indie underrated

Offering an eclectic mix of songs for today’s post, we kick things off with some French soul.

Multi-platinum selling artist Ben L’Oncle Soul returns with the release of his new album SAD GENERATION.

“HARD TO DØ (featuring Kaylan Arnold)” comes as the third song on the record and stands out as one of our favorites.

We’re immediately hooked by the slow groove and the decision to place the first chorus right at the beginning of the track. One listen through and we’re certain you’ll be humming along to the tight, catchy refrain of “I know I should go my way.”

The verses are fitted with infectious, D’Angelo-like vocal layers and harmonies that float over the spare-but-effective instrumental arrangement and, overall, the song is characterized by a great balance that allows its defining trait (its feel) to shine through.

The song is complete with an outstanding feature from singer-songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist Kaylan Arnold. Arnold’s presence on the track is strong and we give props to both artists for fostering such a successful collaboration.

SAD GENERATION is available now to stream, and for purchase on vinyl and CD. For more information about that, as well as tour dates, be sure to visit Ben L’Oncle’s Soul’s Spotify page!

Shifting gears towards alternative rock, we have “Elise Says,” the newest single from Montera.

If you’re looking for something steady and chill, this is a great track for you.

The deep vocals repeat a smooth and memorable melody throughout the verses before arriving at the song’s perfectly satisfying chorus; the rhythm guitar lays down a smooth backdrop for the vocals to coast over while the lead guitar offers a number of tasteful licks; and the drums and bass hold it all together with their simple yet effective arrangement.

What we have here is a great example of various musical parts working together in full service of the song, with nothing superfluous, and the result is fantastic.

If you’re into bands like The Strokes or The Growlers, be sure to check out Montera!

Shifting gears yet again (see, eclectic!) toward folk rock, we have “Whiskey Bitters,” the first track off Mystic Toad‘s new EP, A Night at the Lost Palms Hotel.

This song hits us as a story above all else. With lyrics delivered from the first-person perspective, it vividly expresses a setting (“I walk outside and button up my coat”), characters (“All I know I’ve learned from you”), and a plot (that dark bridge around the 2:09 mark serves as a great transition to the song’s third act) to shape an engaging narrative. Country-inspired music has such a rich history of storytelling and it’s wonderful to see Mystic Toad respecting that tradition with this creation.

The music provides a perfect backdrop for the story. The rhythm of the song immediately evokes the American southwest and places us (presumably) somewhere near the Lost Palms Hotel. At the same time, the string section serves as the emotional catalyst for the listener behind the song’s call and response melodies.

To us, it sounds like a modernized Marty Robbins tune. Check out “Whiskey Bitters” and the rest of Mystic Toad’s new EP on Spotify now!

There you have it. A little bit of everything today. Be sure to check out these songs and more on our Spotify playlist now!