It’s post-punk, but feels like coldwave indie, very surprisingly coming from Canada.
Traitrs – Rites And Ritual
Getdown Services – Your Medal’s In The Post
Apparently they define themselves as art-disco, but my hook on this record is Dog Dribble, which is rather an upbeat indie rock thing, as I see it. In any case, that song is such a smash hit, and again it’s so not about the fancy technique.
Also, it’s just ridiculous that almost all new records that I listened to and loved this year so far were British ones. The scene is on fire. (Or was at least, last year, since all these albums are from 2024.)
Deadletter – Hysterical Strength
Post-punk sensibility with indie rock vibes and occasional banger hits. The moody songs with the saxophone remind me of Morphine.
Fontaines D.C. – Skinty Fia
That rare indie record that I get hooked on.
IDLES – TANGK
Indie punk.
Crawlers – The Mess We Seem To Make
I am generally not a fan of UK alternative rock and indie, but the DIY nature of this record I just find charming.
Cymbaline – Computerleven
This band is such a perfect krautrock blend where alternative rock meets coldwave. I’ve seen them live once, they were so professional and maintained this spot-on atmosphere during their whole set.
Only Child Tyrant – Time to Run
Funny story, I haven’t known this is an Amon Tobin alias up until the point I got to writing this post and looked up info about this album. And already having listened to the full thing a couple of times. And I was already amazed. And now I’m double amazed. If I listen to the track Long Down now, I have this “what were you thinking” moment, like, of course it’s him.
It’s a super massive, amazing record. All the best of Tobin’s smart mid-tempo electronics spiced up with this rock and roll attitude, dragging heavy beats, all coming together for some heist movie chase scene atmosphere. And full-on surf rock in King of Kong – whaaat? I love this so much. It’s a silly ride and all over the place but sounds fresh for him and feels like a free spirit. Very well done.
Footnote: another artist who chose to be someone else for a bit to be able to work freely, like what I mentioned before.
Declan Welsh & The Decadent West – Cheaply Bought Expensively Sold
No Fun is huge, Absurd is also good, rest of the album is average indie rock. I also love the cover art.
Elbow – Giants of All Sizes
I keep saying that I’ve never liked indie rock, and yet, I always stop to listen to any new Elbow record and I don’t think there’s been one I didn’t like. It’s the perfect laying on the carpet and watching the ceiling music.