This week’s Five Songs You Must Hear list features five indie acts from around the world that more people need to know about. Spread the word.
1. Winter Garden, Fragile Boy
Single (Independent)
Recommended If You Like: Fuzzy dream-pop
Some lovely stuff out of Brighton, England, that blends the dreaminess of the Cocteau Twins with the fuzziness of shoegaze that’s garnished with a little psych and a touch of Goth. They’ve already had support slots for Gary Numan, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Modern English.
2. Commuter, Guilt Beats Hate
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Glorious noise
If you’re looking to dissipate some aggression, might I recommend this Greek band that burns with the light of a thousand songs. This track was recorded live in the studio to capture its full impact. If you like this, stream a previous album called Guilt Eraser.
3. Johnny Mancini, Agent Apero Strikes Back
Magnolia (Independent)
RIYL: Overcoming odds
Johnny used to be a singer for a variety of punk bands in Basel, Switzerland. He’s unable to play a physical instrument because of a disability (he’s confined to a wheelchair), but that hasn’t stopped him. He uses a laptop and a variety of MIDI instruments. As someone who flies long-haul a lot, I get this song.
4, Last Second Dropout, Aspartame
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Artificial sweeteners?
This is power pop from Brooklyn led by a guy named Mark MacDonald. He describes himself as the equivalent of Billy Corgan rapping some Eminem over a Green Day song. Production is by Canada’s GGGarth Richardson. The video is a riot.
5. Breakup Lines, Crashing
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Canadian punk
Based in Quebec City, Breakup Lines consists of four old friends who have done well enough to have been invited to perform in Germany. This is prime Warped Tour-type stuff.
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