Max Embers’ “got to get you” Is a Reminder That the Search Is Okay
As humans, we seem to be constantly on the search for who we truly are. “Finding yourself” is a popular idea – something, in fact, that we’re told to seek out. Max Embers’ “Got To Get You” expresses the anxiety around this idea, and brings us inside his brain at a self-reflective moment. He asks: […]
Joey Hines on “How to Love and How to Be Let Down”
The first thing that strikes you about “How to Love and How to Be Let Down,” a lovely, heartfelt new song by Vegas-based Joey Hines, is the vocals. The song is built on a doo wop chord progression, which already points things in a tender sort of direction, but there’s tender and then there’s this: […]
Find Your Inner Animal with LUMP’s “Climb Every Wall”
Playful, eccentric, electronic, and intriguing are the best four words to describe LUMP’s new track from their upcoming album Animal. At the beginning of the song, there’s this almost 1980’s-sounding synthetic beat that you can’t help but just bounce your foot to. Animal is LUMP’s second album to be released, the product of London singer-songwriter […]
“moon girlfriend” by Spilly Cave: Deceptively Deep Bedroom Pop
When I first listened to “moon girlfriend” by bedroom indie pop artist Spilly Cave, I misunderstood the song. I sat on my back porch with my earbuds in, watching the trees glitter and the sun move across the yard, and I latched onto the song’s reoccuring lyrical mantra: “When shit gets cold, I’m okay.” I […]
Tailor-Made, Rascal Miles: The Perfect Fit
The expression “tailor-made” is defined as made or fitted to a particular purpose with a tailor’s care and style. It’s created to fit the needs or specifications of a particular situation, object or person making it seem as though it was made that way. And in honor of June approaching, Rascal Miles “Tailor-Made” accentuates this […]
“Heron” by Tweed: A Meditation on the Natural World
Tweed’s single “Heron” follows the journey of a bird flying into the next season, or chapter of life. The Auckland folk band’s slow, rhythmic song set to grounding guitar changes mimics the feel of the heron soaring free in the air, while still knowing where it’s from. As the lyrics written by the trio tell […]
“Free” by The Shelter and Clemente Castillo: Fresh, Catchy Indie Pop
A popping guitar riff, pulsing bass, coupled with silvery vocals that overlay the track, make “Free” by The Shelter a song to come back to again and again. The Mexican band, formed in January 2020 by three musicians: Elias Gameros (vocals), Javier Orduña (guitar), and Hector Chan (drums), is making waves in the Mexican music […]
“Shady Lane” by the Masterminds: A DIY Indie Tune
Coming in with a home-spun indie feel, The Masterminds have released a new track titled “Shady Lane” that blends folk rock with elements of DIY garage bands. “Shady Lane” purposefully creates a textured sound that comes off as muddled and low fi, complementing the lyrical content. The music on this track contributes to the garage […]
Gal Musette on “Honeymoon,” Her New Album, and Romantic Realism
The sounds of dream pop are usually used to convey a sort of blissful, starry-eyed romanticism–think Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You,” Cocteau Twins’ “Heaven or Las Vegas,” or the Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” an important forerunner of the dream pop sound. Gal Musette, also known as the California-based singer-songwriter Grace Freeman, has steeped herself in […]
“Breathe” by Paponeireau: A Gentle Reminder to Find Peace
While the world is occupied with decisions, consequences, desires and challenges, it is easy to lose sight of who you are. Without taking the time out of the day to revisit your goals and purpose, oftentimes you forget to ground ourselves in the midst of life. Thankfully, Paponeireau is here to remind us to breathe. […]
