2023 is two-thirds over…I know, it’s hard to believe! With that said, it has been an amazing year for indie rock music. From, the 25th release by psychedelic rock band, The Church to the stellar debut album by the Tubs, we’re looking at the top indie rock albums of 2023 (so far).
So, whether you’re looking for concert ideas or a wistful album to accompany you on a long drive, we’ve got you covered. Let’s delve into the list now!
En Attendant Ana – Principia
What makes this one of the top indie rock albums of 2023? When you combine shimmering jazz melodies with enchanting vocals from Margaux Bouchaudon, you get something very special. Principia is by far the best album so far from Parisian band En Attendant Ana. The band’s name translates to “Waiting for Ana” in English.
The instrumentation is impeccable on this album. The guitar weaves seamlessly through every song, while the bass and percussion bounce perfectly along. The entire experience is elevated by Camille Frechou, the multi-instrumentalist who adds the saxophone, trumpet, or background vocals to each track.
The album feels very reminiscent of acts like Beach House or Stereolab. The best part about this album is its versatility – it’s a perfect fit no matter the mood you’re in. Take a walk or a long drive with it, enjoy a morning coffee, or have a good cry with it, just whatever you do, make sure that you listen to it. Order a copy of the album here.
Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World
In the ever-shifting landscape of indie rock, Yo La Tengo has consistently carved out a unique niche for itself. This Stupid World marks their 17th release, and the first produced entirely by the band themselves. Throughout the album, the band’s signature sound is present, characterized by its lush instrumentation, ethereal vocals, and sense of musical exploration.
While the album maintains a consistent mood, it does offer moments of contrast that prevent it from becoming monotonous. The delicate balance between somber and hopeful tones is a testament to the band’s songwriting prowess.
The album opens with “Bittersweet Serenade,” which perfectly encapsulates the tone of the album with its mellow yet engaging instrumentation. The gentle strumming of guitars and the soothing vocals create a sense of intimacy, drawing the audience into Yo La Tengo’s sonic landscape. “Fragments of Tomorrow” takes a slightly more upbeat approach while retaining the album’s contemplative themes. The interplay between the vocals and the jangly guitars creates a dynamic contrast, offering a sense of hope even in the face of life’s uncertainties. This track showcases Yo La Tengo’s ability to balance melancholy with optimism in their songwriting.
Overall this album is a must-have experience from one of the best indie rock bands out today.
Buy the vinyl album on Amazon here.
Ibex Clone – All Channels Clear
Memphis garage punk band Ibex Clone is a trio comprised of ex-members from the bands Ex-Cult, Hash Redactor, and NOTS. Their debut album, All Channels Clear, which includes the single “There Is No Light” has been receiving a lot of attention. Lead singer and guitar wiz George Williford, who uses both six and twelve-string explorations, is anchored by Meredith Lones’ steady rhythms and Alec McInyre’s fluid bass.
The track “Binary Dreams” stands out as a captivating blend of pulsating electronic beats and ethereal melodies. As the layers of synths and rhythms unfold, the song offers a mesmerizing song that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
There is a feeling of mid-’80s underground/alternative inspiration across the entire album. It is both nostalgic and innovative. Listen to this album to hear natural beauty and impressive guitar work.
John Cale – Mercy
Mercy is Velvet Underground founding member John Cale’s first album in a decade. It is very much a political commentary that touches on everything from Donald Trump and Brexit to climate change and civil rights. It also features many contributions from modern rock artists including Animal Collective, Sylvan Esso, Laurel Halo, and Fat White Family to name a few. The collaborators are very subtle though, and in fact, if they didn’t say “Featuring” you probably wouldn’t know there were guests at all. It’s definitely Cale’s show all the way, with a spotlight on his still-soaring, sonorous voice, backed with lush electronics.
Uncut even named it album of the month, with Tom Pinnock calling it “the most out-there work Cale has made in some time, a hermetically sealed, hallucinogenic journey that’s as neon-lit and gothic as its cover art.”
It is without a doubt, one of the top indie rock albums of 2023. Buy the vinyl album on Amazon here.
The Tubs – Dead Meat
This is a fantastic debut album from former Joanna Gruesome members Owen Williams and George Nichols with vocal assistance from Alanna McArdle. Williams and Nicholls mash together several different genres effortlessly: post-punk, power-pop, and even British folk.
The album hones in on topics almost anyone can understand, including mental health and affordable living issues, making it entirely relatable.
The ringing guitars of “Duped” are worth the price of admission alone for any listener, while the closer, “Wretched Lie” finds Williams crooning “You are always on my mind” behind layers of arpeggiated chords, nostalgic of the best of Morrissey. They are surely one of the best indie rock bands out right now.
The WAEVE – The WAEVE
We get something truly special with this group featuring Blur guitarist Graham Coxon and former Pipette singer Rose Elinor Dougall. The music they make together as The WAEVE doesn’t sound quite like anything either artist has done before. And even though the duo includes one of the most innovative indie guitarists of this generation, Coxon’s instrument of choice in this collaboration is saxophone.
There’s a whole lot of moody, atmospheric sax that colors the background of lush, swoony creations like “Sleepwalking,” “Drowning” and “Can I Call You.” More often than not Coxon and Dougall share lead vocals offering contrasting, yet satisfying styles. It all comes together with production chops from James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine) giving it an even more polished sound. And though the record was supposed to be a “one-off” project resulting from the COVID lockdown, there are already talks of a follow-up release. We sure hope so!
The Church – The Hypnogogue
The Hyponogogue is the 25th album released by indie rock band pioneers, The Church. It is also the band’s first concept album, which was inspired by science fiction writer Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner, and A Scanner Darkly). It tells the tale of a mythic machine (The Hyponogogue) that extracts music from dreams.
The concept isn’t the only otherworldly thing about this album. The music itself blows the doors off much of what’s been released so far this year. The opener, “Ascendance,” creates a brooding wall of sound, setting the tone for the entire album.“C’est La Vie” acts as the first single providing a dream-pop vibe that ends with some lovely acoustic picking. “Thorn” in particular stands out as a not-to-miss track.
The Hypnogogue manages to provide something live-long fans will yearn to play on repeat while offering something modern and innovative for first-time listeners. This is easily one of the top indie rock albums of 2023 (and maybe ever). Get the vinyl album here.
Eyelids – A Colossal Waste of Light
With over a decade of music, Eyelids has covered a lot of ground, while still allowing their sound to evolve. Their newest album, featuring production by R.E.M co-founder Peter Buck along with Camper Van Beethoven‘s founding bassist, is a must-hear.
Buck and the band create all sorts of sounds out of their guitars, but those sounds are always melodic and layered. Tracks like “Crawling Off Your Pages,” “Only So Much,” “Everything That I See You See Better (22),” and “Pink Chair” call to mind influences as varied as U2 and The Byrds.
There also seems to be some shoegaze (My Bloody Valentine) influence this time around. There are absolutely no bad tracks here – everything is worth a listen!
