Hold Your Horses by Houndsteeth

As Boygenius and each of its members continue to dominate the indie scene, downtempo, moody indie pop that spotlights vocal harmonies has never been more popular. As the market becomes saturated, a bicoastal experimental band called Houndsteeth accepts the challenge to put a more adventurous twist on the indie vocal pop sound with their new record Hold Your Horses. Unlike the eternally spotless, classically composed harmonies of alternative radio, the members of Houndsteeth sing pitches right up next to each other, choosing notes that technically work together but still sound claustrophobic and uncomfortable. This vocal style, combined with the band’s reliance upon lo-fi synth instruments that almost calls back to the sound of Daniel Johnston, creates a homespun sound with endless charm and personality. An emphasis on minimalism ensures that each of Houndsteeth’s compositions feel contained in an intimate space, making all of their lyrical messages more direct and believable. By introducing just the slightest bit of intentional, skillful dissonance, Houndsteeth injects an unexpected dose of energy into this tired subgenre, all while enhancing the personal and confessional elements that drew so many people to this sound in the first place. -Michael