“Alien Blues (Acoustic),” Vundabar
Vundabar is a Boston-bred band still releasing new music after a decade in action. On their latest album, “Good Old,” they released four acoustic versions of songs previously released in their album “Devil for the Fire,” in addition to the seven new tracks. The stark difference between the acoustic version of “Alien Blues” and the original makes it an even more captivating listen, being that both songs can stand on their own. “Alien Blues (Acoustic)” is a perfect chill-down song, great for reflection and calmness in stressful times.
“At Pace,” Cola
Another more tame song, although slightly upping the tempo from the last, “At Pace” by Cola is a light-hearted mood boost. The band hails from Montreal and has been making music together since late 2019. Their first album, “Deep in View,” was released in May 2022. “At Pace” is for post-punk lovers who want a song that’s easy to digest.
“Too Close,” Sir Chloe
Picking up the pace with Sir Chloe’s “Too Close,” this track starts off slow, then builds to an emotive ballad filled with rock intricacies. Sir Chloe, in all of their songs, does an admirable job of balancing dynamics and juxtaposing emotions in music. The band was formed in Vermont in 2017 and has since released music, with their first album “Party Favor” released in 2020.
“Sore,” Sipper
Sipper is a definitive bedroom pop artist who makes fun and relatable songs. “Sore” is perfect for when you want a pop song with a little edge. Sipper’s voice maintains a cool exposure for a song filled with glimmers of synth sounds and an upbeat drum groove. Sipper releases music bi-weekly, flowing with whatever musical ideas come to mind. Since launching his project in 2019, Joey Beermna of Sipper has released four albums.
“Fly Out West,” Yot Club
Sipper adjacent, Yot Club is another emerging artist delivering indie bedroom pop. “Fly Out West” is a light-hearted song with just enough energy and the right amount of vocal and instrumental variation to hold your attention. If you like this song and others by Yot Club, he’ll be opening for Australian band, Skegss at The Bluebird on Feb. 17.
“Stay Loose,” Broncho
Broncho’s album “Just Enough Hip to be Women” was released in 2014, but the tracks never get old to me. I return to this album often, and each time “Stay Loose” stands out as a comfort on one hand and a jolt of excitement on the other. “Stay Loose” moves with nonchalant ease guided by lead singer Ryan Lindsey’s hip, alternative vocals. “Stay Loose” is great for a sunny winter stroll around campus or the soundtrack to a weekend hangout.
“Pages,” White Reaper
White Reaper, best known for songs “Might Be Right” and “Daisies,” is back with two new singles since their last album release in 2019. “Pages” is a modern mesh of pop, punk and rock that isn’t too heavy for those with aversions to screaming and heavy guitar distortion. Unabashedly sincere and packed with emotion and intensity, this song embodies sadness and anger while upholding elements of pop that make this track perfect for any rock lover.
“Things I Miss,” Moxie
With a little over 80,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Moxie is a Vermont band rising in the indie genre. I was first drawn to Moxie by the release of their EP “The Fall” in 2018. Since that release, the band has released a full-length album as well as a handful of singles, one of their most recent being “Things I Miss.” This track is honest and heartfelt, and Rei Kimura’s breathtaking vocals breathe life into the song.
Listen to all of these tracks on the January 2023 playlist by The Clarion.
