Are Kings Of Leon good again? The last time the Nashville quartet released an album I genuinely fell in love with was in a pre-global financial crisis world. Then, times changed. The world became a very different place. The Kings of Leon responsible for the 2007 masterpiece ‘Because Of The Times‘ no longer seemed to be scrapping for a fight. They appeared to be replaced by a polished stadium rock act that wrote predominantly for label executives and TV commercials. […] The post Weekend Videos: Kings Of Leon – “Mustang” appeared first on Cougar Microbes ..read more

I was scrolling through the endless abyss of recommended music when a name so gloriously unique (ahem, Winnetka Bowling League) caught my eye. I clicked, prepared for anything… and then, magic. “Sha La La,” the latest single from this LA trio and from the opening notes I was head over heels. The song washes over you in a wave of unabashedly indie-pop instrumentation, reminiscent of sunny California days and carefree drives with the windows down. But beneath the deceptively cheerful […] The post Weekend Videos: Winnetka Bowling League – “Sha La La” appeared first on Cougar Microbes ..read more

A selection of new and/or relevant rock and indie-leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist click here. Bromsen – “Someone” Bromsen‘s latest single, “Someone“, injects pure 80s pop bliss straight into your veins, transporting you back to a time of leg warmers, neon lights, and Duran Duran. The track is the new anthem for anyone who dares to be different. With its repeated refrain of “Someone, I could be someone,” the song encourages […] The post Cougar Microbes Selects: Indie/Rock February 2024 #2 appeared first on Cougar Microbes ..read more

Matt Leibowitz, the versatile musician previously known for his work with Caverns and Drager, amongst many others, has taken the solo leap under the moniker Cowboy Clean. His debut single, “Charcoal”, released in January 2024, offers a captivating blend of 80s-inspired balladry, synthwave textures and introspective lyricism. Imagine cruising down a desert highway at dusk, neon lights casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. “Charcoal” evokes this imagery with shimmering synths that weave a nostalgic tapestry reminiscent of The Cure, […] The post Saddle Up for “Charcoal”: Cowboy Clean’s Deb ..read more

Brighton‘s rising indie stars, Lime Garden, have unveiled the video for their latest single, “Pop Star,” a track featured on their recently released debut album “One More Thing.” This vibrant offering showcases their captivating energy and insightful lyricism, weaving a dynamic interplay between the exhilaration of playing live and the introspection of a life lived in the public eye. The video opens with a stark contrast: a dilapidated room bathed in sunlight serves as the unlikely yet captivating backdrop for […] The post Weekend Videos: Lime Garden – “Pop Star” appeared first on Cougar Micro ..read more

Following the release of “Albert Road” in January, English Teacher return to these pages with their latest single, “R&B,” a grittier, more experimental cut from their upcoming debut album, ”This Could Be Texas”. Forget the smooth serenade you expect from the genre’s namesake – this is a carefully constructed sonic maelstrom, drawing influences from the likes of Sonic Youth and Yard Act. It’s a bold evolution from a version they released in 2021, showcasing how far the band has come […] The post Weekend Videos: English Teacher – “R&B” appeared first on Cougar Microbes ..read more

Austin‘s music scene thrives on a vibrant clash of genres, where unexpected sounds collide in an electrifying mix. It is therefore not uncommon to walk around the city’s downtown area and hear Mariachi Metal clashing with Glitch-Hop Yodeling, sometimes within the same song. Amidst this exciting chaos, Actve Captve emerges offering an interesting sonic blend that’s firmly rooted in pop but infused with plenty of exhilarating twists – imagine the soundtrack to your all-time favourite video game has just added […] The post Introducing Actve Captve appeared first on Cougar Microbes ..read more

When the buzz started swirling around The Last Dinner Party I admit I felt a flicker of scepticism. An all-female indie band riding a wave of hype felt, well, too good to be true. Yet soon enough, “Nothing Matters” seduced my taste buds and refused to leave. Its anthemic melodies and fiery lyrics became an undeniable addiction. Like that one dish at a restaurant that keeps you coming back, it became my musical guilty pleasure, a flavour I couldn’t resist […] The post “Prelude To Ecstasy”: A Grandiose Feast by The Last Dinner Party appeared first on Cougar Microbes ..read more

Let the record show, that my editor, a self-proclaimed lyric video hater, initially resisted this review. It took a spirited argument, fueled by my unwavering belief in the magic of “Desert Mile” by Yumi Zouma, to sway him. After relenting and giving it one listen, he was equally under its spell, his scepticism replaced by a sheepish grin. Consider this review a testament to the song’s irresistible charm. Besides, as far as lyric videos go, this one is pretty poignant. […] The post Weekend Videos: Yumi Zouma – “Desert Mile” appeared first on Cougar Microbes ..read more

Following the release of “My Golden Years” earlier this year, The Lemon Twigs are back with another slice of sugary sun-kissed retro pop. “They Don’t Know How To Fall In Place” is a delightful sonic treat with just the right amount of bittersweet bite, perfectly captured in the accompanying video by Amber Navarro. The video features the band navigating a world brimming with quirky mishaps and playful chaos. It’s like stepping into a Wes Anderson-directed stop-motion animation, full of meticulously […] The post Weekend Videos: The Lemon Twigs – “They Don’t Know How To Fall In Place” appeared fi ..read more