indie Archives | Right Chord Music Blog

In Athens Launch With ‘Or Anything’

rightchord — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:00:59 +0000

A new, yet familiar sound is explored expertly on In Athens’ debut single, ‘Or Anything’.

In Athens – ‘Or Anything’

In Athens boasts an array of musical backgrounds and emits a self-proclaimed unique sound. They stay true to this vision on ‘Or anything’. Mystic guitars blend with cascading drums and send us into a new realm. Everything about this sound is fresh and raw. In Athens have intentionally crafted this song to be different and new, and in doing so have opened the door to a new world.

The vocals are transcendent and glide across the track, in between and outside the hazy mesh of hypnotic sounds. The lyrics paint the picture of human existentialism and collide perfectly with the instrumentals to cascade the listener into a real-life lucid dream. Post the second chorus, the vocal riffs are majestic, and the guitar solos clash with the song in a way I can’t remember ever experiencing before. One final chorus closes the song and forces us further into the unknown.

’Or Anything’ by In Athens is so new and bold that I dare say music may have found a new path. Reminiscent of all the best alternative music of the past, but in its own lane completely. ‘Or Anything’ is their debut single from their upcoming EP ‘MIRRORISM’, and I, for one, cannot wait for more music from In Athens.

‘In Athens produce a debut single for the ages with ‘Or Anything’, a genre-bending anthem for the masses’

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Words by Thomas Pressley Hitchcock

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WRETCH Debut With ‘Sweet Shopping’

rightchord — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 10:58:18 +0000

WRETCH is a four-piece rock band with punk elements from Newcastle, England. “Sweet Shopping” is the title of their debut track.

WRETCH – ‘Sweet Shopping’

The track starts with a delicate guitar melody, with crisp clean vocals layered on top while the euphonious riff continues in the background. We’re eased into the first hearing of the chorus: “You make me insatiable for you,” followed by “Sweet shopping is what I want to do. There’s no stopping this feeling when I’m with you.” These lines are ones that most of us can relate to at some point in our lives, which already makes this an identifiable song.

The first chorus builds tension through a crescendo on the floor tom and snare that comes to an abrupt stop. Then, we hear these lyrics over what feels like a simple acoustic track. The catchy guitar part plays again, and the drums gradually come back in with a soft crush of hi-hats.

We’re then guided through another verse with this melodic composition, leading into an exciting buildup for the chorus again. This time, the chorus hits harder, giving the song a more pop-punk feel, which is a great contrast to the delicate vibe we’ve had so far.

From here, we get a catchy, punchy bridge that ties the song together flawlessly. This is also when we hear some grittier vocals, showcasing the vocal range heard throughout this track.

“An uplifting pop-punk anthem that’ll lift your mood every time it plays!”

The song ends by returning to that dulcet guitar riff we’ve heard throughout, then explodes into raw vocals layered together, giving us a harmonic yet headbanging finish. An undeniably outstanding track that’ll have you singing along to the chorus before you know it!

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Words by Sian Evans

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Mount St. Helen Return With Shoegaze Inspired ‘Helpless’

rightchord — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:42:01 +0000

When Mount St. Helen burst onto the scene with their debut Pariahs in 2023, it was a genuine moment of excitement. Two years later, we have the second release, and the feeling is equally euphoric.

Introducing Mount St. Helen

Mount St Helen is the alias of Oxford-based multi-instrumentalist Aris Sabetai, who is joined in the live setting by Francesco Reni (Guitar), Joe Smith (Bass) and Ryan Taylor-Costin (Drums).

Sabetai began Mount St. Helen during Lockdown, blending his love of 90s guitar music with ethereal strings and pop sensibilities. His music draws on a range of influences including indie cinema, animation, poetry, culture, religion and even a fear of flying.

The music centres around themes of nostalgia, faithlessness and loser-dom. The stark black and white aesthetic of Mount St. Helen helps make them feel significant from the outset and perfectly matches the music, which perfectly balances introversion with optimism and hope.

New Single ‘Helpless’

The new single ‘Helpless’ introduces a subtle shift in sound. They often say music is a product of its environment, and in this case, the inspiration is drawn from the Oxford sound of early 90s Shoegaze bands like Ride and Chapterhouse.

This sits in contrast to their debut Pariahs, which comfortably lived in a space of euphoric indie rock, with subtle nods to Coldplay in its use of strings.

Helpless is described as a meditation on ecstasy in the face of peril. Lyrically, it imagines what higher powers might think as they witness the chaos we create with global warming, religious war, and endless division.

Yet you might think that would sound bleak, the Shoegaze textures envelop the track with a cosy blanket of uplifting hope.

It’s a song about looking down but feeling up, dancing in the storm, seizing the day. The final section, inspired by antiphonal choral music, reconciles our forsakenness with an uplift of sound that aims to take off and become airborne. Helpless is thus ultimately a testament to life and the living.

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Words Mark Knight

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Nostalgia Bias “As I Lay Today to Waste”

rightchord — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 14:03:37 +0000

Nostalgia Bias, make a powerful statement with their debut single, As I Lay Today To Waste. This haunting anti-war anthem serves as a brilliant introduction to the band’s sound, vibe, and the messages they aim to spread through their music.

Nostalgia Bias – As I Lay Today To Waste

The track’s instrumentation is driven by gritty guitar lines, a solid bass, energetic drumming, and soaring synths. As I Lay Today to Waste is an impactful song that explores the contrasting perspectives between those who will do anything to gain power and those who blindly follow those in power. The arrangement of the song captures the emotional weight of this conflict with its carefully crafted, intense dynamics. The track gradually builds from a quieter opening to an explosive crescendo, leaving listeners hooked and eager to hear more.

It’s one of those songs that will get stuck in your head for days, compelling you to listen again. Jackson’s deep, rich vocals have a strong storytelling quality that helps convey the anti-war message, and when paired with the upbeat instrumentation, it creates a potent combination.

The band’s discography doesn’t end there, however. Their latest single, Crows Crows Crows, is out now and available to stream across all major platforms.

“As I Lay Today To Waste is a prime example of the band’s passion and the messages they hope to share through their music. It is uplifting, catchy and meaningful making it sure to get stuck in your head for days after listening.

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Words Fitz Riven

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‘This Is Why’ Alba Fury Rocks!

rightchord — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 11:13:32 +0000

For their sophomore release, post-punk outfit Alba Fury is once again diving into the deepest of human emotions with the sombre introspective track, This Is Why.

Alba Fury – This Is Why

Hailing from West Lothian and Edinburgh, Alba Fury has been making an impact since their debut just a few months ago. Their first official release, Out Of Time, has already surpassed 3,000 streams, drawing attention from a range of specialized music outlets. Publications such as Bored City, Record Weekly, When The Horn Blows, Last Day Deaf, and Right Chord Music have all featured the band, further solidifying their presence in the independent scene.

With their growing momentum, Alba Fury is wasting no time in unveiling their sophomore release, This Is Why. This post-punk track, much like their debut, showcases their talent for weaving deep, introspective narratives into their music. This Is Why explores the unsettling anxiety tied to the fear of judgment, rejection, or emotional pain that comes with exposing personal feelings and vulnerabilities. However, beyond the weight of these fears, the song carries a powerful message—confronting insecurities can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional resilience. Through its evocative lyrics and compelling delivery, Alba Fury continues to create music that delves into raw emotion while maintaining the chaos and intensity that characterize their sound.

It’s worth noting that despite its introspective theme, This Is Why is far from a sorrowful ballad. It contrasts with Alba Fury’s debut by embracing a more rhythm-driven approach. The track pulses with galloping drums, euphoric guitar work, and a persistently frantic chorus that sonically mirrors the turmoil at its core. This dynamic energy adds a layer of urgency to the song, capturing the tension between vulnerability and self-discovery in a way that feels both intense and immersive.

“This Is Why is a striking blend of sombre emotion and high-energy intensity, backed by its captivating lyricism and electrifying, controlled havoc.”

The track’s release aligns with their upcoming gig on February 7th at The Old Dr Bells Baths in Leith, Edinburgh, where they’ll support The View’s Kyle Falconer, alongside DOVV, Stagboy, Robin Ashcroft, and Rosie Alice—a show not to be missed.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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Next Wave. Five Essential New Indie Rock Bands

rightchord — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:51:14 +0000

After a decade dominated by Pop, and R&B is the stage set for the return of the Indie guitar band? We explore the modern history of the guitar band and shine a spotlight on 5 new bands to watch.

The Birth of Grunge

In the early nineties, guitar bands ruled the airwaves and the charts. Nirvana released Nevermind in 1991, and it felt like the world had changed. The biting intensity and realism of grunge blew away the big-hair soft rock of the eighties. It was urgent, passionate, and real. The popularity of Nirvana opened the floodgates for a host of other guitar bands to be thrust into the limelight, Pixies, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney, Screaming Trees, Live, Soundgarden Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Hole to name just a few.

Cool Brittania and Brit Pop

A few years later in 1997, Cool Britannia hit in the UK as Tony Blair’s New Labour swept aside the Tories in an election landslide. There was a new sense of optimism and pride in the United Kingdom and guitar bands once again provided the soundtrack. The charts were dominated by the battle of Britpop with Oasis Blur and Pulp and once again these bands paved the way for others including Ocean Colour Scene, Suede, Supergrass and Elastica.

The Strokes

The third wave was powered by The Strokes. Their oh-so-cool debut ‘Is This It’ released in 2001 paved the way for The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Hives and Interpol among others. The first two movements were seen as the youth response to periods of high unemployment and economic hardship. The Strokes emerged as the Twin Towers fell and the war on Iraq raged.

The Decline of Bands

Over the past decade, the UK music charts have witnessed a notable decline in the prominence of bands. In the early 1980s, bands occupied the number one spot for 146 weeks, and in the early 1990s, for 141 weeks. However, in the first half of the 2020s, bands have held the top position for only three weeks, with one of those attributed to the AI-fuelled return of The Beatles and another to Little Mix, hardly the cutting-edge new wave indie fans were hoping for.

What’s caused this decline? Record labels have recognised it’s cheaper to sign and develop solo artists. Meanwhile, the grassroots music venues once the incubators of next-wave talent have been shutting down at an alarming rate, reducing the pipeline of new talent. But now in a Post Brexit world, which has witnessed the inexplicable second coming of Trump and the divisive hatred and misogynism of Tate are we primed for the next coming of indie bands, there are some positive signs.

Fontaines D.C. Spark The Revival

In 2019 Fontaines D.C. released their debut Dogrel and we got very excited. This was a noticeable raising of the bar for indie rock. Irish punk contenders Slyrydes threatened to keep the momentum going, but failed to sustain the early hype. When Wunderhorse was formed in 2020 it felt significant. Their debut Cub in 2022 felt wonderfully familiar, the nouveau grunge sound bridged the gap between Nirvana and early Radiohead and things started to get exciting again. They toured with Fontaines D.C. and released their second album Midas in August. Meanwhile, Fontaines shared their third album Romance which further threatened the mainstream.

This time it feels like the Calvary is coming with a plethora of exciting new indie rock bands waiting in the wings. To celebrate the return of indie, we’ve picked out some names to watch and have created a new Indie Rising playlist.

Five essential new bands to watch:

1. Telescreens

New Yorkers’ Telescreens released their debut album 7 in October. The album contains a weighty 16 tracks and feels like a treasure chest of gold. Different enough to maintain interest and cohesive enough to hang together as a collective body of work. It’s powerful, passionate and poetic in equal measure. Opener ‘Times Like These’ wastes no time, it’s a shot in the arm for indie. The intensity continues until track 6 where we are treated to Blue Interlude a moment of poetic reflection. The transition from poetry to album standout ‘Stare’ already feels iconic, this album is significant.

The ramshackle, honky tonk blues of ‘Johnny’ is joyous and heartbreaking in equal measure and the realism bites hard. There is still time for the visceral intensity of Floods and a wonderful reprise of Commotion this time with skittish beats. Make 7 essential listening and be in no doubt, this is the debut of the year.

2. Bby

Bby is an electrifying indie rock band known for their bold sound and unapologetic style. Their debut album, 1, showcases a dynamic mix of gritty guitar riffs, infectious melodies, and introspective lyrics, solidifying their place in the indie music scene. The standout single, Kinky, has become a fan favourite, celebrated for its edgy, danceable rhythm and provocative energy. Renowned for their raw and captivating live performances, Bby continues to push creative boundaries.

3. Exiles

Exploding out of Melbourne, Australia our next band in the spotlight are four-piece EXILES. Their singles “Wasting Away’ recalls the excitement of The Strokes while ‘Get Down’ and ‘Star’ are loaded with a swagger and attitude that is impossible to ignore. This is a band that is already destined for greatness and the journey has barely begun.

In an ambitious move to channel this live energy into their recordings, Exiles teamed up with renowned producer Alex Markwell, known for his work with The Delta Riggs, Portugal The Man, to capture the essence of their sound. Their debut album Waiting For Romance is set for release on December 13th and the anticipation is building at pace.

EXILES on Spotify

4. Krooked Kings

Krooked Kings, an indie rock band from Salt Lake City, Utah, has been making waves with their authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics. The band’s journey began when lead singer Oliver Martin, after completing a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, returned home and reconnected with high school friends to form the group. Their music, characterized by introspective themes and a blend of indie rock and surf influences, resonates with listeners navigating the complexities of young adulthood. The band’s debut album, “The Comedown,” released in 2021, explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Their latest album “Shiver” comes complete with the band’s distinctive blend of dreamy indie and grunge-tinged guitars.

5. The Deenys

The Deenys, an indie rock band from Perth’s northern suburbs, bring a unique sound influenced by their UK and Irish roots combined with Australian indie vibes. Their music blends punchy guitar riffs, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious melodies, carving out a distinct presence in Perth’s music scene. Known for their noughties-inspired UK indie feel, The Deenys have shared stages with prominent Australian artists during regional tours and have also supported The Charlatans, Ride and The Inspiral Carpets.

Discover more on our Indie Revival Playlist

Right Chord Music Playlist

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Words Mark Knight

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Dripping Trees Realize ‘Nothing’s Changed’

rightchord — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 08:42:19 +0000

Dripping Trees, the Dutch slowcore band known for their evocative soundscapes, are venturing in a new musical direction with their latest single, Nothing’s Changed. This release marks the first glimpse into their forthcoming album, Balance is Gone.

Dripping Trees – Nothing’s Changed

The Dutch quartet Dripping Trees is an emerging band with a complex sound that draws listeners into an immersive world. Their music unfolds with slow-burning intensity, eerie gospel undertones, and a raw, weathered grandeur that suspends disbelief, all infused with their unique style.

Dripping Trees on Spotify

Building on their initial singles in the post-rock scene, Dripping Trees expanded their reach with their debut LP, *Fuel of Mankind*, in 2021. The album captured the interest of genre fans and was featured on the specialized music blog IDIOTEQ.

Three years later, following the release of their live album Dripping Trees Live Booster 2021, the band continues their thrilling musical saga with Nothing’s Changed. This new track delves into the weight of loneliness—illustrating the disorienting experience of losing sight of life’s direction and, despite all efforts to make sense of it, feeling disconnected from both oneself and those around.

Opening with soft vocals and melancholic guitar tones, Nothing’s Changed beautifully captures the depths of isolation and disconnection. The track unfolds slowly, layering textures with precision until it swells into an intensely emotional crescendo, blending sentiment with raw distortion.

“Nothing’s Changed is a striking melody, propelled by deeply expressive songwriting and an entrancing performance.”

The release of Nothing’s Changed marks the beginning of Dripping Trees’ next chapter, serving as the first single from their upcoming sophomore LP, Balance is Gone. Produced by JJJ Sielcken, this new album promises to further develop the band’s sound and explore deeply introspective themes, making it a release to watch closely.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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French Exit ‘Feels Like It’s Coming On Again’

rightchord — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 11:55:06 +0000

London-based alt-rock quartet French Exit unveils their third official single, Feels Like It’s Coming On Again an anthemic yet melancholy, indie anthem.

French Exit – Feels Like It’s Coming On Again

French Exit is made up of three brothers and a close friend. Despite their relatively short time in the music scene, they have already graced significant festivals and venues, including The Windmill in collaboration with Yowl, The Half Moon, and O2 Academy Islington. Their previous singles, Still and Dreaming, received recognition from BBC Introducing and garnered positive reviews from platforms such as Bored City and of course Right Chord Music!

French Exit on Spotify

French Exit looks to grow their fanbase with the release of their latest track, Feels Like It’s Coming On Again. This song embodies their desire to chronicle the everyday ups and downs of life. While pain and anxiety may occasionally resurface, the band believes that the true antidote lies in the strength of unity and the power of love, reminding listeners of the importance of connection during difficult times.

Infused with a sense of melancholy, this track is rich in sentimentality, thanks to its evocative instrumentation. The sorrowful guitar chords, understated drumming, and melodious vocals combine to form a deeply emotional soundscape, making this their most heartfelt creation to date.

Produced by the esteemed Adam Ramsay, Feels Like It’s Coming On Again has quickly become one of the band’s favorite songs to perform live since its debut. As they explain: “We went on a real journey with it from the initial demo to final edit – taking the time to not only nail down the live arrangement but also try to get that down in the studio”.

Feels Like It’s Coming On Again is an immersive and universally relatable composition. With its emotionally charged lyrics and heartwarming instrumentation, it stands out as a true gem for this emerging band.

French Exit has had a noteworthy debut year, releasing three exceptional singles and seizing numerous opportunities. This quartet is definitely one to keep an eye on in 2025.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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Planets Are Seeing The ‘SIGNS’

rightchord — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 05:27:43 +0000

Following the release of their debut track just a couple of months ago, alt-rock duo Planets are back with their sophomore single, SIGNS.

Planets – Signs

Planets, formed last summer by guitarist Hector Castro and vocalist Charlotte King, emerged when the duo recognized their creative synergy. Choosing to move away from cover songs, they decided to pursue their own musical projects, a decision that has proven to be incredibly rewarding. They launched with their debut single, Red Earth, in July, and now their sophomore single continues where they left off.

Planets on Spotify

Signs delves into how individuals often interpret nature, unexplained events, and astrology—commonly referred to as “signs”—to gain deeper insights into themselves and their potential. More significantly, it emphasizes how this additional reassurance can foster a sense of security and mental stability, even in the most challenging situations we may face.

SIGNS opens with a vibrant surge of strident guitars that instantly invite head nodding. This track masterfully blends emotionally charged riffs with Charlotte’s enchanting vocals, producing a compelling auditive experience that immerses you in its addictive melodic tapestry, drawing you in from the very first note.

With its punchy, detail-oriented sound and atmospheric quality, SIGNS is intriguingly appealing, much like an undiscovered planet full of possibilities waiting to be explored. This remarkable track piques your curiosity and leaves you eager for more.

Although Planets has only been active for a few months and has just two songs released, they have already achieved more than many would anticipate. Their rapid progress hints at great things ahead, indicating that the “planets” have aligned favourably for this talented duo.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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First Signs of Love No 232. waltzerr

rightchord — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 07:59:00 +0000

waltzerr are our latest First Signs of Love (FSOL) featured artist. FSOL is about those moments when you find a new artist to love, and you can’t get enough! Discover more from our archive.

Introducing waltzerr

We discovered waltzerr from our Musician’s Census, the band won a free managed press campaign from our friends at Musosoup. This means we can guarantee the music Blogosphere will soon be buzzing with the dreamy sounds of waltzerr. Here is the first of many glowing blog features.

This Seattle-based band masterfully blend dream pop and guitar-driven indie rock. They effortlessly soundtrack the lives of 20-somethings navigating themes of love, heartbreak, and self-doubt. The lyrics sound like they could be lifted directly from a personal journal which makes them immediately relatable. This is a new band, their first demo Blurry Eyes was only shared last year and it perfectly set the tone for what was to come. Since then waltzerr have shared four singles which neatly built anticipation of their debut 7-track mini album / EP ‘Small Talk’.

Released in August 2024, Small Talk takes listeners on an emotionally charged journey through unresolved adolescent feelings and pivotal life decisions. Dreamy, guitar-driven instrumentation complements waltzerr’s powerful vocal performances, creating a soundscape both immersive and comforting. The album captures the essence of longing and the struggle to move past regret.

Track one ‘Highway Star’ deserves its place at the front of the queue. Jangling guitars nod to The Smiths while dreamy lyrics offer the promise of escape and solace. “It doesn’t matter to me.”

Catch waltzerr live

12 Oct Bellingham Exit 2024 Bellingham, WA RSVP Tickets
13 Oct Barboza Seattle, WA RSVP Tickets
09 Nov Blue Moon Tavern Seattle, WA

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Words Mark Knight

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