Indievidual Vol. 1 is a compilation album put together by The Online Festival under label, Hourglass Recordings. It showcases a large array of unsigned talent that is waiting to turn the music world upside-down. These musicians have immense depth while remaining relatable; it’s music with meaning, for the masses. Volume 2 will be out soon and I cannot wait, but this collection provides plenty to keep me company until then…
1. Mama Roux – Fire
Indievidual Vol. 1 starts off with a gentle stampede in ‘Fire’ by Mama Roux. It’s got stirring power vocals, tantalizing drums, and effortlessly rich bass lines. And of course, there are the crooning guitars to help mellow things out as well. The subtly smoky vocals of Tallulah Anton are colored a thousand different hues, giving just as many emotions to compliment the bluesy guitar licks. The male backing vocals contrast beautifully with the female lead, attributing a forcefulness and edginess to the words. What an opener!
2. Alexander Vann – I Will Be The Air
Alexander Vann brings the stampede to a halt. The acoustic melody of ‘I Will Be the Air’ glides, hypnotically. Where Talullah’s vocal is filled with fiery passion, Vann’s is filled with a softer texture and reflectiveness.
But I will not be chained to a life that is not mine. My mind will not be caged by the hands of time.
Simple words, but why didn’t you say it? Vann is testimony to the fact that a good lyric does not need to be overstated, singing the simple human thoughts that mean so much.
Be my water and I will be the air that surrounds you.
There is a beautiful wistfulness in this song – a sadness and a hopefulness to keep you company, when you’re having one of those days…
3. Lisa Redford – Reminders
‘Reminders’ by Lisa Redford is haunting. With one of the most unique vocals I’ve heard, comprised of an intrinsic sorrow and empathy, this song reminds me very much of Neil Young; the soft, pounding melody is delicately powerful, made up of acoustic embers and possessing an almost surreal dimension. It’s truly an artist’s song that channels genuine experience, emotions, and pain.
4. Orphan Boy – Letter For Annie
Tempo picks up again with ‘Letter For Annie’ by Orphan Boy. This song is an absolute standout on the album. The intro provides the perfect build up, especially with the subtle drumming pricking up your ears and revving the engine, so to speak. Then all else is forgotten when the guitars kick in and the protruding bass moves things forward. The vocals sound immortal.
5. Velocets – Naked
The fifth track is ‘Naked’ by Velocets, a band you’ve seen on this blog a few times already. It’s one of the tracks on their EP, which I reviewed HERE… So I’m not going to go into too much detail but I will say again that it’s absolute magic. It has dangerously beautiful hooks and lyrics which inspire me, as a writer, to no end.
6. The Vindickers – Buddy Song
The Vindickers have donated the next track and what a great musical find for me! It’s called ‘Buddy Song’. The percussion is booming and impenetrable. The guitar riffs are bossy and filled with pride. And the musical development is steadfastly bright, filled with oomph and an impeccable lead guitar.
7. Transition, Baby! – Manners Are Wasted On You
Transition, Baby! have donated one of my favorites, ‘Manners Are Wasted On You’. They’re also a band you’ve seen on this blog before. For a more detailed review, you can go HERE. But in sum, the structure of this song oozes appeal, with the smoothly confident vocals, slick bass, assertive beat, and those guitars…
8. Crystal Seagulls – Ups and Downs
I’ve seen a lot about this band on Twitter and I’ve been meaning to check them out, given all the hype. Well… they did not disappoint! The raspy vocals have a very relaxed, authoritative quality that contributes to the playful-aggressive mood of the song. The guitars are wild and ripple through the melody. And the lyrics address a simple, everyday issue with a brawny edge, style, and sharpness.
My girl wants me to be the perfect picture of maturity. She don’t understand, it takes much more for a little boy to just become a man.
Crystal Seagulls have left an unforgettable mark on the album.
9. The Relics – Been Down to the Bottom
‘Been Down to the Bottom’ by The Relics slows things down a bit. I’m getting a 70′s feel; this band reminds me of Queen. The drumming is absolutely stellar: breezy whether it’s speeding up or slowing down, it gives this song the perfect “festival vibe.” I love the vintage sound of the guitars; they’re calm, winding and enticing. It’s the kind of sound that got me into rock’n’roll in the first place.
10. Sonnic Image – Sunday Sofa Sisters
This track is a defiantly indie song that sets the mood for this year’s rock’n’roll scene: attitude, attitude, attitude. The singer reminds me of Liam Gallagher, with his slight throatiness. It has vibrant guitar riffs that seem to dismiss order and a rhythm that takes its time, moving along when it wants to. The lyrics make for the perfect-sing-a-long song, with hooks that won’t let you go…
11. The Revival – Katie
‘Katie’ by The Revival (another previously featured band on this blog) is next. The rhythm is up-tempo with a melody filled with blissful everything: drums, guitars and bass. But, the lyrics are quite sad.
I just wanna say that I thank you for making me cry.
It’s this contrast that makes the song one of the best on the album for me. I love the dark/light juxtaposition and the catchy tune. The vocals are pure and the genuineness alone would make any girl hate Katie, and simultaneously wish her name was Katie.
12. Stolen Haven – Decent Shoes
Then, there is ‘Decent Shoes’ by Stolen Haven. It starts off with more somber acoustic guitars. And then the vocals kick in shortly afterwards and they’re heartbreaking. Instantly another favorite of mine, the lyrics are thought-provoking but more importantly, touching. The drumming is effortless and mesmerizes, as it embellishes every guitar note, every bass line… Speaking of, the bass and electric guitar are beautifully seductive and filled with a sensitivity that is awe-inspiring. (It nearly made me emotional). Flawless.
13. Tomlin Leckie – Earthwalker
‘Earthwalker’ by Tomlin Leckie is a relaxing song with a fluid rhythm and easygoing vocals. The instrumental delivery has a lullaby charm and laidback pensiveness. It’s the song that lets you exhale a little and just enjoy. Yet another tune with a sound that puts heart and soul over all else…
14. We Came From The Sea – Dog Dog Dog
‘Dog Dog Dog’ by We Came From The Sea is playing now. And it’s reminiscent of Thom York/Radiohead in its structure and development; it has a humbly grand melody with soft transitions, easy-flowing guitars, and whispery vocals. And that’s what makes it so full of passion. It’s masterful, like a soft symphony.
15. Cherry Head, Cherry Heart – The Illusionist
And finally the fifteenth and last track is by Cherry Head, Cherry Heart. It’s ‘The Illusionist’. With a dancer’s beat and the haute elegance of the piano, it’s an interesting way to end the album. Though it sounds quite distinctive (it’s notably different aesthetically), it has a pleasant fragility in the melody. The vocals have a “crooner in old Hollywood-Marilyn Monroe” feel – soothing accompaniment to the gentle beat and “badada’s” that ease your mind.
I’ve already said this before, but, this album is absolute genius. A great collection of songs overall, with some particularly outstanding tracks that are set to shock, this year…
Follow The Online Festival @daveyhub. And to be part of the action, sign up to theonlinefestival.com! It doesn’t matter if you’re a musician, promoter or avid music fan.
You should also follow Hourglass Recordings @Hourglass_Music and check out the website HERE, for more information.
Do yourself a favor; buy the album (available for digital download on iTunes and Amazon)!
Enjoy!
XOR
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