New Music Monday #34

everything about her by Amie Blu

All that encompasses what a vibey song is, is shown in “everything about her”. Amie Blu’s delicate vocals create a tranquil listening experience whilst delivering raw lyrics of a toxic relationship and the lies within it. The trials and tribulations are showcased through the songwriting and the melody is addictive. Harmonies blend seamlessly with guitar riffs and a heavy beat that create a sonically beautiful track. The poise and control in her singing contrast the lyrics so creatively with instrumentals that make you nod along, “Turns out you're just like her, A liar / Did you forget? How she hurt you, Then blamed you.”

Now I Think of You Unspeakably by Nikita Lev

A dazzling song infused with a passion felt through the music itself. A lovely acoustic guitar strums behind the memorizing vocals of Nikita Lev. The songwriting invigorates the listener with the ubiquitous experience of feelings that you can't seem to get rid of. In the background, there are layers of harmonies that are soft and nostalgic, along with a deep bass that ties the song together, “how I’d talk about you so eagerly / now I think of you unspeakably /sardonic bravado I miss your laugh.”

Sequoia Tide by Evanora Unlimited (Feat. She Diamond

A distorted, rave/punk sound saturates the room in which “Sequoia Tide” is played. With piercing drums, disorienting synths, and dynamic bass, this track contains layers of production that show the musical dexterity of producer Yves Tumor. Repetitive lyricism that cuts deep, and expresses the longing for someone alongside a rhythm that warps you into another reality, “Like a clock you go round and round in my head / the absence of your light cast shadows on my bed.”

Wussup by CHEEYA

A track that’s so good words can’t really capture the feeling it evokes, so the only thing you can do is listen to it. Vocally strong, “Wussup” is a confident, hype-up song with a funky musical production. The chorus is addictive and the lyrics are charming; along with the drums, sparkly keys, and dazzling synths that make this track so special, “So complicated out on this river / I gotta swim in to see things clearer.”

Your Body by Misha, BeMyFiasco, Evil Needle

A slower, more sensual song that has been created within the collaboration of great talent. The R&B track has a deep bass, alluring vocals by BeMyFiasco, and a steady beat that keeps the passion of the song going. Lyrically, they do not hold back from describing the intensity of wanting to be with someone. The translation between the songwriting and the energy created sonically is moving, “Seems like it’s been a while now / I found a smile now.”

supernAtural by dye

Sonically unique, dye is an artist creating multi-faceted music that cannot be confined to just one genre. With harrowing drums enticing the listener, “supernAtural” contains a piercing guitar alongside the whispered vocals that feel haunting. The build-up to the chorus is slow and does not prepare you for the gritty belting as the drums come crashing in powerfully. In the outro, you hear a distant electric guitar and echoed vocals ending the song memorably. 

Devotion by Caius

This electronic house track contains layers of different elements in music to create a feel-good sound. The tempo is upbeat and groovy as the repeating lyrics continue through the musical journey produced by Caius. Beautiful keys trickle in and out as the vocals change from a soft to a deeper octave. The bass creates an infectious rhythm that only makes the listener want to dance more as the distortion settles, “You give us love and devotion.”

New Music Monday #33

loner by Night Tapes

A dreamy hypnotic sound engulfs you while listening to “loner” by Night Tapes. In the discomfort of solitude, the lyricism expresses that longing to be with someone. Punchy drums, a soft guitar, and airy synths cultivate this hazy atmosphere. The vocals are light and echoey which beautifully contrasts the darker lyrics, while the melody personifies the feeling of chasing after something, “All I had to do was ask you to stay here with me / All I knew how to be was lonely.”

Cool by Joely June

A soft indie pop track with introspective songwriting and a feel-good melody. Gliding acoustic guitar strums carry Joely’s resonant voice to the chorus as the rhythm progresses with an electric guitar. Profound drums intensify the energy of the track alongside her vulnerability shown within the lyricism. Sonically speaking the track has an infectious melody with impressive vocals that make you want to sing along, “I’m just a kid with a crush at school / and I’ll never be as cool.”

S!CK by The Warning

The song begins powerfully, with intense drums and an electric guitar riff thundering in. The title of the song is screamed into the mic throughout as the rest of the lyrics express discontent with their current reality. Vocals are rich and haunting with evocative songwriting that leaves a mark. The alt-rock production is passionate with an emphasis on turning a lackluster mindset into striking lyrical imagery, “Wanna taint the color ‘til it’s faded and gone / Bleeding just to feel alive.”

Dead Poets by FODÉ

What started as a parody song that went viral on TikTok, turned into a unique musical masterpiece! With lyrics that begin as confusing and quirky, slowly transition to intriguing storytelling. The track's guitar trickles in and the momentum picks up along collapsing drums and a heavy bass. High energy is excluded and sparkling keys create this special sonic experience. The outro features a voicemail and unified shouting from the trio, “You can pray for better days / But they won’t come, till you seize them / Carpe diem.”

I Wanna Go To The City by The Thing

Local NYC indie rock band, The Thing, recently released their new album The Thing Is, assembling a mix of lively rock tracks. “I Wanna Go To The City”  is dynamic and spirited with electrifying guitar solos and crashing drums. Vocals are strong as they fade in delivering engaging lyricism. Mid-way through the song there’s an instrumental build-up that only picks up as the lead vocalist's energy becomes palpable. The musical production immerses the listeners in the world of indie rock.

ice by Erika de Casier (feat. They Hate Change)

This track, filled with classic R&B elements, is about a person’s unpredictability in a relationship. The songwriting is open and honest, putting their heart out on the table. A smooth beat keeps the tempo mellow as They Hate Change enters with an assertive cadence confronting the wavering individual. An electro-distortion plays beside Erika’s softly sung vocals, “Hot and cold, you're so indecisive / Falling harder every time you ghost me.”

Words Better Left Unsaid by american woman

Alluring vocals captivate you deep into the song’s storytelling—another indie rock band filled with vitality and talent. Blistering guitar riffs and powerful drums play behind the lead vocalist, Cera Carino’s, longing voice. The melody is upbeat and catchy as the lyrics contrast a heavy tone with a deep bass backing it up, “Tell me you’re different now, You’ll never let me down.”

New Music Monday #32

You by HALFnHALF

Sonically mesmerizing, “You” is a gorgeous track about remaining faithful to one person. The vocal harmonies are heavenly and perfectly encapsulate the soulful energy produced. Guitar strums and a heavy bass mix seamlessly with the beat and alternating vocals. A chill track that contains many impressive musical elements creating a beautiful listening experience, “And I’m always in my own way / But I’m trying babe.”

Apollo by Slow Fiction

An enticing guitar riff draws you in as the track begins and lead vocalist, Julia Vassallo’s airy voice carries you to the end. In this track, the heavy drums, deep bass, and punchy guitar all match the energy of the sorrowful lyricism. I find the connection between the aggressive and upbeat rhythm with the track's title, “Apollo” (God of music, sunlight, etc.) beautiful. It depicts how the idealized version we create of someone is not real, that they are not a God after all, “And I always thought that I knew how to sing / But you were my voice, now I don’t know anything.”

Divine by VENUS GRRRLS

Forceful, bold, and exciting all describe the new single by VENUS GRRRLS. An all-girl alt-rock band (already awesome) creating music that's in your face yet poised within its musicality. The lead vocals are seductive and powerful alongside piercing electric guitars, thundering drums, and enticing synths. The lyrics are intrepid, giving an empowering energy to the track, “An angel born upon the sky / I really wanna get to know him / He's so divine.”

Babe U Hear Thunder in Your Heart by Arsun

A melody reminiscent of Bob Dylan, Arsun has released a classic folk track with musical components of the blues. The songwriting is vivid and imaginative whilst telling a story with a twang of his guitar. Leaving room for guitar riffs and strong drum solos strengthened the energy of the song and showcased his unique talent, “Yes, you try to spit out the truth / But what dribbles down your chin / Ain't the truth in the end.”

train station tears by mela

Dreamy and hypnotizing, “train station tears” is an underground treasure. The vocal performance by mela is soft but moving, delivering lines of transparency. As the tempo slows down there is a consistent bass and trickle of keys hidden behind whispers. The outro is the hook slowed and echoed, ending on a spellbinding note, “Can’t get myself to stop mourning / it seems that this chapter is due / You know I never meant to disappoint you.”

THE LIGHT by LANDEL

A serene R&B track with impressive lyricism in the rap. LANDEL has perfected his craft in making profound art that is both enjoyable and inspiring. The skill in musicality is clear within the smooth transitions, rhythm, and vocal performance. Throughout the entire song, you can’t help but nod along and just vibe, “Swear they only love you when you living the life / Take a little time for just taking your time.”

Stones & Waves by Elias Hix

A deeply moving track that feels existential yet healing. Elias Hix has created a song filled with an intense musical production of melancholy and lyricism of dark symbolism. Echoing sounds of instrumentals rise along with the quickened pace of the acoustic guitar strum. His deep voice leaves you transfixed, deeply contemplating the lyrics, “Heavy arms and open wounds / Lone you stand on coast of laves / Stones are thrown, but we move like waves.”