“Indie Hero” is the latest confession from the cult synth-pop/rock project Laptop, led by Jesse Hartman, now sharing the spotlight with his son and co-frontman Charlie Hartman. It’s a cinematic song — glossy, nostalgic, and immediately magnetic — drawing listeners in with witty, seductive, and clever melodic lines that feel so catchy. Behind the layered synth architecture, you can sense the ghosts of David Bowie, Roxy Music and Lou Reed, but Laptop manages to craft something that belongs only to them — familiar in spirit, but refreshingly different in shape. The arrangement is rich and intelligent, full of surprises, subtle detours and musical personality. The emotion flows freely and authentically, while the style — eccentric but emotionally precise — leaves a lasting impression. Laptop clearly understand rhythm and melody deep in their bones; their approach is quirky, artistic, odd at times, and backed by a point of view you don’t encounter often. Once again, the Hartmans have delivered a song that steals your heart and scrambles your thoughts in the most enjoyable way. “Indie Hero” is beautifully built and brilliantly executed, showcasing the duo’s unconventional talent and creative compass. Still, the song asks for multiple listens, attention, and time. It unfolds its layers gradually like a secret revealed in chapters: first strange, then intriguing, then addictive. What initially feels like a curious experiment slowly turns into something beloved! This precursor to their upcoming album “On This Planet”, scheduled for 2026, teases something seriously exciting on the horizon. It doesn’t revolutionize rock or synth-pop. Instead, it sets expectations high and pulls new fans into Laptop’s orbit through emotional charm and artistic flair. These Hartmans invite us into their warped-mirror world of cool, wit, nostalgia and truth. And surprisingly fast, you’ll realize you don’t want to leave it.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
