Hello Indie Top 39 family! This New Music Sunday writeup will be our last one of 2021. Usually people spend this time reflecting on the past year, but I’d rather focus on the great music happening right now. Although the holiday season means that many businesses are closed, thanks to these (and many other) phenomenal artists we still have a week full of great releases. I hope there’s at least one you find enjoyable and as always, enjoy this week’s New Music Sunday!
LONGLIGHT » Call Me Up (This Christmas)
‘Call Me Up (This Christmas)’ is as feel-good as the holiday itself
INDIE TOP 39
Cool vocals suit the easy-going vibe of LONGLIGHT’s new song ‘Call Me Up (This Christmas)’. It’s catchy and nostalgic, but still fresh and new. In my opinion, the hardest part of making a Christmas song is creating something that is new but still reminiscent of an ideal holiday. Not only do LONGLIGHT sound energetic, but they manage to bring fresh new ideas to a genre that doesn’t see a lot of innovation. A great song for any part of the year, but especially this holiday season. Between the light groove of the instrumental and powerful vocals, ‘Call Me Up (This Christmas)’ is a delight.
Make sure to connect with LONGLIGHT on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Ayrton Jimenez » We’ll Build Something New
‘We’ll Build Something New’ is captivating and beautiful
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The gorgeous strings that kick off ‘We’ll Build Something New’, the new release by the British Singer/songwriter Ayrton Jimenez, set the easy-going and delicate tone of the song. Gentle vocals fit seamlessly alongside them and set the mood perfectly. The warm texture was interesting and beautiful, never losing the light energy set by the strings. The at-times busy guitar contrasted the light vocals and easily carried the vibe through the solo section. As the different voices came together they’d support one another while still giving the room for each individual sound to cut through the texture.
Make sure to connect with Ayrton Jimenez on Instagram
Caleb Caming & The Heat » You’ve Got Me (In Agony)
Whenever the chorus came around I couldn’t help but groove along to the cool energy set by Caleb Caming & The Heat.
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When listening to New York-based punk group Caleb Caming & The Heat’s new song ‘You’ve Got Me (In Agony)’, the first thing to strike me was the energy and passion. The powerful vocals help lead the vibe while The Heat lays down an instrumental that feels pulled right out of the 90’s. Easily transitioning between the calm verses and the chorus’ that blow you away, the versatility was impressive and kept me hooked. In an era of rock that just discovered electronics, the band opts for a more traditional approach and blows it out of the water. Both exciting and energetic, this isn’t a release you’re going to want to miss.
Make sure to connect with Caleb Caming & The Heat on Facebook » Instagram
dzill » Want Me Like That
Pushed along by throbbing bass, ‘Want Me Like That’ is the perfect song to dance to
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The high energy of New York-based songwriter/producer dzill on their new release ‘Want Me Like That’ is enchanting. Effortlessly blending pop, house, Latin, and about a dozen other influences this isn’t a song you’re going to want to miss. Catchy vocals seem to dance alongside the groovy instrumental. Full of the type of melodies you find yourself humming while doing dishes, this release is fun and energetic, matching dzill’s sound perfectly. A great example of dance music with substance. Plus there’s no time wasted – all it takes is the first measure to want to dance along!
Make sure to connect with dzill on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Emma Mae » Hollywood
The powerful vocals helped ‘Hollywood’ through its mountainous highs and cavernous lows.
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When people talk about Hollywood the part that doesn’t get brought up is all the fake expectations that it creates. EMMA MAE, the pop singer/songwriter from the UK, dives into this exactly on her latest release ‘Hollywood’. Straying from her usual genre, bitchpop, this more somber release dives into the behind the scene details on Hollywood’s impact. Both emotional and well-spoken, the lyricism that defines EMMA MAE’s sound is evident. Accompanied by beautiful piano lines, her versatility and power define the song’s sound. Harrowingly beautiful, ‘Hollywood’ is as easy to listen to as it is breathtaking.
Make sure to connect with Emma Mae on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Team Leader » Volumes (Double Single)
‘Volumes’ is an incredible listening experience.
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Released as a double single alongside a song called ‘Should Be’, the ‘Volumes (Double Single)’ release shows off Team Leader phenomenally. Although released together, this review will only focus on ‘Volumes’. Lush vocals seem to float overtop the supportive, instrumental. Sounding vaguely similar to Soccer Mommy, the conversational lyrics tell a beautiful story. Poetic and easy to listen to, the whole vibe was simply gorgeous. Packed full of emotion, every last lyric was enjoyable. The graceful delivery was matched only by the easy-going instrumental, never stealing the spotlight, but still interesting enough to keep the song moving along. An absolutely beautiful and catchy song.
Make sure to connect with Team Leader on Instagram
UncleBoy » Blue Forever Blue
Vibey and catchy – ‘Blue Forever Blue’ is unforgettable
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Light synths greet you on UNCLEBOY’s newest song ‘Blue Forever Blue’. Groovy and easy-going, the vibe is awesome. Moving through dynamics easily, the diversity of sounds was refreshing. The way the spotlight was easily passed between the many different voices ensured there was never a second without something interesting happening. From the vocals to the instrumental I loved how many different emotions the band effortlessly captured. Sometimes leaning into the uplifting elements while at others content with riding the groove. Every new listen I found something new and exciting; a great song and an awesome way to spend ~three and a half minutes.
Make sure to connect with UncleBoy on Instagram
