“Nine Lives” by Odie Leigh: Reflecting on the Cost of Love
“Nine Lives” revolves around a central metaphor that makes the song uniquely charming, while also perfectly capturing the melancholy of heartbreak. In the song, Odie Leigh reflects on the progression of a relationship – the stages of falling in love and then falling apart. As the song opens, she is fully entranced, ready to share […]
“Just Like a River” by Jenny Berkel: Lovely, Free-Flowing Folk
In “Just Like A River,” Berkel experiences a ripple on the still surface of her life, caused by an intriguing new face. The song feels like a meditative reflection, in which she seeks to reach and merge herself with this fated connection. In a press release, Berkel explained, “’Just Like a River’ started as a […]
“New Animals” by Blonde Bones: Catchy, Psych-y Indie Pop
Blonde Bones are Nashville natives, though I wouldn’t have guessed by their synth heavy, psych-pop inspired music. However, I suppose any sound can belong to Music City. During my first visit, I attended a Tame Impala concert at Ascend amphitheater, Nashville’s waterfront jewel. Learning about Blonde Bones’ origins and enjoying the colors in “New Animals,” […]
“Paintings” by Federico Ruzza: Music to Fall in Love With
It’s rare, but sometimes we fall in love with music. While some songs are pleasant to listen to, and you may even learn to love them over time, others strike you upon the first listen and follow you from that moment onwards. I’m sure you can recall the moment you discovered your favorite band at […]
“Subway Song” by Guest Rooms: City Melancholy
“Subway Song” takes you on a melancholic ride, as the track evokes feelings of nostalgia and is conducive to personal contemplation. It opens with drums that reverberate in the distance until acoustic guitar moves the listener in closer. Upon entering his world, you’ll faintly hear a soundbite of a subway platform announcement, warning you to […]
“Before Winter” by Ryan Revta: Cold and Warmth, All in One
“Before Winter” is cozy and delicately intricate. There is a richness in the song’s texture – if you pay attention, you’ll notice new harmonies and details upon every listen. I like the variety in the instrumentation, as the song opens with rhythmic guitar that continues steadily while strings and piano fade in and out. The […]
“The Bench” by Jeni Schapire: Haunting Ambient Pop About Trauma
“The Bench” is a sensual and hauntingly ethereal track – the kind you’d listen to when you’re lost in thought and memories, evading a restful night’s sleep. Schapire paints a vivid picture of a moment that repeatedly confronts her mind’s eye. Certain memories follow you long after they’re born, sometimes leading you to imagine an […]
“Hymns Forgot” by Party of the Sun: Bright, Thoughtful Indie Folk
Upbeat, sunny, and lush, this track is an essential add to your summer road trip playlist. Upon hitting play, “Hymns Forgot” draws you in with a smoothly descending riff that suddenly blends into an acoustic, rhythmic sound loop. The intro pulls at your attention, while the song’s optimistic tone and effortless flow throughout entices you […]
“Hopeless Thing” by Reese W.: Lovely and Bittersweet
For me, “Hopeless Thing” emulates the lingering afterglow that belongs only to summer evenings, as twangy guitar lines pulse over steady acoustics like fireflies sparking up a dark blue atmosphere. Reese W.’s voice provides the warmth in this scene, as his candid charm and raw expression reflects the likes of Father John Misty. The instrumentals […]
Pom Poms’ Jessie Payo on “Desperate Love” and Cinematic Influences
In “Desperate Love,” the sweetness of Jessie Payo’s classic sounding voice floats atop surf rock-esque guitar lines, and there’s a palpable yearning in her delivery of the song’s honest and beautifully evocative lyrics. Longing and wait, anticipate Smell the gardenias blooming This line depicts the slow and sudden growth of love, as Payo paints a […]
