Killer releases are what this weekly write up is all about. Releases from all over the globe, from Israel to the United States. Austria to New Zealand, we do our best to cover it all. Although we do a great job (at least I think we do), we’re bound to miss a song or two. Please let us know if we do! There’s a place to submit music on the website for that reason exactly. That being said, our lineup for this past week is phenomenal. With so many great songs, I’m sure there’ll be something you enjoy!
Cyrano » Afterburns
Innovation and beauty define Cyrano’s elegant sound
INDIE TOP 39
Cyrano, an Indie Top 39 veteran, continues to impress on their newest release ‘Afterburns’. Released alongside a personality test that directs you to one of two mixes depending on your answers (Personally I got the extroverted mix). Easy-going vocals float over the atmospheric instrumental. Although the texture is thin, the vocals command attention and make the song feel full. A calm drum set gave the relaxing melodies and synth pads direction. One part in particular that stood out was the range of the lead vocals. Delivering falsetto laced long tones as easily as the deeper verses. It gave everything an eerie beauty that perpetuated the entire song. Take the quiz yourself here! https://cyranomusic.com
Make sure to connect with Cyrano on Facebook » Instagram
Bota Butterfly » Somebody Else
‘Somebody Else’ gives love a new sound
INDIE TOP 39
Although Bota Butterfly’s new release, ‘Somebody Else’ starts with only vocals and synth pads the energy is already palpable. Once the deep incessant bass and drum parts come in, the groove locks in and the presence is huge. A large part of that was thanks to the delicate, yet catchy vocals. When paired with the darker energy of the instrumental, it was reminiscent of artists like Kim Petras and Charli XCX. It was cool, yet intense through the entirety. Not only that but it paired well with the themes of love. Although love is always painted positively, sometimes that positivity has a darker side. Bota Butterfly expertly captured that feeling.
Make sure to connect with Bota Butterfly on Instagram
Daniel Etherton » Double A-side: Good In Goodbye & Sand
Daniel Etherton gives a sound to the phrase, “beautiful sadness”
INDIE TOP 39
Daniel Etherton manages to sound both contemporary and oddly enough, nostalgic on his newest release ‘Double A-side: Good In Goodbye & Sand’. This double A-side release is technically 2 songs, but as they were released together we’re listing them here.Delicate autotune textures the vocals instead of distorting them. One of my favorite parts was how the modern elements, like warbling bass’ and after-effects, met traditionality like the piano lines on ‘Good in Goodbye’. ‘Sand’continues this beauty, while instead opting for gentle guitar in the instrumental. Verses remain emotion-soaked and passionate. It’s easy to hear how deeply Etherton cares throughout both songs of this release.
Make sure to connect with Daniel Etherton on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
ELEPHANT WKND » So Much Closer
ELEPHANT WKND bring energy and excitement with their newest release ‘So Much Closer’
INDIE TOP 39
Written and recorded in one weekend, ‘So Much Closer’ by Elephant Wknd rocks! The groove established in the beginning is already energetic and interesting. By the time the vocals enter, the way everything devolves is fascinating. Between the guitars and drums, the texture felt like it was constantly changing and moving forwards. The use of backing vocals gave melodic lines depth as well as harmonious support. Plus, not only was the song awesome, the music video fit the atmosphere and gave an already exciting song more depth. To make a song of this quality in a weekend would speak volumes, and ELEPHANT WKND managed to do that as well as four others – Incredible!
Make sure to connect with ELEPHANT WKND on Facebook » Instagram
finter. » Lidocaine
‘Lidocaine’ proves that even debut singles can sound mature and cohesive
INDIE TOP 39
Atmospheric synths were harrowingly pretty beside the easygoing guitar lines on finter’s newest release ‘Lidocaine’. When the groove hits, the energy picks up without losing that beauty. Vocals suit the texture and float over the soundscape. Although the texture was thick at points no voice ever struggled to be heard. Instead, due to great mixing, they all were heard clearly. It allowed the almost funky guitar fills to easily be heard over the choir of synthesizers. Even with the busy atmosphere, the vocals could clearly be made out – rounding out the beauty of the instrumental with catchy and deep lyrics.
Make sure to connect with finter. on Instagram
MARBL » Everybody’s Getting Married
As delicate and beautiful as a wedding is, MARBL’s newest release ‘Everybody’s Getting Married’ is aptly named
INDIE TOP 39
MARBL’s newest release, ‘Everybody’s Getting Married’ hit particularly close to home as my own brother just got married (congrats again Ethan!) just last weekend. Despite this, the song takes an almost melancholy tone. It’s tough watching everyone around you falling in love and starting the next chapter of their life from the sidelines. Supported by cool strings and gliding organ, the lyrics capture this bittersweet feeling phenomenally. Not only that, but they also showcase the beautiful vocals. They feel delicate, yet confident, allowing them to lament without losing the underlying happy vibes. What I liked most about this song was how relatable it is. It was conversational, without sacrificing the emotion or beauty of the song.
Make sure to connect with MARBL on Facebook » Instagram
Toby Corton » Cherub Style
‘Cherub Child’ is cool, groovy, and impossible to define
INDIE TOP 39
I loved the vibe of London-based Toby Corton’s newest release, ‘Cherub Child’. Sometimes leaning into the jazzy elements, while at others sounding like RnB. It was unique and enjoyable without losing its groove and danceability (It’s a word (I checked)). The cool instrumental was versatile and constantly evolving – keeping me engaged throughout the entirety. Whether easy going guitar or synthesizer pads, short and punctuated, or long and dreamlike there was a little bit of everything going on. No matter what was happening, however, the vocal melodies never lost their energy. Instead, they’d soar over top giving ‘Cherub Child’ energy.
Make sure to connect with Toby Corton on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
