Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
By Kaitlyn Campbell, Rufaro Chiswo, Deja Magee & Lilah Phillips
Hyooman - “Kid”
We search for things like “home” and “love” in our adult lives, but oftentimes they feel like abstractions. And if they existed in the past, if they once felt tangible, it's almost inevitable to reminisce. “Kid,” the first single off Pilot by the band Hyooman, reflects a deep longing for the warm sentiments of being a child. It’s an attempt to reconnect with old friends and a younger, better version of oneself. The bright guitar part feels like it’s reaching for the past, but the listener can’t get there. For the Minnesota-based band and all of us, the months ahead are cold.
The Lazy Eyes - “Fuzz Jam”
An intoxicating blend of a moody baseline and zany synths that illuminate your speakers, The Lazy Eyes’ latest single “Fuzz Jam” is the perfect addition to this year’s fascinating catalogue of music. “Fuzz Jam” is a single that will be found on their upcoming debut album SongBook which is set for 2022. The track, according to vocalist and guitarist Harvey Geraghty is a bit of a departure from their usual “singing songy” tracks, and the second half of the song proves just that. From the hard hitting guitar riffs, hypnotic drums and baseline, all the way to the mid section that features a warped “wah wah” guitar line, the song gives the air of a controlled psilocybic haze, or “fuzz”, if you will. This is well adapted for the song’s visuals where Alexander O. Smith captures the free-following kaleidoscopic essence of the song with striking technicolor and trippy editing. The group is also set to tour with The Strokes as one of the opening acts during the Australia portion of their tour, so be sure to keep an eye on this impressive four-piece.
Pattern Pusher - “Another Girl”
The follow up to their recent single “Happy Place”, Pattern Pusher is back with “Another Girl”. The track straddles a gentle warmth soaked in the nostalgic familiarity of the slick funk-inspired guitars and a heartfelt ode to a girl who the lead vocalist Alex Johnstone sings is “so pastiche, so far out of my reach”. Pattern Pusher’s brand of retro pop shines particularly on this track because of its infectious energy and undeniable charms that will have you looping the song if only to retain the feeling you got from the first listen. “Another Girl” is a single from their project Sunrise EP which is set to release soon and is highly anticipated following the band’s coverage from BBC Radio 2 and being granted a spot on Liverpool FC’s Spotify playlist with their single “Happy Place”. Be sure to give the band a listen as we wait for their upcoming EP which is sure to fit perfectly in their radiant body of work.
Jack Rabbit - “Salem”
Jack Rabbit, the emotionally arresting duo consisting of Mo and Andy have released an unforgettable deep cut that poses the question “What do you do when the person you love most is the one most capable of hurt?” An incredible song that emanates ache and an unrestrained emotionality that is sublimely communicated in the duo's vocal performance and use of somber chords. “Salem” is a pensive country-folk slow burn that bursts into swelling rock-inspired bridge as the pair uninhibitedly sing “every good thing reminds me of you”. The song’s accompanying visuals are equally as stunning and deeply affecting. A highlight of the music video is the majority women production team that worked alongside director of photography, Patrick Naughter. If you are prepared for another heartbreaking track that is well-paced and so easy to adore, Jack Rabbit’s next single is to be released on the 12th of November.
Boy Willows - “What The Hell Is That”
From the beginning of the track with its plucky guitar strings to Boy Willows’ soft and sincere voice, “What the Hell is That” is a cool track that lets you chill out and vibe. The production is robust, deep, and vast. The echoing of the lyrics sweeps you off your feet, taking you somewhere far away. This song is the first track following his BANGS EP that included Dylan Minette of Wallows for Willows’ song “Fila.” “What the Hell is That” discusses the young singer’s experiences with bullying from his friends, trying to be himself, and trying to navigate the world as a young adult.
Kid Bloom - “Like I Never Left”
From LA indie-pop artist Kid Bloom comes his latest single, “Like I Never Left”, from his upcoming album. Released with only a visualizer and lyric video, this funky song takes you on a trip into another dimension. From the groovy guitar riffs and the accompanied bass sliding effortlessly sliding under the track, Kid Bloom solidifies his ever-present star power. While it is a song you can dance to, “Like I Never Left” tackles breaking out of harmful thought processes like doubt and anxiety. The lyric video is a perfect example of that, showing the singer packing his bags and, seemingly ditching town. At first, he has a hard time contemplating leaving, but at the end of the video, while the second bridge plays, echoing like a whisper in his ear, “Don’t rush into it, take your time with it. Show yourself, know yourself, I can’t help but wonder. Yeah, I’m older now, still I don’t know how.” In a mask of fabulous beats and base, Kid Bloom sings sweet words of wanting to break away from unsureness and insecurities.
Catch Kid Bloom on his upcoming tour! Tickets are out now.
Sea Lemon - “Sunday”
Sea Lemon’s “Sunday” is a dream-pop song that talks about the uneasiness of being separated from those close to her and how it could affect the relationships in her life. Although faced with these anxieties, the chorus ends with, “ but it’s over now” citing the perspectives from both parties of the relationship. The person who feels the relationship has been sabotaged sees it as a possible ending. While the other person wants to put the past behind and move forward. The music video is met with a series of video montages and a VHS style that gives a throwback feel that complements this dreamy vibe the track gives off. Although the lyrics have a deep meaning, the track itself is upbeat but also carries a sense of hope.
Smotherly Love - “Two Flights Up”
Sounding like a relaxing drive down on California’s Pacific Coast Highway or having some coming-of-age movie fun at a bonfire, Smotherly Love and Laura Shaw have made this sweet synth pop dream. The is the singer’s new single after his debut EP, Predestinate Grooves, which also experimented with psych pop. “Two Flights Up” is a soft and light disco groove that fills your head happiness. It’s inviting and infectious guitar, synth, and drums make this lush psych pop a great piece that anybody can move their hips, bob their head, or scream out loud to.
Ivy Eye - “Intoxicating”
Evoking the synth and melody of Phoenix’s 2009 hit “1901”, Ivy Eye’s “Intoxicating” is a jazzy and funky pop song that’ll get the entire party shaking to these fun beats. This song is the third single from the UK Disco/Funk-Pop duo. With an infection beat that will likely be an earworm for the rest of your week, the duo says it was inspired by listening to classic Disco, Funk, and R&B records. Being Ivy Eye’s third single “Intoxicating” is a multi-layered genre pop hit song that makes you get on your feet and start to dance like no one’s watching.
Coroook - “Sims”
From the talented artist Corook, “Sims” is a song from the Nashville artist that is riddled with lyrics existentialism, lack of control, and loss of self. The game Sims is something that everyone can relate to. The music video that accompanies the song shows Corook is inside the Sims game being controlled by a frenzied version of herself, seemingly overly invested in a world that she can control instead of focusing on the real world that she lives in. The fun indie electronic piece of work is perfect for those that love kooky and out-of-the-box sounds that’s on the fringe of what indie pop is.
Corook herself says, “I use a lot of coping mechanisms as distractions…I had so much homework, but I would play Sims for five hours to avoid all of it. At the time, I was using anxiety to distract myself from feeling good, happy, and excited.” Now, Corook is producing and writing music for her self-titled artist project “corook.”
Andria Rose - “In the Abstract”
This hypnotic, ethereal yet upbeat track “In the Abstract” by Andria Rose is a great tune if you want to just sit back, kick your feet up, and get lost in good vibes. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Rose’s music can be described as, “Painterly Music.” Her sound blends the alluring vibes of Jazz but has the out-of-body aura of the psychedelic genre. The lyrics to this track are introspective and talk about one’s self-discovery. The song’s muffled yet soothing sound is also paired with a hazy filter that veils over the MV that will leave you in this mysterious daydream effect.
