The Big Indie Playlist: The best new music of the week
As Autumn begins to reach its peak, with the cold drawing in and the blankets coming out of storage, it is becoming increasingly difficult to leave the warm confines of one’s abode. Luckily, the music industry continues to pump out a vast array of new music to keep us occupied in our Autumnal hibernations. Festival season is now far behind us, and artists have largely either returned to the studios or are out on the road. Either way, this week has seen some truly spectacular releases, all represented here in the Big Indie Playlist.
The past week has been particularly productive for bonus tracks, reissues, and remixes. An unavoidable highlight has been the release of Brat and it’s completely different but also still Brat by Charli XCX, extending ‘Brat Summer‘ for just a little while longer. However, we have also seen bonus tracks from the likes of Bodega and even the living icon that is Kim Gordon. While these songs might not have made it to the final cut of the original albums, they have certainly provided some highlights to this week’s offerings.
A particular stand-out from this week came from the unlikely source of Daniel Johnston. The king of lo-fi and DIY music passed away five years ago, but a new reissue of his 1991 record Artistic Vice has brought with it some previously unreleased material, like ‘All Good Children Got To Die,’ which offer a new insight into the incredible artistic mind of Johnston.
Elsewhere this week, we have seen a mix of optimistic indie rock and post-punk, giving a much needed burst of energy to these sleepy Autumnal days. For those wishing to embrace the cold, artificially pumpkin-scented period ahead of us, there have also been notable melancholic and atmospheric releases over the past seven days, too, with The Cure and Holly Macve leading the charge.
If you are in need of some quiet contemplation, and a more full-on listening experience, may we suggest checking out this week’s Alternative Album Chart. If not, read on and delve into the delectable smorgasbord of this week’s greatest musical offerings.
The best new music of the week:
Track of the week
Charli XCX & The Japanese House – ‘Apple’: There is no getting away from it, Charli XCX has dominated proceedings this week with the release of Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat. Featuring new versions of the songs which came to dominate the summer of 2024, the album includes multiple collaborations with the likes of Julian Casablancas, Shygirl, and Billie Eilish, to name only a few. This particular single sees indie pop sensation Amber Mary Bain – The Japanese House, to you and I – leave her mark on ‘Apple,’ arguably the most successful track from the original Brat album.
Maintaining the same pop atmosphere of the original version, Bain’s take on ‘Apple’ adds a new layer to the Brat multiverse, imbuing the release with her own distinctive indie pop style and influence. Of course, it would take some doing to overshadow ‘Apple,’ which has been an utterly unavoidable song throughout the summer months, but this new version is far from being the cash-grab marketing stunt that the naysayers claimed it would be. [4.5/5]
Instant Classics – The biggest releases of the week
Daniel Johnston – ‘All Good Children Got To Die’: The DIY visionary and outsider artist Daniel Johnston might have passed away five years ago, but his music continues to excel. This track was initially recorded for Johnston’s debut studio album, Artistic Vice, back in 1991, but has remained unreleased until now. Despite its title, the song is distinctly upbeat in comparison to some of Johnston’s other records, with a certain country feel to it, too. Even in death, Johnston’s music remains profound and undeniable. [4.5/5]
The Cure – ‘A Fragile Thing’: Fans have been waiting a very long time for new material by Robert Smith and The Cure, but the newly unveiled singles suggest that the wait was certainly worth it. The latest offering, ‘A Fragile Thing,’ simultaneously pays homage to the rich history and diverse style of the iconic goth band while also driving The Cure into exciting new directions. [4/5]
Kim Gordon – ‘Bangin’ on the Freeway’: With the deluxe release of Kim Gordon’s latest solo record, The Collective, came bonus tracks which were cut from the original tracklisting. However, based on the strength of this now-released song, their absence from the original mix seems an odd choice. Gordon’s usual breathless, almost deadpan vocals on top of a dark and bass-heavy electronic beat is always a winning combination. [4/5]
Bodega – ‘Myrtle Parade’: Ahead of the release of the excellently named Brand On The Run, an extended version of Our Brand Could Be Yr Life, New York’s favourite arty post-punks have unleashed a previously unheard song in the form of ‘Myrtle Parade.’ Very in keeping with the atmosphere of the album, the song features dream-like instrumentals alongside Ben Hozie’s usual lyrical humour and confrontational delivery. [4/5]
La Femme – ‘Venus’: It has been 14 years since French indie psych-rockers La Femme hit the scene, and they have certainly left their mark on the landscape of modern psychedelia during that time. ‘Venus’, from their recently released album Rock Machine, largely encapsulates the appeal of the Biarritz band, with far-out electronic instrumentation and a typically angelic vocal performance. [3.5/5]
Billie Marten – ‘Crown’: Another wonderful offering from North Yorkshire vocalist Billie Marten – real name Isabella Tweddle – which provides some insight into why she is such a rapidly rising star within the world of acoustic indie folk. The harmonies on this track are particularly enjoyable, though the gentle piano offers some essential background, too. [3.5/5]
On The Rise – New releases to note this week
Chalk – ‘Tell Me’: Electronic and dance-influenced post-punk seems to be the flavour of the month at the moment, but Belfast’s Chalk can pull off the sound better than most. Awash with influences of noise rock and darkwave, the band deliver an exceptional performance on ‘Tell Me,’ creating something as moody as it is danceable. [4.5/5]
Du Blonde – ‘Next Big Thing’: A collaborative effort created alongside Skunk Anansie singer Skin, Du Blonde’s new release is a rallying cry for women within the music industry, lamenting the treatment faced by female musicians and calling both for resistance and liberation. [4/5]
Gut Health – ‘Restless’: A particular highlight from the band’s recent debut album, ‘Restless’ is a good summation of the Melbourne punk’s inherent sound. Mixing upbeat, energetic vocals at the hands of frontwoman Athina Uh Oh with the band’s wide-ranging influences, moving sporadically from no-wave to post-punk electronica. [3.5/5]
Rugrat – ‘Rarity Jacket’: Brighton-based post-punks Rugrat have returned with a stylish new single in the form of ‘Rarity Jacket’, an ode to a particularly captivating vintage jacket. Over the course of the song and its bizarre music video, the band creates an incredible level of energy that evokes their indie rock heritage. [3.5/5]
Cardinals – ‘Get It’: Flying the flag for Irish indie rock, the Cork-based outfit Cardinals have been making waves recently, and ‘Get It’ is a great example of why. Containing that optimistic sound that indie rock is synonymous with, the band keep things fresh with the inclusion of unexpected influences and a building level of tension across its runtime. [3.5/5]
Holly Macve – ‘Cold Water Canyon Avenue’: Galway singer Holly Macve is certainly ushering in the Autumn months with this downbeat, crooning track, exemplifying the diversity of her captivating vocal talents. [3/5]
Swansea Sound – ‘Toxic Energy’: A bass-heavy track from the Welsh indie pop outfit, taking aim at the increasingly disheartening state of the world, with particular focus on social media. It also might be the only song, thus far, to feature the sound of a Tesla Cybertruck crashing into a wall. [3/5]
Martin Luke Brown – ‘hello !’: The first single to be released from Brown’s upcoming record man oh man !, due out in early 2025, ‘hello !’ offers a great deal of promise for the musician’s sophomore record. Its chilled-out, lo-fi electronic feel provides a good accompaniment to the cold Autumn months. [3/5]
Team Scheisse – ‘Mittelfinger’: I’m sure you won’t need a translator to decode the title of this latest release by Bremen punks Team Scheisse. One of Germany’s biggest punk bands at the moment, the band continue their confrontational and captivating approach on ‘Mittelfinger’. [3/5]
First spin – Debut track of the week
Licklash – ‘Party Line’: There must be something in the water down in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. The City has produced a wealth of incredible DIY and punk artists in recent years, often centred around the Roolette Records label. Licklash, the duo fronted by Kahlia Parker, has now become the latest artist to contribute to this vibrant scene. Their debut EP, ‘Big Smile’ is due out on Roolette next month but, ahead of its release, the pair have unveiled their fantastic debut single, ‘Party Line.’
Perfectly riding the line between moody, sneering post-punk vocals and energetic rock and roll instrumentation, the band produce a masterclass in DIY garage punk on this debut. Its craft and musical skill speak of a band operating far beyond their years or experience, making ‘Party Line’ a truly special debut single that succeeds in building anticipation and excitement for the rest of the band’s material to be released. [4/5]
Off The Beaten Track – Left field sounds
Kokoroko – ‘Three-Piece Suit (feat. Azekel)’: An excellent, laid-back, and horn-infused effort from the London-based jazz outfit. Blending traditional Afrobeat rhythms with influences of Brazilian jazz, the song pays heartwarming homage to the experience of being a Nigerian immigrant. [4.5/5]
Sonic Interventions – ‘Twasa’: The jazz scene of Berlin is witnessing a particularly productive period as of late, with Sonic Interventions among the most inventive groups around. This song, taken from their upcoming album Do You Remember?, encapsulates the wide range of influences held by the group, with a particular focus on West African highlife and Afrobeat. [4.5/5]
Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek – ‘Cool Hand’: Brooklyn’s Big Crown Records consistently deliver some of the world’s grooviest beats, and this new track from Hamburg collective Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek is certainly no different. Blending elements of traditional Turkish folk with Anatolian psychedelia, with the ethereal tones of Derya Yıldırım acting as a guiding light, this is certainly not one to be missed. [4.5/5]
Junior Dell & The D-Lites – ‘East of Hurghada’: Evoking the old-school sounds of early boss reggae and ska, Junior Dell & The D-Lites return with this blistering new single via Original Gravity Records. The history of reggae and ska within the concrete jungle of London is long and illustrious, but Junior Dell provides a fantastic new chapter to the tale. [3.5/5]
Fracasto – ‘Flammes d’autruches’: Atmospheric, compelling, and slightly unnerving, this newly unveiled track offers a promising glimpse at the eponymous debut album of Fracasto. Formed by four friends on a weekend away together, the gang blends jazz influences with brooding electronica and poetry to create something truly captivating. [3.5/5]
