Song of the Day - Going Soft

Today's song of the day comes from transatlantic duo Soft Bullets. Soft Bullets are an unusual band who are unlike most of the music on here, with slow, hypnotic music. They haven't got anywhere near charting and their music is relatively hidden. In fact, I only found them because the lead singer is the same as the singer from Air Traffic, who sadly exist no longer. Chris Wall, the singer in question, is immensely talented and has a stunning voice.

This is Posterity:

So What's So Good?

I've linked the acoustic version of the song as I feel it's even better, but the normal version is pretty impressive too. The acoustic version shows off Chris Wall's beautiful voice, as he hits every note in every octave with consummate ease and astounding fragility. It's intelligent lyrically too, with some incredibly poignant lines.

It's difficult to comment on the musical structure of the acoustic version, but the normal version (Here) has some experimental electronic sounds, which add depth to this otherwise simple song. It's unusual and not your standard indie-rock sounds, but it's hypnotic and mesmerizing.

Soft Bullets have created an unorthodox take on indie-rock that's poignant and refreshing. Chris Wall's voice shines through with his stunning control, especially with his falsetto. Give them a listen, whichever version you prefer.

Song of the Day - Not Going Anywhere

Today's song of the day comes from UK based indie band Coasts. They are a five-piece band straight out of Bristol, making waves (Another wave pun. I need to get more creative with these.) with their fun and uptempo indie music. Whilst they have been described as surf-rock, I feel that that is more to do with the name than their music, as their music is more similar to The 1975, but happier.

Today's song is called Stay, and is in my opinion Coasts' best song, though there are some great tunes. Their new single, A Rush Of Blood, is released on the 31/3/14 and is a little different to this song, but refreshing all the same.

So What's So Good?

This song will make you feel happy and refreshed. I'm sure of it. It's upbeat, summery and yes, it reminds you of the seaside. It's rare to find music this crisp and clean from a new-ish band. It's beautifully polished and it's a song that will make you feel a little bit better inside.

The guitar is refined and simple but it's easy to listen to. It's precise and a joy to listen to. A vibrating drumbeat drives the song along. It's nothing spectacular, but it doesn't need to be. Lead singer Chris Caines' (I think) vocals are suited perfectly to indie music, with a distinctive sound to his voice but nothing too 'out there'.

Coasts are a really awesome band who can go far. Their debut EP, Paradise, is out now and definitely worth a listen.

Song of the Day - One Size Fitz All

Today's song of the day comes from American indie band Fitz and the Tantrums. They are six-piece band who are unusual in their instrumental choice - they don't use guitars. They describe themselves as soul inspired indie rock, which I feel is fairly accurate. Their second album, More Than Just a Dream, reached a respectable 26 in the US album charts, whereas their first album had struggled (though it reached number 1 in the US Heat charts).

This is Spark:

So What's So Good?

Those of you who have played FIFA 13 will testify as to how unforgettably catchy this song is. Fitz and the Tantrums do not suffer by not using guitars, as the intensity of the backing vocals and percussion make up for it. They try and create soul-based music, without replicating it, which comes through in certain elements of their music.

Michael Fitzpatrick (The 'Fitz' of the band), lead singer and co-writer, is the frontman in this compelling record, with strong lead vocals. The message comes through crystal clear - it's about pent-up energy being released, which fits well with the high intensity music.

Fitz and the Tantrums make indie music with a soul twist with some unique takes. Give them a listen.

Song of the Day - Young Guns

Yesterday's song of the day came from American indie rock band Young the Giant. Formed in California in 2004, Young the Giant have released their second album, It's About Time, earlier this year, following the success of their first self-titled album. 3 of their singles have reached the top 5 of the US Alternative charts, but have not fared so well in the mainstream media. Young the Giant are another band which Morrissey has bigged up, so take that whichever way you will.

The song is My Body:

So What's So Good?

My Body opens on a strong drumbeat, with a synthesizer building up to the opening verse. The opening verse crashes in with a powerful beat and fierce guitars. It's subtle but strong. It's catchy too, even before the vocals kick in.

Sameer Gadhia's unique vocals set the song apart. It turns the song from an average powerful indie-rock song into an indie classic. The chorus is memorable and distinctive, Gadhia belting out a clear message which resonates.

My Body is an indie classic which can speak to people in all walks of life who like all different types of music. Give them a listen - you may find your new favourite band.

Song of the Day - Midas Touch

Today's song of the day comes from Norwegian band King Midas. Having been nominated for best rock band at the Norwegian Grammy's, their music is started to infiltrate the UK and US. They have released 5 albums to date including their newest LP, Rosso, but much of it has not really made waves outside of their native Norway, but maybe this album is the one to change that.

This is You Know My Name:

This song is just too indie for YouTube! Click Here

 

So What's So Good?

 

 

80's disco and funk combined with modern indie rock? Yes please. King Midas seamlessly combine electronic music with soul to create an interesting journey through a unique piece of music. The intricacy of their music is what differentiates them from a lot of bands - as well as their unique use of saxophone sounds within their songs.

 

King Midas are a band wrapped in mystery - finding information out about them is about as easy as enjoying a Coldplay song. Their nameless singer has an unusual voice that I can't quite put my finger on. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first but I can't stop listening.

 

The chorus is so catchy. It's the definition of an earworm. It's easy to remember, simple but complex and funky.

 

Give it a listen. 

Song of the Day - Spider's Touch

Today's song comes from trio The Pink Spiders, who are a indie-rock band hailing from Nashville. They were formed in 2003 and apart from a one year hiatus have been together for 11 years. Their music has been fairly popular despite it's poor chart records. They have had many members come and go - 7 members have left - but singer-songwriter Matt Friction has been ever-present.

This is Settling For You:

So What's So Good?

Ignore the old-timey pop sound, this is an indie-rock song with some clever hooks. If you look past the almost parodical opening, this is an intelligent song. It's upbeat and jovial, but it's not just a feel good song - it's deceptively sad.

Take the title - Settling For You - it's clearly a joke about their current partner. However the song doesn't make clear if it is actually a joke; rather that it's about constant one night stands. The life of getting drunk and sleeping with, or indeed settling for, anyone. 

It's a fun song with a simple melody and a racing drumbeat, with Friction's punk-rock vocals that don't quite fit the pop-genre, which is quite clear from some of their other songs which are more punk-based, such as Gimme Chemicals.

Settling For You is a fast, deceptively depressing song with some clever hooks and unusual genre mixing. Give them a go.

Song of the Day - Lebanese Pride

Today's song of the day comes from a country that is not renowned for it's music scene: Lebanon.

That's right - today's band, Who Killed Bruce Lee, originate from Lebanon, and have one of the best band names I've ever seen.

Their music hasn't charted in the US or UK, unsurprisingly enough, but it has gained attention on the Internet as has much of the music I've covered. Their upcoming album is set to come out this year, which may be worth a listen.

Their music has been described as indie, dance and electro-rock, which is a bizarre mix, but as soon as you listen to We Could Be Lovers you'll see why.

So What's So Good?

I use the word infectious a lot - whether it's describing the tune or just a catchy hook, but I don't think there is a song which deserves it more than this. We Could Be Lovers is stupidly funky and a really joyful song. It's incredibly energetic and powerful, if a little eccentric. The guitars and synth meld perfectly together to create a beat which will have you tapping our feet. 

Vocally and lyrically, it's nothing hugely different, but lead singer Wassim Bou Malham's voice is eccentric and radiant - it sounds like he's never been sad. 

And with a beard like that, how could you?

We Could Be Lovers is a bizarre but incredibly fun ride through different genres of music bought together through a tight and intricate balancing of guitar and synth tied together with Malham's cheery vocals to create a unique indie tune.