Three tracks at the intersection of rock and indie pop music that just might set off a dance party

DACY – “it’s not what I want”
-If you’re looking for some phenomenal lush production, check out this new track from DACY. The lyrical message is pretty evident right from the title, but the energy of the track perfectly blends together indie rock and indie pop for a sound that is really captivating. The subtle harmonies on the verses creates a real sense of intimacy for the song, then the soaring chorus transforms the listener into a completely different (and welcome) space. The overall energy of the track is quite infectious. There’s this subtle chord change around the 2:40 mark that reminds me of something Lennon would do. All told, it’s just nice to find a pop rock track with so much texture that keeps me coming back for more.

Linn Cervell – “Lonelier”
-Something about the syncopation and pacing of this track reminds me of contemporary artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift. The production on this track is delightful as well, creating a polish that sounds amazing through headphones. The core lyric line, “baby, I feel lonelier with you” is not only tragic, but there’s this sincerity at the moment of realization that creates tension. Even just listening to the song, the listener feels the awkward breakup conversation that will have to follow. Once you realize it’s not working, it’s only a matter of time. It’s such a tragic but relatable concept. The juxtaposition between the positive vibes of the indie pop style with the sad lyrical content feels coherent for the listener; for anyone who has ever endured a moment like this, sometimes you need some bouncy music to remind you of what has to happen.

Bahena – “Running Out of Time”
-I’ve been curating music for a decade and a half at this point, so it takes a lot in the indie rock world to really capture my attention and stick with me. This song from Bahena does something special in the way that it captures some familiar rhythms and styles that will make you feel like you’re listening to someone like the White Stripes, but then there’s this open energy that soars over the production in a way that’s deeply satisfying for the listener. The production on this track is outstanding. Honestly, if I ran a college rock station (or even just a mainstream rock station), I would be playing this song at the top of every hour. The lyrical concept is about urgency, about running out of time to see if a relationship is going to work. The nearer it feels to the end of the world (and I wish I was being hyperbolic here), the more this lyrical sentiment resonates with me personally. I love everything about this from the instrumentation choices, to the quality of the vocal, and of course the “devil may care” lyrical concept. Let’s share this and get it into the top 40!

Image courtesy: Bahena IG