“All I Die For” by SWiiMS

October 11, 2023November 10, 2023

“All I Die For” by SWiiMS

Artist: SWiiMS

Song: All I Die For

Genres: #indiepop #shoegaze

Location: Toronto, Canada

Release date: October, 2023

Comment: SWiiMS, an indie rock group hailing from Toronto, Canada, has unveiled their latest single, “All I Die For.” This dynamic trio, composed of Mai Diaz Langou on vocals and guitar, Colin Thompson on guitar and vocals, and Cian O’Ruanaidh on bass and vocals, has been crafting their musical synergy since the summer preceding the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Their sound is an interesting blend of 80’s New Wave, 90’s Shoegaze, Indie Rock, Brit Pop, and Dream Pop. The result is vividly apparent in “All I Die For,” a composition radiating an infectious, upbeat energy. This single is a precursor to their forthcoming LP, “Into the Blue Night,” a project conceived and recorded amid the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

“All I Die For” revolves around the nascent stages of a romantic relationship – the way we embellish ourselves to captivate the interest of the other person. It encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster of new love, brimming with hope, euphoria, and a relinquishment of control. Production-wise, it’s evident that each element in this song has been meticulously crafted, from the captivating vocals to the finely-wrought clean guitar melodies.

In essence, “All I Die For” stands as a testament to SWiiMS‘ remarkable prowess in crafting auditory delights. With the resurgence of bands like Slowdive, SWiiMS might just be poised to ascend to the ranks of IT indie bands. They certainly deserve it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie
Pop

October 2, 2023October 30, 2023

“Ellis Island” by Actve Captve

Artist: Actve Captve

Song: Ellis Island

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: “Ellis Island” is a new song by Actve Captve, a versatile band led by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Justin Han. The track draws its inspiration from Han’s personal experiences, expertly portraying the juxtaposition of bidding farewell to a beloved world while nurturing aspirations for a fresh start. As you may already know, Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, served as the first port of entry for countless immigrants arriving in the United States by boat from Europe in pursuit of the “American Dream.” Over time, it became a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

“Ellis Island” features soulful vocals by Cassie Brandi, lending a gospel-like richness to the composition. This song effortlessly combines captivating melodies, powerful vocals, and anthemic choruses, resulting in a sonic gem that’s hard to ignore. Additionally, the inclusion of 1980s-like synthesizers completes the song flawlessly.

This track is the second release from Actve Captve‘s upcoming EP, ‘Saudaze.’ With Justin Han’s diverse musical background—he’s a classically trained pianist—I’m sure the EP will be filled with interesting tracks well worth a listen. After all, the band’s ultimate goal is to create music that resonates deeply with audiences.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative
Folk/Indie

September 19, 2023October 17, 2023

“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

September 8, 2023October 11, 2023

“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

August 18, 2023September 29, 2023

“Monster” by Grace & Moji

Artist: Grace & Moji

Song: Monster

Genres: #altpop #indiepop

Location: Los Angeles, United States

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: Beneath the sun-kissed melodies of summer, Grace & Moji‘s latest release, “Monster,” the second single from their forthcoming debut album, delves into the heart of our complexities, shining light on the shadows that coexist within us. As the dynamic husband-wife indie duo serenades us with their infectious indie pop duet, they unravel a universal truth – the duality of our beings.

In this enchanting anthem, Grace & Moji‘s harmonious voices dance harmoniously, a true testament to their musical unity. Grace Hong’s words echo in every note, reminding us that acknowledging our “Monsters” is an essential step toward understanding the nuances that make us human. Also, the vibrant instrumentation and infectious beats create a whirlwind of emotions, carrying us through the highs and lows of their melodic narrative.

In short, this groovy track is an indie pop gem. Its easygoing tone, well-executed vocals, and captivating storytelling make it a standout piece that leaves a lasting impression. Check it out!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie
Pop

July 28, 2023August 18, 2023

“Cool About It” by boygenius

Artist: boygenius

Song: Cool About It

Genres: #indie #indiefolk

Location: California, United States

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: If you are a fan of indie folk and rock, you probably know who boygenius are. The supergroup, formed by Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus released their self-titled debut EP in 2018 and it was full of harmonies, emotions and exquisite songwriting. Since then, each member has been busy with their own projects, but somehow they still found time to release a new album, aptly titled ‘the record’, earlier this year. Even though it probably won’t be released as a single, “Cool About It” is my favorite new track and I’ve been meaning to feature it here for a while now.

The song is a slow-burning ballad that showcases the trio’s vocal chemistry and their ability to create a captivating atmosphere with minimal instrumentation. The lyrics are about trying to act nonchalant in front of an ex-lover, but feeling the pain and regret underneath. It’s a simple yet beautiful track.

Regular readers will probably remember that I’ve written about Phoebe before, but Julien and Lucy are just as talented and compelling, and together they form a powerful and unique musical force.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie

July 11, 2023August 14, 2023

“Find You” by New Friends

Artist: New Friends

Song: Find You

Genres: #altpop #indiepop

Location: London, Canada

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: Back in April, Canadian band New Friends released their debut EP Camaro; it contains the catchy “Doomed”, which I featured here last year, and three other tracks. I listened to the EP without expecting to find a song I liked as much as “Doomed” in it, but I was wrong. Even though “Find You”, the closing track, is a different kind of song, it got me hooked just the same. The chorus is really something else. It makes you want to sing along.

“Find You” showcases impressive vocal harmonies and captivating guitar riffs, enhancing the richness of its sound. The production is polished yet tasteful, allowing the song’s essence to shine through. With its universal theme of longing for understanding and happiness, this track strikes a chord. All in all, the song sounds like a radio hit, but with a distinct personal touch. New Friends is unquestionably a band to keep an eye on in the pop rock scene.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie
Pop

July 6, 2023August 4, 2023

“Spanish Moss” by Against Me!

Artist: Against Me!

Song: Spanish Moss

Genres: #punkrock

Location: Florida, United States

Release date: June, 2010

Comment: “Spanish Moss” by Against Me! is an energizing track from their 2010 album White Crosses. This punk rock anthem talks about the need to be who you are without feeling ashamed for it, which takes some extra meaning once you learn about the lead singer’s backstory, who back then was not known as Laura Jane Grace.

The music is catchy and powerful, with driving drums, soaring guitars and Laura Jane Grace’s passionate vocals. Given the fact that this great tune turned 13 last month, I thought it would be a good choice for #ThrowbackThursday. So turn up the volume, sing along and let Spanish Moss take you on a journey. You won’t regret it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Punk-rock

June 14, 2023July 7, 2023

“King of Wands” by Housewife

Artist: Housewife

Song: King of Wands

Genres: #indiepop #altpop

Location: Toronto, Canada

Release date: June, 2023

Comment: Housewife is a Toronto-based indie rock project led by 20-year-old Brighid Fry (she/they), who has been making waves in the Canadian music scene with their catchy and clever songs. After touring with Paolo Nutini and releasing the hit single “Fuck Around Phase” earlier this year, Housewife is back with another great track: “King of Wands”.

The song is a fiery anthem of female empowerment and intuition, inspired by the tarot card of the same name. Housewife sings about resisting the patriarchal attempts to silence and undermine women’s voices and wisdom, and reclaiming their power and agency. The lyrics are sharp and witty, with lines like “I wish I was the king of wands / But really, I’m Cassandra / The girl that I’ll ignore / When she’s got all the answers”.

The music is equally energetic and explosive, blending pop melodies with rock instrumentation. The song features heavy drums, distorted guitars, and soaring vocals that create a contrast between the verses and the choruses. By the way, the vocals during the verses remind me of Amelia Meath from Sylvan Esso. The song was co-written with Gabe Simon (Lana Del Rey, Noah Kahan) and JT Foley (GAYLE, Maddy Hicks), who helped Housewife craft their mature and intentional indie-rock sound.

If you live in North America and like what you hear, you can catch Housewife live on their upcoming tour dates across Canada and the US.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie
Pop

June 13, 2023July 7, 2023

“Strange Adrenaline” by Nat Vazer

Artist: Nat Vazer

Song: Strange Adrenaline

Genres: #indiepop #altpop

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Release date: May, 2023

Comment: Nat Vazer is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter who has been making waves with her confessional indie-rock and dream-pop songs. After a successful US tour and SXSW appearance, she is back with a new single, “Strange Adrenaline”, which also serves as the title track of her upcoming album.

“Strange Adrenaline” is a song that captures the feeling of chasing a vision and having the courage to pursue the unknown. Inspired by a Patti Smith novel, the song combines powerful guitar riffs, drum machines, and Vazer’s striking vocals to create an engaging sound. The chorus is catchy and anthemic, while the verses are introspective and poetic.

The song showcases Vazer’s talent as a storyteller and a musician, as well as her ability to blend different genres and influences. It will appeal to fans of boygenius and/or any of its talented members (Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus), and other young gifted singer-songwriters who are shaping the new generation of indie-rock.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie
Pop