Three dynamic new indie rock tracks that stand out from the crowd – Ear To The Ground Music

Josh and the Jumpstarts – “Empty Seats”
-From the moment I clicked play on this song, I could feel that it was different. I don’t mean just different in instrumentation, but rather it has this energy that feels like an amalgamation of 80s, 90s, and early 2000s influences all while polishing off the sound with contemporary production. The phrasing rolls together well, making for an almost Coldplay style listening experience. The chorus “ohh lala” part absolutely begs for listeners to join in singing. I can imagine this one will really pop off with live audiences.

Tomato Soup – “Suffering (I Took It Out On You)”
-Sometimes I say that a song won me over right away and I’ll be brutally honest here… I wasn’t convinced by this song’s introduction. I almost said no thanks. Then the vocal entered and my jaw dropped. See, people think you need to have some sort of Adele-like power vocal to be good, but I’d rather listen to this gentle style any day. Putting more in mind of an artist like Norah Jones, there’s a jazzy folk sensibility to the sound here that absolutely stands out from the crowd. While there are other rockier rock songs, this one hits on all the hallmarks of great music, genre be danged. This is a sonic adventure that expresses heartfelt emotions – namely pain – in a way that is transcendently human. This is worth your time, consideration, love, affection, and repeated listens.

Marfa – “66”
-I know that some of you will say this is an Americana song – and it is – but it’s also classic rock music and absolutely makes me smile. If your toe doesn’t tap listening to this, you need to get your heart checked. I appreciate the true rock n’ roll style here. This is a sound that would make Jerry Lee Lewis happy. The handclaps, snappy guitar licks, and accessible mid-century lyric style are all perfect. I love how the style feels like it could have been recorded in… well, 1966. I assume the lyrics are about the classic Route 66, which is iconic and perfect for the song. It’s a perfect blend of style, performance, and lyrics.

Image courtesy: Marfa Band IG