“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:

“Cool About It” by boygenius

"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:

“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.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

A R I Z O N A – Moving On

A R I Z O N A - Moving On
A R I Z O N A - Moving On

Artist: A R I Z O N A

Song: Moving On

Genres: #indierock #altpop

Location: New Jersey, United States

Release date: February, 2023

CommentA R I Z O N A has returned with their latest single “Moving On,” and the electro-pop trio’s first original music release in four years is a true testament to their meteoric rise since their inception in 2015. The single is marked by infectious pop hooks and a synth-infused beat that is sure to please fans of the genre. It will be part of the band’s forthcoming self-titled album next month.

The band has amassed an impressive following, with over one billion worldwide career streams, sold-out headline tours, and well-received festival sets at major events such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits.

“Moving On” embodies the band’s message of creating a safe space where misfits and outcasts can belong, and it offers a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with life’s ups and downs. To celebrate their love for their namesake state, A R I Z O N A filmed a stunning music video in Round Rock, AZ, which you can check out below.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

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:

Linebeck – Waste My Time

Linebeck

Artist: Linebeck

Song: Waste My Time

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Hamilton, Canada

Release date: November, 2022

Comment: Linebeck’s “Waste My Time” is a fantastic indie track that packs a punch with its raw energy and heartfelt lyrics. This four-piece band from Hamilton, Ontario has crafted a powerful song that speaks to the realities of modern dating in the digital age. Lead vocalist Chrys and guitarist Momo’s transition from an acoustic ukulele-guitar duo to a full band has clearly paid off in the production value of this track.

The lyrics in “Waste My Time” are relatable and thought-provoking, touching on the vulnerability and uncertainty that often comes with the early stages of a relationship. Chrys delivers the vocals with a passion and intensity that captures the emotion of the song perfectly. It’s a sweet and memorable track that is sure to get stuck in your head.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Frankie Bird – Campfire

Artist: Frankie Bird

Song: Campfire

Genres: #altrock #singersongwriter

Location: London, United Kingdom

Influences: Oasis, The Beatles

Release date: August, 2022

Comment: “Campfire” sounds like a hit song Alanis or Hole could have released in the 90s, but it was actually written by a talented 22-year-old indie/pop artist from Reading, UK. Not only that, it is just the second single ever released by Frankie Bird. To say that she has a promising future would be a massive understatement.

It is no wonder then that when Frankie moved to London in late 2021 and became a regular on the open mic circuit, she proved to be a success all around the city. “Campfire”, in particular, is a little hidden gem that deserves to be found.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Roseburg – Alice

Artist: Roseburg

Song: Alice

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Utah, United States

Release date: October, 2022

Comment: Roseburg is an alt-rock quartet named after the city where this musical project started: Roseburg, Oregon. Today, they’re based out of Utah and after two and a half years of silence, they came back last month with a new single, Alice, that was actually written a few years ago, when frontman Zach Knell was just 16. Knell, by the way, has the perfect voice for this type of indie rock music. If you’re a fan of bands like The Fray, check Alice out. You won’t want to miss it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Gathering of Strangers – Red & Gold

Artist: Gathering of Strangers

Song: Red & Gold

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Release date: August, 2022

Comment: Conor Rabone, frontman of  Gathering of Strangers, a five-piece indie rock band from Manchester, had this to say about their latest single, Red & Gold: “My absolute favourite time of the day is just after sunset, and you have about five minutes when the sun has disappeared, but it has turned the whole sky a golden red. I wanted to capture my feelings during those 5 minutes and put it in a song“. It’s safe to say he succeeded at that because when you listen to Red & Gold, the moment that riff starts playing at the beginning, you feel instantly elated.

With songs like Red & Gold, this band is definitely going places.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Armstrong – Morning

Artist: Armstrong

Song: Morning

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Aldershot, United Kingdom

Influences: Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender

Release date: June, 2022

CommentMorning, from British four-pierce band Armstrong, is one of those alternative rock songs that grab your attention from the start. I have always had a predilection for songs that begin with just a guitar and some melodic vocals, and that then explode once all instruments join the fun –usually around the chorus–, and that’s exactly what happens here. The track’s lyrics talk about delaying big life-changing decisions, like breaking up with someone, until the next morning. Don’t delay listening to this infectious track though. It will be well worth your time.

Featured on the following mixtapes: