Three wonderful tracks at the intersection of indie pop and experimental rock music – Ear To The Ground Music

Alexander Wolfe – “Talk”
-Wolfe wrote one of the most important songs I covered several years ago called “The Mock Turtle’s Lament” and, frankly, I’ve been a fan ever since. The production of this song “Talk” is massive, with swells and energy that show off some exceptional pop rock stylings. Wolfe’s vocal soars, as usual, in some key elements… but then has this soft, tender element in other places. The dynamics are surreal, almost like a good musical theater piece that pulls the listener in to the narrative. This is the type of songwriting that makes you stop and think, “why isn’t this in the top 40?” It absolutely could and should be. Fans of big time pop rock like Maroon 5 or Imagine Dragons will find a lot to like with this sound.

Seafret – “Love in Reverse”
-When you first click play on this track you’re going to think it’s another folk tune that I’ve miscategorized here. But trust me… stay with the track and it will open into the type of pop rock that makes it perfect for this curated article. The balance between the intimacy of the opening folk work and the way the song takes off… it’s really wonderful and well worth connecting. Lyrically, it’s about this concept of going back, “would you love me in reverse?” If you’ve been in a long term relationship, you’ll understand this feeling of moving away from the intensity of the early love. It’s a beautifully romantic concept about how a relationship evolves, but still holding onto those early commitments. As someone who has been married to my college sweetheart for 19 years, this track definitely connects. It’s really sweetly composed and performed here.

Kate Grahn – “Lose You”
-This is going to sound a bit silly, but I like that this song feels both gritty as well as polished. I know… how can it be both? Uh… click play. You’ll hear what I mean. There’s a gritty, almost grunge element in the composition style and the chord choices. Yet, at the same time, the production is smooth pop rock and the vocal sounds amazing. I would never describe Grahn’s vocal as grunge (or even close to it). So what we are hearing here is a remarkable mix of pop energy with some fascinating chord choices and structural decision. It’s ultimately a heartbreak song about a broken relationship, recognizing that things couldn’t continue, but you still have those residual feelings. It’s not exactly bitterness, but it’s certainly the pain that comes from those fractured relationships. This is a powerful, anthemic pop rock tune that has the spirit of an expressive conversation with a friend. It’s well worth your time and consideration.

Image courtesy: Seafret IG