New Music Monday #18

Dancer by IDLES & LCD Soundsystem

Thrilling strings at the start of the track grab your attention as it transitions into heavy drums and a sick guitar riff. The delivery of the compelling lyrics is haunting while thundering through speakers. “Dancer” is a track that feels like one too many things are happening at once in the best way possible, creating an opportunity to dance or mosh– depending on what you prefer. The track expresses the intimacy of being on the dancefloor with another person, all that is seen and felt up close, “Push me away like I’m Lucifer, so to speak / My focus is on the cocoa butter running down your neck”.

bella by EKKSTACY

The song starts off with the lyrics "Don't even know her name” but upon further listening we’re suddenly singing along to “Bella”. The theme of the song feels full of the frustration behind longing for someone and trying to convince yourself you don’t want them. The indie-alt song has a heavy bass, strong drums, and an electric guitar that continues through the catchy chorus. Vocals accentuate this angsty feeling through the story-telling of the mysterious ‘bella’.

A Night To Remember by beabadoobee & Laufey

A seductive jazzy track, Bea and Laufey are a match made in musical heaven. Hypnotizing lyrics pull you in with gorgeous keys and strings that give the sensual feeling Bea and Laufey were aiming for. Both artists' vocals are special in their own way, but working together it’s like they were made to make music together. A sophisticated take on essentially a one-night stand, “All wrapped up in embers / It was a night / Enchanting night to remember”.

GLOW by MICHELLE

Bubbly and light, “GLOW” embodies all that is a fun indie-pop song with a different meaning behind it. The drums carry through the dazzling synth keys along with the bass creating a bouncy track to dance along to. The soft vocals and harmonies contrast with the vibrant instrumentals showcasing the band’s creative expertise in production. Everything about the track exudes excitement and ease, “Zoom in on the action / Get a little glow”.

What Should I Do? by Kevin Abstract

Everything about this song is eclectic from the use of instrumentals, the lyricism, and the way Abstract performs. It sets off a sense of intrigue about the meaning behind the song as he rap-sings through. An acoustic guitar riff plays behind the storyline of love and trying to move on. The bridge is full of “Ba-ba-ba”s until the end of the track with the instruments completing the artistry of the entire song. The drums and electric guitar are strong yet chill and elicit a head nod til the song ends.

Whispers In The Echo Chamber by Chelsea Wolfe

Hauntingly mesmerizing, the track begins with an eerie feeling and whispered vocals by Wolfe. Perfect timing to release such a track during the Halloween season, so there is just enough time for you to add it to your spooky playlist. Synths and electronic distortions create this mysterious and almost chilling feel within the instrumentals. Wild drums take over the end of the song leaving you astonished, “Surrounded by living ghosts, you see / I thought I had to swallow them before they swallowed me”.

The Tower by Future Islands

The known synthpop group added a bit of rock to their recent track “The Tower”. A heavy bass is heard throughout with the raspy vocals and a steady drum beat. It’s a feel-good groovy song with an interesting production. The lyrics are pensive and riveting, making it difficult to decide what grasps your attention first, the moving melody or the captivating songwriting, “Tell myself, ‘It’s nothing,’ when it’s quite right / Everything grows stronger in the light.”

New Music Monday #17

Backwards Walker by La Prave

The song being just about 5 minutes, it’s nothing short of an out-worldly, transcendent experience. Fascinating lyrics keep you engaged with an absorbing bass and guitar to tie together with the smooth vocals. The digital experimentation of instruments blends effortlessly with synths throughout, leaving you with a tranquilizing feel, “And from the bottom, endless autumn / Leaving space for what was left of my perpetual problem”.

Dead 2 Me (So Naïve) by Cafuné

Calming instrumentals and a peaceful melody contradict the bitter lyrics superbly. The storytelling through the lyrics is captivating and relatable. Retelling the time a love was once good, but the reflection on the past shows the truth of being naïve. Singer-songwriter Sedona Schat and producer Noah Yoo make up Cafuné, and their work together is constantly ravishing. Schat’s glistening vocals float beautifully alongside the instrumentals, “You invented me / Had me orbiting / Now you’re dead to me / I was so naïve”.

Doom by hyderdaze

Sleek electro-pop duo hyderdaze has created a track that is mysterious and distinctive. “Doom” is a quick listen that’s bouncy and disruptive pulling you in with its tantalizing lyrics. A dizzying contortion in production and layered effects keep the song lively making it the ideal song you’d hear out at the bar. Bass-heavy and sharp drums mixed with husky vocals further amplify the song's excellence.

Name of God by Mustafa

Soft raspy vocals paired with a consistent guitar strum might be one of my favorite combinations in a song. Mustafa has written a raw, heart-wrenching track, added a gorgeous melody, and sang like no tomorrow. Something is so special about a track that consists of mostly an acoustic guitar and enchanting vocals, yet still feels like it's puncturing my heart. The songwriting dealing with existentialism leaves the track feeling very delicate, “And every letter of fire, you read me when I’m tired / It’s replaying as a choir”.

Invisible Hand by ††† (Crosses)

A unique track embracing the different specialties within various genres. Instrumentals remain numerous as the band incorporates an alternative/rock vibe with electronic elements, embracing the genre-defying title. A complex production further escalates the stirring lyrics and invites intrigue for the rest of the song. The track evokes a mystical feeling within, but captivates the listener to continue listening, “The rules are few and empty / Drip out of your heart / Reach out of your cell”.

10, 9, 8, 7 (feat. D Smoke) by Quincey White

Vulnerable and honest, this track is artistically told with lyrics that are evocative and clever. Quincey takes us through his experiences growing up alongside a hypnotic melody that carries the catchy chorus. D Smoke adds a feverish delivery with an undeniable flow that adds something special to the song. Overall the beat summons a head nod while appreciating the lyricism throughout.

Into The Walls by Griff

A beautiful track about the complexities of emotions felt during early adulthood and Griff perfectly encapsulates it through her songwriting. A fluid pop song that feels dreamy because her vocals deliver every line with ease yet power. The song contains layers of beats and instrumentals that combine smoothly with her harmonies during the chorus, “Oh, today, I don't feel like talkin' / Oh, soak me into the walls / And I'll just watch the world go”.

New Music Monday #16

Practice (feat. Saba) by Jamila Woods

Groovy and energetic, “Practice” is a feel-good vibey song perfect for your chill playlists. The songwriting is bold, clever, and honest, giving devotion to one person all beside a lovely tune that feels reminiscent of 80’s soul-pop songs. The song touches on the issue some might have where we forget to live in the moment within our romantic relationships, and the lyrics dive into the idea that we can learn and grow from that together. The track is simultaneously energetic and soothing blending into musical heaven, “Got more patience than a tree grow / Got love that feels like a cheat code”.

Planet Express by Cuco

Cuco has released another song filled with more emotion than one can merely describe. The melody feels like a lullaby, with a stunning array of instrumentals paired with Omar Banos’s vocals. The usual bedroom pop artist has delivered that again with the songwriting being painfully beautiful altogether. The yearning for a past lover is expressed in a way that only Cuco could do, while the drums, synths, and electronic keys within the song further make it as special as it is, “Drowning in sorrow on all the lost beautiful days”.

Swinging at the Stars by Claire Rosinkranz

Hitting play instantly begins a listening experience of invigorating liveliness. Claire has an energetic kick to her voice on this track that perfectly matches the meaning behind the song. The song feels exactly what it’s like to be young and excited to experience all that the world has to offer. It’s a classic feel-good indie-pop song that makes you want to dance around while singing to the witty lyrics, strong drums, and delicate harmonies throughout, “Falling into you and your wild embrace // Wanna be tired when I get to my grave”.

How’s It Gonna End? by Aiden Bissett

A gentle guitar strum and soft vocals introduce you to the start of the song. “How’s It Gonna End?” uses simplistic instrumentals with thoughtful lyricism drawing you in. Hitting the two-minute mark Bissett raises his voice and preps us for the build-up of repeating drums and guitar riffs. Piano keys meld it all together until the song crashes like waves on the shore, “Taking your time / Living on a landslide / Heaven in a goodbye”.

WORTH IT by Offset & Don Toliver

This collaboration isn’t one I would say I’ve been expecting; however, I can say I’m glad it happened. Offset’s verses are him in his bag while Don Toliver carries the chorus in his R&B expertise. It’s a steady beat alongside both artists, whose chemistry works well throughout, creating a chill track just in time for cuffing season. While it’s more lowkey, the vibes given off by the artists are palpable, talking about relationship problems, expensive items, and trust issues, “The message says delivered, so what you delayin’ for? / You think I’m out fuckin’ around, I’m in the studio”.

unconditional by Miki Ratsula

An intimate love song about giving and showing your all to someone while not feeling judged or othered by them. Miki Ratsula’s vocals are dreamy and fuse effortlessly with the soft guitar strums and distant trumpets. The track is painfully gorgeous with a catchy melody and unforgettable harmonies. This being the last track on their new album i’ll be fine if i want to is the perfect way to wrap up an album full of introspective thoughts about every avenue in life (love, anger, pain, etc.) “‘Cause all I am and all you are / Is all that matters and all I need to know”.

Why Would I? By Fivio Foreign

Fivio Foreign completely owns this song with overtly self-assured lyrics putting him on top. Some say drill music/artists can be a hit or miss, but I think “Why Would I?’ embodies everything a drill song is. While the track itself is short, Fivio Foreign’s flow is unapologetically smooth and quick-paced, “Why would I trip over internet posts? (Why would I?)”.