On Repeat is a monthly roundup of My Music Mixtape’s favourite tracks featured on our ‘Radio Friendly Indie Rock and Alt Pop‘ Spotify playlist.
This month includes an energetic headbanger by The Trusted, a melodically-rich indie rock burner by Tom Elliot, a soaring rock anthem by The Exhales, an addictive synth-rock scorcher by Shai Brides, a spellbinding epic by Electric Rime, a love-struck serenade by dwn bad and an upbeat indie pop tune by Athena Lim. Continue reading below to learn more about the artists who landed on April’s edition of On Repeat.
Self Destruct – The Trusted
This track is an uber-garage, proto-punk, new wave banger that packs the guts and audacity of tracks like Jack White’s “Sixteen Saltines,” while incorporating the pop sensibilities and catchy, earworm elements characteristic of The Trusted’s repertoire. “Self Destruct” delves into the experiences of an individual who is pushing their body and mind to dangerous extremes for the sake of a fleeting thrill.
Excerpt from The Trusted press release for “Self Destruct”
The Trusted are no strangers to My Music Mixtape. Simply put, they are the quintessential band we want to showcase on our Radio Friendly Indie Rock & Alt Pop playlist: guitar-forward instrumentation, a thoughtful blend of melody and grit, interesting arrangements, big choruses, powerful lyrics…you get the point. They previously caught our attention with their epic singles “Burning the Night” and “Lost Soul”, and made us do a musical double take yet again with their latest triumph, “Self Destruct”. It’s straight-up, in-your-face garage rock with attitude and edge, reminiscent of the vintage punk rock you would hear at an old school house party, but with hints of contemporary electro-stylings that rejuvenate the genre into something fresh and modern. Its raucous instrumental is packed with distorted tones that reinforce the epic nature of the song. The pumping bass line that becomes the defining feature of the verse gives way to a chorus that is fit for the biggest of stadiums with its soaring, earworm quality and singer Tom Cunningham’s riveting vocal delivery. There’s no doubt about it: the energy on “Self Destruct” makes you want to get up and move. It also keeps you on your toes with an exceptional rhythmic and punctuated instrumental at the 1:50 mark that showcases its head-banging appeal. There’s a relentlessness with The Trusted that comes across in their music. It is clear they’re on a mission to reinforce their reputation as indie rock innovators – and we firmly believe they’re well on their way. My Music Mixtape
Holy Ghost – Tom Elliot
Holy Ghost is a song about the guilt of being distant & absent while a friend is going through a tough time. It is the second single off of his debut EP ‘Dead Flower Radio Hour’.
Excerpt from Tom Elliot press material for “Holy Ghost”
The sense of urgency that is created by the bright and beautiful guitar riff that opens “Holy Ghost” had us hooked. UK-based singer-songwriter Tom Elliot immerses us into an instrumental layered with a wide range of guitar tones, licks and phrases, all coming together to shape a dynamic and compelling sonic landscape that elicits a sense of nostalgia. The result is a melodically-rich track full of texture, but with the grit and crunch needed to capture the emotional weight of the song’s main subject: the guilt of not being available for a friend in need. Remarkably, Elliot produced “Holy Ghost” from his bedroom, a testament to this multi-talented artist. He successfully combines elements of indie rock, pop punk and even a hint of indie pop, borrowing from each of these genres to create a unique and memorable song. The acoustic guitar progression that underpins the instrumental offers the perfect foundation for distorted riffs and Elliot’s outstanding vocals to hover above and take flight. The percussion in “Holy Ghost” is also worthy of a mention, acting as the driving force that pushes the song forward. The hi-hat work is particularly impressive and adds to the urgency mentioned earlier. In short, this track showcases Elliot’s ability to create compelling arrangements with a keen sense of how production can support creativity. Like Elliot’s previous release, “Slowly Sinking”, which we also featured, “Holy Ghost” is undeniably irresistible and offers yet another window into this emerging talent. My Music Mixtape
kick the chair – The Exhales
Forming in 2021, The Exhales quickly emerged onto the Scottish music scene in early 2022, selling out their first gig at the iconic ‘King Tuts Wah Wah Hut.’ Their talent and unique sound caught the attention of critics, with The Other Side Reviews describing them as ‘a force to be reckoned with.’
Excerpt from The Exhales press release for “kick the chair”
The epic guitar work and the driving percussion on “kick the chair” is what drew us into this exceptional song by Scottish alternative rock band The Exhales. The four-piece outfit show off a lot of flair in their thoughtful arrangement, introducing new layers and sounds at every turn. Seemingly endless guitar parts fill the sonic landscape while a rumbling bass line holds it all together. A distinct piano melody punctuates the powerful drums, while vocal doubling adds depth and texture. The production quality is top-notch on “kick the chair” – and it has to be given all of these nuances. Left-right panning of the guitar layers creates a richer sound and feeling that the song is growing over time. In short, “kick the chair” gets bigger and bigger over its roughly three and a half minute run time. It all culminates into an anthemic chorus that captivates listeners, keeping them in suspense with the goosebump-inducing instrumental. It simply soars with washed-out guitar effects, booming beats and an inspired vocal delivery, a requirement for a song as compositionally complex as “kick the chair”. The bridge is also notable, resolving all the tension built leading up to it and acting as a climax that takes the dynamic to a whole new level. This is all to say that there’s an authenticity in “kick the chair” that resonates and elicits a powerful reaction, compelling you to listen again and again. Having already won the praises of BBC Introducing Scotland and Amazing Radio for their debut single “Silver Smile”, The Exhales have certainly cemented their status as a band on the rise. My Music Mixtape
Little Things – Shai Brides
“’Little Things’ is about how overwhelmed and powerless we feel about our inability to stop the climate crisis. Having the hard work passed onto to us, the next generation, given responsibility for problems caused by a system we didn’t get a choice in creating.”
Excerpt from Shai Brides press material for “Little Things”
“Little Things” by Shai Brides is an addictive, high energy indie pop banger you can’t miss. There’s a unique injection of pop and rock in a synth-infused instrumental that results in an upbeat, electro-rock vibe. Just when you thought you’ve heard it all from the wonderful world of indie rock, Shai Brides comes along and delivers a breath of fresh air to the genre that makes it feel contemporary and modern all over again. Now, this track may sound like a feel-good anthem that belongs on summertime playlists; however, you quickly realize while listening that the vibrant soundscape of “Little Things” is just a disguise for the serious subject it addresses head on: apathy amid an overwhelming climate disaster. Singers Thom Dent and Meghan Avery showcase infectious vocal hooks and lush harmonies while delivering blistering lines such as, “I’m petrified of doing nothing, but ice melts and people freeze” and “it’s a shame we won’t be alive in time to see the twenty-second century”. Dent and Avery don’t hold back any punches, making it clear that combating the climate crisis requires a systematic overhaul. “Little Things” is not only relevant for its time, but it is also completely necessary given the shortcomings and failures of so many institutions to tackle the crisis. The build at the end of the song featuring what can only be described as a blazing guitar and prominent bass line comes together to shape a memorable climax, while acting as a reminder that yes, “the water’s coming”. My Music Mixtape
Tales – Electric Rime
“‘Tales’ is a powerful song that captures the feeling of an impending disaster. The lyrics were finished just days before the full-scale war in Ukraine started,” says Alina Fedorova, the vocalist of Electric Rime. All instruments were recorded in Kyiv at Primat Production, and vocals at Rogue Recording Studios in London. The song was mixed and mastered at Primat Production by Kostya Puha.
Excerpt from Electric Rime press material for “Tales”
The interplay between the heavy bass fuzz tone and the melodic piano that kicks off “Tales” not only perked our ears, but immediately set the tone for what becomes a song of contrasts by Ukraine-based Electric Rime. There’s a beauty and the beast dynamic that is painted throughout the song. The bass and piano, as noted above, is one example of this contrast playing out; the shimmering guitar melodies in the chorus juxtaposed with heavier tones is another, and both act as symbolic representations of Ukraine’s beauty prior to the invasion and the struggle they now face after Russian tanks crossed their border over two years ago. In short, Electric Rime takes us on a reality trip through this memorable indie rock and shoegaze-inspired release. The seamless instrumental build – the defining trait of “Tales” – that occurs over its nearly six-minute run time is magical and captures Electric Rime’s incredible talent. The chorus soars to great heights, the guitar tones are simultaneously gritty and melodic, and singer Alina Fedorova’s gripping vocals stand out as a necessary reminder that this war continues to rage: “through clouds of dust…all we had is lost”. It is next to impossible to turn away from listening to this profound track. Incredibly, “Tales” was written, recorded, mixed and mastered in Ukraine amid air raid sirens and during an uncertain future. The fact that this song made it to the finish line at all is a testament to Electric Rime’s steadfast dedication to their art and their willingness to showcase their talent amid the darkest of times. “Tales” is powerful, compelling and inspiring considering the backdrop against which it was created. My Music Mixtape
So Loud for a Leaf – dwn bad
dwn bad’s latest track, “So Loud for a Leaf,” unfurls like a confession of love amidst the backdrop of uncertainty and longing. Inspired by the delicate dance of long-distance relationships, the song navigates the bittersweet terrain of new beginnings and the courage it takes to trust again. Through driving beats, jangly guitars and heartfelt lyrics, dwn bad invites listeners to embark on a ride of vulnerability and resilience. “So Loud for a Leaf” captures the essence of daring to love anew, offering a heartfelt ode to the complexities of human connection.
Excerpt from dwn bad press release for “So Loud for a Leaf”
The dreamy, shimmering guitar tones and infectious melodies on “So Loud for a Leaf” instantly put you in a chill, reflective space where you can put your feet up and take it easy. Ironically, the feel good vibes that it radiates juxtaposes the main subject of the track: the uncertainty of starting anew and the bravery required to believe in love again. This contrast forms the perfect counterbalance between the inviting, daydream-inducing soundscape and the vulnerability and emotional weight captured by the song’s authentic lyrics. In essence, “So Loud for a Leaf” highlights both the bitter and the sweet of relationships, especially those where physical distance adds another level of emotional complexity. dwn bad, a one-man band led by songwriter Derek Silva, peels back the layers with lines such as “is it safe with you?” and “every time, I cry”, exposing himself with a rawness that forces you to pay attention. Instrumentally, the infinitely groovy and distinctive bass line offers the foundational anchor that holds it all together and gives the song space to breathe – and that’s a good thing given the musical journey dwn bad takes us on, akin to the ebbs and flows of love and longing. Above all else, dwn bad’s charming vocal delivery stands out as the preeminent piece of “So Loud for a Leaf”, with a reverb-heavy, love-struck sensibility that will have you craving for more from this rising talent. My Music Mixtape
White Dust – Athena Lim
The track is infused with funk and folk, a driving bass line speaking to the former, and introspective and philosophical song writing speaking to the latter. Produced with multi-instrumentalist and producer, James Atin-Godden, “White Dust” is an upbeat alternative to the singer’s moody, atmospheric first single, “Being Someone”, released last Valentine’s Day.
Excerpt from Athena Lim’s press material for “White Dust”
“White Dust” is full of the upbeat, feel-good indie pop magic that makes you feel young again. It would be a mistake, however, to put this fun and quirky song into a simple genre box. Singer-songwriter Athena Lim thinks outside the box, crossing genre boundaries in a way that makes her music sound comfortably familiar, but simultaneously unique and contemporary. She borrows from the best of pop and indie rock, while also injecting a poetic, folk-like quality that makes “White Dust” relatable. In short, for those already familiar with Lim, “White Dust” is a lively contrast from her immersive first single, “Being Someone”, highlighting her versatility and ability to craft songs with a wide range of emotion and styles. For those who are just finding out about Lim, you are in for a treat. “White Dust” offers the perfect soundtrack for Friday night hangouts with friends and winding, adventure-filled summer road trips. The groove-infused bass line is certainly one of the highlights, acting as a magnetic musical anchor that draws you in and holds your attention. The chorus is catchy and is punctuated with snappy percussion and an earworm vocal hook. There is also an energetic guitar solo that enhances the song’s dynamic. With plans on releasing an EP this summer – and her sophomore album in 2025 – Athena Lim is just getting started. If “White Dust” is an indication of what’s to come, we will be watching closely with intrigue and excitement. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material.
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