The indie rock band of Derek Silva, dwn bad are new to our blog through their upcoming EP, Good Luck Have Fun.

By Graeme Smith

Dwn bad’s new EP is a collection of jangly and sweet indie rock. The vocals add a certain sense of melancholy to the brightness of opener Try and Try Again while lyrics speak of relationship turmoil and repeating patterns. There’s a touch of The Strokes about it, honing in on that ’00s throwback sound.

Run Around takes things in a moodier direction during a dynamic track with plenty of spirit. Too Late adds a certain wistfulness and sees Silva stretch his vocal range. Liar Liar (Talk To Me) ups the swagger during a number that wouldn’t be out of place in the ’80s new wave movement. Nobody Knows is a passionate highlight before Love on Repeat brings things to a cantering and memorable close.

Silva originally launched dwn bad in California, USA as a personal outlet and it evolved into a full band with close friends after he moved back home to Houston, Texas. With it, he’s captured a timeless indie rock sound, adding plenty of himself into the mix. I’m looking forward to hearing more from him and his band.

Good Luck Have Fun is set for release 20 June 2025. You can pre-save it here.