Girl power has taken over the international indie scene over the past year or so, and we’re mighty glad to hear of another young all-female trio doing the rounds locally. Jelly Rocket—made up of Pak Jutapak (keyboard), Pun Nonlapun (vocals) and Mo Chutikan (guitar)—make their recorded debut with this initial slow-burner. Opening dreamily with sparse guitar and breathy vocals that intone lovelorn lyrics seemingly torn from a teen girl’s diary, the track steps up a gear half-way through with drums and new wave-inspired synths, building to a rocking crescendo that’ll leave you emotionally spent. 

This intriguingly named four-piece—made up of Rungsimun Suwiruttanapast (vocals, guitar), Naparn Pichaikool (guitar), Thaponpop Tanjaroen (drums) and Songkhun Sanguankultong (bass)—have been on the scene for a while, performing at happening venues like Harmonica. This new single hints very promisingly at their debut studio album set to come out on boundary-pushing Panda Records sometime in the not too distant future. Though perhaps one of the label’s safer offerings, the band serves up a welcoming swirl of shoegaze. More lively than most of the current dream-pop offerings around town, the melody and vocals are buried deep in the mix, inviting repeat listens.  

Parinam Music’s vintage pop band Seal Pillow are back with their fifth single from their debut self-titled debut album. Unlike the cheerful melodic pop we’ve come to expect from them, like “Rong Tao Pa Bai” and “Polaroid,” “Nhak” has a more resigned, downbeat sound, with lyrics about a sensitive guy trying not to feel too much. That’s not to say it’s a straight-up pop song; the track seems to takes several different directions with subtle synths and backing vocals adding to the intimacy provided by the intricate guitar. 

We’ve known for a while that Chiang Mai has a pretty strong independent music scene, with some bands going on to make a name for themselves in Bangkok like Polycat (Smallroom) and the latest Nap a Lean (Spicydisc). Here’s another one to keep your eye on: Sapapsupap are an alt-rock four-piece from Payab University’s College of Music who’ve just joined Minimal Records. This latest single’s opening catches your attention with its similarity to The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood,” before it twists into another song altogether once the vocals kick in. Blending soft vocals with fuzzed-out guitars, the result is a smooth, slightly psychedelic way to spend four and a half minutes.