New Music Monday #30

Neon Pill by Cage The Elephant

A classic song for Cage The Elephant to return to the music scene with. With a continuous drum beat, stunning guitar riffs, and a layered production, “Neon Pill” is the alternative track fans have anticipated. Its melody is nostalgic to their previous work, but still leaves room for musical expansion. With metaphors hiding behind the song's true meaning, the lyricism is intriguing and catchy, “Stitched, patched up and sewed in / I'll probably see you again.”

Wish You Were Dead by Lola Young

Bold lyricism and captivating vocals, Lola Young has released the ultimate anger/revenge track. A myriad of instrumentals blend together beautifully to create this angsty, powerful energy. An electrifying guitar, a deep bass, and crashing drums further amplify all of the feelings Young expresses in the song, “I’ll forget all of the awful things you’ve ever said / And, oh, we can pretend that we’re in love.”

Effortlessly by Aqyila

Truly enticing vocals feel effortless when sung by Aqyila. Her lyricism shows optimism and faith for all the good that is to come in life. This song is full of uplifting affirmations and beautiful harmonies, creating a serene atmosphere. A guitar strum, sick drums, and light horns in the back create a worthwhile listen, “I choose my thoughts like I'm choosing my clothes / Everything that's meant to be will just flow / I am like water, I float through the growth.”

Diosa by Kali Uchis

A song that acts as a morning mantra to those to love affirmations. Kali Uchis has shown her musical expertise with her new album ORQUÍDEAS which contains songs of varying genres. With a continuous beat, and a hidden inclusion of horns, her songwriting is uplifting and powerful to those listening, “It's what I deserve, soy un beneficio a tu salud / Cuando estoy feliz, that's why you'll do whatever for me.”

we don’t move by BADMIND

Musically captivating, “we don’t move” contains interesting elements in its production that make this track special. With two supporting vocalists, the chorus has a continuous catchy beat and rhythm that slows down as it transitions to the next singer. The songwriting depicts the feeling of the unknown after the end of a relationship, “I don’t know if I should call / I forgot about it all.”

INFATUATION by I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

A groovy beat with remarkable instrumentals to make you get up and dance. The beginning is smooth with rising vocals, steady drums, dazzling keys, and horns that reel the listener in. The exciting melody and alluring harmonies only elevate the desire shown in the lyricism, “You’re my latest sick obsession (need you now).”

Over You by Vacations

A simple yet lovely classic indie track with a hint of lo-fi pop. With chill drums, a funky guitar riff, and distinct vocals, the song embraces the obsession of being in love. The lyrics are clever and show true devotion to one, “Swing like a pendulum / Every breath with you is adrenaline.”

New Music Monday #29

yes, and? by Ariana Grande

Our deeply missed pop princess has returned to music with a completely new sound compared to her last album release back in 2020. Something exciting about this drop is the electro-pop/house beat Grande has implemented. The uplifting melody along with her lyrics warding off any critics, makes this song THE empowering anthem we’ve been anxiously waiting for. Bright synths, a groovy beat, and dazzling keys, “yes, and?” is the perfect comeback song, “Your business is yours and mine is mine / Why do you care so much whose d*** I ride?”

Sun/Son by Jhené Aiko

With beautiful harmonies and angelic keys, Aiko’s new release is dedicated to her son. Her lyricism has always been nothing short of profound, however, in this track the lyricism is a beautiful metaphor depicting her love and appreciation for her baby boy. Soulful vocals deliver the heavenly lines connecting the actual sun to her son, “Face to the clouds like a ray of love / No doubt about it, you charge me up.”

Dead Butterflies by Kid Bloom

A soft guitar strum, steady beat, and glittery synths carry the relaxed vocals throughout the track, taking the listener on a psychedelic trip. The song has a groovy feel while simultaneously delivering metaphoric lyrics that show the chaotic emotions felt after going back to an ex. Kid Bloom's vocals are gently sung alongside the mix of instrumentals that make the song as transformative as it is, “I bit the bullet but it bit me back (I guess I deserve that).”

Hang Me Out to Dry by Kyle Dion

Songwriting filled with truth, Kyle Dion’s lyrical prowess in being vulnerable is highlighted on this track. Soulful elements make up what the song is with a rich percussion lightly heard, soft guitar chords, and gentle drums. This paired with Dion's vocals sung in a higher register creates a catchy song, “Waiting all day in the sun for you / I hope it don’t rain in my point of view.”

Turn out the Light by Flamingos in the Tree

Indie rock band, Flamingos in the Tree, have released their title track EP, a track which makes me feel nostalgic for something I’ve never even experienced. “Turn out the Light” is a soft rock song about yearning for someone after the relationship has already ended. An electric guitar and thundering drums finish out the song, leaving a finality to its story, “Longing to be here with you / Only see shades of blue without you.”

if you didnt want me by Sipper

A hectic beat with pulsating synths, “if you didnt want me” is the frenzy techno song of the week. Beneath the chaos of the song, the lyrics delve into the theme of unrequited love while having the beat drop on hard-hitting lyrics. The contrast between the fast-paced rhythm and the dispirited songwriting creates an interesting vibe of an upbeat yet sad track, “Always letting you down / Never letting you go.”

Half of forever by Henrik

The message of dedication within the borders of love is greater than anything else. Lyrically and vocally powerful, artist Henrik has created a folk track that has booming drums and a strong guitar carried throughout. While the energy of devotion is understood through the lyrics, it is also felt through the melody and moving vocals, “Wherever you go / I’d give up half of forever (x2).”

New Music Monday #28

run away girl by Alice Merton

Upbeat and musically evocative, “run away girl” is lyrically raw. The build-up to each chorus with strong drums and Merton’s demanding vocals is exciting and creates an almost overwhelmingly reassuring feeling. The track’s lyrics tackle the difficulty of contemplating one’s life’s purpose and navigating where to go. The melody is beautifully infectious with instrumentals that captivate you until the very end, “But I came so far to get lost at sea / Oh where the hell am I supposed to be?”

Cry Baby (feat. Lord Apex) by Brad stank

Incorporating alternative, R&B, and jazz components, Brad stank has released another track that pushes the boundaries of a singular genre. His deep silky vocals deliver a rap alongside a sickening guitar. Lord Apexs’ flow with the beat is effortless, further showing the exceptional talent the song is infused with. The outro is a luscious saxophone, allowing for a tranquil end to the track, “Flows is kinda foul just like embezzlement, intelligent / But still ain't got the bezzle in.”

Kool-Aid by Bring Me The Horizon

An unsparing start to the song, the punk rock/metal band is making their comeback known loud and clear. With crashing drums and intoxicating electric guitars, the track is overpowering in every sense of the word. An oscillating beat and intense screams added in, “Kool-Aid” has daunting lyricism whilst incorporating instrumentals that keep the melody consistent throughout, “The void is a vampire, fat on our blood / Domesticated like a cat in a cage.”

Lilly by LOVA

A beautifully heartbreaking and deeply vulnerable song. LOVA allows us, the listener, in on an emotionally honest track that’s filled with a myriad of feelings only she could understand. While the song comes from her own experience, her songwriting creates an open space for others to also relate to. The acoustic guitar and gentle vocal harmonies create the heartfelt song of “Lilly”, “Maybe I was wrong for thinking you were indestructible, that you don’t get emotional / Lilly, I’m so sorry.”

Ezekiel’s Wheel by Erick the Architect and George Clinton

Lyricism that takes you through the mind of Erick the Architect, with alluring storytelling along the groovy melody– with help from funk master George Clinton. The track is infused with origins of hip-hop, funk, and soul, which further showcases the musical expertise of both artists. A hypnotic, psychedelic song with a rap delivery of passion and lyrics of poetry, “Can't repel what's in my head, I jot in thought and form and speech / Some say it's poetry, some say it's ESP.”

Lifeboat by Tim Atlas and Raphael Future

Mesmerizing melodies mixed with harmonies and relaxed drums create a special atmosphere while listening to “Lifeboat”. Gentle vocals enter with a groovy beat alongside a distinctive guitar strum. The intriguing imagery in the songwriting summons the thought-provoking metaphor of ultimately sinking from life, “Something’s gotta give out / We’re just a memory, shadows of our past selves floating away.”

Wasted Youth by goddard. and Cat Burns

The house/edm producer collaborating with genre-bending Cat Burns gives us a track that’s definitely going to be a hit at the club. Burns’ strong vocals carry throughout the song seamlessly as the beat progressively quickens before the drop and synths enter in heavily. Lyrically, it’s a catchy song that’s both relatable and easily enjoyable with a stellar melody.