Now Listening: This Week's Tracks

 

Freedom Fry - “Dreamland”

For indie-pop duo Freedom Fry (Marie Seyrat and Bruce Driscoll), 2023 was a year of singles. Starting with “If The World Was Mine” in February, they’ve released nine singles, the tenth and final of the year being “Dreamland”. It’s a relaxed love song epitomizing this past decade’s resurgence of 80s guitar pop in the indie scene. The lyrics are easy to follow: “Now I’m walking in a dreamland far away / Yeah, I’m so far away / Ever since I met you now / I go walking in a dreamland”. Overall, the track shows off the classic Freedom Fry sound that is melodious and digestible. The duo’s music has previously been featured in the horror film M3GAN (2023) and Apple TV+’s Lovely Little Farm.

Bambi O’Hara - “Swing Set”

"Swing Set" by alt-pop artist Bambi O'Hara is a captivating glimpse into her upcoming debut EP, Stadium Love, set for release on January 24, 2024. The song explores the complexities of a passionate yet dysfunctional friendship with ethereal vocals and vivid lyricism. Accompanied by a self-directed VHS-shot music video, the track blends nostalgia, longing, and reminiscence. As Bambi O'Hara's debut EP approaches, her dreamy alt-pop promises to make her an artist to watch in the coming year.

britta raci - “embarrassing”

britta raci wrote “embarrassing” after a break up that she describes as “an anthem for anybody in the beginning stage of heartbreak—the first week of a breakup, just as I felt when I wrote it a week after I got dumped”. It opens with a dim guitar riff that allows raci’s low and almost conversational vocals drive the track toward a pop-rock chorus featuring catchy drums that add angst. The song takes listeners through the process of moving on (“I’ve got a far ways to wait / it’s hard but I’ll stay”), while recounting experiences from the past relationship, such as  the cover art itself which is a picture of raci’s leg tattoos that she sings about: “I took you for your first tattoo / And I got two on my legs for you / Now I can’t look at my own skin without crying”.

ratvibes.only - “love lives in a room”

"love lives in a room" by ratvibes.only, is a sweet and resonant ode to the intricacies of love. As a debut single, it effortlessly captures the essence of unapologetic self-expression and celebrating authenticity, echoing the artist's ethos. The track's inspiration drawn from a profound friendship paints an evocative and nostalgic portrait of love's deepest and most inexplicable forms. ratvibes.only's unique ability to translate complex emotions into music is evident in this melodious, heartfelt debut. "love lives in a room" is a charming introduction to an artist unafraid to showcase her true self and emotions through their music.

PALE MOON - “SPAGHETTI”

"Spaghetti" by Pale Moon is a delightful sonic journey that dances on the fringes of funk, pop, indie, and soul. This Icelandic indie pop duo, Árni & Nata, known collectively as Pale Moon, continues to captivate audiences with their genre-blurring artistry. In this single, their musical prowess shines, with a playful and groovy melody that's as fun as its title suggests. The track's eclectic blend keeps you guessing, making it a refreshing addition to their repertoire. "Spaghetti" exemplifies Pale Moon's signature sound, one that defies easy categorization but consistently delivers a memorable and enjoyable listening experience. It's the kind of song that's impossible not to move to, a testament to their talent and creativity.

AWFULTUNE - “MALWARE”

"Malware" by awfultune is a poignant departure from recent pop sounds, taking us back to the artist's indie roots while delving into a deeply personal and relatable theme. This introspective track vividly portrays the artist's journey through therapy and the maze of mental health struggles. awfultune bares it all, sharing the raw and honest emotions of feeling profoundly self-aware of one's issues and the accompanying weight of not having all the answers. The song is a haunting reminder of the days when it feels like there's a computer virus lurking in one's mind, plaguing their thoughts.

awfultune's "Malware" is an emotionally charged and relatable piece that captures the essence of grappling with mental health, a song that strikes a chord with anyone who has ever wished for an external "scan" to eliminate their inner demons for good.

 

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