This year I’ve been compiling a playlist of everything that’s good in new music, particularly the Indie Rock scene. And while I understand that “interesting” is subjective, to me each of these tracks captivate in an original way. Continue reading
Indie Rock
Album Review: Surf Curse – Nothing Yet
If there was an anthem for millennials, this would be a front runner. With driving tracks clocking in at no longer than 3 minutes and track titles like “Doom Generation” and “All is Lost,” Nothing Yet caters to its disengaged youth.
Reno-based lo-fi, surf rock duo Jacob Rubeck and Nicholas Rattigan’s music captivate and inspire from open to close in Nothing Yet. Sure, there are plenty of groups like this around, but Surf Curse has a rawness and tenderness in its tracks that can only be uniquely described. Continue reading
Vacances gain visibility with debut EP, “Last Summer”
Vacances has just released their debut EP, Last Summer and I had the opportunity to 
interview frontman Danny Lannon, who formed the 80’s inspired indie rock group in 2015.
The now New York-based trio also consists of Nick Gonzalez (guitar) and Dan Bindschedler (Bass). And while the threesome are relatively new to Vacances, they are not new to the music scene, and each have experience touring the world performing in major festivals! Continue reading
FSO x Indiecation Summer Playlist
Chill all summer to these beach-y jams filled with California vibes. This playlist is brought to you by For Swooners Only and Indiecation! Continue reading
Real Estate at the Teragram Ballroom
This past Sunday, Real Estate performed at the Teragram Ballroom with opening act Chris Cohen. I arrived in time for Chris Cohen’s soundcheck and caught his mesmerizing opening act. Continue reading
Wild Nothing, Life of Pause
I’m seeing Wild Nothing perform three times this year. I saw them recently at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana, will be seeing them this Friday, May 20 at the Regent in L.A., and finally at Primavera Sound in Barcelona. I was also able to catch their free show with Roses at the Echoplex last year. So, it’s been established that I’m a fan!
When tracks like “Reichpop and “TV Queen” were leaked preceding the highly anticipated release of Life of Pause in February, it was clear that Wild Nothing would be staying true to their ’80’s inspired indie-rock sound, just more composed and evolved. Reichpop is a nod to minimalist composer Steve Reich, as it begins with a marimba counterpoint which carries through the entire syncopated song. One of my favorite moments in the album in the moment where Reichpop drops to just bass, marimba, and wailing synth around minute 4.
The album cover suggests a keyhole look into a ’70’s inspired, semi-surreal home, as the Wild Nothing website currently features “To Know You” with Jack Tatum walking endlessly through said room. Continue reading
Porches & Alex G
Your Friend
Porches
Alex G
Porches and Alex G performed to a sold out show at the Echoplex last Tuesday, March 29. Porches had initially caught my attention with their latest release Pool which is a rather danceable indie electronic and rock album, and quite a drastic shift from lead singer Aaron Maine’s earlier folk and garage rock works.
While Porches sold me on the show, most of the crowd appeared to be Alex G devotees. I had only recently started listening to him just after purchasing the ticket. I’m glad I did, because amidst the recently released lo-fi album, Beach Music, hidden gems like “Thorns” and “Brite Boy” are some new favorites in my Indie music repertoire. Continue reading
The High Highs (…and NoHo Joe)
Last Tuesday, I caught the High Highs performing with Mothlight at the Bootleg Theater. This is not only a testament to the joys of seeing live music, but also an encouragement to have the courage to go solo!
I showed up on my own right about when the doors opened and headed for the bar. The woman from behind the bar with really short hair turned to me—it was Kera! Struck, I exclaimed, “Kera! From Kera and the Lesbians…and Avid Dancer!” We shared a brief but nice moment in which I told her I was a fan and truly enjoyed her band’s performance at Girlschool Field Day Weekend. She went on to serve others. Continue reading
Avid Dancer at the Echo
This past Thursday, I caught Avid Dancer, Gothic Tropic, and Banta at the Echo. With Gothic Tropic and Kera (Kera and the Lesbians) playing bass in Avid Dancer, it felt a little bit like a Girlschool Weekend reunion! I definitely had flashbacks to that amazing music-filled weekend.
Female fronted band, Banta, opened the night with some danceable indie-pop. Next was Gothic Tropic, who performed several of their newer songs. It’s a pleasure to watch front woman, Cecilia, shredding on the guitar, as she takes the lead both with her vocals and in the guitar solos. Quite impressive. Lastly, Avid Dancer closed the show and performed fan favorites, “I Feel It” and “I want to see you Dance,” in addition to a beautiful acoustic solo performance by frontman Jacob Summers to close the night. Overall, a fun night of Indie Pop was had for all at the Echo on Thursday night! Here are a couple of clips from the performance:
Gothic Tropic:
Avid Dancer:
Indiecation 