘Year 6 Disco’: If you’re looking for a new act to brag you got on board with right at the start, here you go. Everybody say a warm welcome to Looney Bergonzi, Bristol’s newest act who have just shared their debut release – not that anyone would ever guess that based on the high quality. [3.5/5]
Off The Beaten Track – Left-field sounds, curated and written by Ben Forrest
YĪN YĪN – ‘Spirit Adapter’: Trying to pin this Maastricht quartet down to one particular sound has already proven an increasingly impossible task, and the eclectic mastery of their latest single, ‘Single Adapter’, only expands their sonic repertoire further, incorporating everything from old-school funk to Anatolian psychedelia and a wealth of Eastern influences. [4.5/5]
Fruko y sus Tesos – ‘Tiahuanaco’: Madrid’s Vampisoul label have always had a knack for uncovering hidden gems, but this newly released version of Alfredo Linares’ 1973 masterpiece might be one of their greatest recent discoveries, awash with the Peruvian grooves that made the original so infectious but an added layer of footstomping sensibilities. [4.5/5]
Michelle David & The True-tones – ‘Speak To Me’: Who can deny the timeless appeal of great gospel music? On her latest track, released in anticipation of her new album due out on Record Kicks next year, New York’s Michelle David reaffirms her incredible vocal skill, which has kept her at the peak of the city’s gospel and soul scene for so many years, with the aid of Dutch soul masters The True-tones. [4.5/5]
Les Imprimés – ‘Next Summer’: The seemingly endless talents of Morten Martens returns to Big Crown Records in the form of this lush, laid-back, last glimpse at the summer sunshine before we all collectively delve back into the cold darkness of winter, with only Martens’ soulful tones to keep us warm. [3.5/5]
Jeanette Jones – ‘You’d Be Good For Me’: A long-awaited reissue from the folks at Kent Records sees San Francisco soul queen Jeanette Jones sees this endearingly funk-ridden track, first issued on the Kent-released album Dreams All Come True in 2016, finally given the seven-inch treatment – DJs rejoice. [4/5]
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