Discover: The Japanese House

The Japanese House is solo artist Amber Bain’s moniker. Bain sings, plays guitar, synth, and keyboard for her project, as well as helping to produce many of her own tracks. Bain’s dreamy indie pop tracks are a lesson in relaxation. With song titles like “Cool Blue” and “Still,” it’s no surprise that her tracks are smooth and soothing enough to lull any listener into a trancelike state of calm. With soft, production-layered vocals and minimalistic instrumentals, Bain ensures that any emotion is muted enough so as not to break into the listener’s peaceful reverie, and instead adds to the delicate, dreamy texture of her songs. Anytime you feel like sitting alone and thinking deep thoughts, The Japanese House is sure to elevate your experience.

Favorites: “Saw You In A Dream,” “Cool Blue,” “Face Like Thunder”

Similar to: Nightcars, Colouring, Moon Taxi

Discover: High Tyde

This playful indie pop quartet aren’t trying for a deep message or a sensitive, dreamy image. They prefer to make fun songs about having fun. If you want to let go and have a good time and think only about having that good time, High Tyde are your guys. A frequent refrain in their songs is “let go, let go,” and the band follows that mantra to the letter. Their songs aren’t tied down by typical indie plot points like mellow guitars or reflective lyrics. Instead, High Tyde invest their full energy in fun, utilizing effervescent synth melodies and electronic pop elements to bring their carefree party anthems to life. The members of High Tyde started the band in their teens, and, understandably, there’s a bit more substance and depth in their lyrical content now that they’ve grown a bit. But their easygoing, poppy indie sound doesn’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon, thankfully.

Favorites: “Glow,” “Do What You Want To,” “Speak”

Similar to: Two Door Cinema Club, Vinyl Theatre, The 1975