The Big Indie Playlist: The best new music of the week
Welcome all to our weekly rundown of the best new releases of the week. Cutting through the chaos of new music Friday, we’re boiling it down to our must-hear tracks. In an attempt to introduce you to your new favourite artist by spotlighting the best new work delivered by the brightest up-and-coming musicians this week, keep your mind open and hit play.
If you’re looking for longer listens, head to our Alternative Album Chart, where we ranked new releases from Spector, Ghost Woman, Honesty and Guided By Voices. But for a quick fix of new music, stay right here.
Even as the year draws to a close, it doesn’t seem to be slowing the stream of great new songs. Some of the biggest ones to watch are prepping for album releases in the early part of 2024, so the final quarter of this year is giving us great single after great single – this is the case for Strange Boy and their new offering ‘Sofia’. Similarly, English Teacher have returned with a refreshed drive, leaving us intrigued about what they might have to offer next year.
Recent weeks have also delivered totally new artists as Finscéalta shares his debut single ‘Therapy’. Other highlights came from a Matilda Mann Christmas song, a new EP from Harry Marshall and reworkings of old work from Keaton Henson and The Japanese House.
Delivering it direct to you, here are the tracks you need to listen to this week in one easy playlist.
The week’s best new music:
The best new indie songs
The Japanese House – ‘Super Trouper’ – At the start of the year, The Japanese House, AKA Amber Bain, delivered a stunning sophomore album. Capping off the year with an EP of acoustic re-workings of album tracks, this surprise ABBA cover is a beautiful bonus. Stripped back to a yearning piano ballad, Bain’s voice sounds angelic as it pulls the poetry out of the pop lyrics. (4/5)
Spector – ‘Not Another Weekend’ – Spector ruled the indie scene in the early 2010s and it seems they’re back for the crown. But this time it’s different, ‘Not Another Weekend’ deals with singer Fred MacPherson’s conflict towards the ‘aging rockstar’ archetype. Providing a more sordid sequel to their old hit ‘Friday Night, Don’t Ever Let It End’, this new tune is groaning but good. (3/5)
Etta Marcus – ‘Snowflake Suzie’ – Etta Marcus has shared stunning single after stunning single this year. ‘Theatre’ especially stands out as a lyrical masterpiece from the new artist. But on ‘Snowflake Suzie’ she’s kicked it up a gear with roaring guitars and raging vocals as the artist explores her indie rock side. (3.5/5)
Eyedress – ‘Sadie Hawkins Prom’ – Eyedress handles his releases like playlists. Totally dependent on his mood and not confined by traditional release cycles, there’s something so spontaneous about his world. ‘Sadie Hawkins Prom’ is another John Hughes meets David Lynch sounding cut, merging indie enthusiasm with a more sinister 90s grunge element. (3.5/5)
The best new folk songs:
Finscéalta – ‘Therapy’ – As the co-host of the How To Break An Artist podcast with Hudson Taylor’s Alfie Hudson, it’s been fascinating listening to Finscéalta’s thoughts in the lead up to the release. Now the song is out, ‘Therapy’ is a simple and beautiful folk song with all the little details and stunning moments you want from the genre. Poetic lyricism and a gorgeous instrument, it’s a great first release. (3.5/5)
Keaton Henson – ‘Envy – Acoustic Version’ – When Keaton Henson released his latest album House Party, the change in style was striking. As a semi-concept album dealing with a more outgoing alter ego, the instrumentals matched the character. But in this acoustic rendition, ‘Envy’ is stripped back to a Keaton Henson classic, contemplating the downfalls of success with a beautiful almost country backing. (4.5/5)
Tom Rosenthal – ‘My Body’ – Releasing a new record called Zz-Sides, Tom Rosenthal is as dreamy as expected. Rosenthal’s vocals are so uniquely beautiful, carrying so much emotion that the instrumental of ‘My Body’ needs to do very little. A simple and beautiful ballad, you can always count on Rosenthal for a tear jerker. (3/5)
Matilda Mann – ‘Make it Home’ – Is it too early for a Christmas song? When it comes to this new one from Matilda Mann, we think not. Written with FIZZ’s Martin Luke Brown and Baby Queen producer King Ed, the combo of the three indie, folk and pop powerhouses has resulted in a lyrically stunning and musically captivating track. Just subtly christmassy enough to get you in the spirit while still being listenable, we won’t tell if you stick this track on before December 1st. (4/5)
Ella Grace – ‘Doors’ – Ella Grace has had so many iterations of her career in such a short time. From the country folk of her initial singles, to the broader indie pop of her record Reverence, the new track ‘Doors’ settles into the best of it all. Letting her lyricism shine with a more mature vocal, she’s getting better and better. (3/5)
The best new rock/alternative songs:
English Teacher – ‘Mastermind Specialism’ – We’re so happy to have English Teacher back as they release a chain of incredible singles. ‘Mastermind Specialism’ lets vocalist Lily Fontaine shine in this beautiful ballad-like cut. Far more stripped back than anything we’ve heard from the band, their sound develops more and more each month as they solidify their spot as one of the brightest ones to watch around. (5/5)
Chalk – ‘The Gate’ – Belfast ragers Chalk have shared a chaotic new cut. As they announce they’ve signed to Nice Swan records, ‘The Gate’ sounds like a statement of intention as their own brand of punk meets electronica demands your attention. (4/5)
Björk + Rosalía – ‘Oral’ – What a wild collaboration. Icelandic icon Björk joins forces with Spanish singer Rosalía for this bonkers duet. All of Björk’s signature quirks and her grand approach to production feel grounded by Rosalía’s modern hit making ability, delivering one of Björk’s most listenable song in years. (3.5/5)
Sleaford Mods – ‘West End Girls’ – Sleaford Mods have got themself in hot water recently so have offered us this Pet Shop Boys approved charity cover as an apology. Donating all proceeds to Shelter, it would be an eye rolling move if the cover wasn’t so damn good. Keeping the deliciously ‘80s instrumental of the original track, Sleaford’s gobby midlands accents provide a fun contradiction to the slick song. (4/5)
Strange Boy -’Sofia’ – Who really knows how to genre catagorise this track. As Strange Boy race towards the release of their debut album in March 2024, every song seems to offer something new and intriguing. ‘Sofia’ is sparse and glitchy, layed with an angelic vocal line and sweet lyricism that ponders family and love. (3.5/5)
Human Interest – ‘Slackers Paradise’ – Human Interest are one of the most exciting bands in the London music scene at the minute. Offering something a bit different from the rest of the post-punk crowd, Human Interest aren’t shy about putting in effort. Their new EP Empathy Lives In Outer Space is a genuinely exciting rock release that captures and keeps your attention. ‘Slackers Paradise’ stands out as a high point. (4/5)
