Night Teacher, the indie pop undertaking of the singer-songwriter Lilly Bechtel, is back in full force with her latest single, “Never Better.” An obvious declaration of transformation for the artist, as much as anyone who’s listening, the song serves as the lead cut of her upcoming album, “Year of the Snake,” out on 31st October through First City Artists. With its title reflecting 2025’s Chinese Zodiac sign, the album is a testament to shedding old skins, embracing change, and finding beauty in the process of growth.
“Never Better” with Matt Wyatt and created a world that’s both propulsive and off-kilter. Bechtel’s voice, a nosedive plunge, thrillingly textured slides across a pop landscape grooved with grit and tempered by subtle experimental touches. There’s a rawness here that draws comparisons to Margaret Glaspy’s intimate openness, Them Yorke’s quirky sense of melody, and Cate Le Bon’s fearless shape-shifting. Each note feels thought through but rough in all the right ways, a reminder that real growth can be frictional.
The title of the song, “Never Better,” is a deceptively simple phrase that, in Bechtel’s hands, becomes a meditation on perseverance and transformation. It encourages them to face discomfort and uncertainty, not with terror, but with curiosity and grace, a through line that feels in keeping with Bechtel’s 15 years as a trauma-informed yoga teacher. Just as she guides people through painful internal terrain in her work, Bechtel processes lessons from pain through her art-making, harnessing openness as a platform for contemplation and catharsis.
The song’s kinetic energy and innovative arrangements set it apart from most of indie pop today. Pulsating beats, surprising melody changes, and Bechtel’s relatable lyricism combine to form a track that stays with you long after the track ends. It’s the kind of track that educates, challenges, and ultimately inspires. On “Never Better”, Night Teacher proves itself to be a singular voice in the indie pop landscape, unafraid of its rough edges. It holds a rough draft for its bold honesty and generous openness, opening our ears to the raw chemistry of pain and change. This is a lesson, a journey, a reminder that the power of listening alone can be transformative.
Connect with Night Teacher on Instagram – @nightteachermusic
