Fresh Finds: 6 rising indie bands in Singapore to keep on your radar

If jangly guitars of the early 2000s are your jam, let us introduce you to Causeway Youth. The indie ambient pop duo is powered by the potent magnetism of lead guitarist Esther and vocalist-guitarist Jazreel-Anne. Together, they have a flair for injecting reverb-dripping guitar hooks, dreamy vocals, and atmospheric textures in simple, road trip-worthy tunes – solidifying a style they could call their own.

They recently released their debut six-track EP titled This Isn’t Where I Want To Be, which sums up the potential Causeway Youth has. While the songs are quite melancholic, their familiar tones will sweep you back to the early 2000s, so expect a sense of nostalgia.

Listen Small Talk packs a sunny guitar delivery, unique chord progressions, and the equivocal nature of their lyrics in one repeat-worthy number.

Trade the mainstream for the alternative with the eclectic sounds of this Baybeats alumnus. Sounds like a fruity cocktail with spicy notes, Cinnamon Persimmon is a five-piece indie outfit that tickles your taste buds with a chaotic-good mix of funk, math-rock, and psychedelia.

The alluring ruckus off the group's debut EP Bird's Eye features slices of dark tones and euphoric vibes amidst notes of 90s nostalgia – a way to spice up their saccharine numbers, and your indie playlist.

Listen Besides the quirky wordplay, Omelette Du Hommage is a carnivalesque track that makes an ace introduction to the band.

Not letting distance dictate their music-making process, Scenery manages to make it all work while writing and recording remotely in Singapore and Melbourne. The power of technology, eh? Seamlessly blending elements of indie, lo-fi and R&B, the trio rolls out self-produced tracks that encapsulate the nuanced experiences of transition, place and wistful retrospection. And they’re all delivered through an ethereal amalgamation of reverb-drenched guitars, drum machines, slow swells and mellow croons.

As part of their upcoming EP, Baby, It’s Been a Long Time has garnered over 220,000 listeners from around the world since it was released last year.

Listen For You makes a Raveena-esque, warm-toned soundtrack for chilly sweater weather.

If you like your indie peppered with nostalgic synths then Absence! is a band worth following. The three-piece band keeps you hooked with its alternative synth-pop sound, which is executed with plenty of reverb and synth patches. It’s also beefed up with an equally magnetic combo of vocalist Aida’s soft, easy-on-the-ear tones, guitarist Ryan's hypnotic hooks, and percussionist Luke’s pulsating beats.

Earlier this year, the trio released its debut album Difficult Conversations. It’s a good example of how Absence! brilliantly emulates the sound of the 80s with a touch of modernity.

Listen Green Light is a cross between old-school ‘Til Tuesday and new-school Chvrches – a contemporary blast to the past.

Taking a page out of the books of indie powerhouses such as Bombay Bicycle Club, The Strokes, and Tame Impala, as well as the biggest 60s icon The Beatles, Singapore’s Islandeer puts out tracks with feel-good vibes – think easy, breezy, jangly pop-rock that feels right at home on the radio. Michael Garcia and Christian Jansen’s relatively young discography is a kaleidoscopic sonic palette. It balances its DIY approach with catchy melodies, infectious guitar hooks, and nostalgic lyrical imagery, giving you that bouncy yet calm comfort – an ideal combination in this fast-paced landscape if you ask us.

Listen Daytona feels like an endless summer.

Let’s just say that Whirring is Singapore’s answer to British pair Oh Wonder. And there’s no wonder why the indie-synth pop duo is on our radar: its charming blend of shimmering synths, punchy 808s, and lush vocal harmonies is undeniably irresistible. Plus, with emotive yet relatable lyrics, there’s no denying that Aqid and Michelle are two 20-somethings who are ballsy enough to wear their hearts on their sleeves and express pensive sadness. Through their magnetic combo of indie-pop hook and electronic soundscapes, they also hope to tell a story, create connections and showcase constant growth.

Listen If You’d Have Me features a swelling chorus that simply pulls you into the uncertain waters of infatuation.