Laptop – Indie Hero
Laptop, the cult New York City group founded by Jesse Hartman, is back with another chapter in their cinematic synthpop resurrection. Hartman says, “This is a love letter to the ghosts of the ’90s and their obsession with the ghosts of the late ’70s.” All the lovely folks who never quite went the distance. This includes me. It’s about idol worship and growing out of it.” He sings with sweet, self-aware devotion: “I’ll dive across a table for you, my indie hero, I’m feeling so unstable for you, my indie hero.” These phrases express the song’s inner basis: adulation combined with insecurity, the excitement and confusion of putting someone on a pedestal while understanding that the idolization will not continue forever. The lyrics seem fun on the surface, but have a sad core that acknowledges the fragile nature of heroes, scenes, and moments. The tune begins with futuristic, distorted voices and a funky beat, which creates a warm, funk-influenced dance atmosphere. Smooth female back vocals enhance the mood, bringing tenderness and classic cinematic beauty. While Britpop-style guitars appear all over, the production focuses on the beat, and the strong, addictive groove drives the song and surrounds its lyrical nostalgia. At 2:38, the guitar takes on a greater position, providing an opposition to the soft funk. This moment of roughness mirrors the lyrical concept of outgrowing one’s idols, a burst of rawness in an otherwise glossy setting, before the guitar fades back into its supportive, beat-driven position. “Indie Hero” relies on its combination of dance-floor groove, nostalgic pop energy, and creative, deeply personal lyrics. It’s a tribute and an apology, a song that travels across memory while challenging it. Hartman and longtime musical partner Luke Wood co-wrote the tune years ago. Charlie Hartman and Lulu Hartman also contributed vocals.
Laptop photo by Thomas Krause
