I was not expecting anything to happen musically while I was away for the summer. Safe to say, I was pleasantly surprised at the new releases from local bands, ranging from indie-rap projects to hardcore singles. Here’s the music you missed this summer:
“Oh Well” by Mini Machine
Missing Foredaze? Not to worry, their lead singer, Marty Abaddi, and bassist, Alex Capelli, teamed up again to create a new bedroom pop duo, Mini Machine. Their first single, “Oh Well,” teases great things to come. The stereo song oscillates through your headphones to create a lighthearted, floating sound that pairs wonderfully with their adorable lyrics. It feels like it’s made for that humid transition from the summer heat to a fall breeze.
“Missing the Meaning” by Senescence
If hardcore is your scene, you can’t overlook Indianapolis band Senescence. While not from Bloomington, they are well acquainted with the local scene, playing here at least once a month. This new single is classic hardcore fun and filled with short breaks to showcase each member of the band. The chorus turns a new leaf for the band with clear singing replacing the beloved screams of their lead singer, Coop Heaton. The song is perfect for feeling like a ghost peering in on a house show.
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“Standstill” by the Stratospheres
My first thought while listening to this song was that it was beautiful but also slightly cheesy, the perfect combo for writing a good, emotional song. The ethereal guitar solo is by far my favorite part, but the song as a whole is gorgeously composed and produced. The lyrics yearn and yearn, adding a solid amount of desperation into this love song. Consider playing this song late at night while turning off the lights in your apartment, you won’t regret it.
“All Good Things” by Citruses
Ever since Citruses got back together for Burning Couch, I could not wait to hear this album. As a whole, the album showcases the key elements of 2010s indie rap: opening “organic” ad-libs, a large and freely formed group of artists and beats comprised of large horn sections and distorted piano chords. While at times it feels like the songs blend together to create a musical haze, some tracks stand out to me.
The first track, “Cartoons,” is a beautiful opening. It sets the stage for the rest of the songs that carry similar themes of love, both platonic and romantic. As always, my favorite element is the strong horn section, giving the song a warm, playful tone.
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“No One Else” has one of the best backing tracks of the album while balancing the many styles of collaborators Avery McGuire, Penny Dinou and Ed Winn. Winn’s verse is my personal favorite of the song. Citruses did not skimp on features for this project with local artists Geez and Dariel being key players in the ambiance of the tracks they touch. I absolutely love Dariel’s voice and flow and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Finally, “For Myself” is a cheesy yet pretty penultimate track preceded by a heartfelt story in “Poem.” These songs make the final moments of the album much more special, “Poem” acting as an intermission in genre with “For Myself” picking right back up with the sound of the album. If you’re looking for something to listen to after diving back into 2010s indie rap, this album is right up your alley.
