Three delightful new Indie Pop tracks that blend lightness and meaning

Surtsey – “Coast”
-I could have just as easily saved this track for an indie rock article; it has a wonderful rock base that I appreciate a great deal. But these harmonies are divine and keep me coming back to this one. I think I said it the last time I wrote about Surtsey, but they kind of remind me of Darlingside. The harmonies are expressive, yet still capture that rocky-folk energy that works really well. The sound has both rough edges (especially with the guitars and rhythm section) highlighted perfectly with the soft edges of the vocal shapes. This one makes me want to click “play” as soon as it finishes. I also appreciate the whimsy of the lyric, “…you might as well have fun on your way out…” I’m not sure if this is personal or civilizational, but that’s kind of where I’m at right now. Let’s make the most of it because we don’t know how much time we have left.

Callie Young – “lucky charms”
-When you tell your friends you listen to indie pop music, this is the sound that you mean. It’s high energy, yet still intimate. It feels bouncy and energetic, while capturing these deep and often introspective lyrics. The theme of this one, about being someone’s lucky charm, a hopeful wish for a relationship-to-be. There’s something inherently youthful and promising about this song that I really appreciate. It makes me feel half my age, a time when the world was incredibly promising and full of possibility. If you are in the life stage of youthful hope (or know someone who is), then this track will definitely relate. The melodic structures are satisfying to the ear, the vocal is dynamic and clear, and the message is sure to put a smile on your face. Give it a spin!

Andelyn Bree – “pluto’s luck”
-There’s a vibrancy to this recording that captured my attention right away. The production balance here is really impressive. The melody itself feels comfortable, but it’s the accessibility of the sound that really works for me. The delicate vocal layering creates delightful vocal harmonies that are good every time around. I appreciate the way the phrasing shifts for the line, “I guess I’m stuck with Pluto’s luck.” The self reflective lyrics show a thoughtful sentiment and a relatable concept. If you’ve ever felt like the end of a relationship was your fault (even, especially, unintentionally) then this one will really resonate.

Image courtesy: Surtsey IG