indiewave

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A round-up of the best songs released during the third quarter (July 1-Sept 30)

Tame Impala – “Loser”

There’s a million think pieces online about how this song sucks. Maybe I’m just derivative, but I don’t think you need to shapeshift to make a good song.  I also think time was setting unrealistic expectations because no one would have batted an eye if this was a random track on Currents or The Slow Rush. Probably not at the top of Tame’s career catalogue, but one of the better songs of the quarter

Sunbeam Sound Machine – “Career Year”

First time I heard this song was during a solo road trip and I probably played it back 4 or 5 times. The downtempo grooves, cheeky songwriting, moody guitars and sax noodling all swirled together to channel “Kaputt” by Destroyer, which is one of the most underrated songs of all time.  To go with a slightly more approachable reference, it kinda reminds me of a mix between The War on Drugs and Washed Out.  The entire Double Magic album is enchanting though; “Mercy” has also been on loop

Chinless Wonder – “Sunny World”

The debut album Moon Phaser is a beat tape with class as vintage samples are weaved together flawlessly to create hyper-modern compositions.  It’s like an elevated version of those “10 hour lo fi beats for studying and chilling” YouTube mixes, except you actually want to look up and see what’s playing

Dijon – “Yamaha”

His work on Bon Iver and Justin Bieber’s albums has pushed him to the edge of the mainstream, but there hasn’t been any sonic sellout. Sure, this is catchy and has the bones of a 90’s R&B smash hit; but it’s warped through the same murky lens that he and Mk.gee have been crafting over the last few years

Sex Week – “Moneyman”

I used to be a brazen “anything but country” guy, but so many good indie artists are starting to blur those genre lines that it’s impossible to stand on that.  This is Exhibit A.  The vocals and harmonica make you wanna dig out the cowboy hat you own semi-ironically, but it’s spun through a late-night introspection web and dripping in big city cool

Mac Demarco – “Punishment”

His new album Guitar is simple; just an off-center crooner with six strings and a drum set.  It feels like he stripped back a lot of instrumentation and expectation and made one for himself.  To be honest, the minimalist approach can make it a dull straight-through listen, but any song picked out of a hat is lovely as hell.  This is the one I’ve been picking the most

Boy Deco, Quantum Keys – “Strangers”

2024’s Real Sugar has been one of my favorite finds of the year, but their newest offering has been at the top of my On Repeat playlist.  They’ve carved out a distinctive sound that’s equal parts quirky, funky and twangy, with a retro drizzle.  This one fits in with the rest, but is beaming with optimism and as anthemic as you’ll find in the DIY space

Winter McQuinn (feat. Chet Sounds & Dylan Young) – “Growing Old”

He makes a pleasant blend of folk, psych and yacht rock that makes me nostalgic for an era neither of us lived through.  Dropped in 2025, but sounds like it should be crackling out of a record player in a 70’s dorm room while a doobie gets passed around

Niall Mutter – “Beau Bassin”

“You” and “A Love That Fits” are the epitome of funky bedroom pop, but this is a shift into twangier territory.  A somewhat surprising detour, but it’s well done and perfect for driving around on a sunny day

Shane T – “Lately”

This is the sound you’d get if you ran Southern rock through a dream pop filter, like the love child of Kings of Leon and Beach Fossils.  I’ve mentioned before that I always have a random line I belt out while walking around the house.  Right now, it’s “you and me… lately!”  Simple, but punches above its weight with the delivery

Chelsea Days – “Two Seater”

Listening to the Superette EP I couldn’t shake the feeling that it sounded eerily similar to Love Seats.  That may be an obscure reference, but I just discovered that both members of Love Seats are also in Chelsea Days, so now it’s more of a factoid.  Cross-pollination rambles aside, this song is a fun fusion of psych rock and dream pop tailor-made for road trippin’

Fetch Tiger – “Hear From You”

The TOLEDO-produced single from their MOTOR EP sounds like Two Door Cinema Club and Phoenix playing a game of chicken and crashing in the middle to cause an explosion of 2000s indie pop.  It’s hard not to keep on loop if you’re nostalgic for that era (or discovering it on TikTok)

Balu Brigada – “Sideways”

Did someone say indie sleaze revival?  I just got into Balu Brigada in the last few months but the energy and confidence the New Zealanders exude makes me feel like I’ve been missing out on something.  Great party music for people who are cool (or think they are)

Antonio Barret – “Stone Age”

Since his infectious 2023 single “2 AM” he’s been at the forefront of modern indie funk.  “Stone Age” sounds like something that’d be played over a soiree scene in a cool HBO show as you try to Shazam it before the dialogue starts again

Meltt – “Goodbye”

If you’re a psych rock fan who’s in touch with their emotional side, Meltt should be on your radar.  Their layered, atmospheric soundscapes pair perfectly with introspective lyrics to create a weight that sticks with you.  This is the kind of shit you put on during a night drive and get lost in thought to.  If you need further reference, check out 2023’s “Within You, Within Me” and/or “Do You Ever Wonder?”

Pool Girl – “Something to Say”

Pool Girl is rising fast in the indie scene with her chilled-out brand of pop that’s dreamy and slightly psychedelic while showing off a knack for poignancy.  Like “when you think of me I hope it makes you happy.  When you lose yourself I hope you find your meaning.  When you find yourself you know I won’t be waiting,” right into the heavy synth bridge is moving stuff.  Kinda reminds me of The Marias

Stephan Kreussel – “bones”

This song is haunting.  It’s like a more brooding take on The 1975’s moodier work, but the guitar work on the back half cuts through the tension like a knife.  If you want to keep it chill but head in a slightly surfier direction, his 2021 track “Cruel AF” is a fixture

Besphrenz (feat. Anthony Green & Keith Goodwin) – “yeah”

Their 2019 EP Besphrenz was fun and funky as they floated between catchy pop hooks and rap verses.  While the new stuff is still genre bending, it feels more substantial, starting with a sharp guitar riff that sinks its teeth in and keeps pulling you under.  The breezy spirit is still alive though as they trade mini-verses with Philly indie rock legends Anthony Green (Circa Survive, etc) and Keith Goodwin (Good Old War)

Jay Som, Soft Glas – “What You Need”

Jay Som sprinkled Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Jim Adkins (Jimmy Eat World) features across her new album Belong, so this track might not get the most shine. But the fuzzy electronics of Soft Glas blend seamlessly with her hooky indie rock style to create a slacker anthem with stickiness

Far Caspian – “Ditch”

If you like lazy alternative indie with a folk lean, this song is for you.  If you like noisy rock music, surprisingly, this song is also for you.  If you like songs that start slow and build up into an explosion of noisy rock, this song is canonical.  The opener to Autofiction makes a statement and sets the tone for one of the most memorable albums of the year

Bonus track: Sunbeam Sound Machine – “Mercy” (mentioned above)

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