Category: Alternative

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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

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Lost In Japan – Won’t Let You

"Won't Let You" by Lost In Japan

Artist: Lost In Japan

Song: Won’t Let You

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: London, Canada

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: Canadian band Lost In Japan -whose song “Lonely” was featured here two years ago-are back with a new single: “Won’t Let You”, which delves into the theme of identity and change. With an introspective tone, the band reveals their struggle to stay true to themselves while trying to please others.

Musically, the track features a compelling mix of guitar riffs and drum beats that give it an uplifting energy. It’s clear that the band poured their hearts into this song, especially since they’re parting ways with a key member after their last run of shows. “Won’t Let You” is a testament to the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their sound, even during difficult times. Fans of indie rock will definitely enjoy this new release from Lost In Japan.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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Homes At Night – Texaco

Texaco by Homes at Night
Texaco by Homes at Night

Artist: Homes At Night

Song: Texaco

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: April, 2023

Comment:  Homes at Night, a duo consisting of Hank Compton and Aksel Coe, have just released their latest single, “Texaco,” and it showcases the pair’s ability to craft catchy yet meaningful tracks that speak to the heart and soul. It is a perceptive single that centers on life’s transitional moments and the need to let go of toxic habits in order to grow. Hank’s personal experiences with addiction inspired the song’s lyrics.

The Homes at Night’s sound is a fusion of alternative pop/rock that is both nostalgic and modern, layered with organic instruments, synth-driven soundscapes, cinematic hooks, and a percussive pulse. The duo is currently on tour with Saint Motel, and they’ll be joining Arts Fishing Club for dates in May and June. With a growing streaming presence, they’re rapidly gaining recognition for their explosive sound, and rightfully so.

One example of that explosive sound is the chorus in “Texaco”, which is enhanced by its contrast with the song’s verses. All in all, this is a really good song that you can check out below.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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Betcha – I Wish You Would

Betcha - I Wish You Would

Artist: Betcha

Song: I Wish You Would

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: February, 2023

Comment:  Betcha is a Nashville-based alt-rock band that got its start in a college dorm room. The band consists of Ben on lead guitar, Taylor on bass/keys, Charlie on vocals/guitar, and Chase on drums. Betcha, a combinations of their initials, released their debut EP, “Falling,” to critical acclaim in 2019, receiving significant support on Spotify playlists. The band has also toured across the States alongside acts like NEEDTOBREATHE, and Judah & the Lion, building a loyal fan base along the way.

“I Wish You Would” is the band’s second to last single and is a great introduction to their music. It is a captivating and introspective track that showcases the band’s ability to blend rock, alternative, and pop elements seamlessly. The lyrics are relatable and speak to the universal struggle of feeling lost and uncertain about the future. Charlie’s vulnerability shines through in lines like “I wish you would, I wish you wouldn’t, take this pain away,” and the chorus’s catchy melody is sure to stick in listeners’ heads long after the song ends.

Last but no least, I really really loved the song’s outro. It deserves a chef’s kiss.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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Cigarettes After Sex – Heavenly

Cigarettes After Sex

Artist: Cigarettes After Sex

Song: Heavenly

Genres: #indierock

Location: El Paso, Texas, United States

Release date: August, 2019

Comment: Cigarettes After Sex has been around since 2008, but I admit I hadn’t heard of them until I listened to “Heavenly” on @indie.verses‘s excellent Spotify playlist a couple of years ago. It was love at first sight, and after hearing recently that the band is coming to London this year, I thought it was time to feature this magnetic song on a #ThrowbackThursday entry.

The band’s sound is characterized by its dreamy, ethereal quality, with slow, hypnotic melodies and soft, whispery vocals, and that’s exactly what you get here as well. What I love most about “Heavenly” is how it creates a relaxing, almost hypnotic atmosphere that transports you to another world. The track’s lush production and frontman Greg Gonzalez’s soothing vocals create a sense of intimacy that feels like a warm embrace. It’s the kind of song that you can put on repeat and just let yourself get lost in.

“Heavenly” is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Cigarettes After Sex’s signature sound at its best. It’s a must-listen for anyone who appreciates beautiful, introspective music such as Mazzy Star’s Fade Into You.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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Lizzie Esau – Jellyfish

Lizzie Esau - Jellyfish

Artist: Lizzie Esau

Song: Jellyfish

Genres: #altrock #singersongwriter

Location: Newcastle, United Kingdom

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: Lizzie Esau is just 23 but she must have grown up listening to alt-rock records from the 90s. If you listen to any of her singles (for example, “Bleak Sublime”), you will see what I mean. That said, the Newcastle-based singer-songwriter adds her own experimental touches to her music, making her stand out in the crowded music scene. “Jellyfish” is her exciting new single and it showcases her creativity with a fuzzy guitar riff and spoken-word vocals that lead into a soaring chorus. That chorus is everything! and along with the tempo variations and clever lyrics, they make “Jellyfish” truly a must-listen track.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Still Talk – Headcheck

Still Talk - Headcheck

Artist: Still Talk

Song: Headcheck

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Influences: Avril Lavigne, Smash Mouth, The Hotelier

Location: Cologne, Germany

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: If you’re into alternative rock with a pop-punk twist and catchy hooks, you’ve got to check out Still Talk‘s single “Headcheck”, which will be part of the band’s upcoming debut album, appropriately called “St. Banger”. I love that this 5-piece band, fronted by Tanja Kührer, manages to balance different styles while keeping things fresh and energetic. “Headcheck” is a fun, upbeat song that celebrates the friendships within the band. The track is great from the get-go, but that stripped-down ending with the jangling guitar deserves a chef’s kiss.

If you’re in Germany, be sure to catch their live shows this year – I bet they’ll be a blast!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Punk Rock

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Wesson – Made Me Happy

Made Me Happy

Artist: WESSON

Song: Made Me Happy

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Location: Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: British alt/rock band WESSON, led by #singersongwriter Chris Wesson, is formed by four musicians coming from different backgrounds, resulting in a delightful blend of pop, punk rock and indie rock. “Made Me Happy” is just their fifth single, but given how fun and catchy it is, I think it’s safe to say that this band is going places.

The lyrics express the emotions of a person who was hurt by someone’s actions in the past. The song reveals that the person has come to the realization that they might have acted similarly if they were in the same situation, and is finally finding peace in understanding their own and others’ behaviors. Between how relatable the lyrics are and the extremely catchy chorus, “Made Me Happy” is the type of tune that gets stuck in your head. Listen to it at your own peril.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Punk-Rock

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Verra Cruz – The World Is Crashing In

Verra Cruz - The World Is Crashing In

Artist: Verra Cruz

Song: The World Is Crashing In

Genres: #alternativerock

Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Nirvana

Location: St. Albans, United Kingdom

Release date: November, 2022

Comment: Verra Cruz, a British alt-rock infused trio, has recently released their newest single, “The World Is Crashing In”, a powerful, emotional track that speaks to love, loss, and the rawness of emotion. I particularly like that lovely guitar line in the intro and the anthemic chorus.

Verra Cruz got formed in 2003 and currently consists of Marc James (guitar/lap steel/vocals), Henry Cross (bass) & Jimmy Cooke (drums). However, after being featured by Kerrang! as an ‘Incoming Band’ in 2008 and supporting acts such as Biffy Clyro and Switchfoot across the world stage since then, the band’s career has not taken off yet in the way you could have expected. More people should be aware of Verra Cruz and perhaps “The World Is Crashing In” is the song that will give them the final push to accomplish that.


Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Måneskin – THE LONELIEST

Måneskin - THE LONELIEST

Artist: Måneskin

Song: THE LONELIEST

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Rome, Italy

Release date: October, 2022

Comment: If you are a fan of classic rock ballads from the 80s and have been missing that sound in today’s music scene, you should definitely check out “THE LONELIEST” by Italian band Måneskin. As someone who was not particularly interested in the band before and did not enjoy their Eurovision-winning song (Zitti E Buoni), I must admit that this track caught my attention from the moment I first heard it on Eclectic Music Lover‘s weekly top 30 post, and has since become one of my favorites.

“The LONELIEST” is a poignant mix of a love letter and a will, written during a difficult time when the songwriter was away from home and loved ones. It is a testament to Måneskin‘s versatility and musical talent, as it showcases a different side of the band that people may not have seen before. Trust me, this song is definitely worth a listen.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative