indie underrated

Kylie Rothfield’s “Old Man” is an absolute tour de force. A relationship tell all that delivers a stern message amidst a gritty rock and roll backdrop.

If you are into mod-inspired Brit punk a la The Jam, this next one is for you. “Sanctimonious Sue” is the new single from UK based artist PHK and with its infectious repeating chorus, it’s quite easy to spot what the song title is. The opening harmonica line enters like a freight train, accompanied by a driving backbeat, reminiscent of bands like The Romantics. What stands out is the intensity and buzzsaw attitude found in the guitars. Predominantly three chords played with a forgotten simplicity and rawness, inspired by The Kinks and other Rickenbacher-donning guitarist of yesteryear, adorned with layers of various acoustic and electric sounds. Atop the energy of the instruments are the cleverly crafted and witty lyrics about this Sue character. A tongue in cheek metaphor perhaps, or ode to Buddy Holly? Either way, this song will surely get you moving and randomly singing the chorus at unexpected times.

Really dig the lo-fi pop vibes heard in “Harvey”, the latest from Marina Fleming. Rooted in a laid back dream-pop landscape, inter spliced with a unique palette of clean and heavy guitars, the song builds sonically while impressively not straying off course. Fleming’s vocals immediately draw you in, with an allure and passive sarcasm akin to Father John Misty or Lana Del Ray. The double tracked vocals give a vintage flavor, while the music weaves between contemporary indie and 90s alt rock. This song can help you get through a rainy day or late night drives.

Looking for a late 80s/early 90s R&B inspired song, with elements of smooth jazz and a music video that is questionably an art piece or mistake in content upload? Check out “Cartwheels for Coins” from Canada’s Cici Arthur. Upon the song’s intro, the electric piano tone is like a time warp. Striking a balance between a potential Genesis number, or the opening music to one of the many great broadcast sitcoms of decades past. Either way, the production quality is spot on. The vocals are almost what you’d expect, but maintain a delicate smoothness, while providing a cautionary tale about the dangers of young fame. However, it is difficult to distinguish the connection between the music video and the song itself. The entirety appears to be footage of a soccer scrimmage, shot by a GoPro atop a parents’ head. Like the kind your team would watch with the coach to review the team’s plays. Give it watch and be the judge.

Kylie Rothfield’s “Old Man” is an absolute tour de force. A relationship tell all that delivers a stern message amidst a gritty rock and roll backdrop. Rothfield’s voice is commanding; maintaining a delicate vulnerability masked by a devil may care attitude, it’s no surprise that her abilities caught the ears of Alicia Keys and Faith Hill. What could have easily been tailored to meet the demands of a more Country or Americana audience, the song features walls of fuzzy, overdriven guitars that could contend with the likes of Sonic Youth. Great songwriting, excellent musicianship, and melodies that you won’t forget. This song gets the job done. 

Find PHX, Kylie RothField, Marina Fleming, Cici Arthur & more on our All New Indie Pop Spotify playlist!