Guide
Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks
The Veils – “Lavinia” (2004) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
An emotionally searing slow-burn, “Lavinia” by The Veils is a masterclass in restraint and catharsis. Led by the haunting vocals of Finn Andrews, the track unfolds like a ghost story — intimate, poetic, and unsettling in all the right ways. Its stripped-back instrumentation and fragile delivery make it stand out in a genre often dominated by swagger and distortion. Though The Veils have maintained a cult following, “Lavinia” never reached the audience it deserved. It’s the kind of song that lingers with you long after it ends, offering an eerie beauty that’s hard to forget once discovered. For those who value lyrical depth and emotional authenticity, this track is an undiscovered gem waiting to be unearthed.
The Maccabees – “Toothpaste Kisses” (2007) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
Sweet, concise, and disarmingly sincere, “Toothpaste Kisses” is arguably one of The Maccabees’ most memorable songs, even if it’s rarely mentioned in retrospectives. Clocking in at just over two minutes, the song features whistled melodies and doo-wop harmonies that harken back to an era far removed from the indie disco floorfillers of its time. This delicate love song stood in stark contrast to the brash, guitar-driven sound of the mid-2000s UK indie scene. It’s a testament to the band’s versatility and emotional range, showing that they could deliver both energetic anthems and soft-spoken intimacy with equal skill. While The Maccabees went on to enjoy modest success, “Toothpaste Kisses” remains a slept-on classic among indie romantics.
Larrikin Love – “Edwould” (2006) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
“Edwould” captured the chaotic energy of mid-2000s London indie in a way few other tracks managed to do. With its blend of punkish urgency, folk-inspired melodies, and literary lyricism, it offered a refreshing departure from the more formulaic indie rock which was very popular at the time. The band’s willingness to experiment fusing ska rhythms, poetic references, and theatrical delivery made them an exciting if unpredictable force. Unfortunately though, Larrikin Love’s career was cut short just as it began to gather momentum; something which happens to a lot of potential greats. Their debut album The Freedom Spark hinted at greatness, but internal tensions led to an early split. “Edwould” is a relic from a period when indie music was truly eclectic and chaotic, embodying the spirit of bands who played with boundaries instead of following them.
Hope of the States – “Enemies/Friends” (2004) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
Hope of the States emerged at a time when indie rock was brimming with political undercurrents and experimental ambition. “Enemies/Friends” is a cinematic and emotionally dense track, combining post-rock atmospheres with deeply personal lyrics. The band was known for their sweeping arrangements and melancholic tone, and this track is a definitive example of their ability to blend orchestral grandeur with raw vulnerability. It’s a song that builds slowly, layering textures before crashing into a cathartic release — a technique often attempted but rarely executed with this level of precision. Though critical acclaim followed their early releases, the band’s trajectory was tragically halted by the death of guitarist James Lawrence and the eventual disbandment. Today, “Enemies/Friends” stands as both a tribute to their potential and a reminder of indie rock’s darker, more introspective roots.
The Rakes – “22 Grand Job” (2005) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
Few tracks in my opinion capture the disillusionment of the early 2000s London working class like “22 Grand Job” by The Rakes. With its staccato rhythm, biting lyrics, and anthemic hook, The Rakes turned mundane office life into something rebellious and oddly relatable to many. This was a time when bands like The Libertines were romanticising chaos, but The Rakes looked squarely at the 9-to-5 grind and asked, “Is this it?” The track’s punchy brevity made it a staple on indie radio stations for a short while, yet it never fully crossed into the wider consciousness. That’s a shame, because “22 Grand Job” offers sharp social commentary and it is wrapped up in infectious energy. It remains a snapshot of a generation stuck between ambition and reality — and the frustration still resonates today.
The Long Blondes – “Once And Never Again” (2006) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
Charismatic, stylish, and lyrically fearless, The Long Blondes carved out a unique space in the mid-2000s indie scene. “Once And Never Again” is a punchy, feminist-leaning track that tackles the politics of dating and power with sardonic wit. Kate Jackson’s vocals — commanding yet conversational — guide the listener through a narrative that feels both personal and universal. Backed by angular guitars and driving rhythms, the track is as danceable as it is smart. Despite early buzz and critical acclaim, The Long Blondes never achieved lasting mainstream success, partly due to Jackson’s health issues and the band’s early breakup. However, this song remains a standout from an era when female-led indie bands were finally beginning to gain visibility, and it deserves to be revisited for both its musical and cultural significance.
iLiKETRAiNS – “Terra Nova” (2006) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
Dark, slow, and cinematic, “Terra Nova” by iLiKETRAiNS stands as a haunting example of how indie music can tackle intellectual and historical themes with stunning emotional weight blended in. iLiKETRAiNS were never interested in radio hits (which is kind of good given they failed to grab it) instead, they built sprawling epics about doomed explorers, historical battles, and forgotten tragedies. “Terra Nova” tells the story of Captain Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition with a sense of creeping dread and reverence. The instrumentation — glacial, echo-laden guitars and mournful brass — mirrors the vast, unforgiving landscape it describes. The band’s unconventional approach limited their commercial reach, but they developed a devoted following. For those seeking substance, “Terra Nova” is not just a song; it’s a full emotional and intellectual journey, proof that indie rock can be as ambitious as any other art form.
Good Shoes – “Morden” (2007) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
Few indie tracks are as geographically specific and emotionally raw as “Morden” by Good Shoes; you 2000 indie peeps will remember this one, I am sure! It’s a song rooted in suburbia, reflecting on the boredom and isolation of living just outside the heart of the city. With wiry guitars and jittery rhythms, the band crafts a sense of restlessness that’s impossible to ignore. “Morden” isn’t just about a place — it’s about a state of mind, and the alienation that often comes with growing up in grey, uninspiring surroundings. While the band enjoyed a brief moment of popularity, they struggled to maintain momentum amid a crowded scene. Yet this track remains a minor classic for anyone who’s ever felt out of place in their own hometown. It’s a perfect example of how indie music often gives voice to life’s quieter frustrations.
Mystery Jets – “Diamonds in the Dark” (2006) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
Though Mystery Jets have had a longer shelf life than many of their peers, “Diamonds in the Dark” remains one of their most overlooked songs. Nestled on their debut album Making Dens, this track blends dreamy synths with tender guitar lines to create a lush, nocturnal atmosphere. It’s a departure from their more exuberant singles, showing a more reflective side to their songwriting. Lyrically, it’s poetic and abstract, inviting multiple interpretations. While the band continued to evolve in sound and enjoy moderate success, this particular track never quite got the attention it warranted. It’s one of those hidden album cuts that, once discovered, quickly becomes a favourite — especially for listeners who crave nuance and emotional complexity in their indie playlists.
Absentee – “We Should Never Have Children” (2006) (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
Bold in title and bold in execution, “We Should Never Have Children” is a song that confronts uncomfortable truths with brutal honesty. Absentee were never ones to sugarcoat emotion, and this track is a prime example of their sardonic, bittersweet style. Frontman Dan Michaelson’s gravelly baritone delivers lines that feel part confession, part warning, set against a backdrop of lo-fi guitars and understated percussion. The song examines dysfunctional relationships with a clarity that’s rare in music of any genre, let alone indie rock. While the band never broke into the mainstream, they earned critical praise for their lyrical depth and raw sound. This track, though long forgotten by most, is a striking reminder of the darker corners of indie music that are still worth exploring.
Rediscover the Depth of Indie (Top 10 Forgotten Indie Tracks)
He discovered the gem when he was 12 years old and still has it now, claiming it to be why he fell in love with music. He likes to play disc golf when he's not writing about music. He is a one-of-a-kind individual who is always the first to bust out his air guitar on the dance-floor.
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