A captivating debut in indie pop...
25 · 09 · 2025
To partially misquote frozen simian Alex Turner: that classic indie pop, right? It just won’t fade away. If shoegaze is the scene that revels in its own nostalgia, then indie pop is the genre that’s been dismissed more often than any other, yet still thrives. Glasgow’s refreshingly unique sister duo The Cords (Eva and Grace Tedeschi) are clearly inspired by the likes of the Shop Assistants and The Pastels, but that’s not a drawback – their debut album, filled with sharp songwriting and flawless hooks, is a true indie pop gem.
Produced by Jonny Scott and Simon Liddel, the album remains faithful to the wiry minimalism of their earlier works – consistent with classic indie pop origins, including a cassette and a flexi. What sets ‘The Cords’ apart is the distinctiveness of their songwriting – devoid of quotation marks, they’re not referencing transportive influences, just creating delightful music delivered with genuine sincerity.
The standout tracks come rapidly. From the twee-beat opener ‘Fabulist’ to the rockabilly stomp of ‘October,’ from the shoegaze-inspired noise pop of ‘You’ to the rich introspection of ‘Weird Feeling,’ this debut is full of exhilarating moments.
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As part of a wave of young artists rejuvenating indie pop, The Cords play fast and loose with the conventions. Crafting an impressive sound for just two people (with the occasional bass and keyboard accompaniment), The Cords embody the old adage that limitations can spark creativity. Their earlier single ‘Bo’s New Haircut’ remains a vibrant burst of melody, ‘Done With You’ exudes a delirious spite, while ‘Rather Not Stay’ transports listeners to Bristol circa 1991 with its Sarah Records-style heartbreak.
Wrapping up with the surprisingly mature ‘When You Said Goodbye,’ this debut is an endlessly entertaining experience. Unconstrained by their influences, The Cords’ songwriting displays a true sense of inventive originality, paired with a bubbly innocence that aligns perfectly with the genre. As one indie pop pioneer once expressed, we’re simply thrilled, darling.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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To entirely misquote frozen simian Alex Turner: that classic indie pop, right? It simply refuses to disappear. If shoegaze represents the genre that revels in self-admiration, then