The Orchids

One of the flagship bands of the influential indie pop label Sarah Records, Scottish combo the Orchids have proven to be survivors who followed up an initial rush of brilliant, breathless releases with a string of increasingly mature and musically advanced albums that juxtaposed bracing melodies with thoughtful melancholy in the tradition of groups like early Primal Scream and Lloyd Cole & the Commotions. Unlike many indie pop bands, the Orchids weren't afraid to explore electronics, country music, downbeat soul, or anything else that suited the songs. Aided by producer Ian Carmichael, they released two classic albums (Unholy Soul in 1991 and Striving for the Lazy Perfection in 1994), then, after taking a decade-long break, they returned without missing a step. Later records like 2014's Beatitude #9 and 2022's Dreaming Kind gave ample proof of the timeless nature of their heartbreaking, heartwarming style.