March 11, 2021
Indie Album Picks
These indie picks are sure to pique your interest as we bring you the albums that make us smile and inspire us—and that not a lot of people know very well.
Superbloom
by Ashton Irwin
Ashton Irwin is the drummer and a vocalist for Aussie band 5 Seconds of Summer. When Coronavirus forced the group to postpone their 2020 summer tour, Irwin saw this as an opportunity to work on a solo project. On his debut solo album, Superbloom, the drummer was able to talk about problems he has dealt with, like depression and eating disorders, on a more personal level than if he were to release these songs with the band. Superbloom’s sound is nothing like that of 5SOS. Much of Irwin’s influence comes from ’90s grunge music, and he incorporated a lot of that sound into the album. As a longtime 5SOS fan, it’s cool to see one of the members try new things. Irwin assured his fans that this was just a one-off; he even said that Superbloom wouldn’t have been born if it weren’t for the pandemic.
Favorite tracks: “Scar” and “Greyhound”
Who Am I?
by Pale Waves
Pale Waves is a British indie-pop band who, in 2019, toured North America with The 1975. Their newest album, Who Am I? is one of my all-time favorites. First, its grunge pop sound gives it an early 2000’s feel, which makes it super nostalgic to listen to. Second, this album is significantly more lyrically vulnerable than their other work. In track, “She’s My Religion” lead singer Heather Baron Gracie writes about her toxic relationship in which she and her partner felt like they needed each other to feel alive. She also writes about her experiences being gay, feminism, and the struggles of growing up and dealing with change. Listen to it when you’re looking to feel a little angsty. I promise you’ll love it.
Favorite track: “Change”
The Beautiful Game
by Vulfpeck
The Beautiful Game is the pop funk album you never knew you needed. Vulfpeck is royalty among the indie funk scene, and for good reason. They focus on simple grooves and use unordinary instruments like cajón drums and synths, as well as electronic elements to add new sounds to each track. This album is pure fun and games, and always brings a smile to my face. I hope it does for you, too. Take a listen for some good, old-fashioned funk with some new-school excitement.
Favorite Tracks: “Animal Spirits” and “Dead Town”
—Sydney Sebert, Music Editor
The Point
by Harry Nilsson
My parents listened to a lot of ’70s music while I was growing up. Artists I heard most often were were Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, and Harry Nilsson. When people hear the name “Harry Nilsson,” they usually think of his songs “Gotta Get Up” or “Coconut,” Both fantastic, but what I think of is his album, The Point.
The Point is a half-hour story album consisting of 14 tracks, and is told in an alternating array of narration and song. The story follows Oblio, a round-headed boy in a town of pointy-headed people, and his dog Arrow. The pair are banished to the Pointless Forest, where they encounter a collection of figures and experiences, and discover that even though Oblio may not have a point on his head, it doesn’t make him pointless. Everything has a point.
A fun cartoon movie was created from the 1971 album, and four telecasts were released through the years, with narration by Ringo Starr, Dustin Hoffman, or Alan Thicke, while Harry Nilsson sings each song on the album. This album and cartoon always brings me nostalgia, as well as a cute story with good values. On YouTube, I have found the third telecast of the cartoon, narrated by Alan Thicke.
Favorite Tracks: “Me and My Arrow” and “Think About Your Troubles”
—Kira Doman