The idea that "indie rock" actually defines a specific sound is one that wavers back and forth throughout the years from being somewhat reasonable to entirely ridiculous, and right now in this age of the Internet giving us umpteen different subgenres that have merged to some degree or another with that concept, we're definitely in the "indie rock is a concept not a sound" end of the pendulum swing. However, there've been some times when indie rock meant somethin' that was fairly specific, and one of those was when the term re-broke onto the mass consciousness in the early 2000s with bands like The White Stripes and The Strokes et al., who took a very pared down classic-rock-based-on-blues-guitar unpretentious sound and made it big. Local act Good Field channels the goddamn hell out of this sound, which ditches a lot of the contemporary contrivances (nice as those can sometimes be) of the indie sound and goes much for something that, now almost 14 years from The Strokes' seminal This Is It, could almost be called "traditional" indie rock in a way that we mean to be quite positive. It's all jangles on guitars and Reed/Dylan inherited vocalizing that goes great with jeans and flannels and which appeals to most any ear that isn't exclusively turned off to summer-day guitar rock. The video here is pretty fun too, and of definite high production value, focusing on a robbery a la Funny Games, but with an interesting little 2015 twist where the girls get the upper hand and the guys just kinda shrug it off. This isn't music that's gonna blow minds, but it definitely will please ears and snag some hearts, especially if you have a soft spot for that stuff that's gettin' closer to being two decades old every day (Jesus Christ, that's fucking odd). Watch belowgor some good old fashioned indie rock and roll.

We’re so into Laying Down Rock, the new single from the art rock duo, DRINKS, a new music project consisting of the San Francisco based musician, Tim Presley also known as White Fence and the lovely, Wales native Cate Le Bon. If you like Violent Femmes, the Magnetic Fields, Talking Heads and oddly composed art rock in general, DRINKS’ sense of humor and quirkiness is going to quickly earn your admiration.

Presley and Le Bon switch duties as lead vocalists from one track to another. Their previous single, the title track of their upcoming album, Hermits on Holiday had Le Bon sharing her angelic voice without any presence of Presley's vocal talents.

The tongue and cheek-ness of Laying Down Rock is only appropriately enjoyed with a slightly sadistic grin drawn across your cheeks, as Tim Presley’s off putting, slightly dark confidence and vocal expression is funny, but also a bit sinister. That said, if you listen closely you'll hear a glimmer of hope and a moral in Presley's troubadour-esque declaration that affirms that true love does exist. Take a listen and look out for DRINKS’ upcoming album, Hermits On Holiday, which is due out on August 21st through Birth Records & Heavenly Recordings.

Now this is one we’ve posted before as part of a previous Artist of the Month Poll roundup, but now we’re givin’ local pychpoprock (mmmhmmm, smush them genres) act Three Bones its own damn post because they’ve got a neat lil July residency goin’ on at the Historic Scoot Inn that’s jammin’ along quite nicely. We’ve been quite into this pair (headed by Victoria de Benedicty and Dalt Jacob with Grant Johnson and Mike Stavitz as well) since they put what has been one of the year’s prime headspace occupyin’ tracks and eyeball a’pleasin’ vids out earlier this year with the strummmeriffic and oddly super satisfyin’ “Hold on to Ya” earlier this year. Goddamn psychedelic earworms y’all: in a genre that finds itself in the long-noodlin’ territory more often than not, it’s not somethin’ you really expect for a psych track to be a tight, clean piece of pop that gets right up between your brains and shakes its tail for a week or two, but damn if “Hold on to Ya” ain’t just that.

I think what really gets this track and vid movin’ is that it just feels legit as Texas barbeque; even when hammin’ it up all weird and creepylike for the camera (as Dalt does just freaky fuckin’ well), you get that unfakeable sense of authenticity that tells ya these are some good damn people just doin’ the damn thing thing in the way they damn well wanna do it, and they’re down if you’re down and cool if you ain’t. We think y’should be, and a trip out yonder to Scoot Inn will likely get you on the Three Bones wavelength quicker than a blonde dude in an all white get up can strum a guitar, which if you check the vid, is pretty fuckin’ fast.

You may recognize his voice if you're familiar with Hamilton's indie rock heroes Young Rival. Aron D'alesio has released his debut solo material in the form of a 4 song cassette. Much like his work with Young Rival, his tunes have come with some interesting music videos. Most recently released is a video for my personal favorite track on the album "Diamond Ring". Looks like Aron was able to pick apart some scenes from an obscure oldies movie to go along with the sad nature of the song....in love with a girl but she's wearing a ring...we've all been there before. The vibes of the tune are great. Like an oldies AM radio. Peaceful tone with thoughtful lyrics. Watch the video for "Diamond Ring" then you'll be looking at his other videos right after. Do it. -Kris "Big City" Gies

Originally from Hawaii, The Fourth Wall is a Portland based indie quartet with a sound swimming in post rock and psychedelic influences. Their melancholic melodies and soaring songs are a little reminiscent of a less orchestral version of late Mercury Rev. The band recently announced they will release their new LP, 'Lovely Violence,' on July 31st via Bug Hunt Records. You can catch them live at Mississippi Studios on August 2nd.

We added this song to The Deli's playlist of Best songs by emerging Portland artists - check it out!