As much as it pains me to say it, I feel like there’s an unspoken criterion with indie music. For the record, I despise using/hearing the word indie as a way to describe the sound of a band, but I’ll save that discussion for another day. But even when expecting the unexpected, indie music often covers a lot of the same ground. Sometimes there are hooks but it’s never the primary focus. Instrumentation can be complex but never virtuosic. Production can be crisp and clear, but never glossy or processed. I’m not saying there’s some sort of indie checklist but I think we can all agree on what we would probably never hear on mainstream radio.
This is likely what makes indie music more interesting than what’s usually shoved down our throats in the media. Call it edginess or whatever, but I think it’s really hard to put into words and that’s why people resort to calling it indie.
The same can be said about Honestdant & Friends and their latest EP Then It’s Night Once More. That’s right, I really don’t know what genre I can label this record. Sure there are emo elements, folk, and even a little avant-garde, but there’s never really a defining element pinpointing just what it is exactly. I supposed that’s the beauty of this band and this release.
Full of ominous acoustic guitars and brooding, nonchalant vocals, Then It’s Night Once More would be a somber affair if it weren’t for the hints of hope sprinkled throughout. There’s something heartbreaking about the short film samples finding their way into songs, seemingly at random. In a different context, these samples would hinder these songs, but here they add a sort of seasoning, elevating the mood. Lyrically Honestdant & Friends cover self-hatred, loneliness, and solitude without coming off mopey or overly depressing.
Once again, driving home my earlier point about checklists and criteria.
It may be a difficult release to describe but overall, Then It’s Night Once More is an interesting ride. Honestdant & Friends cover plenty of ground in a short amount of time. And like most DIY bands, that’s enough for me to keep an eye on what they do next.
For more information on Honestdant & Friends and to download Then It’s Night Once More, please visit them on bandcamp!
