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.”

New Music Monday #31

eat me alive by alessi rose

A song embodying the burning feeling of having a crush. The metaphors embedded in the track brilliantly bring it to life with a contagious melody. Alessi’s vocals are demanding yet soothing while being layered during the chorus breaks. Intense drums further bring out the passion behind the song's meaning. A perfect pop track to scream along to if you also struggle with obsessive tendencies…, “I'd leave me for dеad if you ever said that you'd wanna be minе.”

Letting Things Go by Vulfmon and Evangeline

A soft track to play while getting ready in the morning to remind you that letting go is okay! Soulful sounds infuse the song with captivating keys and Evangeline’s relaxing vocals beautifully deliver lines of high self-regard. A steady beat keeps the song flowing with calming hums throughout, “So if you love me then let it show / Cause I’ve been getting good at letting things go.”

Maktub by Gary Clark Jr.

Genre-bending artists continue to capture my interest and Gary Clark Jr. is just the one to talk about. ”Maktub” contains a multitude of musical elements and instruments which go to make this song so special. An invigorating electric guitar strum begins the track strong with Jr.’s commanding voice. The production and songwriting further show his prowess in the musical world and how he continues to break boundaries, “You can't stop the message / Life's for sale, pay attention.”

See you soon by Wisp

A dreamy melody and airy vocals blended with devotional lyricism capture the feelings of one-sided love. Eerie guitar strums start and as the thundering drums enter, so does the whispered singing. Her lyrics are deeply vulnerable as she begs for more time with her specific person. As the tension of the song builds there is a breakdown of instrumentals that summons a plethora of emotions as she finishes the song with, “To fall so fast for someone who may never last.” 

One Night/All Night by Justice & Tame Impala

A collaboration where both artists’ musical expertise is unmistakably present. With Justice bringing in more of the funky techno elements, Tame Impala’s kaleidoscopic disco/pop dexterity creates a groovy musical blend. Basslines that feel perfectly overpowering are paired with bright synths making a psychedelic experience (on par with Tame Impala’s usual sound). It’s not entirely definable by one artists’ genre, which makes it more enjoyable.

HISS by Megan Thee Stallion

One thing about Megan is she does not GAF. Her lyricism is bold and proves her confidence, while also showcasing her songwriting talent. The track starts with just Megan rapping on top of an ominous piano key, but then the beat gradually speeds up, and so does her flow. In “HISS”, she is talking directly to all those who have been talking down on her name, and she seems to do it with ease. While the beat stays consistent, Megan switches up her flow and tempo throughout to keep up on our toes, “Every chance you get, bet your weak ass won't address me / Bitches swear they G, but the G must stand for goofy.”

Tightrope by Quarters of Change

Provocative electric guitars and roaring drums start the song off strong alongside clever lyricism. The songwriting is honest and delves into the situation of having to be okay with all the complexities of a relationship not working out. As the chorus builds the drums, guitar, and bass become more powerful further amplifying the passion. The last chorus with frontman, Ben Roter’s, captivating vocals and just the guitar riff complete the rock song in its entirety, “Resolute now to ignore / I stand there, ask that question / "What was it all for?"