March 2023 Monthly Recap
From major releases to underground indie bangers, March delivered a plethora of noteworthy new tracks. Here, I’m breaking down my top 10 releases of the past month.
need you no more - chappaqua wrestling
Chappaqua Wrestling’s latest track, Need You No More, is equal parts modern indie rock and retro garage band. If you’re looking for a unique upbeat indie track to bring into your summer, this is the song for you. With lyrics laced with freedom and independence and extremely catchy guitar parts, Need You No More is the perfect feel-good track to blast with your windows down. ”This track sounds perfectly suited for a modern-day “Ferris Buller’s Day Off.”
On my own - the sewing club
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect new alt-indie band recommendation, let me introduce you to The Sewing Club. The Sewing Club’s dark alternative indie sound embodies a similar tone to that of artists like Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail. The band’s latest single, “On My Own,” perfectly showcases their dark, airy indie sound. Lead singer Hannah McElroy’s vocals perfectly float over the fuzzy instrumentals creating a track that is easy to get lost in.
letter to an old poet - boygenius
Once again, indie sad girls are left in tears at the hand of musical masterminds Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker. Indie supergroup boygenius released their first full-length album, The Record, following their 2018 self-titled EP. My favorite track on the album Letter To An Old Poet pays homage to the song Me & My Dog from the group’s original EP. Bridgers shatters listeners’ hearts by singing new lyrics to the original Me & My Dog melody. The song adds a layer of heartbreak, separation, longing, and growth to the original storyline, giving fans the opportunity to heal with boygenius.
Mystic - evangeline
Mystic is the latest release from alternative singer-songwriter Evangeline. The track is only her third release, making the song all the more impressive. Evangeline places lyrics about abandoning skepticism over a perfectly dreamy track that is easy to get carried away in. Sonically, the song sounds like a slightly darker bedroom pop song, but Evangeline’s clever lyricism and angelic vocals are what make Mystic a track you don’t want to miss.
on drugs - fidlar
On Drugs, is a highlight from LA based punk band FIDLAR’s latest EP, That’s Life. Put simply, this track feels like fever dream in the best way possible. The lyrics repeat the phrase “I’m not on drugs” while adding in nuanced lines and guitar parts that seem to point out quite the opposite. On drugs is a fun emo-punk track that I highly recommend for anyone looking to edge up their current music rotation.
Little life - isabel pless
Singersongwriter Isabel Pless never misses, and Little Life is no exception. Pless has mastered the art of storytelling in a way that makes her songs feel extremely personal yet incredibly relatable. The song opens in classic Isabel Pless with an acoustic guitar and soft vocals, but is unexpectedly paired with lyrical themes of wishing someone the worst. The song develops to add electronic notes and a more traditionally pop chorus making the track feel dynamic and fun to listen to. If you have yet to check out Isabell Pless, consider this your sign to give her a listen.
taco truck x vb - lana del rey
Taco Truck x VB is a fan favorite track from Lana Del Rey’s latest album Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd. The song starts as a classic LDR ballad but blends into a darker, more electronic version of her beloved track Venice Bitch. Hidden within the track lies melodic refrences to other songs off her previous album Norman F**king Rockwell, like Cinnamon Girl, making the track a special experience for fans. All the while including lyrics about vaping, a Margret Qualley spoken interlude, and a Kiss Me Thru The Phone sample. TLDR: Taco Truck x VB has a lot going on; a lot you’re not going to want to miss.
Woman on fire - Bel
Woman on Fire is an addictive alternative pop song seething with female independence. Sonically, the song sounds a bit dark, adding a sultry tone to the lyrics BEL sings about not needing anyone but herself. It’s a bit more bass heavy than the indie popstar’s previous works, but the new sound lends incredibly well to her pure vocals. Woman on Fire is an essential breakup anthem for girls in need.
Opposite - Sabrina carpenter
In March, Sabrina Carpenter released the deluxe version of her album emails i can’t send with four new tracks, including Opposite. Opposite is a perfect example of Carpenter’s mastered talent of writing extremely specific lyrics that somehow still feel incredibly relatable to listeners. In Opposite, she navigates the complex feelings that follow seeing an ex-lover move on to someone who is nothing like you. She beautifully puts words to feelings that oftentimes feel difficult to articulate. Opposite is another pop ballad from Carpenter that puts her perfect penmanship on full display.
dangerous - retro video club
Dangerous is a perfect feel-good Indie Rock begging to make its way onto your Spring playlists. The chorus drops in a way that will have you immediately bopping your head. On the track, Retro Video Club brings back the nostalgic 2010s indie rock song that we all know and love so much. If you’re looking for song that’s a little too easy to dance to, Dangerous is a winner.
