Tag: Discover Prompts

Posted on

“No Reptiles” by Everything Everything

"No Reptiles" by Everything Everything

Artist: Everything Everything

Song: No Reptiles

Genres: #indierock

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Release date: October, 2015

Comment: I was aware of the existence of Everything Everything, but I hadn’t really cared about them until a friend of mine made me listen to “No Reptiles” a few weeks ago. When the song started playing, I have to say that I wasn’t enjoying it very much, but by the time it finished, I knew right then that it was a stroke of genius and one of those tracks that grows on you with each listen. Considering I’ve been overplaying this track since then, I suppose I wasn’t wrong.

In a musical landscape often dominated by formulaic melodies and predictable lyrics, “No Reptiles” emerges as a refreshing revelation. The song is a brilliant confluence of art-rock, pop, and unbridled emotion. With an arresting, pulsating beat that serves as the foundation, the song immediately commands attention. The bassline then adds depth and groove, ensuring that this song isn’t just an auditory experience but a visceral one too. Jonathan Higgs’ vocal range and intensity are staggering, and the lyrics, although cryptic, are highly evocative. Supposedly, Higgs wrote this song after a few of his friends became conspiracy theorists, and the title refers to the Reptilian theory.

That being said, what truly elevates “No Reptiles” is its ability to create an atmosphere that’s both hypnotic and liberating. As the song progresses, it swells, cascading into an intricate sonic tapestry that refuses to be confined by any genre or structure. The seamless interplay between the band members showcases not only their musical chemistry but also their innate understanding of their craft. This is why I had to feature it here as a #ThrowbackThursday post. What a masterpiece!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

Posted on

“Wishing Well” by Sundara Karma

"Wishing Well" by Sundara Karma

Artist: Sundara Karma

Song: Wishing Well

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Release date: September, 2023

Comment: For those who are not familiar, Sundara Karma is an English indie rock band that originated in Reading, England back in 2011. The group comprises Oscar Pollock as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, along with Ally Baty as the lead guitarist, Dom Cordell on bass, and Haydn Evans handling the drums. Their band name, derived from Sanskrit, translates to “Beautiful Karma.” In the years since their formation, they have been consistently active and have treated listeners to a series of albums, each offering a refreshing perspective on indie rock. Sundara Karma‘s distinctive musical identity is characterized by the fusion of emotionally charged lyricism with captivating rhythmic melodies, resulting in compositions that are not only enthralling but also profoundly relatable.

Sundara Karma‘s most recent offering, “Wishing Well,” is a good example of that. It presents an uplifting composition juxtaposed with verses that articulate the torment of dwelling on “what ifs.” It’s a track that leaves you contemplative, humming along, and eagerly hitting the replay button. Enjoy.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

Posted on

“hot girls in hell” by LØLØ

"hot girls in hell" by LØLØ
Photo credit: Luke Rogers

Artist: LØLØ

Song: King of Wands

Genres: #altpop #poppunk

Location: Los Angeles, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: LØLØ, also known as Lauren Mandel, is a talented Canadian singer-songwriter, born in 1996, celebrated for her captivating blend of pop and alternative pop music. Her rise to fame was facilitated by her performances on TikTok, where she breathed new life into iconic music hits. Her musical style is a blend of pop melodies, sharp rock undertones, and angsty vocals that brings forth the bitter sting of heartbreak. Is it unique? No, but it is damn good.

A prime example of her prowess is her latest release, “hot girls in hell,” a fiery track that skillfully balances both fierceness and vulnerability. The track kicks off gently, gradually morphing into a pop-punk anthem that will have you headbanging in no time. This structural evolution mirrors the rollercoaster of emotions one experiences when a relationship comes to an end. In summary, check this song out if you are into indie pop. It is truly enjoyable.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop
Posted on

“All I Die For” by SWiiMS

"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

Posted on

“One More Time” by blink-182

"One More Time" by blink-182

Artist: blink-182

Song: One More Time

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Location: California, United States

Release date: September, 2023

Comment: I’ve managed to secure tickets to see blink-182 live in London next week, and needless to say, my excitement is off the charts. It’s this exhilaration that led me to feature their latest track, “One More Time,” today. It’s safe to say that I haven’t been this thrilled about a new blink-182 song since the release of “I Miss You.” This new track, in my opinion, stands shoulder to shoulder with the classics, especially when you consider the nostalgic elements present in the music video, the lyrics, and the reunion of Tom DeLonge with the band (also, Travis vocals!). I want to acknowledge that Matt Skiba did a commendable job as a replacement, but what truly made blink-182 special was the dynamic trio of Tom, Mark, and Travis.

By the way, they released another new track last night called “Dance With Me,” and it sounds fantastic. I can’t wait for the new album to be released.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Punk-Rock

Posted on

“Ellis Island” by Actve Captve

"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

Posted on

“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

Posted on

“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

Posted on

“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

Posted on

“Monster” by Grace & Moji

"Monster" by Grace & Moji
Photo credits: Steph Montani

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