REVIEWS | New Music Discoveries: Indie & Alt-Pop Tracks from Pisgah, Papertones & More

In this edition of indie and alt-pop music reviews, we highlight the most compelling new music discoveries of the season. London’s Pisgah transforms heartbreak into strength on "Bend to Break", while Trier-based Papertones deliver post-punk intensity with "Losing Time". Rebekka Louise explores quiet vulnerability in "the bigger guy", James Darcy captivates with introspective warmth on "The Middle", and Marseille’s RedLight blends nostalgia and grit in "As Always". These tracks showcase the freshest voices in new music indie alt-pop discoveries, offering emotion, energy, and unforgettable melodies.

"Bend to Break" by Pisgah

On "Bend to Break", London-based artist Pisgah channels the ache of starting over into something powerful and cathartic. The track unfolds like a storm — guitars rolling in slowly before breaking open into a surge of emotion. It’s a song about the moment you stop bending just to keep the peace, and finally let yourself snap free. There’s grit and grace in Pisgah’s delivery, the kind that turns heartbreak into strength and silence into clarity.

"Losing Time" by Papertones

Trier-based indie rock quartet Papertones deliver a compelling mix of warm guitars, driving bass, and powerful drums that balance raw energy with emotional depth. Their latest single, "Losing Time", captures the tension between urgency and reflection, with restless riffs and post-punk intensity that echo the fear of fleeting moments. It’s the perfect soundtrack for sleepless nights or chasing the clock, showcasing the band’s knack for blending introspective lyrics with infectious, visceral melodies.

"the bigger guy" by Rebekka Louise

Singer-songwrite Rebekka Louise returns with "the bigger guy", a tender yet gut-punching track about the quiet pain of always being the one who cares more. Through ethereal production and heartfelt lyricism, she captures the exhaustion of giving endlessly and never being chosen in return. It’s a beautifully restrained song — honest, aching, and quietly defiant in its vulnerability.

"The Middle" by James Darcy

Hailing from Tipperary, Ireland, James Darcy makes a strong first impression with his debut single "The Middle". Blending indie rock and folk influences, the track captures the bittersweet tension between holding on and letting go, carried by Darcy’s emotive vocals and intimate storytelling. It’s a beautifully crafted introduction to an artist unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve — raw, resonant, and quietly powerful.

"As Always" by RedLight

RedLight, the Marseille-based rock band formed in 2007, blend influences from Pearl Jam, The Cure, and The Prodigy into melodic, guitar-driven tracks that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Their album "Homeworks", released March 14, 2025, was recorded and mixed in their home studio by guitarist Dapé, keeping a strong DIY spirit. The single "As Always" channels early-2000s rock energy with Strokes-inspired riffs and catchy melodies, making it impossible not to get hooked by its driving rhythm and infectious guitar hooks.

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