indie underrated

Hype for Elly Hopkins continues to mount with the release of her third single “Kintsugi!” This alt rock song fits snugly in a category with artists like Angie McMahon and Sharon Van Etten. What separates it within this category, though, is its development from beginning to end. The guitar and drum parts are expressive and ever-changing, giving the song an especially organic quality. And how can you not love that warm vibrato in the lead singer’s voice!

Sara-Danielle charms with the release of her newest single “Keep It Open.” This indie R&B track is characterized by punchy percussion, acoustic guitars, and ambient tones. These instruments lay the perfect backdrop for a pure and soulful vocal performance. It reminds us of artists like H.E.R. and SZA, but with more of a pop sensibility.

We love what we hear in “Sin Eater,” the newest indie folk single by Gabriel Izak. The downtempo percussion is intuitive and tight, the guitars are flexible, and vocals are deep and mellow. We love the way the song builds to punchlines and breaks on them, and we’re impressed by the threshold it crosses when the first bridge hits. We think fans of Big Thief and Kurt Vile should love it.

Fans of artists descendant of Bruce Springsteen (e.g. The War on Drugs, Sam Fender, etc.) will love this new single by Jake Thistle. “Alone, Together” is a heartland-inspired indie rock anthem! The rhythm is steady and upbeat, the acoustic and electric guitars are well-balanced, and the choruses are triumphant. Just when you think you can’t love it any more, in comes the sax to top it all off!

Listen to these songs and more on our playlist now!