Category: Alternative

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“Worse Than This” by Me Nd Adam

"Worse Than This" by Me Nd Adam

Artist: Me Nd Adam

Song: Worse Than This

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: Me Nd Adam, the dynamic duo hailing from Austin, Texas, has carved an impressive path through the music industry, captivating audiences with their heartfelt anthems, engaging accessibility, generous merch giveaways, and their spirited, unapologetic demeanor. They’ve earned the moniker of pioneering trailblazers in the genre they call trash-wave.

Their latest offering, “Worse Than This,” is a standout track from their album “American Drip Part II (ADP2).” This sophomore release marks a significant evolution in their musical journey, weaving a tapestry of influences into a sound that’s unmistakably their own. The duo deliberately shifted towards a more organic instrumental approach, toning down the electro-pop elements that adorned their debut album, obviously: “American Drip Pt. I (ADP1).”

Back in November 2020, Me Nd Adam caught our attention with the release of “The More I Grow Up,” a single that swiftly amassed over two million streams. It also piqued the interest of the underdog indie label, Handwritten Records, based in Las Vegas. Since then, they’ve continued to garner acclaim and support from devoted fans and even rock icons like The Killers.

I highly recommend giving “Worse Than This” a listen. If you want to check out their new album afterwards, you can find it here.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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“Bug Like An Angel” by Mitski

"Bug Like An Angel" by Mitski

Artist: Mitski

Song: Bug Like An Angel

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: Mitski has been releasing music since 2012, exploring different genres and moods, from indie rock to synth-pop. She has played in big music festivals around the world, including Glastonbury in 2022. However, I hadn’t really registered her existence until I stumbled upon the wonderful music video she made for ‘Bug Like An Angel’ on Youtube. This was the lead single of Mitski’s seventh(!!) studio album, which was released just this week: ‘The Land is Inhospitable And So Are We‘.

‘Bug Like An Angel’ is a poetic song with religious themes that explore the concept of addiction. Musically, it is mainly an acoustic ballad sprinkled with sporadic and striking choral punctuations. The inclusion of a choir echoing Mitski’s words in a dramatic way was a masterstroke. The official music video, which you can watch below, features the artist, a choir, and an impressive dancer who portrays an alcoholic woman. It’s impossible to take your eyes off of her.

Mitsuki Miyawaki, aka Mitski, is undoubtedly a creative artist. Her originality shines through on this hauntingly beautiful song. It is one of the best tracks of 2023!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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“Burning Under Water” by Under Delusion

"Burning Under Water" by Under Delusion

Artist: Under Delusion

Song: Burning Under Water

Genres: #altrock

Location: Moscow, Russia

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: After a brief break, I’m back with a thrilling and immersive track from Under Delusion, the first Russian band or artist featured on T.A.M. What immediately captures your attention when listening to “Burning Under Water” is the distinctive, low-pitched voice of her female vocalist (whose name I was unable to find). However, that’s not the only thing that makes this track stunning. The band took care of every little detail, including a climactic guitar solo.

The song is inspired by a real-life near-death experience that a band member had while scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean. Feeling like burning under water, they managed to write the lyrics immediately after surviving, but they were lost in the backlog until resurfacing by chance. The band then decided to turn this traumatic event into a powerful and emotional song that reflects their resilience and courage.

“Burning Under Water” is the fourth single from Under Delusion’s upcoming second album, which is expected to be released later this year. The band has already gained over one million streams with their previous singles, which showcase their versatility and creativity. They clearly have the talent to deserve our attention. We should look forward to that sophomore release.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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“The 4th of July” by Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

"The 4th of July" by Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

Artist: Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

Song: The 4th of July

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Boston, United States

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: If the name Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band sounds familiar, that might be because almost exactly 3 years ago, I featured his single “Razor Wide Heart” on this website. “The 4th of July” is my favorite track from the band’s new album, Lower County Outlaw, and it showcases how Kristian and his bandmates keep getting better and better at what they do. The track is a delightful blend of country and rock that narrates a heart-warming love story.

From the very beginning, Kristian Montgomery’s masterful composition and emotional vocals take listeners on a captivating ride, mirroring the excitement and anticipation of that special moment when he and his wife, April, first connected. The lyrics beautifully capture the comfort and chemistry shared between the two, as if destiny had finally brought them together in the right place and time.

The song’s peak moment comes with a gripping guitar solo and a final chorus sung with an urgent passion that’s impossible to ignore. If you listen to this track and feel nothing at all, do you even truly feel alive?

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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“Penance” by Nerima

"Penance" by Nerima

Artist: NERiMA

Song: Penance

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Location: Toronto, Canada

Release date: May, 2023

Comment: I have written about the talented Toronto-based band Nerima twice before, but, after listening to their recent single “Penance”, I knew I had to do a third time.  It’s a stunning piece of music that explores the themes of guilt, regret and forgiveness, and I seriously think this is their more mature-sounding track.

The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar and Alexi delicately singing the first few verses, but by the time the chorus starts, the full band has come in to increase the energy levels. The contrast between the verses and the chorus creates a dynamic and captivating sound that keeps you hooked until the end. The song also features some beautiful harmonies.

“Penance” by Nerima is a song that you should definitely listen to if you enjoy indie rock with a touch of punk-rock. It will make you feel something. Even happiness for witnessing the evolution of such a talented band.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Punk-Rock

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“Tonight, Tonight” by Smallpools & Caroline Kole

"Tonight, Tonight" by Smallpools & Caroline Kole

Artist: Smallpools & Caroline Kole

Song: Tonight, Tonight

Genres: #indierock #indiepop

Location: L.A & Nashville, United States

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: If you like covers that are not exact replicas of the original song, you’re in for a treat.

“Tonight, Tonight” is a classic alternative rock song by The Smashing Pumpkins, released in 1996 as part of their double album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness“. The song is an anthemic ode to hope and change, with lyrics that evoke a sense of urgency and possibility. It reminds us that we’re not alone, we’re not stuck, and we can make things happen.

Smallpools, featured here before for another outstanding cover they did, and Caroline Kole are two indie pop artists who have teamed up to deliver a fresh and fun cover of “Tonight, Tonight”. Smallpools is a Los Angeles-based band known for their catchy and upbeat songs such as “Dreaming” and “Million Bucks”. Caroline Kole is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who has collaborated with artists such as Reba McEntire and Mr. Gwen Stefani Blake Shelton.

Their cover of Tonight, Tonight is a faithful homage to the original, but with a modern twist. They keep the same structure and melody of the song, but add their own flair with poppy synths, electric guitars, and harmonized vocals. They also strip down the song in an acoustic version that showcases their vocal talents and chemistry. Please enjoy “Tonight, Tonight” by Smallpools & Caroline Kole.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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“Don’t Let It Out” by The Sherlocks

"Don't Let It Out" by The Sherlocks

Artist: The Sherlocks

Song: Don’t Let It Out

Genres: #alternativerock

Influences: The Libertines, The Beatles, The Strokes

Location: Bolton upon Dearne, United Kingdom

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: The Sherlocks are a British indie rock band that have been making waves since their debut album in 2017. Their latest single, ‘Don’t Let It Out’, which will be part of their forthcoming new album,  ‘People Like Me & You’, set to be released on August 11th, is a catchy and energetic tune that showcases their knack for writing anthemic choruses and relatable lyrics.

The song is about the frustration of living a mundane and repetitive life, and the urge to break free from it. The singer urges the listener to not let out their emotions, because they will only make them feel worse. He also encourages them to take risks and live in the moment, because they might regret it later if they don’t.

The song has a driving rhythm section, with punchy drums and bass, and a melodic guitar riff that adds some flair. The vocals are passionate and expressive, delivering the message with conviction and charisma. The chorus is especially catchy, with a sing-along quality that makes you want to join in.

If you like anthemic rock songs, it doesn’t get any better than this.


Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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“Suit Of Armor” by Todd Morse

"Suit Of Armor" by Todd Morse

Artist: Todd Morse

Song: Suite Of Armor

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Henderson, United States

Release date: May, 2023

Comment: Todd Morse is a musician who has been in the punk rock scene for over 20 years. He has played in bands like H20, The Offspring, and Juliette Lewis‘ band Juliette & The Licks. His new song “Suit of Armor,” was inspired by Howard Stern, who said: “I had a feeling that my whole life I was sort of raised to not want too much emotionally and I wore this like suit of armor in my life, so I said, ‘This might be a song’.” Morse was moved by Stern’s story and decided to write a song about it, masterfully capturing the essence of resilience and vulnerability.

With its captivating melodies and evocative harmonies, “Suit of Armor” draws the listener in, immersing them in the raw vulnerability present in Morse’s performance. Musically, the song is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, and I’m sure it will please your ears if you give it a chance. Check it out below.


Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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DMA’S – 21 Year Vacancy

"21 Year Vacancy" by DMA'S

Artist: DMA’S

Song: 21 Year Vacancy

Genres: #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Sydney, Australia

Release date: March, 2023

Influences: Oasis, The Stone Roses

Comment: “21 Year Vacancy” by DMA’S, the third single from their new album “How Many Dreams?”, is a slow-burning indie rock ballad that showcases the DMAs’ knack for crafting powerful and heartfelt tracks. As someone who reviewed their song “Viol” previously, I cannot say I’m surprised by the band’s songwriting talent and ability to create emotionally resonant tunes. The catchy melody, soaring chorus, and simple yet effective instrumentation create a lush soundscape that complements vocalist Tommy O’Dell’s tender and raw vocals.

The lyrics of “21 Year Vacancy” are full of regret and longing, as O’Dell reflects on a relationship that has ended. The honesty and relatability of the lyrics are sure to strike a chord with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

If you’re looking for a song that will make you feel something, then “21 Year Vacancy” is the song for you. It’s a song that will break your heart, but it’s also a song that will give you hope.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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Fastball – Fire Escape

"Fire Escape" by Fastball

Artist: Fastball

Song: Fire Escape

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Release date: March, 1998

Comment: Without a doubt, “The Way” is the song Fastball are known for. It is certainly a great rock song and it was a huge megahit in 1998. However, as a #ThrowbackThursday entry, I wanted to put the spotlight on “Fire Escape”, a slightly lesser known single from the same masterful album: “All The Pain Money Can Buy”.

From the very first note, “Fire Escape” draws you in with its infectious energy and driving rhythm. The guitar riffs are crisp and clean, and the drums provide a steady beat that keeps you moving along. The song’s lyrics are insightful and introspective, touching on the challenges of finding one’s true identity and the struggle to be true to oneself in a world that often expects conformity. The music video, which you can watch below, is also hilarious.

Overall, “Fire Escape” is a standout track that showcases Fastball‘s unique style and talent. Let’s keep playing this gem of a song.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative