Three dynamic and energetic new rock tracks that bounce between indie, alt, and indie pop flavors

Reset Repeat – “Satisfy”
-I’m not always a fan of vocals that are a bit on the forced side, but it actually works here. There’s an energy to the song that comes right from the start. It really taps into my pop punk days. Perhaps the most important element in the instrumentation here is the drum work in the background. The guitars are great, of course, and the vocals soar in places, but it’s that forward momentum from the percussion that really makes the track stand out for me. I’m sure fans of alt rock and even some of the heavier pop punk bands from the early 2000s will dig this sound. Yellowcard fans take notice; this is a rising band with similar punk stylings.

Cat Ryan – “Free from This”
-There’s an electric energy to this track that I really appreciate. I’m not sure the exact beat here, but it definitely has a flavor that stands out from the crowd. The production on the vocal is outstanding as well, allowing the lead to cut through the noise quite clearly. This might not seem like conventional indie rock, but it’s absolutely the type of alt rock that I’m happy to feature. It’s precisely the fact that it stands out that I like; lyrically it’s about wanting to heal but being impatient with the healing process. Heartache is not an easy cutoff point and can be really hard to just move on. This song has the danceable energy about the desire to move on, with the lyrics that lean into missing the person. It’s such a delicate balance and reminds me of something that might have come from a Latin tradition (even though they are from New Castle in the UK!). I can’t think of a much better sound for a summer playlist.

Bel Mercy – “Better Days”
-The best genre description for this song is probably folk rock, so it’s definitely a fit for our site. That said, I really appreciate the driving rhythm and the quality of the electric guitar work here. As almost an afterthought, the vocal harmonies are cohesive and solid as well. It’s just a really well put together track that has elements that make me think of the mid-90s (a dash of alt expressiveness, for sure), yet there’s also this pop rock energy that courses through each of the lines (especially on the chorus), that I really appreciate. This is a sound that is perfect for a good summer barbeque playlist or just to put on for a good drive. I dig it.