There has been an almost palpable sense of anticipation amongst indie music fans leading up to this Easter, not only because of the amount of chocolate available for their consumption, but for the whirlwind of new releases that have appeared on their streaming services in the past few weeks. From instant hits by some of the biggest names in the indie music industry to debut albums from newly emerging talent, here are five new albums that are must-have additions to your playlists.
1. Catfish and The Bottlemen – 'The Balance'
After three years of persistent waiting, fans of the indie rockers can finally stop and listen to Catfish and The Bottlemen’s third studio album, 'The Balance'. Unfortunately, the record has received mixed reviews; many journalists have criticised the band for the lack of experimentation displayed in their new music. However, others have argued that the “Catfish formula” does just seem to work. Regardless of your opinion on their style, it is impossible to deny the limitless energy, anger and passion that has gone into this record. There is not one song on the album that would not get entire stadiums of fans leaping into the air. So, it is for this reason that I would recommend 'The Balance' to anyone who wants to instantly add some energy to their lives.
2. Jade Bird – 'Jade Bird'
Jade Bird has become well known in the indie music scene for her passionate vocals and song writing talent as well as her ability to seamlessly fuse country and western influences with alternative rock. On the 19th April, she released her debut album, featuring popular singles, Uh Huh, My Motto and I Get No Joy. The thing that really comes through in these singles and, indeed, every track on this record is a sense of liveliness and dynamism as well as the unmistakable enjoyment she gets from performing her own music. There is a definite juxtaposition occurring in her song writing as well; her tracks seem to be slow and mellow yet are intense and filled with zeal. One of my favourite tracks from the album is Side Effects, for this reason. I have a feeling Jade Bird is going to become a huge artist in only a few years time.
3. Ten Tonnes – 'Ten Tonnes'
Ten Tonnes aka “Ethan Barnett” is following in his older brother, George Ezra’s, footsteps and entering the music scene with a bang. His self-titled debut album, released last Friday through Warner Bros records, reached number 31# on the UK charts. However, Ethan has taken a very different direction to his brother. Instead of the calm and summery hits that have made George Ezra internationally famous, Ten Tonnes presents us with fresh and energetic indie pop that has all the vibes of a good night out. The record is a mixture of new recordings of some of his early singles and several exciting, new tracks, finished off nicely with a melancholy ballad, titled Missing You (an interesting change from his regular style).
4. Vampire Weekend – 'Father of the Bride'
Vampire Weekend’s fourth studio album is a representation of everything that has happened to both the band and the world in the six long years since they last released a record. Now, there is a real sense of maturity in their lyrics which tackle weighty topics such as climate change, adulthood and global politics – a real change from the angsty, alt-pop tunes of their previous albums. Although the double-album is essentially a mass of unfinished ideas, the music is incredibly sophisticated, merging genres such a flamenco and country with their classic alternative style. I am certain this album will not only go down in indie history, but will be remembered by fans of a huge range of musical genres, including followers of collaborators Steve Lacy and Daniel Haim.
5. Cage The Elephant – 'Social Cues'
Social Cues is the first Cage The Elephant Album to be released since frontman Matt Shultz’s experienced a tragic divorce from his ex-wife, Juliette Buchs, and the death of some of his closest friends. For this reason, the record is much darker and more melancholy than their previous releases. Despite this, the tracks on this record maintain the same amount of groove and attitude as their earlier releases; a mix of punk/garage rock and slow, heartfelt pieces about his breakup. As usual, the band have impressed fans with their sudden shifts of genre throughout the album, from the atmospheric art rock of “Broken Boy” to the chaotic mumblings of House of Glass. In fact, I would go as far as calling this record, the most accomplished work that they’ve produced in the past eleven years as a band.
All these records are currently out on all streaming platforms.