Tea Time

GENRE: indie rock Ok, after listening the recent song by beabadoobee, I figured it's about time I finally listen to this Stephen Malkmus guy. With this song, I'm hoping to peer into the indie scene from before I was actually into indie. Surprisingly, it's not too different from something you'd hear these days. There's nothing anachronistic about it I guess. With some bands, you can seriously tell that it was plucked from a different era. In my opinion, how this song and band achieves that is its limited use of instruments. You really only have a simple drum set, electric guitar chords (with a surfy vibe), and a harmless bass line. There's not much here to differentiate from other artists. Except, there is Stephen Malkmus. I have a feeling that his style of singing, being very laid-back and almost lethargic and in the throat, is what attracts his fans. What's more, it's probably the lyrical content that resonates with a lot of the current generation. I...

GENRE: indie  Today we're adding another one to the current library subgenre of "indie bands with a female-lead". It has all the bits and pieces needed, although I do have a few qualms here and there. The chord progression, although leaning on the side of cheesy, definitely fits well with her caricatured voice. Those strong descending chords are what I would describe as edgy and maybe drawn from another era. What I like most about this song is the sheer mood swings. You have huge guitar chords mimicking a Green Day  rock ballad (big fan by the way), and other times you get a small interlude of twangy surf rock and typical indie rock. Save for the simpler lyrics, I think this song has a place among the more influential songs that have altered my tastes over this year. Rating: 6.5/10

GENRE: indie rock This is something along the lines of what I imagine indie bands to sound like—a little rough on the edges in terms of production and chaotic in its composition, but overall put together in a meaningful way. The singer has way about putting melodies to her words without them sounding like complaints or whining. They give off a tone of frustration in such an energetic way. I would guess that it almost serves like an outlet. In that way, I believe this song very closely represents that archetype of the young, up and coming, reaching for the stars, indie band. And for that, I can really respect. Their frantic energy and instrumentation really tells me that. Rating: 6.5/10  

GENRE: indie rock Here we go with another rock song, this time from a lesser known band. Sporting what is probably one of my favorite band names, they've recently released an album this year. I quickly skimmed through most of their songs and went with a faster-paced choice. Quite frankly, their slower rock pieces don't quite have enough pull to keep me into it. This one is a little different though. Slide  has a quick and fun intro riff, utilizing suspended chords and seventh chords that are prominent in indie rock. I do like the cadence of the lyrics and the way it flows with the pace of the song. Nothing seems oddly glued together. In other words, I like to think that it's a pretty coherent piece. With that being said, it's unfortunate that the piece lacks a distinguishing quality. If I clicked into any part of the song, I would have no idea where I'd be. The intro riff kinda hangs on to the song and never lets its grip. I'm not even sure there's a trad...

GENRE: indie rock This band I would really  consider indie. All their songs are so short, like just a manifestation of a small idea. It's like their texting you on their albums. That is further perpetuated by their nondescript and subtle song titles. But what about the music itself? This particular song is quite rambunctious, it sounds like a constant wall of sound. The guitar rings so much and drowns out a lot of the other instruments. The song itself is a dialogue spoken from the perspective of a goldfish, whose entire life is just water, and it just seems normal. You're going to have to watch that video because it's pretty compelling and profound. I guess in that sense, the instrumentation is mixed in a way to seem like you're drowning in that sound? Everything sort of blends together, including the verses and choruses. And just like that, the song is ended. Rating: 5/10

GENRE: indie rock boy pablo  has crossed my radar more than once. It's just today I felt like writing about it. Maybe fittingly, his songs were getting recommended when I was listening to a lot of Phum Viphurit . Frankly, there styles can be pretty similar, especially today's song. Incredibly poppy, a funky beat, and a clean sound really bring out the brightness of the song, especially with that descending guitar riff. I particularly like the mixing of the instruments. It feels like each instrument is balanced just right. The bass has a great sound and doesn't dominate the other instruments. My only nitpick is that there aren't really any dynamics to this song. It's kind of just loud . Changing up things would really add an interesting element to this otherwise good song. Rating: 7/10

GENRE: indie rock Another one of those names that have always flown around in passing. Either that, or because this band is just in the vicinity of the songs that I enjoy listening to. From a glance, I can verify that the recommendations were accurate. Female vocalist, soft-ish instrumentation, but a killer fun drum part. You don't often see that aggression in these types of songs. Overall a very timid, subdued song. I know from experience that Frankie Cosmos  writes and performs a variety of intensities; this just so happens to be on the tamer end. Really, just a short and sweet piece. Although nothing special, it's not boring, and could be a fun listen hitherto. Rating: 6/10

GENRE: indie rock It's good practice to never take an artist for just one of their songs. Across albums, hell, even just within the same album, you'll have your favorites and your skips. Although not quite as extreme, I had a similar experience when being introduced to Last Girl  by Soccer Mommy , who previously I was not quite raving about. With today's song, I've found a piece that shifts my current opinion to the brighter side of the spectrum. I'm a big fan of the melody, using intervals that are infectious when used with the rhythm in question. There's enough variance in the composition and pacing to keep things interesting and moving. I think it all makes for a mature and well-written piece that sits at the core of teenage emotional complexities. Rating: 7.5/10

GENRE: indie rock Arcade Fire  has some really good hits that I would rate really high on my scale. And based on evidence, you would think that the rest of their discography would evoke a similar response. Alas, that was not the case with this one. Put Your Money on Me  has glimmers of hope and it really does have this indie, hip, vibe. However, I feel like it falls flat and lacks the emotional depth and subsequent musical phrases to grasp the listener. The riff and vocals are definitely repetitive, which to me isn't what Arcade Fire  excel at. Their complex messages and themes, their vibrant combinations of electronic and rock, and their lyrical ingenuity  is what's missing from this puzzle, and only makes me yearn for their other work. Rating: 5/10

GENRE: indie pop This song has all the makings of a solid indie pop/rock fusion. You've got the dominant bass line, a melodic guitar riff, and the lead female singer. Whereas most of the songs I've been listening to have followed this formula, sometimes the formula falls flat depending on the quality of each individual component. Nothing seems to stand out and sticks to memory when listening to this song. It kind of drags its feet along a very structured pathway. It's definitely more relaxed piece--not quite as emotional as other songs. But perhaps this is what hurts the song most, from a personal perspective. It's a little more subdued, and as such feels like it's reaching me from an underwater crevasse.  Rating: 5.5/10 

GENRE: indie rock To be honest, I really liked what I listened to by Snail Mail . My favorite moments when listening to an album is finding a gem of a song that's one of the less popular ones, yet stands in the upper echelons relative to its peers. Full Control  is one of those songs. I can see why it doesn't seem to be the most popular ones, but that hook and chorus is just so catchy. In the moment, it really encapsulates the breadth and emotion of the album. With that being said, I feel like it's a great piece for representing the album alongside the other more popular ones. Rating: 8/10

GENRE: indie rock gardettos I've been craving more guitar work lately in the chill indie rock that I've been listening to, and Day Wave seems to be one good example of that. I can recognize and appreciate that the there is a lot of care put into the composition, the balance between the singer and instrumentation. However, something about the general rhythms and verses falls flat for me. Although, the message itself is somewhat relatable and impactful considering the audience and the age range. Nonetheless, there's something monotonous about the piece, both in its lack of chord depth and its fuzzed out production Rating: 5/10

GENRE: indie rock I had my doubts when I literally started listening, chocking it up to be just another one of those typical, smarmy, sadgirl rock pieces. It sounds harsh, but that's the impression I got from the seemingly monotonous guitar riff and laidback vocal performance. But to be honest, the song actually grew on me as I listened to it more. The structure of the piece actually flows really nicely, and the lyrics and cadence fit really well to the rhythm of the music. I will say that it drags a bit in between verses, especially when it's just the instrumentals being featured. But, this is fine. Contrary to what Spotify thinks, I believe that this is not her best song, but by far it is not a bad song.  Rating: 7.5/10

genre: indie rock Upon further investigation, it appears that this band is a bit more than I touted them for. With a blend of soft rock, funk, and jazz, this lo-fi tinted song has a variety of curiosities without being overbearing and disjointed (ala Sicko Mode ). I really dig the riff that anchors the song in between verses. I won't take the time to determine the particular mode, but it sounds familiar, and it's definitely a cool lick. Moreover, the new language is a nice touch, and something unique to them. It's got a mainstream sound and simultaneously holds onto a more antique atmosphere with its subtle lo-fi filters. I'm always down for saxophones, especially when they're used in interesting ways. Although they don't take the spotlight, they add a layer of contemplation and color to the overall painting. Rating: 8/10

genre: indie rock snack: gardettos  "Who the fuck is Phoebe Bridgers?" is right. She's apparently immensely popular, but I have no idea who she is. And off of that, here's my take. From a first listen, the composition in general is pretty plain and vanilla. Elements of soft rock, a simplistic drum beat, nothing out of the ordinary. It took me a bit to really appreciate the song for what it is. Phoebe's voice, although it seems muddled, is unique and grows on you. Besides the slight accent (is it even an accent?), her soft-spoken voice and the way her emotions come through the microphone is pleasant. Personally it's the best component of the song, as the other instruments are a bit lackluster to be honest. All the instruments seem to have been filtered through the exact same filter with their slight fuzzy lo-fi tone. Nonetheless, the song is really catchy! The backup harmonics come in at the exact right time and supplement her soothing voice. Rating: 8.5/...

genre: indie, experimental snack: mi goreng At the request of Kevin, I'll be a bit more transparent with my post titles and the ratings-just makes it easier.  cor·po·re·al:  relating to a person's body, especially as opposed to their spirit K: little background- one of the pioneers for electronic sounds/synths in the indie genre Well, like he says, the electronic elements are very apparent in this song. As it pertains to the lyrical content, I imagine that the distorted, crippled synths represent the ghosts she talks about. I really don't know how I feel about its use in the song though. It seems so disjointed. If you can imagine it, if one were to remove the electronic elements, a lot of what makes this song special is concomitantly removed. That is to say that the synths are what make the song stand out. But at the same time, I feel it doesn't even belong. It's experimental for sure, but I think it does too little to extend itself beyond the contemporar...

genre: indie drink: Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Again, playing around with the format here. Video at the bottom. This suggestion comes from Kevin Tan of Vinke's World (Day 3). K:  Singer/Songwriter Will Toledo is becoming one of the indie genre's fastest  rising stars. Coming from humble backgrounds (the band's name is an homage  to when he used to record songs in his mom's van in empty parking lots),  his songwriting and themes are anything but simple. Most of his songs  revolve around the theme of depression, loss of religion/faith, "friends,"  etc. This song in particular, if i were to sum it up, is a song about  depression through his homosexuality. There's so much to unpack with this one that I think it's for the best if I pick out the parts that I think are most important to me. Much like the issues that the song's speaker experiences, the song itself juxtaposes coherent tidbits with manic, unbridled, and vulnerable pleas (emphasis o...