Hiber – “What You Wanted” (audio) (premiere)
"What You Wanted" offers a great introduction to Hiber's indie/pop/rock sound.
indie
Fazerdaze: Morningside
The balance between poppy and grungy make Morningside a fine debut, despite its all-too clean appearance.
Avriel & the Sequoias – “Fields and Pier” (video) (premiere)
Both the music and visuals of “Fields and Pier” show just how haunting and lovely indie folk music can be.
Robyn Hitchcock: Robyn Hitchcock
British elder statesman Robyn Hitchcock of indie rock comes out swinging with this terrific titular album that’s both twisted and full of great hooks.
Formation: Look at the Powerful People
South London quintet, Formation, release a debut packed album with rich grooves tailor made for the dancefloor, but their socio-political ambitions fall disappointingly short.
Methyl Ethel: Everything Is Forgotten
Methyl Ethel might not forge anything very unique in their introspection, yet their power to possess still manages to yield results.
The Shins: Heartworms
Heartworms is a sonic course correction from 2012's Port of Morrow, but the songwriting is still spotty, so it's simply too little, too late.
Jay Som: Everybody Works
Jay Som has made a glorious bummer of an indie rock record.
Chicano Batman: Freedom Is Free
L.A.'s Chicano Batman combine vintage psychedelic soul with a strong social message. They may just be the perfect band for our times.
sir Was: Digging a Tunnel
A hazy, hip-hop inspired album for the early hours that features moments of deep introspection from the impressive Joel Wästberg.
Sarah Bethe Nelson: Oh, Evolution
On her gorgeous sophomore album, Sarah Bethe Nelson combines the sunny hooks of the '60s with the more contemporary feel of indie rock.
Sam Patch: Yeah You, and I
Arcade Fire's Tim Kingsbury steps out on his own with a winning, engaging solo project full of analog synths and killer hooks.