Favorites in 2026 Indie (so far)

Blink 182 at Outside Lands

        This is the last day in the first half of 2026. Below is the playlist of our favorite Indie songs of the year. It’s a “living” playlist, since the order and the song entries will continue to change until the end of the year. Of course, you’re encouraged to bookmark this blog post or to “Save” the Spotify playlist in order to track the changes.

     If you are interested in reading a review of a particular song, merely use the Indie Obsessive search capability available in the web browser version of this blog page.

“Carol” by Hawk & Steel

 

     “Carol” limits itself in length and therefore foregoes the expansive canvas afforded to a nearly ten-minute track. Even so, the release from Hawk & Steel brings to mind one of the most celebrated guitar showcases: The Outlaws’ 1975 classic “Green Grass and High Tides.” Both songs are rooted in Country Rock and feature guitar-driven bridges that begin with a melodic enchantment before blossoming into intricate layers of guitar work, creating a sense of controlled chaos. The guitar jam during “Carol” is compelling, likely leaving concert-goers curious as to whether Hawk & Steel will expand it during live performances, as did The Outlaws with their single.
 
     The two bands are from diagonally opposite corners of the U.S. In fact, Hawk & Steel are based in Victoria, a Canadian city with coastal charm and beauty. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia. The Outlaws were from Tampa, Florida.
 
      The lyrics of “Carol” are included in this post. The vocalist represents a man hoping to talk privately to Carol, but he is realistic – “I know deep down, you’ll never leave him.” The song is one of ten tracks from the album “Ain't Never Movin' On.” Another recommended song from the album is “Take Me Out,” which includes pedal steel guitar, a guest female vocalist, and saxophone that closes out the track.
 
     The members of the Canadian band are Peter Gardner (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Ian Johnson (electric guitar), Rob Phillips (drums), and Rob ‘Bobby’ Walsh (bass). The album benefits from collaborations with longstanding pedal steel player Marc Jenkins, keyboardist Hugh Mackie, saxophonist Andrew Greenwood, and vocalist Charlotte McGee. 

     Quoting interesting content about the album:
  “After stepping away in 2017 for a near decade-long hiatus, the band has returned recharged with their first new music in more than a decade. Their third full-length album ‘Ain’t Never Movin’ On,’ marks a new chapter. Featuring ten new songs, Hawk & Steel captures the restless spirit of their earlier work with a deeper, more reflective edge and mature voice.
  On ‘Ain’t Never Movin’ On,’ the band blends twang-soaked guitars, driving rhythms, and introspective lyricism to carve out a distinct voice that feels both nostalgic and urgent. Their songs lean into themes of reflection, change, and emotional honesty.”
 
     “Carol” by Hawk & Steel
 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkandsteel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawkandsteel/
Bandcamp: https://hawkandsteel.bandcamp.com/

Lyrics of “Carol” by Hawk & Steel
Just call you up to see what you’re doing
I’ve been thinking about running away this season
You’re so good to me, I wish I was dreaming
I know deep down, you’ll never leave him
 
Carol tell me you’re at home, all alone
Without letting him know
Carol tell me you’re at home, all alone
Without letting him know
 
Just call you up to see if you’re sleeping
Well I’ve been thinking about, starting my own season
You’re so good to me, I wish I was dreaming
‘Cause I know deep down, you’ll never leave him
 
Carol tell me you’re at home, all alone,
Without letting him know
Carol tell me you’re at home, all alone,
Without letting him know
 
[Instrumental bridge]
 
Carol tell me you’re at home,
Without letting him know
Carol tell me you’re at home,
Without letting him know

“Sing For The Revolution” by Reaven

 

    The song from Reaven functions as a rallying cry and motivational anthem for today’s turbulent political and social climate. The festival-ready appeal of “Sing For The Revolution” is most apparent beginning at the 1:51 mark, where steadfast, crowd-engaging vocals ride atop a pounding kick drum while a periodic two-note guitar line injects a sense of impending peril.
 
    The lyrics are included at the bottom of this post. The call for action is not directed to today’s politicians. Rather, “Sing For The Revolution” speaks to us – as is clear from the consistent use of the first-person pronoun “we.” The first verse ends with a question – “Can we be the change now?” Then, the last line in the next verse answers, “We're gonna be the change now.” Our favorite verse arrives later, and ends with an exclamation mark:

The battle for your freedom

Will always be a lifetime goal

We’re gonna cross the line now,

We’ll never stop,

Never give up

We’re gonna be the change now!

 
     And the song is not directed at a particular country. Reaven is based in France, but the message applies almost universally. The band explains:
  “Sing For The Revolution” is a wildfire anthem for a disconnected generation — a collision of raw emotion, massive rock energy, and fearless hope. Born from the chaos of modern life, the song turns anxiety, isolation, and social division into a unifying battle cry meant to be shouted back by thousands of voices.
  Driven by pounding drums, soaring guitars, and an irresistible chant-like chorus, the track feels like the soundtrack to a movement rising in real time. Between intimate verses and explosive hooks, Reaven captures the tension between collapse and rebirth — the moment where people stop waiting for change and become it themselves.
  “Sing For The Revolution” is more than a rock song: it’s a call to wake up, stand together, and reclaim the human spirit in a world fighting to silence it. Loud, cinematic, and unapologetically alive, it’s made for festival crowds, raised fists, and the feeling that something bigger is just beginning.
 
     The core members of Reaven are childhood friends and bandmates Roméo Bassi (lead vocals, guitar) and Vincent Fernandes (drums, vocals, keys). The two write, compose and produce the band’s music. They are from Troyes, France, but have relocated to Paris, where they were joined by Rudy Bournazel (bass, backing vocals) and André Rocha (keyboards, backing vocals). The band is preparing to release their album “Reavolution.”
 
     “Sing For The Revolution” by Reaven

Website: https://reavenmusic.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reavenmusicofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reavenmusic/

Lyrics of “Sing For The Revolution” by Reaven
The world is getting crazy
Every day we’re losing control
We’ve never been so lonely
When do we stop?
Gotta look up?
Can we be the change now?
 
So many different people
United like a vibrant soul
Dreaming of the same goal
In the same boat,
On the same road
We’re gonna be the change now
 
oh ouh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
(Follow me, follow me)
Be the change now
oh ouh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Sing for the revolution today
 
oh ouh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Follow me, follow me
oh ouh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Sing for the revolution today
 
Too much ego in their pride
Poison of - modern times
We know they crossed the line but,
They never stop,
Never give up,
We gotta make a move now
 
The battle for your freedom
Will always be a lifetime goal
We’re gonna cross the line now,
We’ll never stop,
Never give up
We’re gonna be the change now!
 
oh ouh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Follow me, follow me
oh ouh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Sing for the revolution today
 
The revolution today…
The revolution today…
The revolution today!
 
We gotta rise
We’ll never fall
We're gonna be the guide for the people
We gotta rise
We’ll never fall
We’re gonna be the voice, gonna be the soul
We gotta rise
Can you hear the call?
We’re gonna be a brand new kingdom
We gotta fight
Answer the call
We’ll never be the slave to their control
 
oh ouh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Follow me, follow me
oh ouh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Sing for the revolution today
 
The revolution today…
The revolution today…
Sing for the revolution today!