These LITM Rock Picks showcase everything that makes indie-rock the genre it is, featuring Andrei British, The Cosmetics, Tom Minor, and more!
1. Andrei British – South Florida Police
When you think of wild nightlife in South Florida, you’re probably thinking of what South Florida Police says: “America’s prime spot for the party beat, where parties never stop, and the vibes are great.” Andrei British takes this narrative and asks you to look at it from another angle: that of the police working amidst all this non-stop action. Immersive storytelling takes centre stage here – the sound of sirens wailing, dialogues interspersed throughout, and lyrics that paint a picture in your mind. Electric guitars and energetic drums keep the tempo up, and the lively vocals add to this infectious atmosphere. Check it out here!
2. The Cosmetics – Newcomers - Demo 06
Formed in 2005 in Ciudad Satélite, The Cosmetics have already established their energetic indie-rock sound, and with newer releases – and renewed attention to their older ones, like this one – coming out, they’re expanding that sound and bringing it to a new generation of listeners. Electric riffs and rolling drums open Newcomes - Demo 06, and they’re soon joined by vocals that sound like they’re coming from far away, making you lean in to listen and appreciate the track’s finer details. It’s catchy and unpredictable, inviting you to chase after it right as you think you’ve finally understood where it’s going – listen here!
3. Tom Minor – Bureau of Change
Tom Minor has established himself as an artist who refuses to stick to any one sound: sometimes loud and energetic and sometimes playful, one thing you can always count on in his music is poignancy and thoughtfulness, no matter what its framing may be like. Bureau of Change is similarly genre-defying, jumping between what logic says are contrasting sounds that shouldn’t work together – and yet, Tom Minor ensures that they, somehow, do. It’s vibrant and purposeful, with pulsating drums evocative of the sound of a heartbeat, and deliberately eccentric instrumental blends leaving you slightly disoriented – in the best possible way. Give it a listen here!
4. HOLLYWAND – White Magic
White Magic opens HOLLYWAND’s debut album of the same name with a bright indie-rock sound – distorted guitars and all. It has tinges of something fantastical and adventurous from its starting notes, and not without reason: this is a song that encourages wonder and optimism in the mundane, with lyrics like “You should be more optimistic about our magic that is so mystic,” and “The universe hugs / All dreams realize / And everybody can fly / That’s right, magic is now,” highlighting this perspective. Vibrant vocals and lively drums complete this sound, bringing together myriad layers to build into an exhilarating crescendo. Listen here!
5. JP2 – Enter Sandman
Metallica’s Enter Sandman is an untouchable beast – a track that’s defined the genre by a band that’s done the same. JP2 clearly knows this, and on his version of the track, he doesn’t try to compete with the original. Instead, he takes the track down a softer path: one that retains the energy that made it what it is, but tones the raw, almost scorching intensity down a notch. The accumulation of small, cleverly placed alterations transforms the track completely into a bright, firmly indie-rock track with melodic hooks laid on top of a bed of exquisite guitarwork. A reimagination that’s retained the original’s energy while adding its own identity in, this is a must-listen!
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