Indie-rock – RCRD LBL

October 27, 2025

October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 Mew Zikwryder

‘We Were Called The Foxx’ Marks Next Step for Plain Mister Smith’s Indie-Folk Push

Out now on October 24 via Amelia Recordings and Symphonic, Plain Mister Smith‘s ‘We Were Called The Foxx’ arrives as the latest preview from his building catalog, hot on the heels of the wry ‘Miss Sunshine’ and ahead of a spring 2026 album release. Once handling guitar duties for the shadowy Canadian darkwave group Moev, Smith now channels that experience alongside his role as a cellist in the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, creating under his alias a sound that’s picked up endorsements from tastemakers including Wonderland Magazine, CLASH Magazine, NOTION, Under The Radar, Earmilk, METAL, Noctis Mag, and Atwood Mag. Rooted in scenes across Vancouver and London, his work layers indie-folk arrangements with sharp, memorable lines and an undercurrent of personal reckoning—appealing to fans of Tame Impala‘s layered haze, Death Cab for Cutie‘s introspective drive, and The Beatles‘ effortless earworms.

‘We Were Called The Foxx’ recalls tales of playful memories from his youth and all the trials and tribulations that came with it, channeling it into this track. It features guitar riffs inspired by The Cure, a clean rhythm section, and gentle vocals by Findlay Brown to help convey the feel of tugging on the delicate and pricelessness of cherished memories.

Plain Mister Smith shared: “‘The Foxx’ was my first band in grade 6 or so. It was a bit of a sonic disaster – I don’t even think we knew we needed to tune our guitars. But you have to start somewhere/sometime! ‘We were called the Foxx’ is a testament to the crazy cacophonic shenanigans we got up to as pre-pubescent want-to-be rock gods.“

Stream ‘We Were Called The Foxx’ ft Findlay Brown:

Follow Plain Mister Smith:

Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Spotify

September 16, 2025

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 Mew Zikwryder

Valley Onda’s ‘Reebok Fantasy’ Hits Streams and Lands With an Impact

(Valley Onda / Image Credit: Ravyna Jassani)

Friday saw the arrival of ‘Reebok Fantasy‘ by indie rock outfit Valley Onda, via Valley Onda Records. This follows their recent ‘‘Minacious’‘ single and its video rollout on CLASH Magazine, adding to a catalog that’s pulled in 350,000+ streams since the trio’s 2019 start. Their thoughtful alternative sound has landed nods from triple j and pubs like The AU Review, Happy Mag, Where The Music Meets, and Clunk Mag, alongside tour support from The Money War and Brightness. The lineup features Jordan Wilson handling vocals and guitar (previously in Georgia Fair, supporting Paul Kelly, Laurel, and John Mayer), Michiya Nagai on keys (stage time with Lamalo at The Grass is Greener for 15,000 fans and a TEDx Melbourne soundtrack gig), and drummer Galen Sultmann. Hailing from Sydney’s Gadigal land, the band took shape in a quiet restaurant meetup after tours, with Jordan and Galen jamming until Michiya joined to blend his trained piano and production into a textured indie rock style echoing Radiohead, Alt-J, Mansionair, Bon Iver, Muse, and Gorillaz—resonating with REM, Cage The Elephant, and The Verve crowds.

Valley Onda‘s new track ‘‘Reebok Fantasy’‘ unfolds as a tense, emotive indie rock ride, shifting from low-key strain to a sharp, energizing break. Jordan‘s strong vocal presence anchors it all, with acoustic guitar lines and soft, rippling elements wrapping the words in a distant, smokey haze.

The band shared: “Do you know that feeling when you’re walking down the street feeling isolated and everyone else is looking cool in their designer clothing? So you pull into a Nepalese Restaurant and order a tea to hide out for a minute. Maybe open a paperback or meet someone interesting. That’s the vibe of ‘Reebok Fantasy’.”

Stream ‘Reebok Fantasy’:

Follow Valley Onda:

Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify

October 14, 2022

October 14, 2022October 14, 2022 Mew Zikwryder

Masterly musicians The Burma drop Sucker For Stars

Image credit: Ciara O Toole

Under the imprint, The Burma Music, the zealous and dynamic Indie rock band The Burma is releasing their debut album and also sharing the title track on the 14th of October. The triplicate band consist of Peter Piggott (on guitar), Doherty (on drums) and Tony O’Donovan (on vocals). The talented musicians have churned a feverous sound akin to MGMT and Foster, among others.

Stream / Download: The Burma – Sucker For Stars LP

The lyricism in Sucker For Stars is impeccable, poetic, and drenched in spoken words and storytelling that brings the mind to a standstill so that one can better grasp the awe-inspiring characteristics of good composition that envelops Sucker For Stars. Every song contains engaging lyrics, rich in constructive lessons and filled with skilful songwriting.

The Burma reflects on the sound that distinguishes Sucker For Stars: “The album represents two different sounds for us – the first, made up of 6 older songs which we’ve held onto over the years- and then 5 brand new songs showing where our writing style is at in its current form. It’s a milestone moment for us to have our debut album out in the world, it’s been a long time coming”.

Follow The Burma:

Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify – TikTok

June 28, 2021

June 28, 2021June 28, 2021 Mike change

Feel nostalgia for younger days with indie rock band Giant Sky’s new album

Image Credit: Hot Vox

Nostalgic for days spent in high school blasting anthemic emo music through your headphones as you walk down the hallway to your next class? We feel the same way too, and wish we could go back to those carefree days when you didn’t have to worry about making ends meet. Giant Sky’s latest album Not Today via Bloody Sunset Records is an instant nostalgia train, reminding the listener of their days spent being a carefree adolescent.

Stream/Download: Not Today album

Previously featured on iGuitar and on RCRD LBL with song ‘Snow’, we mentioned: “Lyrics like “The world goes crazy, but you and I remain the same/ There’s no way that I can go into the void of my own” spreads a message of light & connection in times of darkness. One can easily fold and let physical isolation rob you of your sanity and happiness. Giant Sky’s ‘Snow’ reminds one that no true connection is ever lost if it is real.”

Download on iTunes: Not Today album

Listening to this entire album one will be two tissues away from destroying a packed box for sure. This album covers feelings of isolation, acceptance and finding a home to call your own. A lot of heart is poured into this work and its energetic production is evident in each track and essentially is what a memorable indie-rock hit consists of. Let your hair down and shake along to the beat of Giant Sky – A band with character and worth the listen in a time of much chaos.