Kyle Meadows’ Moody Acoustic Hymn, ‘A Case of You’
A palate cleanser offers a neutral flavor that helps one remove the lingering essence of whatever came before it. In music, I like to think of acoustic guitar picking as the general aural equivalent. Not that it can’t stand out on its own or make for some of the most memorable melodies–it certainly has–but because […]
The Story of At Mission Dolores’ “Before the Rain”
Some days, it’s easy to get lost in thought. Thinking about the things you have to do tomorrow, what you ate for lunch, the inner mechanisms of the world, or that one embarrassing thing you did years ago that your brain will NEVER let you forget. Whatever those thoughts may be, it’s especially easy to […]
Bitter Calm Warns You: “Don’t Look Down”
In their own words, Bitter Calm writes “loud, slow songs about love and death, and they’ve never had so much fun.” The Alabama-based band formed in the wake of tragedy for founder Michael Harp as he grieved the loss of his father. I love the name “Bitter Calm,” obviously a play on the term “bitter […]
Ari’s Radikoj Does More – and Does It Well
I’ve always been a fan of artists and albums that try to do more. Yeah, I know that that’s a really broad statement. Here’s what I mean: I like when artists push up against the boundaries of convention in genre or song structure. I like when there’s intentionality behind work, when artists build on ideas […]
The Story Of American Trappist’s “Holy Moses”
There is a murky edge to American Trappist’s new single, “Holy Moses.” The song is as an acoustic showcase for American Trappist, whose previous tracks have been more electric and energetic. Yet there is something different about his new sound that works. I like experimentation in music, especially when artists take a multitude of influences […]
Dieter’s “Up and Down” Pairs Sultry Vibes with an Ode to Instability
Loneliness can feel self-imposed. After all, the solution is to simply go out and talk to people, right? But, it’s not a choice. And it’s not that easy. How can you be expected to connect with people when you can’t connect with yourself? Dieter’s new single “Up and Down” explores the themes of instability and […]
Diving Into Minru’s “Lakes”
Swedish indie artist Minru begins her single “Lakes” with a subtle bass line, leaving us wondering where the song might go from here. Initially, the song creates a sultry atmosphere, but soon develops into a dreamy folk pop number. As the song progresses, the instrumentation retains its minimalist approach while still accomplishing a full sound. […]
Experience Heartbreak “In This Dim Light” With Beverly Kills
While relationships are fun, many of us are bound to experience heartbreak in the form of breakups. They’re painful and involve a lot of tears, nights of little sleep, and a mixture of all sorts of emotions. To sum it up simply, breakups suck. Despite this, they’re a mess of an experience that can lead […]
Witness True Love in “High School” by AFTRHOURS
I am a girl. I am 20. I am dating. For me, it is the most regular occasion to daydream of an engagement, a marriage, lifelong love. So if I am being honest, I eat stories of love and romance for breakfast as I chug down my iced vanilla latte. In a lot of ways […]
Sean Kennedy’s “Young and Depressed” is for Everyone
The other day there was a pause in conversation with my therapist. I thought for a moment and then asked, “Is life hard?” She blinked and said, “Yes.” Some days she acknowledges that truth more than others. In my current valley, I am bombarded with this truth. Sometimes life can be sad. Life can be […]
