Architecture in Helsinki - Fingers Crossed (2007) indie rock

 

Most people have likely heard at least part of Souvenirs and possibly a couple other tracks. Fingers Crossed is an indie rock album that's a bit divisive given the utilization of falsetto vocals throughout, which add to the work in my opinion. It's fairly minimalistic but not altogether lacking complexity.

If you liked lo-fi, minimalist indie rock of the aughts and don't mind falsetto vocals, definitely check this one out!

DOWNLOAD (INTERNET ARCHIVE)

Standards - Fruit Town (July 2022) [Los Angeles, CA]

Another quality 2022 release, this time coming from a duo from Los Angeles, California. It's mostly instrumental, fusing math rock and jazz fusion to create a unique sound. Definitely a must-listen album of 2022!

bandcamp / download / youtube

YĪN YĪN - The Rabbit That Hunts Tigers (2019)

Middle Eastern rock and traditional music fused with Western indie music is a new niche represented by a couple of quality bands including YIN YIN and Khruangbin. This album is a must-own, rivaling the best of Khruangbin.

BANDCAMP / INTERNET ARCHIVE / YOUTUBE 

JULY RANKINGS:

1. Negativland - True/False (2019)

2. Juergan Reiter - Dead on Arrival (2009)

3. Geoff Scott - Asheron's Call 2 Legions Promo CD (2005)

4. YĪN YĪN - The Rabbit That Hunts Tigers (2019)

5. Neko Case - The Worse Things Get... (2013)

6. Chelsea Wolfe - Birth of Violence (2019)

7. Zola Jesus - Arkhon (2022)

8. Roxanne Oliva - Accordion Crumbs (2012)

9. Risa Takeda - Pandora (2018)

10. Emma Ruth Rundle - On Dark Horses (2018)

11. Heather Ferrier - From the Ashes (2022)

12. Rizomagic - Voltaje Raizal (2021)

13. Flightless Birds Take Wing - Take Flight EP (2022)

14. Himiko Kucuchi - Flying Beagle (1987)

15. Advanced Corpse Materials - Travels (2022)

Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You... (2013)

Neko Case's 2013 release is likely her most accessible, taking a more moderate indie rock focus with a bit of country and folk influence. She retains her powerful voice and thought-provoking lyrics. This album, Fox Confessor, and her most recent compilation album are excellent places to start if new to Neko's solo work.

BANDCAMP  /  INTERNET ARCHIVE  /  YOUTUBE

JULY RANKINGS:

1. Negativland - True/False (2019)

2. Juergan Reiter - Dead on Arrival (2009)

3. Geoff Scott - Asheron's Call 2 Legions Promo CD (2005)

4. Neko Case - The Worse Things Get... (2013)

5. Chelsea Wolfe - Birth of Violence (2019)

6. Zola Jesus - Arkhon (2022)

7. Roxanne Oliva - Accordion Crumbs (2012)

8. Risa Takeda - Pandora (2018)

9. Emma Ruth Rundle - On Dark Horses (2018)

10. Heather Ferrier - From the Ashes (2022)

11. Rizomagic - Voltaje Raizal (2021)

12. Flightless Birds Take Wing - Take Flight EP (2022)

13. Himiko Kucuchi - Flying Beagle (1987)

14. Advanced Corpse Materials - Travels (2022)