The Big Indie Playlist: Curated by Maximilian
Another week, another huge batch of new music to dive into. As always, it’s utterly overwhelming. Tens of thousands of tracks are added to streaming services each and every week, so it’s tough to know where to begin. But we’d recommend starting here, at the Big Indie Playlist.
All genres are considered here, though. This week in particular, the flock varies from traditional folk to pure pop, alternative sounds to songs to soundtrack the weekend’s parties. It also varies in size and scale, with new songs from the world’s biggest artists sitting right next to some newbies.
But we don’t want to hog the mic when it comes to recommendations. This week, Brighton’s own Maximilian recommended a selection of new songs from artists on his radar that deserve attention. Fresh off the back of the release of his own track, ‘Long Time Gone’, last week, these are the new songs he’s been listening to and inspired by since.
Right here, it’s all about a quick fix of the best new fits.
The best new music of the week:
Track of the week
Mary In The Junkyard – ‘Drains’: There’s a hook to fixate on when it comes to Mary In The Junkyard, one of London’s buzziest acts. It could be their delicately and interestingly layered instrumentals. It could be the singer’s unique vocals. But on ‘Drains’, it’s all of the above, yes, but mostly their songwriting.
It’s a song that feels primal as Clari Freeman-Taylor pushes her vocals, the band are beautifully rough, and the lyrics dig through the emotional dirt of devotion, belonging and getting into the dirt for someone else. It’s gorgeous, a truly gripping and intriguing song, but all of theirs are. [4.5/5]
Must-hear – Curated by Maximilian
After releasing his own track, ‘Long Time Gone’ last week, we’ve been listening to Maximilan on repeat, so we thought, why not listen to him some more? This time, we’re listening to his opinions as we handed the playlist over to him to select some new tracks that deserve love.
The New Eves – ‘The New Eve’: A powerful statement that brought chills to my spine when I first heard it live. An ephemeral gust of wind made me feel bad for anyone who was missing it. Now that this exists as a recording, it holds power in a different way, as it will go on to stand the test of time. No one will be able to unsay this, which is a beautiful thing.
Van Zon – ‘O Messiah’: Flitting between open hearted and achingly tense, this song is constantly interesting. They managed to capture such darkness alongside a kind of beauty that feels ancient. The climax is truly biblical; it feels as though it’s flowing out of me rather than my speakers.
Glasshouse Red Spider Mite – ‘Time For Change’: This is an infectious and solemn piece of magic, turning itself inside-out slowly right before your ears. There is a caring ghost in this music. It’s so familiar, but wildly unique. It’s very beautiful.
Eva Lunny – ‘Early Memory Existing In Time’: Ambient music plays a vital role in my everyday life, so it’s a pleasure to soak in this ethereal landscape of peace and tranquillity. Eva’s music is somehow able to conduct my subconscious. A lovely daydream lullaby.
Tracer – ‘I’ve Lost You Again’: Light as a feather, from some other land. The warbly acoustic and vocal lay down on their own so comfortably. Finding this song is like finding an old dusty folk gem, buried under the years, only this one is from the future.
Classic Trucks – ‘Mary Troy’: A two chord song that conjures so much subtle momentum is a beautiful thing. Warm and simple. To me this embodies the feeling of being comfortable waiting around for nothing, which is a really nice feeling.
Caroline – ‘Coldplay Cover’: This has the collage effect reminiscent of my favourite songs by The Microphones. The bright and roomy tones make for such earnest vocals. Playful melodies are layered over each other like sheets of tracing paper, moving in and out of the stereo field, dissecting your attention, occupying your mind with bittersweet nostalgia.
And here are some more from us
Lorde – ‘Man Of The Year’: Following her huge comeback single ‘What Was That’, Lorde now presents something more introspective as she grapples with identity and gender on ‘Man Of The Year’. [3.5/5]
Haim – ‘Take Me Back’: Haim summer continues to be the gift that keeps on giving, and this track might be the shiniest present yet as ‘Take Me Back’ feels beautifully reminiscent of eras past for the band with shedloads of fun. [4/5]
Green Gardens – ‘Stroom’: Leeds’ finest Green Gardens return, announcing their sophomore album with this chapter-opening track that’s as haunting, unique and atmospheric as everyone has come to expect from the group. [4/5]
Wet Leg – ‘CPR’: Wet Leg deliver the second taste of their second album and another track to obsess over for a few weeks or so. It’s less immediately hooking than ‘Catch These Fists’, but it still has the group’s signature earworm quality. [3.5/5]
Quinnie – ‘Paper Doll’: As the title track for her upcoming second album, Quinnie is, as always, an absolute masterclass in tender and thoughtful songwriting, packing this track with rich emotive imagery. [4/5]
Mitch Sanders – ‘Heaven Is Ours’: A good old-fashioned big, moody guitar track; exactly what the doctor ordered. Mitch Sanders builds to such an impressive crescendo here that it makes your hair stand on end. [3.5/5]
Addison Rae – ‘Fame Is A Gun’: Addison Rae is the star of our times, I’m calling it here. Each track has been better than the last recently, and ‘Fame Is A Gun’ is a new peak as she observes her celebrity landscape with a sharp eye and an undeniably naturalism in her pop creations. [4.5/5]
Etta Marcus – ‘Wolf River’: Written to honour her idol, Jeff Buckley, and released on the anniversary of his death, Etta Marcus’ haunting voice does gorgeous justice to the memory of Buckley and the many lost, talented souls. [4/5]
Rat-Tails – ‘Public Domain’: “I’m want to make my pain, public domain” the band sing and I’m instantly sold. What an incredible leading line for an emotive track that considers both art, sadness and the places they introspect. [4/5]
Off The Beaten Track – Left field sounds, written and curated by Ben Forrest
Zaimie – ‘Weekend Breeze’: Infectious funk grooves, blaring horns, and a beating rhythm punctuate this latest effort from London-based duo Zaimie. Drawing upon everything from old-school British funk to Afro-Cuban rhythms, the track is as eclectic as it is commanding, reflecting the pair’s position among the heights of the UK funk scene. [4/5]
Resavoir & Matt Gold – ‘Dewy’: The ever-generous folks at Chicago’s International Anthem label this past week treated listeners to a slice of improvisational jazz excellence, in the form of Horizon by Chicago-based producers Resavoir and Matt Gold. ‘Dewy’ is one of the stand-outs from the release, capturing the pair’s penchant for electronic-influenced jazz while creating an indulgent, gentle soundscape befitting of the album’s sunset cover. [4/5]
Mádé Kuti – ‘Life As We Know It’: Reportedly written while driving, as Kuti’s wife worked out a rhythm on the dashboard, ‘Life As We Know It’ expertly reflects the inherent artistry at the heart of Mádé Kuti’s appeal. The single came alongside the announcement of a new album from the Afrobeat master, so it seems there is plenty more where this came from. [3.5/5]
