indie underrated

“This song achieves so much, while utilizing so little. French singer WeeLye has released a new single called “Imagine” and it is positively sublime. Now before you ask, no it is not a cover of the legendary Lennon song turned audible icepick by the Hollywood elite during the pandemic…” 

“Arthur’s Cello” the new single from Pittsburgh’s Connemara pays homage to the artist’s affinity for the late Arthur Russell and begins with a droning, lush cello swell that gives way to an infectious power-shuffle backbeat. By their own admission, Connemara’s philosophy of “writing queer little pop songs and throwing them into the internet slush pile” forgot to include hooks that are catchy as hell. The chorus has an infectious rhythmic and melodic vibe that will assuredly get stuck in your head at some point. This is a song that can function equally well for both indoor and outdoor activities. Fans of The Decemberists, Colin Hay, and The National will appreciate the vintage inspired textures and contemporary familiarity.

Leo and the Lioness have released their new single “Hand Heart” – an anthemic, dreamy, alt-pop powerhouse reminiscent of Kasey Musgraves with tinges of late-era Paramore. A song drawn from relationship experience, judgements, and learning that you get what you give. The vocals sit beautifully atop the instrumentals, which are unique blend of genres. This song could very easily have fallen into a more contemporary country pop kind of vibe, but the rhythm section sets it apart from the predictable. The drum groove alone keeps the song interesting with it’s syncopated rhythms that could have otherwise been more traditional and straight-forward. It’s like a country inspired dream pop trip on an open road.

This song achieves so much, while utilizing so little. French singer WeeLye has released a new single called “Imagine” and it is positively sublime. Now before you ask, no it is not a cover of the legendary Lennon song turned audible icepick by the Hollywood elite during the pandemic. Rather it is a brilliantly executed folk song, with WeeLye drawing inspiration from African rhythms, soul, pop and jazz. The song is primarily acoustic guitar and vocals, featuring a beautifully punctuated guitar intro akin to “No Woman No Cry” followed by a mind blowing vocal performance driven by technical prowess, dreamy melodies and sensational vocal harmonies. Although I don’t speak French, I do speak the language of music, and this was a fantastic conversation.

Listen to Connemara, Leo & the Lioness and WeeLye on our All New Indie Pop playlist on Spotify!