Week 11: 10.03.2024 - 16.03.2024
A snapshot of the major music releases for the week.
Hi Pal,
Before we get into it, I’d like to welcome all those who subscribed in the last few days. As always, links are embedded in the titles.
Manna — Chris Renzema
Indie Rock, Folk, Singer-songwriter (Album)
His 2021 album was one of the highlight albums on the Christian indie scene for that year and I’ve been looking forward to a new one for a bit. In August of 2023, Chris Renzema released an EP titled Manna Pt.1 as a prelude to this full-length and I knew we were in for another treat. Unsurprisingly, this album is as good as I thought it would be.
Sidelines — Ethan Nathaniel
Indie Folk (Album)
Corners of My Room EP (2021) was my first taste of his music and it made a strong impression on me. Since that time, he has released a few collaborative singles with Taylor Armstrong and a few standalone tunes but I have been waiting with bated breath for a new album. Ethan Nathaniel has a unique tone and every time I listen to his songs, I can’t help thinking that he is someone who understands his voice and knows how to create music to match its distinct strengths.
Unfall II — Chase Tremaine
Alternative, Acoustic, Emo (EP)
Usually when Chase Tramaine isn’t making what I’d describe as swash-buckling indie rock, he’s making heart-piercing alternative emo rock that takes me back to the days of teen angst. What may come as a surprise to many is that he has an acoustic side. Unfall II is a follow-up to Unfall (2020) that shows us an eclectic and different side of his sound.
Colours In Reverse — Jaimie Poon
Alternative, Vocal Jazz, Neo-Soul (Single)
Jaimie Poon announced that she is working on a new album and I have not been able to contain my glee. Ines, My Dear (2021) is an EP that I still listen to today because Jaimie Poon’s approach to jazz, soul and alternative music, in general, is so unique. This song showcases some of the best attributes of her sound and it just makes me more excited for what comes next.
Again — Taylor Armstrong
Indie Folk (Single)
Another artist on this list who has an album on the horizon. For anyone who loves indie folk with a dreamy, ethereal quality, Taylor Armstrong is probably among the first three artists I would recommend. Feel free to check out his old stuff too. From the singles out so far, I know the new album is going to be a wonderful experience.
Blessed Assurance — Hymnbient
Ambient (Single)
It’s rare for me to love two projects by the same creative mind in near equal measure. Hymnbient is an ambient project by Andrew Robinson (a.k.a. Raphah). Raphah has fast become one of my top ambient projects to listen to, and after a few releases by Hymnbient, the project is endearing itself to my heart.
The Kingdom — Dâmares Gomes
Indie Pop (Single)
With two singles out in the world, I think we are in for something exciting with Dâmares Gomes’ upcoming projects. With these two songs, we have heard two unique sides of her as an artist, with the former being more reflective and soothing while this is more celebratory and upbeat. I can’t wait to discover more layers as this project unfolds.
Sleeping Lotus — Convictions
Metalcore (Single)
Except for last year, I’ve noticed that it usually takes a few months for the metal year to eventually kick in for me. With this new single by Convictions, it has officially started. I adore everything about this tune — lyrics, riffs, vocals and chaotic breakdown. It’s all the things that I’ve come to love about the band and has made them one of the stalwarts of the scene for a few years now.
The Beginning of Sorrows — The Forerunner
Hardcore (EP)
Keeping things on the heavy spectrum for a bit, the return of this band after a relatively lengthy hiatus has been one of the best things to happen on the scene in the last couple of years. This new EP is what you would expect from a project by The Forerunner — punchy, heavy, scripturally inspired and reverent.
Steady My Heart — METRUTH, Christian Singleton
Singer-songwriter, Indie Pop (Album)
I have Christian Singleton to thank for this gem because I make it a point of order to listen to anything she is involved with. This is my first time listening to METRUTH my first thought was, “That’s a beautiful tone”. I’m a bit of a sucker for voice types, textures and colours and I find hers interesting. Beyond the music geeking, Steady My Heart is a prayer song that will get repeated listens on my devotional playlist.
That’s it for today.
Catch you at the next one!
Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at
stismavo@gmail.com
It was pretty tough getting out ten releases this week because we had a lot of really cool stuff come out. I tried to spread it across genres as much as possible. I would find the time to talk about some of the other releases as time goes on and I really listen to them. Expect some reviews and other stuff in the coming days.