Indie Basement: New Releases and Classic Highlights for March 21, 2025

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Fertile Musical Landscape of Spring
4. Album of the Week—Tied for Four
5. Notable Releases
6. Indie Basement Classic: Broadcast – The Noise Made by People
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Spring Has Sprung: A burst of new indie music, fitting the season's fresh energy.
• Album of the Week Tie: Four albums awarded in a rare tie, showcasing a diverse range of indie sounds.
• Notable Releases: Highlights include projects from Japanese Breakfast, Greentea Peng, and more.
• Indie Basement Classic: A retrospective on Broadcast's seminal debut, "The Noise Made By People," celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Introduction

As March rolls into the heart of spring, the indie music scene awakens with a vibrant pulse. A surprising resurgence of creativity has witnessed a flurry of album releases, each adding a unique note to the ever-evolving symphony of the alternative landscape. This week's edition of Indie Basement captures the spirit of renewal in the music world as we evaluate a range of notable releases, with a rare four-way tie for Album of the Week. Additionally, we venture into the archives to revisit Broadcast's debut album, "The Noise Made By People," which turns 25 this week, providing a perfect backdrop to this musical springtime.

The Fertile Musical Landscape of Spring

Just as nature rejuvenates itself in spring, the music industry often experiences a surge of new albums and creative concepts. This week, the indie landscape is no exception. Many artists seem to find inspiration in the shifting seasons, presenting soundscapes that echo feelings of growth, transformation, and renewal.

As veteran music journalist Bill Pearis notes, “the trees are starting to bud and blossom” and indeed, listeners are greeted with a diverse array of musical styles, from the gothic shades of The Horrors to the sun-drenched tones of Greentea Peng. Below, we’ll explore some of the standout releases from this cycle and their cultural implications.

Album of the Week—Tied for Four

The Horrors – Night Life (Fiction)

The Horrors return with "Night Life," marking their first release in eight years. Collaborating with Yves Rothman, the band blends their gothic roots with innovative sounds. After experiencing lineup changes, the new formation has embraced a darker sound reminiscent of their earlier work, infused with fresh perspectives.

• Key Tracks:
  • "The Silence That Remains"
  • "More Than Life"

With a masterful combination of synths, bass, and haunting lyrics, The Horrors have crafted one of their most cohesive records yet without losing touch with their legacy.

Greentea Peng – TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY (GTP/AWAL)

Following the underrated debut "MAN MADE," Greentea Peng's sophomore effort takes listeners on an introspective journey. With its blend of neo-soul, trip hop, and reggae, the album is both dark and uplifting—a mirror of our tumultuous times.

• Key Tracks:
  • "One Foot"
  • "TARDIS (hardest)"

Greentea Peng navigates personal themes and societal anxieties with finesse, further establishing herself as a contemporary voice reflecting the spirit of now.

Dutch Interior – Moneyball (Fat Possum)

Dutch Interior offers a profoundly cohesive experience with "Moneyball," showcasing the talents of their five vocalists and songwriters. Blurring the lines between indie rock, alt-country, and slowcore, the band embraces variety as their strength, echoing themes of nostalgia and reflection.

• Key Tracks:
  • "Canada"
  • "Beekeeping"

The album resonates with an understated charm, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its layered compositions.

Cousines Like Shit – Permanent Earthquake (Seayou Records)

In contrast to the contemplative releases, Cousines Like Shit deliver an unabashedly lively post-punk offering. Their latest project is a playful exploration of modern detachment and musical energy, merging punchy rhythms with cutting lyrics.

• Key Tracks:
  • "Boring"
  • "Frenemies"

With an attitude that challenges the expected, Cousines Like Shit provide a delightful provocation against the mundane.

Notable Releases

Apart from the album of the week ties, this week also sees vibrant offerings from various artists across the indie spectrum.

Jeffrey Lewis – The EVEN MORE Freewheelin’ Jeffrey Lewis (Don Giovanni)

Known for his poignant storytelling, Jeffrey Lewis continues to merge personal narrative with humor and social commentary, crafting yet another engaging and thoughtful album.

Cross Record – Crush Me (Ba Da Bing)

Emily Cross returns with a profound exploration of life and death, informed by her experiences as a death doula. The interplay of haunting sounds and lyrical depth provides listeners with a powerful reflection on life's fragility.

Ed Kuepper & Jim White – After the Flood (12XU)

The collaboration between Australian legends Kuepper and White breathes new life into Kuepper's catalog, providing a raw, live feel that captures the spirit of their performances.

Brian D’Addario – Till the Morning (Headstack Records)

The Lemon Twigs' Brian D’Addario steps into the solo spotlight with a whimsical exploration of country baroque, continuing to demonstrate the band's eclectic influences.

Indie Basement Classic: Broadcast – The Noise Made by People

Celebrating 25 years since its release, Broadcast's "The Noise Made by People" continues to echo through the halls of music history as a landmark work that defies categorization. The album crafts an ethereal landscape with experimental sounds layered beneath Trish Keenan's haunting vocals, leaving an indelible mark on pop and electronic music alike.

Listening to it now feels like re-visiting a masterclass in creativity, where each track serves not only as an auditory experience but a visual one anchored in nostalgic design and unique storytelling.

Key Tracks:

• "Echo’s Answer"
• "Come On Let’s Go"

The influence of Broadcast can be traced in many contemporary acts that seek to capture a similar essence of innovation. As the indie music industry continues to flourish, it pays homage to the foundational artists who helped shape its trajectory.

Conclusion

This week's Indie Basement highlights not only the generative power of music in spring but captures a moment of artistic flourishing across the indie landscape. From seasoned veterans like The Horrors and Broadcast to rising stars such as Greentea Peng, the variety of sounds and themes explored reflects the vibrant spirit of the indie community. As we continue down the path of 2025, listeners can expect even more creative growth and fresh perspectives as these artists shape the narrative of modern music culture.

FAQ

What notable albums were released this week?

• Key releases included "Night Life" by The Horrors, "TELL DEM IT'S SUNNY" by Greentea Peng, and "Moneyball" by Dutch Interior.

What makes Broadcast's debut significant today?

• Broadcast's "The Noise Made by People" stands the test of time, offering an innovative blend of pop and experimental sound that influences many modern artists.

Who are some emerging artists to watch this week?

• Emerging artists like Cousines Like Shit and Greentea Peng showcase a mix of playful and introspective sounds, setting them apart in the current music landscape.

What themes are prevalent in this week's releases?

• Themes of personal introspection, societal reflection, and a playful critique of modern life resonate throughout the new releases.

Where can I find these albums?

• Albums are available for streaming on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp, allowing listeners to explore the latest sounds from the indie music scene.