Ninetynine

Ninetynine sounds like a high-functioning art collective operating out of a cluttered garage. There is a tactile, physical quality to their music, largely driven by the prominent use of vibraphones and chromatic percussion that rings out over steady, motorik-adjacent rhythms. It is indie rock that refuses to sit still, constantly shifting its weight between melodic pop hooks and angular, math-influenced structures.

What truly sets them apart is their 'musical musical chairs' approach. The songs feel alive because they are built on the energy of multi-instrumentalists who swap stations, bringing a different touch to the drums, keys, or guitars from track to track. The use of cheap, toy-like Casiotone synths provides a charmingly thin, digital contrast to the resonant, woody warmth of the vibraphone, creating a sonic palette that is both nostalgic and intellectually curious.

Start with the album '767' to hear them at their most cohesive and iconic. It perfectly captures their ability to turn odd time signatures and unconventional scales into something that feels as natural and inviting as a conversation between old friends. It is essential listening for anyone who loves the intersection of post-punk precision and indie-pop whimsy.