Tag: indie

Posted on

Heyrocco “Christmas Shopping in Santa Monica” (2022)

Cobraside
Buy: Apple Music | Amazon MP3 | Amazon.uk MP3 | Amazon.de MP3 | Amazon.fr MP3

Is a band from the town they started in, or the town they have resided in for a while? Like, are the National a Cincinnati band, or a Brooklyn band? I find myself mulling this over as I think about Heyrocco… who are either from Charleston, South Carolina or Los Angeles. So, pick your flavor, and now that I’ve placed them in the general United States, we can move on. Heyrocco’s most recent release also happens to be their excellent 2022 Christmas song, “Christmas Shopping in Santa Monica.” This song has a late 90s – early 2000’s powerpop feel that I love. The jangling rhythm guitars, the layered vocal harmonies, all the “oh yeahs,” I’m transported back in time. It’s a fun one, you’ll like it.

Of note, this is not the only Heyrocco Christmas song… there are a few Bandcamp accounts that all appear to be associated with the band, and they covered (as did everyone) Wham’s “Last Christmas” back in 2014. Low-fi demo quality, but interesting to hear in comparison. Around 2:20 it gets weird, which is worth a listen if you’re curious.

Bottom Line: This is the kind powerpop that I love.

LISTEN

Posted on

John Mark Nelson, Tancred & Jenny Owen Youngs “Fireside” (2021)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

John Mark Nelson & Jenny Owen Youngs are both no strangers to these pixels I call home. They both write thoughtful, introspective seasonal songs, and this year’s collaboration between the two ropes in Jess Abbott (Tancred) to create a Voltron of emotional, gentle, beautiful strumming and plinking. YOU ARE WARNED! Prepare to look INWARD! The lead single “Fireside” is exactly as Jenny describes,” a crisp homage to indoor rumination in December, and keeping warm with loved ones when daylight is brief and winter nights are long.” Nailed it Jenny. Their voices blend beautifully, most especially during the chorus when the song flares like a flame catching that perfect piece of kindling. They also hit that sweet spot at nearly three minutes in length, this song is that perfect blend of short and sweet, as one does not want a cup of hot chocolate to get cold. Delicious!

Bottom Line: Snuggle up next to this song.

LISTEN