“the sea is coming in” by Naomi Pacifique: Gorgeous, Sensual Music with Expressive Vocals
Roger Ebert once said “it’s not what a movie is about, it’s how it’s about it.” The same principle applies to songwriting, perhaps even more than it does for movies. Movies, after all, are mostly driven by narrative, no matter how oblique or strange that narrative might be. While there are some songs that adhere […]
Grimson on “Household,” Visualizing His Music, and His Process
Isolation is a funny thing. We’re social creatures, and when we’re alone we have to find ways to cope. Grimson explores this in “Household”, in a drifting, dreamy, sound reminiscent of early 90’s alternative and 60s psychedelia. It’s a track focused on its story, where the rhythm and sound and vocals build towards this central […]
“All For One” by JOBIE: A Tender, Lovely Tribute
This beautiful song is a tribute to a lost love, although I wouldn’t really call it a love song. If anything, “All For One” is about idealized love, which should be an oxymoron if you think about it. Essentially, the speaker of this song seemed to fall in love with the idea of a person […]
Leni Black on “NOT A ROBOT,” Vulnerability, and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
Leni Black is effortlessly cool and international, just like her favorite film star Audrey Hepburn. She lived for four years in Beijing and Hong Kong, surfed in Sri Lanka, and then gained attention in the Boston indie scene before moving to Nashville. We’ve all seen the ubiquitous “I’M NOT A ROBOT” authentication used to thwart […]
“Levitation” by Let’s Eat Grandma: Letting Go of Who You Are
“Levitation” by Let’s Eat Grandma is appropriately named — the track will have you feeling like you’re floating around the room. It’s the kind of song that puts you in an inspired, elevated state of mind. It gives me old-school disco pop vibes, like something I would hear at the roller rink. I originally thought […]
“Talk” by Beabadoobee: Rebelling Against the Norm
In her new single “Talk,” Beabadoobee tells a relatable story that encourages us to channel our rebellious side. It sounds like a song you would hear in a YA coming-of-age movie where an edgy girl-next-door meets an uptight protagonist and teaches them how to live a little. “Talk” is the perfect balance of indie pop […]
“Sentimental” by Pem: Dreamy, Folky Warmth
When I first was listening to “Sentimental” by Pem, my very first thought (to be precise) was, “oh my gosh, it’s like Dolly Parton and Faye Webster had a baby!” Ah, yes, the classic “when I first…” The introduction of all introductions. Not very unique of me, I know. To make up for it, I’ll […]
Chelsea Rose on “Let Go,” Guitar Influences, and Astrud Gilberto
Photograph by Chelsey Croucher. The beyond-smooth melody of “Let Go” by Chelsea Rose offers proof that today’s indie scene is a playground for Renaissance women. Chelsea is a gifted photographer and art director who also writes great songs, plays guitar brilliantly and sings in both English and Portuguese. I doubt that either Joan Jett or […]
“Passes the Flame” by Laura Loriga: Mysterious, Bewitching Jazz Pop
There’s a particular kind of music that’s like catnip for me. It features a vocalist, usually female, singing over rich, atmospheric, percolating jazz-pop. The mood is mysterious, but not necessarily dark; understated, but not without emotion. It flirts with the avant-garde, but while it may be dissonant it never loses track of melody. Occasionally, there […]
talker on “Little Bird,” Naming EPs, and Catharsis
Have you ever noticed how a great movie released in March often gets overlooked when the Oscar favorites are unveiled in December? Well, don’t sleep on this EP from talker because it may get my vote for EP of the Year and Indie Pop Video of the Year. The band name “talker” is a clever […]
