Happy fall, Motif readers! As leaves begin to drop from the trees, local acts continue to drop amazing music. Here are five crisp cuts!
Caitlyn Mitchell — “Icarus” Caitlyn Mitchell’s previous two singles were sweeping ballads, lush with strings, harmonies, and a Spector-esque production style. However, all that changes here. This song focuses instead on crashing electric guitars over a galloping pace. Caitlyn’s consistently beautiful voice soars above the noise, lamenting the downfall of a prideful person. The sound of crashing waves at the end of the song drives the imagery home.
Older Brother — “Space Invader” Indie rock stalwarts Older Brother recently released a new EP, The Devil Hangs Around. Leadoff track “Space Invader” is reminiscent of Duster in the best of ways. Gently strummed guitars, hushed vocals, and even a buzzing synth create an autumnal atmosphere, making it a perfect listen for this time of year. Eventually, the song boils over, with everything picking up in intensity, even the backing vocals that were almost hidden earlier. The entire EP is very comfortable and is well worth a listen.
The Marquees — “One More Chance” At long last, The Marquees have released their debut LP, Silver Screen. Twelve tracks of intricately crafted rock & roll make up this record, and it’s a real treat. One of the highlights is “One More Chance,” which leans into a modern indie sound a bit more than the rest of the album. The beginning of the song sounds a lot like The Strokes with its minimal drums and taut guitar line. However, things pick up as the chorus hits and the anthemic nature The Marquees are known for kicks in.
Time Thief — “Bus Stop” The lead single from Time Thief’s upcoming self-titled debut EP is a jangly indie gem with a bouncing bass line and vocals that seem to float over everything yet remain direct. It calls to mind the sound of bands signed to Slumberland Records, a premier indie label that has released some truly wonderful music. Maybe we’ll see Time Thief on the roster one day!
‘92 Winona — “Heroic Dose” The leadoff track on ‘92 Winona’s debut EP, Hello, Hello bursts into your ears from the very first beat. The song combines surf rock, garage rock, and grunge, bringing out the best of each genre. Shouted backing vocals in the chorus help it stand out, as does the rollicking bassline. The whole EP is full of chugging, heavy garage rock with snarling vocals and just the right amount of reverb. Definitely worth a listen!