By Esmé Talenfeld ’27
Ranked on an imaginary scale of indie to alternative
Werewolf V by Werewolf
Already I will admit that this ranking is sort of arbitrary–I just want to put this album first. I’ve been listening to Werewolf V on repeat since it was released earlier this week. The first time I listened, I skipped all the way back from Science Hill. The second, a tear rolled down my cheek on the bottom floor of Bass. This gently genre-bending album is in itself a love song to indie songwriting. And here’s a quote from the songwriter himself! “I made this over the summer it’s my 5th music project and I love DOWN magazine 🫶” Perfection.
Oncle Jazz and Untourable Album by Men I Trust
Two recommendations in one! The dreamiest of dream pop. Men I Trust references synthpop and new wave, only with Emmanuelle Proulx’s romantic vocals and jazzier bass lines. Sort of like if vaporwave was cool.
Stratosphere by Duster
You’ve probably heard the iconic intro of “Inside Out” as the background of a fit check or on your indie friend’s Spotify playlist, but IMHO the whole album deserves recognition. Iconic low-fi. This album emphasizes the “slow” in slowcore. Not recommended for those put off by songs with only two chords, or those distracted by a minor key.
Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (Deluxe Edition) by The Smashing Pumpkins
I have not listened to this album all the way through, and hopefully never will. This is the 6-hour edition of some classic 90s alternative. Recommended for those of you sitting down to work knowing you won’t be getting up until it’s dark out–I hope you’re doing okay.
Mother Earth’s Plantasia by Mort Garson
This album is subtitled “warm earth music for plants…and the people who love them.” What else is there to say? Perfect for those distracted by lyrics because these are purely playful synthesizers. Plus, each song is written for a specific plant–for example, “Ode to an African Violet”–which I think is quite cute.
Windswept Adan by Ichiko Aoba
Ethereal. Heavenly. At times unsettling. Written as the soundtrack to a fictional film, its combination of angelic Japanese harmonies, playful instrumentals, and nautical white noise will transport you to a Ghibli-esque fantasy world free of real-life distractions. Ichiko Aoba is constantly releasing new music, and this album is a gateway to a whole world of Japanese experimental music.
Bonus recommendation from my suitemate:
Bridgerton String Quartet. Yes, Bridgerton like the show. For those who want to listen to Taylor Swift and Shawn Mendes without all the Taylor Swift and Shawn Mendes, I guess. Instrumental, orchestral, a little cheesy for my tastes. But whatever floats your boat.
