Indie music has grown to include so much. It’s not just music that is released on independent labels, but speaks to an aesthetic that deviates from the norm and follows its own weirdo heart. It can come in the form of rock music, pop, or folk. In a sense, it says as much about the people that are drawn to it as it does about the people that make it.
Every week, Uproxx is rounding up the very best of the indie releases from the past seven days. This week saw our first tastes of “Best Of The Year” contending albums with full-lengths from Sharon Van Etten, James Blake, and Steve Gunn, along with the most political song of The Killers’ career and Weyes Blood reminding us that she’s one of the most important young voices in indie today. Yeah, it was a pretty great week for new indie music.
Sharon Van Etten — Remind Me Tomorrow
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There are many calling Sharon Van Etten’s new album her career best, which is hard to say for sure considering her past quartet of crushing, brilliant releases. But if anything, the enthusiasm only speaks to her ability to keep pushing herself into exciting new places. As our own Steven Hyden wrote, “Van Etten is still fearless in her songs… in which she writes for the first time about unconditional, as opposed to romantic, love.”
James Blake — Assume Form
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Since James Blake burst on the scene with bass-y AF piano ballads, he’s become something of an in-demand collaborator in the hip-hop world. So, it is fitting that for the first time on one of his own records, he’s incorporated the idea of features into his own work like never before. Metro Boomin, Travis Scott, Rosalia, Moses Sumney, and Andre 3000 are all invited to the endeavor.
Steve Gunn — The Unseen In Between
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“I think this album is much more introspective than my past ones,” Steve Gunn told our own Steven Hyden about his latest album, The Unseen In Between, “And it’s sort of addressing things that aren’t usually talked about, kind of deep-rooted feelings of anxiety or demons.” And the result may be a changing narrative, where Gunn becomes less known for his guitar wizardry and more for his songwriting prowess. It’s his most balanced album to date, and one that deserves the increased attention it has received.
The Killers — “Land Of The Free”
The Killers have never been an overtly political band, but these are not ordinary times. So, in response to police violence, mass shootings, and Trump’s border wall, the Las Vegas band offered up this direct track, complete with a Spike Lee-directed video. It’s the kind of move that feels more meaningful because the band had shied away from such statements before, and are using their fame and influence to speak to issues that matter deeply to them.
Weyes Blood — “Andromeda”
After releasing one of the best albums in recent years, 2016’s Front Row Seat To Earth, Natalie Mering is back with a new label (Sub Pop) and a new set of songs. “Andromeda” channels some of the best ’70s songwriters for an intersteller jam, balancing booming and delicate vocal qualities for a song that transcends space and time.
Lost Under Heaven — Love Hates What You Become
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Following WU LYF’s quick ascent and even quicker self-destruction, bandleader Ellery James Roberts formed Lost Under Heaven with Ebony Hoorn. The Manchester duo’s second album stretches the definition of the project, mixing all-out ragers with frequent spare and meditative offerings. Roberts even shares the microphone more than ever, giving the band a two-headed capability that keeps each song fresh and unexpected.
H.C McEntire – “Houses Of The Holy” (Led Zeppelin cover)
With the music world currently focused on a band that sounds a lot like Led Zeppelin, it’s refreshing to hear a Zep cover that sounds little like the band. The release accompanies a new lyric essay and tour, coming hot on the heels of last year’s excellent Lionheart. But this is one of those rare songs that needs little context to exert its majesty, finding one master confident in their ability to reinterpret the work of another.
Strand Of Oaks — “Weird Ways”
This might be the sixth album from Strand Of Oaks, but really it is the third album since the project endured a renaissance via a near-death experience on 2014’s Heal. Five years later, and a song like “Weird Ways” continues showing that project-leader Timothy Showalter still has new tricks up his sleeve. Recorded with members of My Morning Jacket backing him, it’s a bold, expansive leap, sounding more like a proper band than ever before.
Karen O and Danger Mouse — “Woman”
One of the most anticipated pairings of the year gets a second single and a release date. The Karen O and Danger Mouse album, Lux Prima, will be out on March 15, and the latest offering, “Woman,” finds Karen holding nothing back on her expressive, idiosyncratic vocals. In one sense, it’s exactly what should have been expected from both parties, but it still packs surprises because the two are inherently surprising artists.
Pup — “Kids”
Toronto rockers Pup have been slowly building a following over the last several years, to the point that they are now a genuine indie rock force. On “Kids,” the band show their ability to craft a livewire verse and return for a hooky-as-heck chorus, seemingly fit for an EA Sports soundtrack. There aren’t many bands making fun rock music like this in 2019, and Pup are at the top of that class.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. .
