Marina Vanoff - Low (Homegirl Records)

As I write the term “indie-rock,” I can practically hear the collective eye roll from the worldwide readership from here. Some of you are doing it right now. If you just stop for a moment, I will explain.” I understand that “indie-rock” can feel like a much-overused term, conjuring up images of rockers who’ve diluted their edge for mass appeal or indie darlings trying too hard to seem authentic via some affected attitudes and additional raw edges. But to see things in just such polarised terms would be to miss the point entirely. Indie-rock isn’t about what’s lacking from the mix; it’s about fusing the best elements of both genres into one irresistible, cohesive sound.

Take “Low,” the latest track from Marina Vanoff, for example. She expertly blends the rawness and integrity of rock with the catchiness and immediacy of indie—maybe even weaving through the echo of pop’s infectiousness while she is about it. The result? A track that’s equally appealing to the rock purists as it is to those with a taste for the mainstream. It’s a perfect piece of musical alchemy if you ask me.

“Low” is the best of both worlds. It runs on some brooding basslines and low-slung guitars. It has a louche and slightly belligerent (but wonderfully so) feel. It is hook-laden and free-spirited. Brooding but wonderfully buoyant. But far from this being anathema to the mainstream, it is perhaps everything that has been missing from it for a long time. In fact, I’m sure of it.

Accessible and edgy rock music is back on the table! And it’s about time!

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