Listen NOW! - January
"Go the Distance" by SFMD
The 80s and SFMD are inextricably linked, and this will not change in 2025. "Go the Distance," released shortly before the turn of the year, strikes the same chord as its predecessors. Synthwave par excellence. To my delight, SFMD always manage to turn the sounds of the 80s into a New Synthwave spectacle in a class of its own, i.e., to add a time warp to their 80s charm that seems to stand the test of time.
The great saxophone part, the vocals, and of course the synth arrangement should be emphasized, which in the right combination create a wonderful vibe and enchant us. Looking ahead, we should mention that an album and a tour are planned for this year, which we are already looking forward to. Until then, listen to "Go the Distance;" it will be worth the wait.
"South Park (Vocal Version)" by Matthew Mirliani
Inspired by the book 'Edge City: Life on the New Frontier', Matthew Mirliani has released 'South Park (Vocal Version)', a song that not only has tonal and cinematic features, but also transforms the entire scenery into a dramaturgy that has an inspiring effect on the listener. If you close your eyes, you are immersed in another world from the first bar. Spoken words alternate with harmonies and merge into a whole that raises the question of the future.
With 'South Park (Vocal Version)', Matthew has created a fascinating track that touches on experimental art-pop while remaining very contemporary. For me, this release is without a doubt one of his best.
"But Do I Wanna?" by Violet Jane
Exploring the intricate dance between personal happiness and the expectations imposed by a partner, Violate Jane’s new release ‘But Do I Wanna?’ masterfully navigates the emotional labyrinth of self-discovery and autonomy.
Musically, she achieves a wonderful fusion of dark ambient and indie pop, where the vocal part, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the song, should not go unmentioned, as it is the artistic glue between her genre worlds. ‘But Do I Wanna?’ by Violate Jane gets under your skin, drills deep into your mind, and is certainly one of January's release highlights!
"Tupilaq" by HIPPY
When two musicians cross paths in Glasgow by chance, it can be the start of a long collaboration. That's what happened with Hippy, a band from Scotland. Founded in 2019 by singer and songwriter Paul ‘Hippy’ Hipson and guitarist Hugh Frizell, the band have released a new single, ‘Tupilaq,’ which takes us deep into the rock of the '70s, '80s, and '90s and is clearly inspired by the greats.
‘Tupilaq’ offers all facets of the rock spectrum; whether driving drums, grandiose vocals, or solos, everything lives from the love of rock. A little classic hard rock also shines through, making ‘Tupilaq’ almost an exception in the electronically dominated world of music. And so we let Hippy take us across the highway to wherever. The destination is secondary; the sound has to fit! And it fits!
"The Last Call" by Dead Orchards
Everything is ready, ready for a melancholy, misty day. A wonderful soundscape, somewhat grey but still positive in its effect. Dead Orchards, a 2-man indie/darkwave band, have set out to delight us with ‘The Last Call’. Cure-esque with a hint of Radiohead, they pick us up and present us with a song that would have fit well on a Depeche Mode album of days gone by.
There is also good news on the subject of long players, as ‘The Last Call’ is part of the 6-track album ‘No longer will we dream’. Dead Orchards and ‘The Last Call’, a must for all indie dark dream wave fans!
"J'entends le moulin" by Prairie Comeau
"J'entends le moulin" reflects on the passage of time and the changes in life, emphasising the emancipation and independence of women in particular and encouraging them to go their own way. Prairie Comeau embed their reinterpretation of the chanson in today's world, where being a woman means being able to do anything, but under the pressure of having to do everything.
J'entends le moulin' and Prairie Comeau's delicate balance of freedom, captured in thoughtful folk sounds, could be described as 'highly recommended'!
„Wias Weidageht“ by inalied
„Wias Weidageht“, der Schlusssong ihrer aktuellen EP "I siag di", steht nicht nur für Einsamkeit mit Hoffnungsperspektive, sondern auch für österreichischen Mundartpop der Extraklasse. Ina Rebhandl und Winfried Faderl garnieren das Genre chillig, jazzig und schmecken mit einem dezenten Groove ab, der dem leicht frei-intuitiven Anstrich jedoch einen wahnsinnigen Drive verleiht.
Der ganze Song ist gespickt mit versteckten musikalischen Leckerbissen, die immer im richtigen Moment auftauchen und so für eine enorme, aber unaufdringliche Komplexität sorgen. Der Gesangspart, fantastisch eingebettet in das brillante Arrangement, überzeugt mit gewohnter Lässigkeit und verleiht "Wias Weidageht" schließlich das Prädikat "Sophisticated Pop Gem".
Juli Gilde - "Nichts Tut Gut (feat. NIKRA)"
Ein ergreifendes Zeugnis des aktuellen Zeitgeistes liefern Juli Gilde ft. NIKRA mit ihrem Song "Nichts tut gut" ab. Wuchtige Drums, endzeitliche Synthiesounds und Vocals, die an unser Denken, an unsere Vernunft appelliern, sich umzuschauen, nicht zuzuschauen. Lähmende Ohnmacht, gefolgt von Ungerechtigkeit werden in Worte gefasst, um es uns deutlich zu machen.
Die Frustration über die Welt, eingefangen von den beiden Künstlerinnen Juli Gilde und NIKRA im Song "Nichts tut gut", der uns beim Hören aus der Seele spricht und uns aufrüttelt, uns aufweckt. Also, bleibt nicht liegen, steht auf und hört rein!
NenesButler - Indie Music Blog
