46: Top 5 modern indie bands

Indie music blogger Kamala Adams joins Mark to discuss all things modern indie, and to define what “modern” means.

Kamala’s picks

In order of discussion:

Porridge Radio

Despite Mark’s apparent ignorance, this band did crop up in the previous episode, but he had apparently forgotten. Regardless, Porridge Radio are Kamala’s current favourite band.

Wolf Alice

Initially on first blush, Kamala wasn’t a big fan of Wolf Alice, but they’re a varied band, and eventually they won her over.

Blaenavon

Named after a Welsh town but formed in Hampshire, Blaenavon make Kamala’s list after she saw blown away by their live set.

The Vaccines

They are the band that Kamala thinks of when she thinks “indie”. A good, solid band with a great track record, but probably difficult-to-Google right now.

Courting

Kamala picked Liverpool band Courting as her fifth pick. Highly praised by Anthony Fantano, these lads are ones to watch. Unless you’re reading this in the far future and they’re now massive, in which case, you’re welcome?

Mark’s picks

In order of discussion:

The Corteeners

Mark became of the band circa 2015, and especially enjoyed Concrete Love, although their lack of live chops might make them a less-than-stellar pick as an indie band.

Maxiimo Park

This band might deserve a higher place than Mark initially gave them, but he appreciates the stripped-back sound found in their earlier albums, and their ability to play a decent live set.

Gerry Cinnamon

Mark’s third pick is a solo musician with a strong Scots brogue and a real way with words. Possibly more folk than indie, but as a solo musician with a busker’s feel, he’s a good poster boy for the genre.

Nothing But Thieves

This in-yer-face, high energy band rock a little harder than Mark’s tastes usually allow, but he recognises the importance of his station and so wanted to leave some space for a reasonably well-regarded indie outfit.

Courtney Barnett

This laid-back Aussie pop-rock artist is Mark’s final pick, and something of an enigma since – to him at least – it feels like she’s better than the sum of her parts.

Honourable mentions

Arctic Monkeys
Peace
Slaves
Royal Blood
Fizzy Blood
Spoon
Radiohead

More of Kamala Adams

Kamala setup and writes for The Indie Scene, a blog championing new music, with articles by a number of writers.

Special Guest: Kamala Adams.