Tag: anthem

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“How to exit a room” by The Maine

"How to Exit a Room" by The Maine

Artist: The Maine

Song: How to exit a room

Genres:  #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Arizona, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: The Maine, whose song “Face Towards The Sun” was featured here in July 2021, released “How to exit a room” in July this year, and it is a shining example of the band’s consistent ability to deliver fresh and engaging music. Featured on their self-titled album, this track has garnered praise from both fans and critics alike. It kicks off with an attention-grabbing rhythm and boasts introspective and relatable lyrics, tackling the universal experience of desiring an escape from a situation or place.

Musically, “How to Exit a Room” is a finely-crafted pop-rock gem that doesn’t overstay its welcome, offering a delightful listening experience with its melodic chorus and well-balanced instrumentation. The production is polished, ensuring that each element of the track shines without overshadowing the others.

Whether you’ve been a longtime fan of the band or are just discovering their music, this track is unquestionably worth a listen.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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“Spanish Moss” by Against Me!

"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

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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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All Time Low – Tell Me I’m Alive

All Time Low - Tell Me I'm Alive

Artist: All Time Low

Song: Tell Me I’m Alive

Genres: #punkrock

Location: Maryland, United States

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: All Time Low was one of the first bands featured on T.A.M., and almost three years later (time flies!), they have returned with their eponymous single: Tell Me I’m Alive. This is also the title of the band’s ninth studio album, their first release since the pandemic. The first three quarters of the track showcase a more mature sound for the band, with pop elements infused into their punk style and even the addition of a piano to back the vocals. It is not until the bridge that All Time Low switch gears up with classic punk drum lines and high energy levels. I’m not a fan of songs that rely too heavily on this drumming style, but when used sparingly as is the case here, they can be a brilliant addition.

All Time Low was formed in 2003 in Baltimore, Maryland. The band members, consisting of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alex Gaskarth, lead guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist Zack Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson, gained popularity with their pop punk sound and catchy lyrics. Throughout their career, All Time Low has toured extensively and earned a dedicated fan base, selling over 2 million records worldwide. With their continued success and loyal fan base, All Time Low has cemented themselves as one of the most prominent bands in the pop punk and rock music scene.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Punk-rock

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The Dares – Pain

Artist: The Dares

Song: Pain

Genres: #poprock #alternativerock

Location: Santa Ana, United States

Release date: April, 2022.

Comment: As a band, The Dares current lineup has been performing together since 2010. During this time, they have had the chance to work with both established and up-and-coming producers. While getting help from professionals is always nice, it is also pretty expensive with pricey hourly rates, which is not good for artistic freedom when you got a limited budget. For example, you may have to settle for a less than perfect option just because you cannot afford another recording session. The pandemic gave The Dares the opportunity to set up a home studio on an unused conference room, which allowed them to self-produce a few songs. The band enjoyed having the opportunity to pursue their own vision and that shows in tracks like Pain, from the use of synths to the layered vocals on the bridge and outro.

Despite having a relatively happy melody, Pain got a deep meaning with lyrics that criticise those who prey on vulnerable people (which, sadly, seems to happen more and more these days). It is a track full of contrasts and definitely worthy of our attention. Please check The Dares out!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Punk-rock

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MOONWOOD – Slow Down

Artist: MOONWOOD

Song: Slow Down

Genres: #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Sydney, Australia

Influences: U2, The 1975, Kings of Leon

Release date: April, 2022

Comment: MOONWOOD is a Sydney-based alternative rock band that released their debut EP, Everything We Once Knew, less than three months ago. If the band’s name sounds familiar to you, that’s because I featured one of the EP’s lead singles , Sydney Lights, back in December. When I did that, even though I hadn’t listened to the full EP yet, I was convinced that Sydney Lights was going to be hands down my favorite song off that record. I might have been wrong though because now I think that Slow Down might be even better. I lost track of how many times I’ve listened to this song the past couple of months. I just love how it goes in crescendo twice: at the beginning and then after the song switches gears at the 03:10 mark. This represents the increasing tension between two lovers trying to resolve their unspoken issues and differences.

All in all, this is an outstanding alternative rock track. By all means, check it out.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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RIVIA – In The Air

Artist: RIVIA

Song: In The Air

Genres: #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom

Release date: February, 2022

Influences: 30 Seconds to Mars, Biffy Clyro

Comment: I bet the ratio of good rock bands to inhabitants in Liverpool must be off the charts. There must be something magical around the Mersey river. Four-piece RIVIA is just the latest example of that. After gaining good momentum in 2019, the pandemic made them take a step back. They still released a couple of songs during that time and now they’re back to full steam with the forthcoming release of their new EP: Scratching the Surface. In The Air is its lead single and it is as anthemic as an alternative rock song can be. A relatable song about how certain things, good and bad, can throw your plans up in the air, you will have a hard time ignoring its powerful chorus. Check it out.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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The New Twentys – Heart’s In The Right Place

The New Twentys - Heart's In The Right Place

Artist: The New Twentys

Song: Heart’s In The Right Place

Genres: #indierock #alternativerock

Location: London, UK

Release date: January, 2022.

Influences: The Cure, Talking Heads, The Strokes.

Comment: Less than a year after the catchy I Can’t Afford Her, London-based trio The New Twentys, are back with a new single that’s not that far behind in terms of energy and likability. Heart’s In The Right Place, the band explains, “serves as as a middle finger to all the people who try to trample on your passions, the types that act like they’ve got life figured out, and want you to share their same small view of the world. ‘They say my heart’s in the right place as though the rest of me ain’t'”.

What could I add to that? When you mix meaningful lyrics with a good melody, you end up with bangers just like this song. Check it out!.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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The Namesakes – Leopard Skin

The Namesakes - Leopard Skin

Artist: The Namesakes

Song: Leopard Skin

Genres: #collegerock #alternativerock

Location: South Launceston, Australia

Release date: December, 2021

Comment: Tasmanian four-piece act The Namesakes are a rock ‘n’ roll band flirting with college rock, 60s pop, British and Australian indie music and classic punk. Case in point, their latest EP, Super Computer, got a little bit of everything across its six tracks. Leopard Skin, which is the second track, sounds like what would have happened if Oasis, Nada Surf, and Said The Whale had made a song together. It’s the quintessential indie rock song with an outstanding chorus that leaves you thirsty for more.

Listening to The Namesakes, you realize that this is not a band trying to become the next world-famous mega band, but a group of friends making music that they enjoy. If you’re here, chances are that you will enjoy it too. Check them out!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Angela Sclafani – Bell Jar

Photo: Jules Miranda

Artist: Angela Sclafani

Song: Bell Jar

Genres: #indie #indiefolk

Location: New York City, United States

Influences: Regina Spektor, Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones

Release date: February, 2022.

Comment: Angela Sclafani is an independent #singersongwriter from New York City who has released three EPs so far and won numerous accolades as a songwriter. Her new single, Bell Jar, was inspired by Sylvia Plath‘s 1963 novel and is full of evocative lyrics that encourage listeners to challenge those social conventions that keep them down. Melodically, the track reminds me not only of the artists listed as Angela’s influences but also Lisa Loeb and even Sarah McLachlan. If you like sweet melodies with great lyrics, you’re in for a treat.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie