“Egyptian Summer” by Good Strangers

"Egyptian Summer" by Good Strangers

Artist: Good Strangers

Song: Egyptian Summer

Genres: #indie #indiefolk

Influences: boygenius, Wolf Alice, The Cure

Location: Mullingar, Ireland

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: Some songs are truly special. From the moment you hear them for the first time, you know that they will become a fixture of your daily soundtrack for months to come. That was the case when I listened to “Egyptian Summer” by Good Strangers. The mind-blowing thing is that this is the band’s first ever single, released ahead of their forthcoming debut EP, ‘Adult Teenage Novels’, coming out this fall.


Good Strangers came into existence as a collaboration of Irish musician friends, united by their shared passion for music and a history of playing together in various bands and projects. The band’s two lead singers, Niamh Kirby and Conor Quinn, who are best friends since they were 3, formed the group in 2022 after returning from Berlin, where they were inspired by the vibrant indie folk scene in the German capital. They chose the act’s name as a celebration of community and the many good strangers the band has met throughout their time touring, travelling and attending festivals.

In “Egyptian Summer,” the Irish band paints a raw and poetic portrayal of the moment when a beautiful relationship begins to unravel. Connor wrote it after going through a tough breakup, reminiscing about a summer in Egypt and searching for signs that everything would go downhill afterwards. Musically, the track has a similar vibe to Of Monsters And Men‘s debut album, without sounding exactly the same. What it really sets it apart for me are two things: first, how well Connor and Niamh’s voices fit together, and second, the emotion that they are able to transmit with their heartfelt vocals.

In conclusion, “Egyptian Summer” by Good Strangers is a sublime testament to the power of storytelling through music. It delves into the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery, wrapped in an indie soundscape that feels both familiar and fresh. I honestly can’t wait for the debut EP!

“Remember that Egyptian Summer
The fork lightning over the bay
When we forgot everything
We forgot our troubles
When love was kind
And the silence was noise
But Underneath a marble sky
I never seen you look so happy
In your life.

And you were always cracking jokes
And laughing at my funny ways
And as the thunder rolled
Well so did my sorrow
We told lies
We told them all the time
But underneath a marble sky
Nothing mattered.

I need a thunderstorm
To distract from the pain
Cause tomorrow might be the same damn sorrow
I need something to happen
The heavens to burst
The sky to tear open
The passion to run and flow like a river
Out of my eyes
Once it’s out of my heart
It’s such a cold and desolate
Happy ever when
It’s such a cold and desolate
Happiness never came.

We sat at the bar and we talked
about the things we used to like
And romanticised the pain
Always remember it’s a crying shame
Like reaching for the heavens
but the heavens never came
And I’ve played the victim long before you arrived
These are not my people
It’s not my scene
not my style
So I’m going back
I’m going back to the city
Please forgive me”

Good Strangers, Egyptian Summer

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“Aquamarine” by Kirsten Agresta Copely

"Aquamarine" by Kirsten Agresta Copely

Artist: Kirsten Agresta Copely

Song: Aquamarine

Genres: #Instrumental, #relaxing, #harp

Location: Brooklyn, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: Kirsten Agresta Copely is no stranger to this blog. I have featured her stunning harp music before, in Sweet Disposition and Tableaux, and I’m happy to report that she has a new album, Aquamarine, released in July.

Aquamarine is a deeply personal and emotional album, dedicated to Kirsten’s late mother, who shared her love of the ocean and music. Each of the nine tracks has a water theme and a special meaning for Kirsten, reflecting her memories of her mother and her own artistic vision. The album is a beautiful tribute to the woman who inspired and supported Kirsten’s musical journey from an early age.

 The title track, “Aquamarine”, is a perfect introduction to the album. It starts with a gentle harp melody that evokes the calmness and clarity of the sea. The song gradually builds up with layers of sounds created by the mixing engineer, Kirsten’s husband: Marc Copely, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape that captures the power and mystery of the ocean. The song is both soothing and uplifting, inviting the listener to dive into Kirsten’s deep blue world.  If you are looking for a song that will soothe your soul and inspire you, here it is:

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“Hard To Please” By Rachel Bochner

“Hard To Please” by Rachel Bochner

Artist: Rachel Bochner

Song: Heavy Objects

Genres: #indiepop

Location: New York City, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: Rachel Bochner is an alt-pop artist who has delivered tracks with funny titles like “If I’m Gunna Be Sad (I Might As Well Look Hot Doing It)” and “Here For The Drama.” These tracks will be part of her 6-track EP, aptly named “It’s Not Me, It’s U,” set to be released next week. “Hard To Please” is the latest single she has dropped from the new record, and I have to say that it is my favorite so far.

It is a dynamic alt-pop track that skillfully blends gritty guitars with graceful melodies. The song delves into the pressures placed on women in today’s society. It begins with Rachel contemplating getting a nose ring, hoping that a simple change in the form of a “shiny piece of metal” might solve her problems. The lyrics then progress as Rachel vents her overall frustrations, expressing lines like: “I’m getting sick of it / Targets I’ll never hit / How can I reach the end of it / When there’s no finish line?” The track takes an unexpected turn just as we anticipate a heavy rock chorus, surprising us instead with sweet-sounding vocals and lively guitar strums. Check it out below!

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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.

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“Simon the Doubter” by Brendan Scott Friel

“Simon the Doubter” by Brendan Scott Friel
Photo Credit: Stefan Hobmaier

Artist: Brendan Scott Friel

Song: Simon The Doubter

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Windor, Ontario, Canada

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: Brendan Scott Friel is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the indie scene with his honest and heartfelt folk songs. His new single, “Simon the Doubter,” is a catchy and clever tune that tells the story of a man who questions everything, even his own faith. The song features acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica, and subtle percussion, creating a warm and organic backdrop for his smooth and expressive vocals. The lyrics are witty and clever, using biblical references and metaphors to describe the protagonist’s doubts and struggles.

“Simon the Doubter” is the first single from his upcoming second album, Summer Moons, which is set to be released later this year. The song showcases his talent for blending folk elements with pop sensibilities, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. If you like artists like Passenger, Ed Sheeran, or Vance Joy, you might want to give this song a listen.

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“Don’t Forget” by Jakliu

"Don’t Forget" by Jakliu

Artist: Jakliu

Song: Don’t Forget

Genres: #chillout

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Release date: June, 2023.

Comment: If you’re looking for some chill and atmospheric electronica to soothe your soul, you might want to check out the work of Jakliu, an Irish producer based in Dublin. His debut EP, Don’t Forget, is a two-track record that explores the complex emotions that arise when one realizes their love for someone is temporary, yet profound.

The title track, “Don’t Forget,” is a captivating blend of ambient textures and delicate plucks that create an immersive soundscape. The vocal chops glide effortlessly over the ethereal backdrop, expressing the urgency and yearning not to let the ephemeral nature of their love slip away. The track evokes a sense of bittersweet longing and introspection, allowing listeners to connect deeply with its emotional core. The second track, “Not For Long, But I Know,” is just as mesmerizing.

Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including classical music, nature, and electronic music, Jakliu has developed a unique sound that blends together different genres and styles to create something uniquely his own. Listen to “Don’t Forget” below.

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“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd

“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd
Photo Credit: Stefan Hobmaier

Artist: M. Byrd

Song: Pyrrhula

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Detmold, Germany

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: M. Byrd is a German-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who has been making waves with his debut album The Seed, a collection of songs that blend intimate moments with wide horizons, inspired by the Laurel Canyon sound and shoegaze aesthetics. The album is meant to plant a seed and encourage listeners’ evolution.

One of the standout tracks from The Seed is “Pyrrhula”, a song that showcases M. Byrd‘s ability to create atmospheric and emotional soundscapes with his guitar, synth and bass playing. The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming and M. Byrd’s soft vocals, singing about a fire in someone’s eyes and a longing for connection. The song is named after a genus of birds, also known as bullfinches, which are known for their bright colors and monogamous relationships. M. Byrd uses this metaphor to express his desire for a lasting bond with someone who can light up his world.

“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd is a song that will make you feel something, whether it’s joy, sadness, nostalgia or hope.

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“Stardust” by Cary Brothers

"Stardust" by Cary Brothers

Artist: Cary Brothers

Song: Stardust

Genres: #indie

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: I recently watched the movie A Good Person, written and directed by Zach Braff, who also wrote and directed Garden State, whose award-winning soundtrack has been referred to on multiple occasions here. There is a pivotal scene in the movie in which the main character, played by the scene-stealing Florence Pugh, attends a concert and the song being played when she arrives really grabbed my attention. It turned out to be “Stardust” by Cary Brothers, a singer-songwriter -Brothers is his surname- who was also featured on the soundtrack of, you guessed it, Garden State.

Stardust is a moody indie track that is simply stunning. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

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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.

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“King of Wands” by Housewife

"King of Wands" by Housewife
Photo credit: Luke Rogers

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.

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