by David Wilikofsky
In a world of information overload, how can you reliably discover great new music? For us, the answer is record labels. Great labels act as a stamp of quality; for the best, any album they put out is well worth your time. Labels need our support now more than ever, so if you like what you hear please head over to their site and order some music!
Trouble In Mind has been one of the foremost purveyors of garage and indie rock for over a decade. Founded in 2009 by couple Bill and Lisa Roe, they’ve released many of our favorite albums in recent memory. Their connection to the Australian indie rock scene is especially notable; they’ve brought many gems from down under stateside, in addition to championing plenty of great American and European acts. It felt like pulling teeth to narrow this list down to just five favorites (we’re looking at you Rays, Possible Humans, and Olden Yolk, among others), which only speaks to the strength of their back catalog. Just do yourself a favor and check out their Bandcamp or site.
MELBOURNE, FLORIDA | DICK DIVER At this point an undeniable classic of modern indie rock, Dick Diver come out swinging on Melbourne, Florida. Like a lost Flying Nun classic (think The Bats, The Clean, etc) Dick Diver consistently wow us over the album’s twelve tracks with jangly guitars and hooks for days. Trouble In Mind gave this gem, in addition to its predecessor New Start Again, a proper US release back in 2016. Get it here
DELUXE | OMNI Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Omni deal in jittery post punk. Formed by ex members of both Deerhunter and Carnivores, Omni write songs that manage to be both angular and danceable at the same time. Each tune is a tightly packed ball of energy, waiting to explode before your eyes. This was the first of two albums Trouble in Mind released by the group, both of which are well worth your time. Get it here
PEACED AND SLIGHTLY PULVERIZED | DAVID NANCE GROUP Channeling the spirit of Crazy Horse, David Nance brings the heat on this release. Between epic, fuzzed out guitar solos Nance belts out lyrics with full throated passion. Instead of waiting for that next archival Neil Young release, pick up this record instead. You will not be disappointed. Get it here
NEGATIVE SCANNER | NEGATIVE SCANNER Rebecca Valeriano-Flores’ voice is a thing of wonder. Raspy and passionate, they use it to stirring effect on Negative’s Scanner self titled debut. It careens over frenetic punk hooks, taking down privileged ivy league assholes and critiquing power structures. This is visceral, urgent music to feel in your bones. Get it here.
JUILLET | EN ATTENDANT ANA One of the most recent missives from the label, En Attendant Ana create swoon worthy indie pop on Juillet. Highlights like “Do You Understand” or “Words” ebb and flow, the vocals riding atop the soaring guitar lines. There is a dynamic push and pull to this record, making it feel perfectly balanced. This is one that is not to be missed. Get it here
Also get excited for the new releases the label has in the wings; I know I am
- 5/8 : DIAS RAROS | MELENAS
- 6/3 : TOWER OF AGE | LITHICS