“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 […]
“Pressure Point” by Jordana : An Anti-Anxiety Anthem
In “Pressure Point,” Jordana embodies the pep talk that every anxious thinker has to give themselves when they start to lose control. It’s a song I can listen to in the middle of a panic attack and feel like I’m going to be okay. From start to finish, Jordana creates a grounding listening experience that […]
“My Love” by Florence + The Machine: Yearning for Lost Creativity
Writer’s block: Every writer’s worst enemy. In this catchy single from her upcoming album Dance Fever, Florence captures the crippling feeling of having emotions and ideas to share but not the words to share them. She expresses the anxiety associated with change and loss — all while making us dance. I was always able to write […]
Thom Yorke’s “5.17” Is Another Haunting, Mournful Soundtrack Contribution
Two members of Radiohead moonlight as excellent film score composers, although one is certainly more prolific than the other. Guitarist and string arranger Jonny Greenwood has become one of the most in-demand composers in the business, bringing a dissonant yet strangely elegant sound to the movies of (among others) Paul Thomas Anderson and Lynne Ramsay. […]
“Dark Thoughts About a Pretty Flower” by The Lovelines: The Life Cycle of Love
A synthesized xylophone chimes like a bell at midnight, before a smooth and jazzy drum beat kicks this seductive track into gear. The sultry tone is set immediately – we’re getting excited and perhaps moving our shoulders to the rhythm of the hot, bustling city night we have been sonically transported to. “Dark Thoughts About […]
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 […]
Skinny Dippers on “Wedding Ring”, Songwriting, and Their Vibe in Seven Words
“Wedding Ring” carries you through the feelings of attraction, embarrassment, and an epiphany tinged with regret. Ryan Gross, frontman of Brooklyn based project, Skinny Dippers, sunbathes in nostalgia as he reflects upon fond memories of a summer affair. Recollections of this encounter are shadowed by a subtle detail and startling realization. I won’t give it […]
HAIM’s “Lost Track”: Daydreaming in Pop
“Lost Track” is an exploration of losing control and the silent reflection that comes with it. It’s a soothing pop number with a relatable message about being who you are. My first impression of the song was that it put me in a sort of trance. The unison of bells – my favorite sound in […]
Plumes on “When I Walk In,” Classical Influences, and the Power of an Unplugged Phone
“When I Walk In” feels like an unexpectedly pleasant crossover episode as a whimsical blend of indie pop and classical music. The track feels current with its clean production and poignant, personal lyricism, while the simple ensemble of three instruments moves you like an intimate concert hall performance. Veronica Charnley of Plumes’ voice is paired […]
Nilüfer Yanya’s “The Dealer”: A Much-Needed Wake-Up Call
When I first saw that I would be reviewing “The Dealer,” I remember wondering what was being dealt in the song. Would it be cards? Cars? Drugs? Plot twist – it’s a wake-up call. Nilüfer Yanya is dealing an ice-cold glass of honesty and self-reflection. Initially, I didn’t know what to expect from this song. […]
