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’s roundup features a diverse range of musical styles and influences by exceptional genre-blending artists, including The Trusted, Sleeping Together, The Sleepy Haunts and The Links. Continue reading below to learn more about the talented artists who landed on February’s edition of On Repeat.
Iridescence – The Trusted
This impressive collection from The Trusted underscores their growth as artists, with each track poised to become a crowd favourite. Their exceptional songwriting matches the energy and dynamism of their live performances, setting a new benchmark that brings them closer to becoming a household name.
Excerpt from The Trusted press material for “Iridescence”
The Trusted have done it again. Over the past year, we’ve featured (almost) every track from Iridescence, and for good reason—the UK-based band has become a staple on our site, consistently delivering music that demands attention. Their signature guitar-forward instrumentation, anthemic choruses, and Tom Cunningham’s impeccable vocal delivery shine throughout this five-track EP. Yet, what makes Iridescence truly stand out is the band’s willingness to push boundaries, keeping fans on their toes with a fresh yet unmistakable sound.
The opening track, “The Lightning”, kicks things off with a thrilling soundscape that balances an expansive sound with an intimate vibe. The synth-forward, introspective quality of the verses builds towards an electrifying chorus that immediately hooks you.
“Overdrive (Switch Off)” follows with a lush, synth-laced soundscape. A steady bass and drum-forward groove form the backbone, while prominent keys and a subtly distorted vocal line shape its hypnotic flow. The chorus erupts into a tight, high-energy wall of sound, mirroring the overwhelming nature of overstimulation, a key theme of the song.
Then there’s “Self Destruct,” a track so good it cracked our Top Indie Tracks of 2024 list. It’s a masterclass in controlled chaos—thundering drums, fierce guitar work, and an anthemic hook that sticks long after the song ends. A blistering burst of self-reflection wrapped in an arena-sized sound. It’s pure ear candy.
“Miracle Face” takes a different turn, revealing yet another angle to an evolving sound that’s fresh to the ear but core to their identity. Hyper-melodic in nature, the track is characterized by the use of a vocoder to synthesize Cunningham’s vocals, creating a distinctive falsetto reminiscent of Daft Punk.
Finally, the title track—“Iridescence.” An atmospheric, mid-tempo journey that shimmers with cinematic beauty. Ethereal vocals drift over delicate piano melodies, dreamy guitar layers, and a swirl of synths. The chorus is euphoric and nostalgic all at once, with orchestral touches adding to its immersive feel. The song builds to a memorable, spine-tingling climax to wrap up the EP.
With Iridescence, The Trusted prove once again that they refuse to be boxed in. This is a band that evolves, experiments, and keeps listeners hooked by keeping them persistently curious and pleasantly surprised—If you weren’t already paying attention, now’s the time. My Music Mixtape
The Essentials – Sleeping Together
‘The Essentials’ dives into the chaos of a messy night out, capturing raw moments: too many drinks, a heated argument in a failing relationship, and impulsive decisions. The song explores the intoxicating pull of escapism, chasing fleeting highs and guilt-free haze with no memory of the night before.
Excerpt from Sleeping Together press material for “The Essentials”
Emerging from the indie hotbeds of Manchester and Liverpool, UK-based Sleeping Together is back with “The Essentials”, a track that simply seizes your attention. From the opening notes, the energy is palpable, riding a wave of frenetic urgency that never lets up. In the band’s own words, it’s “a song that barely pauses, just like the night that inspired it”. Michael Corry’s soaring guitar work electrifies, while Daniel Turton’s rumbling bass line and Amber Hughes’ hi-hat groove lock into a tight rhythm that compels you to move. The chorus—an absolute banger–is packed with anthemic force and a singalong energy that lingers long after the song ends. Singer Alexander Lloyd-Jones’ stirring vocal line perfectly captures the heart-racing thrill of a chaotic night. There’s a raw indie charm on this track, echoing the punchy attitude of Royal Otis and The Strokes, with the dance-rock spirit of Bloc Party—but make no mistake, Sleeping Together is carving their own path. A bold follow-up to their 2024 EP I Won’t Tell If You Don’t, “The Essentials” is an electrifying glimpse into the hook-heavy, energetic soundscapes this four-piece outfit is leaning into – a song that’s more than worthy of being played at maximum volume. My Music Mixtape
twenty – The Sleepy Haunts
This entire release is an ode to young adulthood– those feelings of being on your own and trying to navigate what it means to be independent…Our favorite track, “twenty,” is most representative of the album as a whole. It talks about finding a job, paying rent, navigating friendships, etc. in a new point of your life.
Excerpt from The Sleepy Haunts press material for “twenty”
Seattle’s The Sleepy Haunts have crafted something truly special with “twenty”, a standout track from their new album BLOOM—and according to the band, the “most representative of the album as a whole”. Diving deep into the turbulence of young adulthood, “twenty” navigates that thrilling but daunting moment of transition: where nostalgia clashes with responsibility, and independence feels both exhilarating and terrifying. Right from the first note, singer Gillian McMahon’s vocals steal the show—soulful, sultry, and rich with emotion. The verse unfolds over a stripped-back instrumental, letting her delivery take center stage before the track explodes into an anthemic chorus. It’s a moment of pure climactic release, packed with gritty guitars while evoking a freeing sense of independence–a core theme of the new record. The layered background vocals add an atmospheric depth, elevating the track’s already stellar production, helmed by Aaron Cada (Beach Bunny). Musically, “twenty” shows off its influences proudly—there’s the raw edge and attitude of Alanis Morissette, the high-energy grit of hometown heroes Pearl Jam, and the modern alt-rock polish of Paramore and Olivia Rodrigo. Yet, it never feels derivative; instead, it’s a fresh, invigorating take on coming-of-age anthems–the kind of song that hooks you instantly and leaves you hungry for more. My Music Mixtape
elvira – The Links
Louisiana-based indie rock band The Links have returned with “elvira”, an incredible testament to their ever-evolving sound. The track seamlessly weaves elements of alt-rock, shoegaze, dream pop, and post-punk, a sign the four-piece has fully embraced a darker, edgier aesthetic—a bold transformation from their funk and pop-inspired early days. If last year’s album Outside hinted at this shift, “elvira” certainly cements it. From the get go, “elvira” pulls you into its expansive soundscape, shaped by Wesley Guillory’s dreamy, shimmering guitars and an undercurrent of restless energy that rests largely on the dark intensity of Grant Gautreaux’s bass line. The verses simmer with moody, melodic guitar lines and Jack Morrison’s ethereal, falsetto-laden vocals, setting the stage for a chorus that bursts with gritty intensity. The slight distortion on Morrison’s voice injects just the right amount of rawness, making each refrain feel like a cathartic release. As the track builds, the band flexes their mastery of dynamics, subtly layering guitar textures—particularly in the second verse, where clever panning adds depth. Then comes the finale: a climactic, erupting outro that simply impresses with Andrew Lawrence’s high energy drum work. With “elvira”, The Links deliver a masterclass in storytelling through the use of dynamic shifts—proof that their transformation was not only intentional but absolutely necessary. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material
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