Three excellent brand new indie rock tracks that will have you jamming through the rest of the year

Andrew Cushin – “Goodbye”
-If you’re a fan of hard driving pop rock energy, definitely check out this new song from Andrew Cushin. The electric guitars are lush, providing a full sound that feels satisfying without being shrill or overbearing. The expressive lyrical work is about reflecting on a rocky relationship in a phase where the two people have to decide whether they want to press on or call it quits. There’s a sincerity in the lyrical content that makes you believe that this is ultimately about trying to make it work, even through the bumpiness. The musical break on “I never called you to say goodbye” feels just right here, creating that sense of white space needed for the listener to breathe and reconnect. It’s a cool pop rock tune that I’m happy to put on our pop rock playlist.

Steve Stout – “some birds”
-I like this song so much that I pretty much immediately put it on my song of the year candidates list. I love everything about the bright, bouncy composition style. The use of the strategic woodwinds makes the rock elements resonate that much more. There’s also a whimsy to the track that I find is much needed in our world right now. Something about the song (maybe it’s the chord changes?) feels a bit like a Sgt Pepper’s era Beatles tune (and I mean that as the highest of compliments). This is just one of those songs that immediately stands out from the crowd and feels like something I want to listen to over and over. I hope you all will give it a chance and enjoy the unique instrumentation, pacing, and style of this innovative track.

Watashi Wa – “I Am”
-If you’re looking for a chill rock style that brings together unique lyrics and a clean vocal vibe, definitely check out this sound from Watashi Wa. I remember the day I found this track because I really eased into it. Sometimes rock hits you with a power chord right from the start, but this one just feels like it’s perfect to put on in the car while you drive. Even the lyrics are about the things in life that just enrich your experience, like discovering new music (but I mean… who likes that?) or driving through your favorite part of town. In a world that seems to push us toward melding with machines, it’s great to be reminded of these thoroughly human behaviors. Honestly, the best comps I have for this sound is the alt rock bands of the 90s and early 2000s that just seemed to narrate what we were experiencing. People will yell at me if I say a band like Bush, but that’s the vibe I get here. I dig the nostalgic energy of this track a great deal. I hope you all will share it with a friend.

Image courtesy: Steve Stout IG