As the Christmas period is fast-approaching, it is fair to say that many of us, especially after the year that we’ve had, are looking to get into the spirit of things. And while the go-to tunes may conventionally be the Christmas classics, the best of us know that the real place to go for feel-good music is from more independent artists.
Luckily, we have another batch of amazing new tunes, with many of our picks reflecting a strong evolution in the sounds of the respective artists. So without further ado, let’s dive into our top 11 picks.
Track Of The Week
SABRINA » We Got Lost
Throwing the fundamental elements of her debut into the deeper and sleeker mixture of this new track, SABRINA had us more immersed than ever with ‘We Got Lost’.
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Following her amazing debut track ‘Losing Sleep’, Brighton artist SABRINA follows up by bringing us her sophomore single, titled ‘We Got Lost’. Borrowing the core elements from the debut, SABRINA throws them into a much sleeker and deeper mixture, produced by boyfriend Edward Sansom that is this new track, which allows ‘We Got Lost’ to have us even more immersed in her electronic soundscape than her first effort. But unlike your typical ambient sound, the one that SABRINA champions, particularly with this new track, feels completely unique, and we strongly believe that it does her equally unique musical influences justice. And given that this is purely her sophomore single, we are incredibly eager to see what happens next.
Bvrden » Dangerous
Bvrden has no trouble with showing us what they are all about with the raw and unfiltered energy of their debut single.
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The debut single from London based pop/rock duo Bvrden, ‘Dangerous’ has no trouble showing us what these two are all about musically. Absolutely bursting with raw and unfiltered energy, we could easily get behind the engaging sound that Bvrden had created with this track. But beneath the song’s energy, is a cautionary tale of an emotional breakdown following a personal breakup, and falling into vices that only steepen the slope. For a debut single, ‘Dangerous’ brilliantly fuses an impactful narrative with an engaging yet raw musical sound, which combines to create a grippingly cold atmosphere. We are indeed very excited to see where this clearly talented duo venture next with their awesome sound.
Danny Mellin » See You Around
With Danny Mellin venturing into more raw and upbeat territory with every new track, ‘See You Around’ serves as one of his most engaging tracks to date.
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‘See You Around’ is the third single release of 2020 from Oxfordshire based indie singer-songwriter Danny Mellin. While Danny has begun to bring his sound into more raw and upbeat territory in 2019, we would definitely argue that ‘See You Around’ is undoubtedly his most engaging musical piece yet. With a bassline that feels instantaneously infectious, it took us a matter of seconds before this track’s sound was lodged into our heads. Danny Mellin’s vocals only ramp up the energy levels further, and we really felt immersed in the “trying to get out of the small town” type of narrative. This new musical direction that Danny Mellin seems to be following more with each new track, is nothing short of thrilling.
David Ost » Fire In Alaska
‘Fire In Alaska’ is yet another track which highlights David Ost as one of the most intimate and enjoyable artists in recent memory.
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The fourth single to be added to the discography of Hamburg singer-songwriter David Ost, ‘Fire In Alaska’ is yet another track of his that we at Indie Top 39 have absolutely loved. His ambient brand of indie-folk has brought us an amazing atmosphere with each and every one of his tracks. In the case of this brand new tune, the same definitely applies, with a fantastic sense of progression and soul-soaking instrumentation. However, ‘Fire In Alaska’ also feels like a rhythmically unique track, with a pace that feels equally engaging and whimsical. This too, really lets the track’s progressive sound shine through brilliantly. David Ost’s streak of amazing tunes clearly continues, with this track being an especially engaging ballad.
Far from Who We Are » RISE
‘RISE’ feels like the most gleaming example of Far from Who We Are’s brilliant fusion of gritty heaviness and epic heart.
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The three-piece melodic hard rock band from Johannesburg named Far from Who We Are, bring us their newest single ‘RISE’. Bringing both the heaviness and the heart, Far from Who We Are have shown to expertly combine an explosive and gritty heaviness, with an epic vocal beauty on tracks before. However, ‘RISE’ definitely feels like the most gleaming example of this brilliant fusion, and it fully had us engaged in the moment. The choruses especially feel like points where the anthemic nature of Far from Who We Are’s sound comes into full effect, and in turn creates an atmosphere which is flawlessly epic. Artists who pull this kind of style off are hard to come by, but this brilliant trio most certainly does.
Gaby K » Ain’t Worth The Fight
‘Ain’t Worth The Fight’ serves as an essential tune for anybody in need of a soothing and uplifting track to remedy the blues of the second lockdown.
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‘Ain’t Worth The Fight’ is the fifth single release from Birmingham singer-songwriter Gaby K, since she sprung onto the scene in 2019. And despite the unusual circumstances behind 2020, that still hasn’t stopped Gaby from deepening her indulgent, soulful sound even further. And with this, ‘Ain’t Worth The Fight’ definitely feels like a shining example of her hard work and her creative integrity. The soothing and homely vibe that this track carries in barrel-loads, allows it to be an essential tune for people who need a song to really indulge in during this second lockdown period. If that sounds like you, we would definitely recommend having this track saved on your chill playlists, as ‘Ain’t Worth The Fight’ is exactly that.
Jack Frohlich » Superhero
‘Superhero’ shows that maybe 2020 was a blessing in disguise, when it comes to the sheer evolution in Jack Frohlich’s engaging and relatable lo-fi aesthetic.
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After releasing his debut EP The Illustrations in 2019, Birmingham based artist Jack Frohlich presented to listeners an intimate brand of indie bedroom rock, which sought to reflect what it means to be a young adult. In the year of 2020, the lockdown periods have served as an oddly helpful time for Jack to develop the intimacy of his lo-fi sound, and this truly comes to show with his second 2020 single release ‘Superhero’. This brand new track takes a more energetic approach than the softness of previous tracks but still carries through Jack’s ability to focus on a topic that many listeners are able to relate to. Reflecting Jack’s realisation that no one is invincible, this track displays a powerful message and a great sound.
Jack Hinks » Jigsaw
Arguably the most upbeat of Jack Hink’s releases to date, ‘Jigsaw’ brings us a brilliantly strong level of engaging intimacy.
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The second 2020 single release from Edinburgh singer-songwriter Jack Hinks, ‘Jigsaw’ is arguably the most upbeat of Hinks’ songs to date. With a soulful and intimate guitar melody marking the start of ‘Jigsaw’, the track instantly shows an atmosphere that makes the listener feel as if they are witnessing this track live at a local venue. The inclusion of the drum beat soon after, really seals the deal when it comes to that level of engaging intimacy. Furthermore, we believe that this track’s awesome sound represents the themes of exploration, growth and acceptance very effectively, and these themes tie everything else about this uplifting and atmospheric track together perfectly.
Lori Triplett » All the Good Men
Lori Triplett not only shows her sheer amount of productivity and creative integrity in 2020, but also displays her ability to write a fantastic Christmas anthem.
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Having an absolute belter of a year in 2020, Nashville singer-songwriter Lori Tripplet has released not one, but two EPs. And what’s better is that they have been released back to back. Directly after it seemed that Lori Tripplet had rounded her year off with the Slow Poison EP, we get another four tracks under the body of work that is Coming Home Alone. Within this brand new, Christmas themed EP, we would have to say that ‘All the Good Men’ is our favourite track. Written by Triplett herself, ‘All the Good Men’ is her very own original Christmas anthem. With the string-focused melody, ‘All the Good Men’ has the kind of homely atmosphere that would make it an essential addition to any Christmas playlist.
Luca Blue » Headlights
‘Headlights’ is an exciting sign of just how swiftly Luca Blue and their atmospheric indie sound is progressing towards more phenomenal territory.
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The third single from indie five-piece Luca Blue, ‘Headlights’ serves as a narrative continuation of sorts. Much like their previous single ‘Human’, this new tune carries the story of unknowingness forward. However, we were able to notice that this new track brings Luca Blue’s sound forward as well. ‘Headlights’ definitely feels marginally more atmospheric, mainly thanks to its more layered and deep instrumental. We also adored the rhythm behind this track, which really seemed to elevate a sense of dreaminess. And while all of what Luca Blue has released is indeed enjoyable, ‘Headlights’ most certainly shows that the band are quickly evolving their sound into even more phenomenal territory.
Omonoko » Weight in Gold
With a beat and melody that carries an upbeat, engaging, and luminous edge, ‘Weight In Gold’ is another beautiful piece in Omonoko’s versatile musical puzzle.
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While experimental indie four piece Omonoko made their debut all the way back in 2017 with their debut single ‘Animals’, the year of 2020 has seen the group in a more productive state than ever. ‘Weight in Gold’ is the band’s third single to be released this year, as well as one of the most luminous sounds they have released thus far. We love the kinds of atmospheres Omonoko have explored this year, and ‘Weight in Gold’ really feels like the cream of the crop, and one of the most stunning results of the band’s creativity. But along with this, the beat that this track carries allows it to truly have that engaging and upbeat edge. ‘Weight in Gold’ is another beautiful piece of this band’s versatile musical puzzle.
Below you can find all of the 39 awesome songs that were released this week. Don’t be shy to give us a cheeky follow and spread the indie music vibe with others!
