The Big Indie Playlist: the best new music of the week
The end of January brings a fresh onslaught of new releases. From fresh long plays from established artists to debut singles, artists across the entire spectrum have been busy.
If it’s albums you’re after, head to our weekly Alternative Album Chart to find your new favourite record with stellar offerings from Torres, Gruff Rhys along with some duds. But for a quick hit of new music, stay right here.
This week delivered plenty of new tracks by key up-and-comers like Sophie May, Terra Twin, and Tapir! And Meg Elsier. Etta Marcus released a cinematic new mini album, while Empress Of paired up with indie-pop leaders Muna for an infectious new track.
From indie to folk, rock to roll, we’ve covered every corner of the new music terrain. Calming the crazy storm of another busy Friday release day in the music industry. These are the tracks you need to hear, handpicked by the Far Out team.
All placed in one handy playlist, dive into our weekly Big Indie Playlist. Kicking the year off on a great note, here are the best new tracks from January 26th.
Track of the Week:
Etta Marcus – ‘Skin Parade’: Etta Marcus has been building up to something big for a while. After the release of the roaring and visceral track ‘Theatre’ last year, every single only got better and better. Finally unleashing the extended mini album The Death Of Summer & Other Promises, she more than proves her worth as one of the boldest new artists around.
Delivering endlessly and yet effortlessly cinematic tracks, combining huge guitar moments with angelic vocals across the release, ‘Skin Parade’ shows a softer side with shades of Mazzy Star and Lana Del Rey. [5/5]
Instant Classics – Our top releases of the week
Tapir! – ‘Untitled’: Tapir! unveiled their debut album, The Pilgrim, Their God & The King Of My Decrepit Mountain, this week. Made up of three acts, ‘Untitled’ is a standout moment in the final third. Full of beautifully layered guitars and fun rhythms, it’s a jangly little track that clears the clouds away. [4.5/5]
Empress Of… + Muna – ‘What’s Love’: The coming together of two indie-pop powerhouses, this collaboration was always going to be mega. But as ‘What’s Love’ bursts open to the chorus, it becomes an instant classic. Muna continue their reign as genre-leaders that make any and every track better, it seems. [4.5/5]
Tom Odell – ‘Loving You Will Be The Death Of Me’: Tom Odell delivers an anthem for fast-paced, chaotic situationships. Odell has seen a return to form lately, releasing a stream of beautifully sparse songs that reunite him with the lyricism that first gained the world’s attention. There is a sense of freedom in these releases. Despite the devastation of this track, you can tell he’s enjoying himself. [4.5/5]
Tame Impala & Justice – ‘One Night / All Night’: When Kevin Parker gets on a track, you know it’s going to be good. Bringing all the infectious beats the world expects of him, ‘One Night / All Night’ is tailor-made for your Friday night. [4/5]
On The Rise – The best new music from ones to watch
Sophie May – ‘No More Birthdays’: Sophie May was essentially bullied into releasing this by TikTok after revealing she wrote it for the new Chicken Run film, but it didn’t get picked for the soundtrack. We’re thankful for the peer pressure as ‘No More Birthdays’ delivers a silly and sweet little cut that would cheer even the grumpiest up. [4/5]
Terra Twin – ‘Losing Your Touch’: Unveiling their debut EP, Terra Twin are establishing themselves as a major one to watch in the indie world. ‘Losing Your Touch’ is a good old-fashioned guitar track that seems to beg for a sticky beer-soaked floor and a crowd to sway along. [4/5]
Meg Elsier – ‘forlyleinsanfrancisco’: Pairing a classic soft-indie vocal line over a glitchy and grungy instrumental, Meg Elsier’s new track is beautifully contradictory. A new name to pay attention to for fans of MUNA, Ethel Cain or Paramore, its crescendo is an explosion of female rage translated perfectly into art. [4/5]
Cosmorat – ‘No Sleep’: Things get a little eery on this new cut from Cosmorat. As they announce their debut album, ‘No Sleep’ is a gripping introduction to their vast sound. Merging the off-putting with the dreamy, it’s cinematic and adventurous. [4/5]
Saint Savior – ‘Be Gentle’: Not only has Bill Ryder-Jones recently released a great album, but he’s honing his production skills too. This new cut from Saint Saviour is beautifully done, built on a fun and busy backing but one that never crowds her voice too much. [3.5/5]
The Maureens – ‘Start Again’: Sometimes, we all need a hefty dose of nostalgia. For fans of the folk-rock sound of the 1960s or modern takes on it by The Lemon Twigs, The Maureens are ready to be your new favourite band with ‘Start Again’. [3/5]
Pillow Queens – ‘Gone’: A soundtrack to get the anger and energy out of your body. Turn this up loud and let the catharsis wash over you. ‘Gone’ is an anthem for demanding what you deserve and mourning that you didn’t get it before. [3/5]
First Round – The best debut single of the week
Field Studies – ‘Dirty Lit Club’: Playing out of Portland, Field Studies entered the music world with a three-track tour of their potential. ‘Dirty Lit Club’ is reminiscent of The Cranberries meets Blondie, laying a luxurious vocal over a playfully 1980s pop meets 1990s grunge instrumental. It’s a melting pot of influences, but all of them are good. We’re excited to hear more. [4/5]
Off The Beaten Track – The best tracks from around the world
Haakon Ellingsen – ‘Oh Butterfly’: Simple and sweet folk-pop for Norway, ‘Oh Butterfly’ has the innocently upbeat energy of early Beatles cuts. Fuss-free, feel-good, and cute are the only ways to describe it. [3/5]
Simmer Pine – ‘Cosmo’: Indie Pop floating out of Tokoyo, Simmer Pine’s energy is infectious. Reminiscent of Mac DeMarco in his heyday, it’s a delicious merge of slacker rock with genuine upbeat effort. [4/5]
