The indie universe expands with this week’s New Music Friday. Explore it now:
1. Iniko: “Yosemite (Song For The Ahwahnechee)”
![Iniko - Yosemite (Song For The Ahwahnechee) [Official Visual]](https://i0.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/doPKNSXTGNg/hqdefault.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
Brooklyn-based Iniko returns with an eclectic new track, “Yosemite (Song For The Ahwahnechee).” Honoring the Yosemite Valley natives, she incorporates earthy, open percussion with a spiritual lyrical story of oneness. She sings with conviction, “I rally all who are chosen / Who don’t let society hold them” in a theatrical tone that highlights the folk elements of the instrumental. Dry, raspy strings add a smoky edge to the atmosphere.
2. Rabbitology: “Wildfire (Gone, Gone, Gone) / Death Song”
Alternative artist Rabbitology makes an impactful return with “Wildifire (Gone, Gone, Gone) / Death Song.” Chirping birds and a plucked banjo join her signature stripped-down style to create an organic soundscape. Over ominous, metallic bells and a distinct crackling, she poetically sings about the destruction of life that a real or metaphorical wildfire brings: “And cedars they blacken to cinders / Don’t recognize your face in this glow.”
3. FLØRE: “Self Sabotage”
FLØRE fully embraces her shadow with her new single, “Self Sabotage.” Her meek vocal tone still packs a punch as she candidly confesses her patterns of destruction: “Can’t help but FML / To wreck my mental health.” Soft synths and a hazy guitar soften the blow of the verses, while the chorus goes all out with pop-rock electronic guitar riffs. This dramatic, self-deprecating track serves as a reminder that some of the best art roots itself in darkness.
4. iyla: “Overboard”
Genre-bending, L.A.-based iyla brings the heat with “Overboard.” Her bold yet smooth vocals complement the R&B beat and cadence of the track, uplifted by pleasing blankets of harmonies. Just before the 3-minute mark, the trap percussion takes an intermission, introducing a jazzy piano solo. The remaining 2 minutes embrace natural ocean wave sounds, seagulls, and a beachy guitar that closes out the track, leaving the listener wanting more.
5. SOFIA ISELLA: “Dog’s Dinner”
Rising alternative artist SOFIA ISELLA serves up a ferocious “Dog’s Dinner.” This grungey, growling track embraces carnal desire through a nonchalant vocal delivery; tempting, but not desperate. This energy is reflected in the chorus of longing fragments: “Breaking moans / Kissing clones / Come back home.” While most lustful songs focus on the nebulous and acceptable aspects of love, this track challenges those by recognizing the taboo.