THE FLASHPOT MOMENTS - SAUCE and LUCKY HUMAN ILLUSION
The Flashpot Moments are an indie rock band with a stadium-sized sound, drawing from influences like REM, Green Day, and Tom Petty. Their music has been featured on 100+ TV shows and played on 60+ independent radio stations. Made up of members from Boston, Minneapolis, and the Jersey Shore, their diverse backgrounds come together to create a unique and energetic sound that is both familiar and fresh. With catchy hooks and soaring choruses, The Flashpot Moments create every song as if it's meant for a massive crowd, and their live shows are not to be missed. The Flashpot Moments - Sauce The 2023 EP by the band is the successor to The Flashpot Moments' last full-length studio effort titled "Very Far". The record clocks at 17 minutes with 5 tracks led by the upbeat and groovy One Too Many Great Ideas. Each of the songs in the album seeks to tell a comprehensive story which is a testament to the band's narrative skills. Songwriting has always been one of the finest arts, and these musicians prove that they are proficient enough at this craft with face-melting riffs and equally distressing lyrical prowess. What is most impressive though is The Flashpot Moments' dedication to staying true to the post-punk sound that fans have come to love them for. Turning it up a notch with Pile On, and making their listeners nod along with the succeeding Young Send Me Tunes the band has carefully crafted an impressive work of art. Sauce by The Flashpot Moments is a must-listen for every fan of post-punk music who loves to explore newer territories. Lucky Human Illusion Also released in 2023, in quick succession after their critically acclaimed "Sauce," the band released their second EP of the year titled "Lucky Human Illusion," which proved to be another fan favourite. Starting off the album with their collaborative effort with Kay Hanley, "Baby You Don't Know" is a powerhouse of song which is reminiscent of the band's influences like R.E.M and Green Day. The album ranges from Punk to Hard Rock, even venturing into the realms of alternative music. With an impeccable mix and equally impressive songwriting, The Flashpot Moments' Lucky Human Illusion is a complete package. The albums has a runtime of 21 minutes and has 6 amazing tracks. Our personal favourite is "Code" which also closes the record. Both albums are filled with energy and is perfectly suitable for being incorporated into movies or TV shows that explore themes of adventure. Action movies like Transformers or Ready Player One would also benefit greatly from the addition of their music. The post-punk enthusiasts have already made a name for themselves in Boston Minneapolis and Jersey Shore. Presently, Flashpot is getting started to be recognized globally as one of the most promising indie acts to carry the flag for Punk music in contemporary times.
Arn-Identified Objects and Alien Friends-Smash
Arn-Identified Objects and Alien Friends can take you on a spacecraft journey. Just that it will whizz past different genres of music of the 70s and 80s. Retro in tone, delivery and lyrical storytelling-you see it all boil down to one unique individual. There is a disco aura, a new-wave tang to this music that you might not hear unironically again. This is his single from No Sweets for E, Smash. By all accounts, this song is a real new-wave rocker. Joy Division & The Cure have their essence in this, from the riff to the guitar tone that hits you first. However, that is second fiddle to how the song has a country swing. This delicate balance is incredibly difficult to find, a tip of the scale will make it seem like MTV pioneers. You can hear the influences, but also the melodic choices that make it such a swinging hit. Arn-Identified Objects and Alien Friends creates a song for their album that is the real salt-shaker, the song that is the epicentre of the album for the tempo and groove. It is an enjoyable affair with some cool flourishes-a song that will be adored live for its groovy tempo and catchy elements. Arn-Identified Objects and Alien Friends has created quite the buzz with this kind of tone. His album, 17 Birds at the Summer’s Gate, has a collection of stories you might not find from full-fledged authors. I’d love to hear this song in the consequential action sequences of Baby Driver (2017). Follow him for more great music like this and explore his album for more!
Snakedoctors - Why Don't
Snakedoctors, the Polish indie band formed in Gdansk in May 2020, continues to captivate listeners with their latest single, "Why Don't." This alternative rock track ventures into the realms of nu-metal and post-punk, showcasing the band's versatility and their ability to push musical boundaries. With a dark lyrical narrative and chords selected over a minor tonality, the song serves as a testament to the emo resurgence, immersing listeners in its haunting atmosphere. From the very first note, the mix of "Why Don't" demands attention. The cymbals sound pristine, cutting through the mix with a sharp and powerful presence. In addition, the track exhibits a perfect balance of the frequency spectrum, with rumbling lows, raging mids, and pristine highs. As the song unfolds, the listener is enveloped in the intense and brooding atmosphere created by Snakedoctors. Additionally, the blending of alternative rock, nu-metal, and post-punk elements adds depth and complexity to the composition, keeping the listener engaged and intrigued throughout. "Why Don't" is a song typical of the genre, dealing with relationships and problems associated with them. The versatility of "Why Don't" allows it to seamlessly integrate into various cinematic contexts. The song's dark and atmospheric nature would make it a perfect fit for a horror movie like "Hereditary." Additionally, it could find a home in a psychological thriller such as "Gone Girl." Furthermore, the song's brooding energy and introspective lyrics would complement the suspenseful and psychological aspects of the film, amplifying its emotional impact. Snakedoctors' impact on the Polish indie music scene has been significant since their formation. With a prolific output of twenty-four singles, four albums, and successful chart performances across multiple countries, they have solidified their position as trailblazers in the scene. "Why Don't" is the third single promoting Snakedoctors new album "Waiting", which is out now. It features Nik Hughes - the drummer of the band Bush. Furthermore, the song was mixed by Dawid Gorgolewski at Osso Studio and mastered by Stephen Marcussen. In conclusion, "Why Don't" by Snakedoctors is a captivating and genre-defying track that showcases the band's artistic growth and musical prowess. Snakedoctors' relentless dedication to pushing musical boundaries and their remarkable contributions to the Polish indie music scene continue to shape their legacy. Finally, as anticipation builds for their upcoming album, "Waiting For," fans eagerly await the new artistic endeavours and collaborations that Snakedoctors have in store.
Love Ghost-Left on Read
There’s a good chance that Love Ghost won’t allow you to go a month without fresh music. A prolific band, they have melted genre boundaries with their honest lyrics and steadfast approach to music making. Their latest song is a link back to their punk roots from way back when they started. This is their single with Wiplash, Left on Read. That rhythm becomes ingrained when you listen to the opening chord progression as well. You hear the percussion and vocals together, coming like a steam engine with quite some energy and a catchy verse section. The sound that Love Ghost have achieved is incredible, considering we haven’t heard live instruments on the forefront in their hip-hop centred journeys. At their absolute peak, this group has held interest in forging a particular style that is the voice of multiple generations. With a foot in the past and leaping to the present and future, this is everything a music lover could want and need. The chorus is a definite etch the diary moment, and there is a lot to process with the lyrics as well. A contemporary signage, with a lasting feeling that says it all. Singles like Glock, Payback have been their newer additions, and they are always adding new artists in their roster to feature. This would be great in the movie The King of Staten Island (2020), specifically in some scenes involving Davidson’s relationship. You can catch Love Ghost with their song above and follow them for more fun tracks like this!
Kelsie Kimberlin-Vlad
Kelsie Kimberlin has brought her music to us in a lot of different forms. This creative artist is constantly looking for new genres as an outlet. It would be considered adequate if she wasn’t good in some of them. That is not the case, however. With Vlad, she switches to what the lyrics demand, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. We love Kelsie Kimberlin here at Indiemusicflix. She is one of those rare artists who just brings a different kind of panache to her music. Her lyrical style is detailed and specific. The instrumentals she uses are tailored to the song and resonate with the hearts of the listeners. Vlad shows her having a rendezvous with hip-hop, which she totally kills. She is rapping verses, something you would never expect the musician who sang Another Chance to Live Again would do. The words she is saying, though in this song, couldn’t be more truthful. She is still making statements to her heart, her homeland, and it all retains that character. The result is a hip-hop and rock integrated track. She still creates that wave of excitement in her chorus with the melodic breakdown. Unexpected, exciting and exhilarating to listen to. You can hear more of Kelsie Kimberlin with her songs like Armageddon and Turn Back. You will never predict the direction she goes, and that spinning compass is good to bet on. This would be a great track for Trainspotting 2 (2017) for the great action transition scenes. Kelsie’s music will always keep you on your toes, follow her for more music like this!
Emily Kinski’s Dead - Black Light District
Emily Kinski’s Dead dives deep into the darker, edgier side of post-punk and new wave electronica on their latest release, Black Light District. With haunting synthscapes and a meticulously crafted sound design, this 11-track, 60-minute journey presents a vivid world laced with intrigue, emotional turmoil, and occasional glimmers of redemption. Blending the vintage grit of the 80s with modern electronic textures, the album delivers an immersive experience that resonates with both nostalgic post-punk fans and newcomers to the indie music scene. Opening with "Emily," a cover of Clan of Xymox’s cult classic, the album immediately ushers listeners into a brooding atmosphere, textured with droning modulated guitar tones and dynamic synth voicings that evoke a dystopian, cinematic quality. This atmosphere recalls sci-fi cult hits like War of the Worlds and Beyond the Black Rainbow, where ethereal landscapes disguise hidden darkness. The opening track's deceptively serene tones quickly shift as the next song, "Dancing on the Battlefield," layers biting lyrics over a fast-paced post-punk beat. Here, Emily engages in a debate with a fossil fuel executive—a theme that grounds the album in present-day anxieties, hinting at the ongoing struggle against climate change. The track’s mix is masterfully balanced, utilizing a carefully crafted stereo field that pulls the listener from one side of the soundscape to the other, making for an intense sonic tug-of-war. As the album progresses, tracks like "Cold Comfort" and "Pink Pill" keep the energy high. "Cold Comfort" initially gives a false sense of security with its soft beginnings, but the song swells into an anthemic chorus that belies its underlying melancholy. In contrast, "Pink Pill" seduces listeners with its infectious melody—the catchiest on the album—enticing them to let go and experience the thrill of its unfiltered hedonism. The song’s hypnotic beats and crisp, rhythmic precision, coupled with echoing vocals, make it an irresistible highlight. The title track, "Black Light District," brings the listener into the heart of the album’s dark world. The track embodies a shadowy punk energy, weaving haunting melodies with dissonant synth lines that mirror the darker corners of the human psyche. The relentless, pulsating rhythm dares listeners to dance, only to send them spiraling into "Nothingness," a desolate track that confronts the theme of existential emptiness. As the guitars echo in the background, the song creates a hollow, spacious sound, evoking a profound sense of solitude. The new album would find a fitting spot in any indie electronic rock playlist Closing out this haunting experience, "The Mirror in Me" and "Siren's Call" showcase the band’s adept use of shoegaze-inspired elements. "The Mirror in Me" is a melancholic anthem with layered guitar effects that wash over the listener, producing an introspective trance. In "Siren's Call," vocals float amidst lush waves of reverb as the protagonist searches in vain for lost love, drifting through open seas. This track’s melancholy tone, softened by its ambient outro, leaves the listener in a state of contemplative solitude. The bonus tracks, "Why Can’t You Love Me?" and "Siren's Call," delve further into this intricate world of darkness, presenting additional narratives that mirror the album’s exploration of love, loss, and longing. Black Light District by Emily Kinski’s Dead is more than an album; it’s a comprehensive experience. Just as on their debut, A Time to Love and a Time to Die, band members Oliver Spring, René Ebner, and Thomas Kowa blend influences from their post-punk pasts with their passion for storytelling. Known for their work in groups like No Comment and Nine Seconds, these artists bring a lifetime of experience and musical depth to the project. With Black Light District, they’ve crafted a world that is both eerily nostalgic and unsettlingly current—a world that every post-punk and indie music fan should explore.
The House Flies - Sweet Foxhound
A call. Late-night club sessions. It's a close invite setup. In the dark, a band is playing live. People you know and people you don't know, all surrounding you, dancing. Swaying, eyes closed, absorbed in the sound and each other—the score playing in the back: Sweet Foxhound by The House Flies. The song is a post-punk, gothic rock piece. It functions on shadowy, atmospheric guitar work. You hear pulsing bass, steady and instant rhythms, followed by a very emotive vocal style. There's vulnerability and restraint, all captured in a slew of moments of intensity. The layering is smooth. You can pull apart clean guitar picking and reverb/haze. The track features section distortion, giving the structure a unique dynamic build-up. With that cadence, the song can build up a vibe of reminiscence. Nostalgia is hidden between the strums, reminiscent of older bands like Echo & the Bunnymen. From the very start, the song plays on an established mood: emotional, reinforced by that instrumentalisation that sounds cinematic, haunting, and reverb. The use of a guitar helps pull in the listeners by evoking a very strong emotional connection. One of the best bits about the song is that it doesn't sound static; it grows gradually, flourishes into heavy instrumentation, and brings in intense vocals when needed. The vocals are performed in a way that adds an emotional sincerity while giving enough space in the verse to give the chorus more impact. The song is a good fit for a movie like Donnie Darko (2001). The song is packed with post-punk/new wave, it would fit seamlessly into the movie's sound world.