One of our favorite independent artists to make their breakthrough last year, this five-piece offer uptempo dream pop tunes that bear comparison with US group Real Estate. “Sa Nae Ha (Wisteria)” is their third single and continues their solid track record, with breathless wistful lyrics floating over a military beat and a dreamy, uplifting background of keyboards that really come to the fore in the second half of the song. It all makes for an intriguing blend that’s part chill wave and part psych-rock.    

 

Independent music label So::On Dry Flower is providing lots to look forward to in February from the release of post-rockers Desktop Error’s second studio album (Feb 22) to the debut LP of Two Million Thanks. The label also welcomes back solo folk artist Napat Snidvongs with his first single since 2005. Not surprisingly “Kor Hai Ter” has a pretty easy-going sound, with a simple guitar riff and Napat’s soft almost femine vocals making for a pleasant enough listen. But we have to admit what really caught our attention is the super cute Michel Gondry-style music video directed by Warut Snidvongs and set in NYC where all the instruments and equipment are made out of cardboard.     

 

Zweed n’ Roll have actually been around a while, with the band doing covers at Harmonica and Play Yard by Studio Bar, and this single has been up on Youtube for a year. But this five-piece are definitely starting to pop up all over the place (including as guest artist at Desktop Error’s album launch on Feb 22) and finally their debut single “December” is getting noticed. Belying their hard rock stage persona, this is a haunting ballad with an equally powerful video, which sees lead singer Pat’s angst-ridden vocals begging a loved one not to leave.  

 

Vinegar Syndrome were another group to come to our attention last year thanks to their intriguing take on alternative rock. To be honest, their fourth single “Mer (Absense)” isn’t a million miles away from the melodies of the first single “Bounce” but takes things down a notch or two tempo-wise to give us an infectious tune that will have you hooked from the first fuzzy chords. It also helps build our anticipation for their debut album release due later this year.