The 10 Best Indie Rock Albums of 2019
In 2019 "indie rock" felt more like a guitar-led free for all with artists drawing from an ever-widening musical well. These are our top 10 picks for the year.
Paul Carr
Teacher, freelance music writer and editor.Not a clue what I'm doing.
Brits in Hot Weather Presents: The Elephant Trees
Manchester's Elephant Trees possess fearless enthusiasm. Their upending of genre and life-affirming lyrics are all present as they move from brooding synthpop to dynamic, growling alternative rock on their latest EP.
Brits in Hot Weather Presents: Lauran Hibberd
There is a palpable buzz surrounding Isle of Wight singer-songwriter Lauran Hibberd. Throughout 2019, she has been capturing hearts with her electrifying live shows, chock full of whip-smart, playful indie-pop songs anthems infused with her wonderfully twisted, caustic wit.
Talkboy Put on a Happy Face in New Video for “Hollow Sphere” (premiere)
The wonderfully simple concept in Talkboy's "Hollow Sphere" sees someone trying to hide their anxieties behind a smile.
Scottish Producer Denis Sulta’s New Ninja Tune EP Is His Defining Work So Far
Aye Spoake Te Sumwuhn & They Listenhd is a defining work for Scottish producer Denis Sulta. Overtly addressing his issues with anxiety, he uses the musical tools at his disposable to work through his subconscious.
London Singer and Producer, MEI Fights Back Against Invisibility on “DIM: Don’t Ignore Me” (premiere)
South London's MEI shares her brilliant new single for "DIM: Don't Ignore Me", which showcases her intriguing blend of electronic, hip-hop, and soul. MEI is truly an artist to watch.
Delush Reminds Us to Appreciate the Good Times on “The Greatest Gift” (premiere)
Joined by soul singer Tolü Makay, delush's latest track, "The Greatest Gift", is a tender and emotional reminder of the importance of self-worth.
A Winged Victory for the Sullen’s ‘The Undivided Five’ Is a Breathtaking Album Full of Subtlety
Each track of ambient duo A Winged Victory for the Sullen's The Undivided Five captures the sound of two exceptional musicians drawing in deep musical breaths and then exhaling something of lasting ethereal beauty.
New York Producer BAILE Blends Potent House Beats and Downtempo Rhythms on “Winte”(premiere)
BAILE's "Winte" is a richly detailed electronic piece that sees him connecting the dots between the organic and the synthetic.
East India Youth’s William Doyle Discusses His New Solo Album and Music
William Doyle speaks to PopMatters about the end of East India Youth, his experience of living in the suburbs, and how his new album, Your Wilderness Revisited, came into being.
Electronic Duo Underworld Mesmerize with Their Brilliant ‘Drift Series’
To say Underworld's Drift Series 1 is an immersive experience is an understatement. It's an album that invites you to pitch a tent in it and hunker down for a month. Both Rick Smith and Karl Hyde sound inspired.
Brits in Hot Weather Presents: Eliza Shaddad
Welcome to a brand new spin-off from PopMatters' Brits in Hot Weather feature. The idea is to delve a little deeper into the musical souls of the artists we have featured so far. First up, we have singer-songwriter Eliza Shaddad.