indie underrated

If you’re an indie rock fan with a taste for hip-hop, you have to check out “Ode to the Oligarchs,” the newest single from Trop Mal. 

This song is a statement. It has an intensity that is immediately established by a harsh boom bap drum track and a heavy bass line. This intensity carries into the first verse where Mal’s emotive vocals, reminiscent of Alanis Morisette’s, deliver the first few lines of a charged and pressing lyrical composition. From there, the tension builds toward the song’s ominously calm choruses before finally breaking all at once in a killer guitar solo around the 3:15 mark. 

This song is loaded with resistance. The kind that used to motivate bands like Rage Against the Machine. It compels audiences to not only listen, but pay close attention.

Portland indie rockers Risley have big news! They’ve been invited to perform a live session at KEXP on April 25th (more info on their Instagram.) In anticipation of this, let’s talk about one of the songs from their recent album Umbra Penumbra. 

“Breadcrumbs,” the opening song on the record, is indie rock gold. Steady bassline? Check. Uptempo drums? Check. Clean and dirty layered guitars? Check, check. Deep and moody vocal composition? Check. All of these instrumental elements work together to support a gripping structural arrangement, built around some incredibly memorable melodies. 

We definitely hear some Joy Division influence in the rhythm and vocals, and some Kings of Leon similarities in the guitars. Be sure to check out all of Umbra Penumbra before Risely’s KEXP appearance. We can’t wait!

“Same Sky,” the newest single by Gungor, is a breath of fresh air. In their own words, “For me, this song is an invitation to stop fixating on the storms in the sky–and to notice the sky itself.” 

Optimism is all over this track, both sonically and lyrically. The ascending chord progression gives the song an inherent perseverance that is only accentuated by the bright and hopeful vocal arrangement. And there’s a ton of room in the song for the vocals to soar, which is a testament to the restraint of the instrumentalists who enter and impress at all the right moments. 

Singer-songwriter Astyn Turr makes an appearance on the track. Her contribution–in the form of a soulful denouement–gives the song an especially calming and reassuring conclusion. We love that these artists decided to collaborate. 

We hear a little Stevie Wonder influence in this. By mixing some classic R&B techniques with a modern indie pop production, Gungor has achieved a truly unique sound.

Listen to these songs and more on our Spotify playlist now!