New York City-based underground band Croaker has released its latest track, “Keep That in Mind,” a single that easily cements itself as a hidden indie rock gem.
The track begins with a rootsy, gritty guitar before introducing a slow riding cymbal. As the lead singer’s deep refrain gravels out the track’s first lines, listeners might get a sense of the song’s cinematic atmosphere. Whirring guitars in the background add to the song’s soundscape, creating an airiness that helps alleviate some of the richness that comes from the deeper leading acoustic and the singer’s refrain.
Percolating, layered vocals create an incredible depth that scratches the brain just right, which adds a simple but effective layer of nuance to the track. When the singer’s layered vocals build, they help wash out the song, which downplays lyrics like, “Lay there in my car and my hands are crumpled tight / My lips are numb, my face is blue, I nearly changed my mind.” When those dual vocals suddenly fade out of the track, it helps create urgency and focus. The listener prioritizes the next words: “Fuck it, I’m fine, still coming over / Waited in line, till I was sober.” In a way, Croaker’s layered sound emphasizes the latter thoughts, pushing away the ruminating pain of waiting in the cold and the forlorn nature of the act. When the lead singer reflects the next lines, the track builds again, reintegrating previously lost energy and creating a great, repeatable earworm that makes the listener want to listen over and over.
Croaker started in Olympia, Washington, later moving to Los Angeles and again to New York City. Conceptualized as an ambient darkwave project, the band’s sound evolved to encapsulate a DIY ethos and post-rock sound. Previous tracks featured the emblematic sounds of dark wave: Brooding basslines that dripped with dreamy melancholy, electronic whispers, and deep, ethereal vocals. “Keep That in Mind,” in contrast, stands out as a raw, new exploration with a cinematic, all-encompassing sound.
The band’s accolades include sharing a stage with bands such as Enola Gay and Pixel Grip. Since August 2025, the group has been diving into New York’s underground scene, playing shows in the general New York Metropolitan area with groups like the Overhead Bins and Henry’s Turn. Croaker’s preferred venues range from car garages to hideaway bars nestled in Brooklyn, which are announced on the group’s Instagram page.
For more information about Croaker, check out the band’s Instagram pageand Linktr.ee. Make sure to also check out “Keep That in Mind” on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Written by Rachel Joy Thomas
