NYC Scene Report – Barrie, IYVES, and more

This week’s NYC Scene Report features the dream pop of Barrie, the latest from soulful songstress IYVES, dope hip-hop from PENPALS, and some rowdy rock n roll from Mick’s Jaguar.

* “Don’t you think that you can do better?” That’s the message that’s repeated throughout Brooklyn-based band Barrie’s latest single, “Tal Uno,” and if you’re looking for great indie dream pop, the answer is no, you can’t do better than Barrie (or at least you’d be really hard pressed to do better than them).

The band, which is led by songwriter Barrie Lindsay, comes from all corners of the world, with members originally hailing from the U.S., Brazil, and England. This may play a role in why their music has a universal vibe to it, rather than sounding like it’s from any one specific locale.

Lindsay previously worked as a studio assistant for a sculptor, and although we haven’t seen any of her work in that field, we really like what she’s creating with Barrie.


* Brooklyn-based artist IYVES is about to give your day a big soulful boost with her latest single, “Not Afraid To Fall.”

The soul-pop song, which is off of her recently released EP, Chromatic, is a mixture of Demi Lovato, Christina Aguilera, and Rihanna, and will fit in perfectly alongside any of those famous voices in a playlist … or if you have a playlist specifically for trust falls. Hey, who ever said corporate retreats weren’t allowed to have dope soundtracks?

Click play and “Fall” for IYVES.
 

* Pen pals almost seem to be a thing of the past, and some people may feel hip-hop that’s equal parts funny, and grounded, is a thing of the past, as well. Brooklyn-based trio PENPALS, however, are here to show the world that hip-hop can be dope and have a sense of humor.

Cynic the Apache – who is 1/3 of PENPALS, with fellow emcee Rapswell, and producer Squires being the other 2/3 – explains the group’s approach, saying, “We’re bringing solid goofs to the table. Some people get so serious with this, and there’s a time and a place for it, but you’re also allowed to smile.”

Check out their latest single, “Hi Tech,” which is off of their recently released album, To Whom It May Concern, and don’t be afraid to crack a smile, while also listening to their thoughts on tech conspiracies.


* Gritty, grimy, old school rowdy rock n roll, the kind that both kicks ass, and might very well kick your ass, is exactly what Mick’s Jaguar has been serving up in the city for years. Their latest single, “Where We Go,” is yet another example of what they do best.

Featuring lyrics delivered with a gruff ferocity, and a killer guitar solo, “Where We Go” drips with the kind of attitude you want rock n roll to have.

“Where We Go” is off of Mick’s Jaguar’s just released album, Fame and Fortune, and you can check out the song right here.


For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.