NYC Scene Report – Newborn, Anna Rose, & more

This week’s NYC Scene Report features the latest from alt-rock trio Newborn, a country-rock sucker punch from Anna Rose, RVBY MY DEAR giving pop a “Try,” and dream pop band Barrie teaching us a lesson in “Geology.”

* Coney Island-based alt-rock trio Newborn just released their latest EP, Anodyne, the title track off of which is a gem that will give you some serious ‘90s vibes.

With “Anodyne,” Newborn sounds like they’re ready to hop on tour with just about any of the alt-rock, or grunge rock greats. Taking a cue from the rock gods of the past, there’s nothing formulaic about “Anodyne,” as frontman Allen James launches into a kick ass guitar solo mid-song. It’s a solo I hope goes on for multiple minutes when they perform the song live.

Speaking of Newborn’s live show, there should be some NYC area performances announced soon. Until then, enjoy “Anodyne.”


* Longtime column favorite Anna Rose has always been a kick ass performer, and now she’s ready to hit listeners with a sucker punch in the form of her latest single, “Sucker Puncher.”

“Sucker Puncher” is the second single from her forthcoming album, and she described the song in a statement, saying, “It is a song for all of the underdogs out there. For me, personally, the struggle to be heard in an industry where a songwriter’s work is so undervalued has almost crippled me at times, but writing this song with Justin Glasco felt like a triumph. Truthfully, this whole upcoming record is brutally honest in a lyrical sense and this song felt incredibly cathartic in its writing and production. It’s a testament to the fight I have inside me. I’ve never been quiet, I’ve always been rebellious, I have never cowered to the industry standard, and I do not apologize for that.”

Is it any wonder that we love us some Anna Rose? Check out “Sucker Puncher,” and get yourself ready for a potential album of the year candidate.


* Brooklyn-based Aussie RVBY MY DEAR will be releasing her full-length debut, Waiting, on May 17th, the latest single off of which is the gorgeous indie pop song “Try.”

RVBY MY DEAR explained “Try” in a statement, saying, “‘Try’ is a relationship song, though it’s not exactly coming from a loving place. It’s about wanting the person you’re with to essentially give a damn about themselves and the relationship, and feeling frustrated with bearing the weight of responsibility – something I think a lot of women could probably relate to.”

She continued, adding, “Musically, this was the first track that felt like a true collaboration between me and my producer, Andrew Lappin. I’ve always felt too embarrassed to record something as blatantly catchy and ‘pop’ as this, so the process was nerve-wracking at first, but ultimately rewarding.”

Check out the video for the song, which was filmed in RVBY MY DEAR’s hometown of Perth.


* Brooklyn-based dream pop band Barrie released their debut album, Happy To Be Here, earlier this month, and the latest single off it rocks … well, at least in title, as they’re giving us a lesson in “Geology.”

Frontwoman Barrie Lindsay explained the inspiration for “Geology” in a statement, saying, “I wrote this song in 2015, a few months after I bought my first guitar. I was listening to Best Coast on Song Exploder talking about ‘Feeling Ok.’ Bethany Cosentino said she was inspired by ‘90s movies soundtracks like Clueless, She’s All That, 10 Things I Hate About You. It blew my mind, because I loved that music, but didn’t realize you could take it seriously. That’s where ‘Geology’ came from.”

Give “Geology” a listen, I think you’ll find it’s an especially smooth stone.


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