Various Blonde
A magical, daydream journey of indie rock infused with electronic and playful elements that make you want to get up and move is the best way to describe the distinct voice and infectious energy of Various Blonde, whose music moves through psychedelic, tropical textures that dance and rock simultaneously. You can’t help but be pulled in by their single “Poverty Line” (out 1/9/26), nodding your head from the first listen.
Various Blonde’s “Poverty Line” recalls acts like Empire of the Sun, The Naked and Famous, Foster the People, and MGMT, while still feeling current for 2026 and maintaining a strong sense of originality and depth. Joshua Allen, the brainchild behind the Kansas City electro–indie rock project Various Blonde, knew exactly what we needed to get through this winter season.
Allen shows a deep ability to empathize and explore vulnerability through lyrics that confront the struggle of staying afloat in a late-stage capitalist landscape, while also delivering an empowering message: you may be broke, but you are not broken.
These are the kinds of artists we need — the ones who are unafraid to tackle honest writing and fully embrace their art, diving into the raw realities people face with fearlessness and bravery.
“No lie. I’m just fighting for life above the poverty line because it’s do or die.”
Allen shares: “The music for ‘Poverty Line’ came together in my bedroom during the first few months after Trump was elected to his second term. The vocals, drum tracking, production, and additional guitar layers were all fine-tuned in the studio (Hawkhaus Recordings) with longtime friend and drum contributor to ‘Poverty Line,’ Sammy Hoskins.”
Mills Record Company described the band as “having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine — the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” We couldn’t agree more: this band has a rare ability to blend sounds and genres into something cohesive and memorable, all while delivering lyrics written straight from the heart.
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