Last week I had the opportunity to share the first episode of my new internet radio show, Sound Check, which I created to shine a light on the freshest, newest, just released bangers from unsigned, indie and indie-adjacent artists from all over the world (but with a particular emphasis on those from the UK and Ireland, of course).
Sound Check airs Tuesdays at both 4 am and 4 pm British time on Daz in the Hat radio. Since recordings aren’t available after the fact, I will follow episodes up with posts like this, for those who aren’t able to catch it live.
All of the tunes featured here were released between September 1 and 8, 2023. You can also hear all of them – and several that didn’t make it into the episode – in this playlist.
Take Off the Pressure – Cruz
This Sheffield quartet is ramping up for the release of their debut EP, If Not Now When (due out November 24) and this song is a helluva way to kick it off. The band have said this song it’s about helping people who seem like they are struggling, wehther physically or mentally.
The guys were also recently featured in the debut issue of Next Wave Magazine.
A Place You Call Home – FEVER
Definitely one of my fave tracks of the week! I’ve had their previous single, Long Ago, on repeat for months, so I was primed and ready for this one. My manifesting just paid off a couple weeks ago when the band announced a handful of tour dates in November. I’ll be checking them out in Manchester, but if you happen to be in or around Liverpool, London or Birmingham, maybe you’ll want to check ’em out, too.
The band have said that this song is inspired by the feeling of being uncomfortable in your own skin and how that can bring a sense of detachment from your own emotions.
I think I lost my number can I have yours – milk.
I just love the vulnerability in these lyrics about that feeling of the loss or lack of identity. It’s quite clever how the band couches that in what is a well-known pickup line.
The band has 11 US tour stops coming up in December.
Lottery – Fulton Lee
Going state-side, I found this Nashville-based artist in what is, for me, an unconventional way: my brother recommended him to me.
If you’re chronically online like some of us you might recognize him because he’s gone viral before for holding up signs saying things like “sit here if you feel like giving up” and performing for those who stop. In fact, this song apparently started out as a freestyle created for a stranger.
Smile Forever – Spangled
This is actually the B-side to the band’s high octane single, Little Tom, which is probably more representative of the band’s distinct sound. But what a beautiful foil this song is!
If you, like me, find quirky energy particularly endearing, you’re going to want to put Spangled on your list of bands to see. Frontman Ben has it in spades and it is a wonderful experience getting f*&%ing spangled.
Little Sparks – Ten Eighty Trees
This Newcastle trio has a sound they describe as “brazenly loud” and “emotionally charged”. Songwriter Nathan says this song is about being pushed far beyond your limits, and the consequences that come of that.
The Wave – Tijuana Bibles
I appreciate how this band manages to bring together all of the punch that punk packs with a melody that you can just sink your teeth into. The guys have recently announced that they’ve got a new album, Free Milk, due out in December. It’s one that’s been many years in the making and aparently they’re absolutely champing at the bit to get it out and have plans for a mini Scottish tour later this year.
Bad Idea – Vistas
This is the fourth single off the Edinburgh trio’s imminent album, Is This All We Are?, which is coming out at the end of this month. I’ve loved every single from this album so far, so I’m super excited to be seeing them when they take to the road in the UK in November.
Wishing Well – Sundara Karma
Oh my goodness, this song! I read in an interview that frontman Oscar said it’s probably the saddest song off their forthcoming album, Better Luck Next Time, which is due out on October 27. He said there are a lot of things he feel like he’s gotten wrong in life, decisions he looks back on with disgust and that it can be really painful thinking about the what ifs, so he wanted to give voice to all the lives he could have lived. I definitely identify with that, which is probably why this song hits me in the feels so hard.
It is pure disappointment to me that their November tour begins literally the day I leave the UK.
You Tell Me – VIDA
Yet another Scottish band, this is Vida’s second single since reforming with a new singer and bassist. The song was written by drummer Jamie Piggot. The band have said it’s a self-reflection of situations in life that people can just relate to: excess, losing control on occasion, and getting back on track.
If you’re in Yorkshire and you like what you here, the band has plans for a big weekend there in October.
Feelings Fading – A Week Full of Mondays
Debut single from Wolverhampton band. These guys were also at Tha Knows festival last weekend. The lineup read like a gig wishlist for the UK indie scene, all for 20 pounds. I tell ya, the envy and FOMO is massive as an overseas fan.
Ever Since I Met You – Holler
This is the title-track from the Brighton band’s long awaited debut EP, released on September 1. The band have said this song digs into vocalist Lucas’s mental health struggles, his journey toward seeking help and starting medication. The band are already working on writing new material and have a number of gigs lined up, including support slots for The Covasettes, Coach Party, The Royston Club and Andrew Cushin.
Classic Movies – There Will be fireworks
There are so many layers to this Scottish five-piece’s sound! The band has described their upcoming album, Summer Moon (due out November 3) as a labour of love that has been in the works since 2016. It will be the group’s first album in a decade, and frontman Nicholas says it was written from the perspective of adults with wives, kids, mortgages and careers, wading through the weight of life.
be That Girl – Coach Party
This is the fifth single from the Isle of Wight band’s debut album, Killjoy, which was released on September 8. The band have said that this feels like a step closer to their early style, being that it’s one of the more inward and self-reflective songs on the record. They say it takes inspiration from the realization that you’ve changed, you’ve become someone vastly different from previous versions of yourself and the people you used to spend time with. So special shout out to anyone who is on their second, third or more such epiphany in life 🙂
Stay for Something – CMAT
A more personal track from Irish singer CMAT, this is the fourth single off her upcoming sophomore album, CrazyMad, For Me, which comes out in October. Genuinely, who can’t relate to questioning why they stayed and suffered in a bad relationship for as long as they did?
Never Be Mine – Shambolics
Ok, this might just be my favourite new song of the week. I’m still regularly spinning their April EP, Are U Serious Boi?, and Shambolics themselves are full steam ahead. This is the first single off their just-announced debut album, Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams, set to come out in February 2024. The guys will be busy in the meantime, opening for Little Man Tate throughout the UK this fall (and yes, I fully intend to catch them live).
Indie Dependent 
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