Francesco Amoroso per TRISTE©

1000 Rabbits is a London-based art-pop/indie rock band originally from Aldeburgh, Suffolk. The band consists of River (vocals), Laura (violin), Liv (synthesizer), Luke (drums), and Paolo (guitar). They released their debut EP, Are We Friends Yet?, on the Young label.
It is a lively, vibrant record that preserves the urgency of the live dimension from which it emerged. Six taut, electrifying tracks distill two years of growth, shaped in rehearsal rooms and on stage. Drawing close to the path forged by the reinvented Black Country, New Road, 1000 Rabbits blend restless minimalism with abrasive violin and sudden melodic surges, moving between folk, art pop and post-punk tension with remarkable naturalness. The songs retain a collective, intricate character without sacrificing immediacy, while showcasing River’s fragile, heartfelt voice, leading to the closing question that gives the album its title: an effective summation of an identity still taking shape, yet already unmistakably its own.

Francesco Amoroso per TRISTE©

Early Days, the debut mini-album by Stuttgart-based duo The Simple Present (Cathrin on vocals and guitar and Sabine on backing vocals and keyboard) is a quietly enchanting release that feels instantly familiar to anyone who loves classic indie pop. Drawing from the jangly melancholy of Sarah Records, the DIY charm of Marine Girls and The Gentle Waves, and the melodic warmth of Swedish indie pop acts such as Sambassadeur and Alpaca Sports, the duo craft songs that are tender, unhurried, and deeply comforting. Nothing here shouts for attention. Instead, the album unfolds with a gentle emotional tension, carried by sparkling guitar lines, soft harmonies and melodies that linger long after the music fades. Tracks such as I Found Something, Summer Triangle, and Words of Encouragement highlight their gift for turning everyday observations into quietly memorable pop songs. What makes Early Days so appealing is its sincerity: it sounds like a collection of songs lovingly discovered and shared. Gentle, melodic, and full of heart, it is one of those indiepop records that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. Across eight beautifully crafted songs, Cathrin and Sabine favour subtlety and delicacy with unassuming arrangements that create an atmosphere of warmth and quiet reflection, allowing the melodies to shine naturally. Every track is infused with charm, intelligence and emotional honesty, but what makes Early Days so special is its effortless authenticity. Cathrin’s voice, despite its perfect English diction, carries a faint but fascinating “Teutonic” quality: slightly restrained, almost as if it prefers understatement over the crystalline euphoria often associated with classic Anglophone indie pop. These songs never feel calculated; instead, they unfold with patience and grace, revealing new details with every listen.