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 infectious pop rock number by fxrrvst, a melodically-rich poetic gem by Seafarers, a dreamy and poignant indie rock track by stillyoung, a dark electronic pop earworm by SCARLET and a fiery alt-rock banger by Cairo Station. Continue reading below to learn more about the artists who landed on June’s edition of On Repeat.
CBAYAOM – fxrrvst
Throwing it back to the summer of the early 2010’s, the song is a classic cap-nod to the catchy indie rock tunes that swarmed the airwaves on your highway road trips through festival season.
Excerpt from fxrrvst press material for “CBAYAOM”
fxrrvst (pronounced “forest”) first caught our attention with their infectious single “Lavender”, which we had to feature on our ‘Radio Friendly Indie Rock and Alt Pop’ playlist because it is simply so, so good. The Toronto-based indie outfit’s latest offering, “CBAYAOM”, delivers more of the same catchy, foot-tapping indie pop hooks. The fast-paced instrumental develops over time, with a seamless introduction of new layers and an increasing dynamic that not only keeps listeners engaged, but also adds texture and depth to the track. It blends elements of pop and rock, culminating into an epic climax featuring drums and guitar that let loose and resolve the tension built up until that point. The track carries a friendly, approachable vibe that invites us all to turn up the volume and roll down the windows as we escape to the open road, instilling a sense of adventure fitting for a coming-of-age song. The vocal melody is top notch with singer Holly belting out “I can’t be all you ask of me” in the chorus, an anthemic delivery that will surely have you singing along. With more than 1.5M Spotify streams to date and radio play on major stations in Canada, the U.S., and Australia, fxrrvst is clearly an act to watch – especially now that they’ve delivered the perfect song for summer. My Music Mixtape
Bedwetters – Seafarers
“Bedwetters” is a hopeful song, about learning to live with your demons. Told from the point of view from someone anxiously trying to make sense of the world around them, Bedwetters suggests that perhaps there’s a kind of beauty in the chaos.
Excerpt from Seafarers press material for “Bedwetters”
The melodic quality of “Bedwetters” had us hooked right out of the gate. Seafarer singer Lauren Kinsella’s smooth and charming vocals combined with the beautiful piano that punctuates and underpins the instrumental evokes a strong sense of nostalgia that on one hand calls upon listeners to reflect, but on the other hand forces us to be vulnerable in finding beauty amid chaos. It’s a juxtaposition that is reinforced by the key theme of the song: learning to live with your demons. There’s a seamless, organic instrumental growth that not only highlights the aforementioned piano and vocals, but also draws attention to the crisp drums and layers of electric guitar and synthesizers, all of which taken together builds a texturally-rich, nuanced soundscape. It’s an impressive blend of indie rock, chamber pop and even hints of jazz, led by songwriter Matthew Herd. Lyrically, there is endless poetic beauty weaved throughout the song. Lines such as “and the way the sun sets through the arms of the trees, reminded me that there’s a kind of poetry” is as self-reflexive as it is image-laden, triggering a sentiment that is both a tender and hopeful. If “Bedwetters” is any indication of what’s to come on the Seafarers’ upcoming album (slated for release in October), then we eagerly anticipate the musical journey this project surely promises to deliver. My Music Mixtape
Freak Like Me – stillyoung
On “Freak Like Me” I am being a mirror back to those people that I love so dearly. To be emotionally intimate is scary, because it leaves you vulnerable to getting hurt – so I cherish people choose to be open with me and trust me with their feelings authentically.
Excerpt from stillyoung press material for “Freak Like Me”
The dreamy, shimmering guitar tones that open “Freak Like Me” will immediately grab you with a tight grip. stillyoung offers a unique blend of indie rock and dream pop that is reminiscent of Foals, Day Wave and Jimmy Eat World if they were all merged together, but with his own sonic signature. The laid-back, mellow vibes on this track shape a contemplative soundscape, which simultaneously delivers two and a half minutes of infectious indie grooves largely driven by an excellent bass line and a captivating, airy vocal style. It’s methodical yet loose; serious yet fun. It’s simply ear candy. What makes this track even more impressive is stillyoung is a one-man act – and while he gives credit to the friends who helped him along the way, it does highlight his incredible talent and knack for crafting music that forces us to look in the mirror and come to terms with our past. On “Freak Like Me” stillyoung shows us that being vulnerable and honest may just be the secret ingredient to happiness. The song’s lyrics get to the heart this: “thankfully we’ve got all the time in the world if you choose to trust a freak like me” and “she says she doesn’t see any future with me, its hard to hear I’ll never be what you want me to be”. Poignant and powerful, “Freak Like Me” turns heads musically and strikes a deep chord emotionally. My Music Mixtape
howemptyofmetobesofullofyou – SCARLET
With howemptyofmetobesofullofyou, SCARLET cements her status as one of the UK’s most thrilling breakthrough artists. This isn’t just a song; it’s a piece of sonic and visual art that’ll resonate with you long after the last note fades away.
Excerpt from SCARLET press material for “howemptyofmetobesofullofyou”
“howemptyofmetobesofullofyou” is an instant earworm. SCARLET blends elements of new wave, indie rock and commercial pop with a dark, electronic vibe that is unquestionably unique and highlights the cutting-edge production required for such an outstanding track. It’s a fresh take on indie and alternative, crossing genres with ease and with a specific purpose: to push the envelope. The UK singer’s sultry and ethereal vocal style reminds us of Billie Eilish as she takes us on an emotional rollercoaster through heartbreak and loss – and she doesn’t hold back. The lyrics cut straight to the point: “what’s it going to take to forget you, because all I want to do is undress you”. It’s captivating, seductive and begs you to continue listening. It feels like a dare – and you want to find out what happens next. The chorus is infectious and highlights feelings of regret and jealousy as she sings the main refrain, “I don’t want to move on, and I don’t want you to move on”. The fuzzy, distorted bass line underpins the vocal performance and emphasizes the dark nature of the track. Having already earned placements on notable Spotify playlists such as ‘Misfits 2.0’ and garnering the attention of BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, there is no doubt SCARLET is star on the rise – and “howemptyofmetobesofullofyou” may just be what takes her to the next level. My Music Mixtape
Menace – Cairo Station
“Menace” is a commanding track that lays the foundation for an incredibly promising future for the young trio. High quality and high-energy, the single is an incredible kickstart to their career, leaving one thing for certain – you do not want this band to slip by.
Excerpt from Cairo Station press material for “Menace”
“Menace” by newcomers Cairo Station is an absolute rock and roll banger. If you’re a fan of Paramore, Wolf Alice and PJ Harvey you are undoubtedly going to love this track. The energetic alt-rock offering by the Belfast-based trio is fiery and ferocious, forcing listeners to take notice and pay attention. From the pounding drums and dark, fuzzy bass line that open the track to the dissonant, staccato guitars in the verse that break loose in the chorus, this track takes you on an epic adventure you never want to end. Singer Cara Collins unleashes a vocal performance for the ages, delivering a level of angst and attitude that sends goosebumps down your spine. It is hard to believe this is the band’s debut single – the exceptional production quality and instrumentation of “Menace” would have you think Cairo Station have been around for years with a huge catalogue behind them. It is surely a sign of what’s to come for a young yet talented act that is armed with swagger and experience beyond their years. In fact, they sold out several headline shows even before this release. With “Menace”, Cairo Station have laid a solid foundation for a bright future. We recommend you come along for the ride – you don’t want to miss it. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material.
Leave a Reply