Their music is mainly heard in commercials, Forever 21, and film soundtracks. Every now and then, they’ll produce a hit that gets some airplay or score an appearance on a popular talk show. For the most part, though, indie bands and indie artists fly under the radar. It takes someone who decided to look up and download that obscure music they heard in a commercial or movie, to spread the word about these musicians. Allow me to be that someone for you, and introduce you to these 5 indie bands you may have heard from, but have never listened to.
- Smallpools
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Smallpools first single, “Dreaming,” is a literal dream upon first listen: it’s thrilling, fun, and the music video’s quite charming. As far as the band’s debut album, Lovetap! (2015), it’s just as thrilling as it’s lead single. The album’s opening track, “American Love”, starts with a film-like orchestra, and builds to a fast-paced beat that’ll make you feel like you’re in the middle of a chase scene.
Their latest album, So Social (2018), the indie-pop band showcases some edgier sounds, while maintaining the same energy as their previous work, especially in the single “Stumblin’ Home”. If you want a playlist you can blast on a road trip with friends, a party, or a beachside hang-out, Smallpools’ music checks off all these scenarios.
- The Wombats
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This British indie-rock band has been around since the early 2000s and has received mixed reviews up to this day. That said, their album Glitterbug (2015) has some glossy tracks that anyone can jam to. In terms of feel-good, electric songs you can bang your head to, “Give Me a Try” and “Be Your Shadow” are a shoo-in. For a blend of gloomy lyrics and a sound that’ll have you in a pleasurable trance, “Greek Tragedy” and “Emoticons” have got you covered. Just be warned, their “Greek Tragedy” music video is particularly dark.
- Saint Motel
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Saint Motel has an infectious funk encapsulated in its retro sound. Their song “My Type” is guaranteed to have you on your feet—or, at the very least, moving frantically from the waist up. The song is about a man who claims to be selective when it comes to romantic partners, and then delivers the punchline: You know you’re just my type/You’ve got a pulse and you are breathing.
Saint Motel is as playful as their lyrics, with fun tracks such as “Puzzle Pieces” and “For Elise,” which samples Beethoven’s own “Für Elise.” Their latest musical rendezvous is their EP The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Part 1, which features more of the band’s retro sound accompanied by some cinematic visualizers. I suggest you get on board the Saint Motel train, ASAP, because they’re dropping some masterpieces here.
- Bad Suns
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Bad Suns’ music wavers between alternative rock and indie rock. Their songs are best to listen to in the middle of a long introspective drive or walk. Their content tends to be on the more somber and edgy side. The band’s first-ever single “Cardiac Arrest” certainly attests to that, while their song “Salt” maintains that downer tone with a speedier tempo.
Later tracks, such as “Outskirts of Paradise,” play with a livelier concept. The group’s latest release, Mystic Truth (2019), indicates their sound is headed toward that brighter direction, while still not being as synthesized as the other bands on this list. Off of their recent release, the track “Starjumper” is probably one of their best.
- Bleachers
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Led by singer-songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff, Bleachers is actually an indie-pop act—orchestrated by Antonoff himself. Back in 2014, Bleachers earned immediate commercial success with their debut single “I Wanna Get Better.” Since then, they’ve managed to put out some more hits, and in good company too. “Don’t Take the Money,” their first single off their sophomore album Gone Now (2017), was co-written by Ella Yelich-O’Conner (a.k.a. Lorde).
Since then, Antonoff’s music has been heard on the Love, Simon (2018) soundtrack, including the tracks “Rollercoaster” and “Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song).” If you wanna feel like you’re living in a John Hughes movie, Bleachers’ music will set the mood for ya’.
Next time you’re looking to listen to something that’s a little different from what’s on the radio, give these bands a shot. Definitely pay more attention to the music of tv ads—you never know what hidden gems you’re missing out on.