New Indie Releases to Check Out: Melody’s Echo Chamber, TEED, The Housemartins, and More
December has arrived, signaling the waning days of the year and the impending onset of list season. As new releases dwindle, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the music that has shaped our year. This week’s Indie Basement features a mix of two new albums, a captivating Baxter Dury remix EP with contributions from Jarvis Cocker, DJ Parrot, and Marie Davidson, and two reviews of records that slipped through the cracks upon release.
Melody’s Echo Chamber returns with her fifth album, “Unclouded,” showcasing a familiar yet irresistible sound. Backed by an exceptionally talented group of musicians, including Dungen’s Reine Fiske, Melody Prochet maintains her signature lithe, jazzy, and effervescent psychedelia. Though not as groundbreaking as her 2018 release “Bon Voyage,” tracks like “Childhood Dream” and “Daisy” offer a delightful, slightly trippy sound that is a testament to her creative prowess and consistency.
“Baxter Dury’s “Allbarone Remixes” EP sees a transformation of his latest album into full-on dance territory. With remixes by the seasoned duo of Parrot & Cocker and the skilled Marie Davidson, the EP breathes new life into Dury’s work. Parrot & Cocker deliver a thunderous techno-house rendition of “Allbarone,” while Davidson’s minimal, icy club jam version of “Schadenfreude” surpasses the original track, featuring an additional verse that adds depth and intrigue to the piece.
Montreal duo Ribbon Skirt’s “Bite Down” provides a refreshing indie rock experience that oscillates between soaring melodies and gritty textures. Their music, a fusion of ’90s influences with contemporary production, showcases Tashiina Buswa’s versatile vocals, adding richness and intensity to their debut album. Similarly, Litronix’s “One A Day Keeps The Doctor Away,” produced by Geoff Barrow, offers a diverse sonic journey that blends synthpop, lounge, and rock ‘n’ roll. Litrow’s theatrical flair is encapsulated in memorable choruses and immersive soundscapes, making this album a well-rounded musical supplement.
Lastly, TEED’s “Always With Me” is a testament to the evolution of music, bidding farewell to the dinosaurs of the past in favor of fresh, innovative sounds. As we approach the end of the year, let’s revel in the diverse range of music that has defined 2025 and anticipate the forthcoming lists that will encapsulate the year in music. Stay tuned for more exciting releases to round off the year and prepare for the musical journeys that lie ahead.