Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Wallows x Remi Wolf x Solomonophonic - βOKβ
Wallows teams up with friends Remi Wolf and Solomonophonic for a refresh and remix of track βOKβ. Now with an edge of a dreamy flow and lush instrumentals, βOKβ features heartfelt vocals from Remi alongside the rework of the production. Released at the beginning of quarantine last year, the original version of βOKβ gave us some insight into Wallowsβ new direction, followed up with EP Remote. Remi Wolf and Solomonophonic give the track a fun take to keep us going and sane during lockdown. Despite the pause in touring, Wallows have kept busy with recording and releasing music, with this βOKβ rework being their first release of 2021.
Lindsay Reamer - βLuckyβ
Singer/ songwriter Lindsay Reamerβs debut release βLuckyβ signals a stream of consciousness leading you towards the feeling of self-acceptance. Sonically, itβs a mix between bedroom and synth-pop which extends soft reflections of love, loss and luck as time becomes the best healer. Lindsayβs voice has a story-telling ability that is carefree and compelling.
The intro has an 80s style synth, bass melody which ties in well with the vibrant, analog aesthetic of the music video (courtesy of Deyzi Visuals). Lindsay is displayed absentminded and free which elevates the youthful dreaminess the song brings.
The singer reveals in the potentialities that come with being kind to yourself, spending time alone, and ultimately moving on from a toxic situation. The catchy track is happy-go-lucky and sincere. We can all be our own worst enemy sometimes, the song advises against that.
The title track from Lindsay Reamerβs debut EP βLuckyβ is a refreshing pop song which holds huge promise for the singerβs solo career. The EP will be out on Feb. 26 via Dear Life Records and available to stream on all platforms, or purchase through bandcamp.
Shaun Matthews - βSunshineβ
After months of living within quarantine, finding a song to forget about the lingering anxieties and isolation that have come from the pandemic has needed more than ever. But I will let you in on a little secret - the search for the perfect hype song is now over! Shawn Mathews's new single "Sunshine" is a song that hits like no other. Written by the multi-talented musician, who can blend elements from various genres into his distinctive mix of Pop and R&B, the song opens itself to the sound of birds chirping - a gentle reminder of the world around us. A sunny guitar riff begins to follow, picking up the vibes of catchy bedroom|indie pop song, then introducing the young musician's calming yet soulful voice. The song soon turns into an optimistic track full of dynamic and heartwarming guitar melodies and an electrifying bassline sure to produce an uplifting mindset even in the darkest of days. With "Sunshine," you cannot help but smile and look towards better days ahead.
harrison cole - βbreaking my bankβ
Being an upcoming young musical artist doesnβt come without challenges. X-factor finalist Harrison Coleβs latest single βBreaking my backβ provides a sincere and relatable portrayal of βwhat itβs like being someone chasing a career in music with little money while watching mates get good jobs and go out when they want." While the themes may appear on the melancholic side, Cole employs driving rhythms, colorful guitars that are reminiscent of Dominick Fikeβs β3 Nightsβ, and he brings these together with clean pop production. But do not mistake Cole for a one-trick artist. His previous single βeyelashβ is a fresh take on indie-RnB and is the first single from his upcoming debut EP. With this pending EP and hopefully more singles to come, Harrison Cole is definitely one to watch.
Bobby Renz - βSunday Water
"Sunday Water" is a quirky little track produced by Long Beach, California based producer, singer-songwriter, engineer Bobby Renz. Back after releasing a series of singles last year when pandemic isolation began, "Sunday Water" presents itself as the first official single for his debut LP Eat The Rainbow (release date March 19th). Bobby Renz guides his listeners through a song filled with upbeat grooves, bouncy basses, and mellow but ultra-catchy vocal performances similar to Jack Johnson's. Its production ranges in comparisons from that of Devendra Banhart's playfulness to the composition of MGMT or Passion Pit. It is easy to see how he can take influences from other artists, as within the last five years, he has contributed to the music of many artists (Fat Tony, Ricky Lake, Same Girls, Ronnie K, just to name a few) in roles of producer, mix engineer, tracking engineer, or songwriter. In the end, "Sunday Water" is a nostalgic, retro-filled jam dealing with the reluctant acceptance of one's self and others and finding comfort and peace in the epitome and wonders of love.
Jackelyn Ro - βHollywood (Iβm Good)β
Indie pop is brimming with energy and color in Jacklen Roβs new release βHollywood (Iβm Good)β. With vocals that reach a similar euphoria you get from Cavetownβs music, Jacklen Roβs folky harmonies are infectious and overflowing with a quick urgency that feels both comforting and electrifying.
Infused with catchy claps, punchy kick drums and shakers, the dynamic percussion and acoustic guitar make this track an instant serotonin boost in less than 3 minutes. The song radiates youthful angst and playfulness as the video (directed by Saoli Nash) observes the pairβs animated friendship as they drive and skate around their new home in Hollywood. The cinematography (led by Caleb Knowles) is captured sweetly as the duo are placed amidst the dreamscape of Hollywood, with the visuals fading to black like an old classic.
The track was produced at the bandβs new home-studio and whilst itβs a DIY effort, the production is pristine and authentic simultaneously. Even if youβre thousands of miles away from the Hollywood Hills, Jacklen Roβs song will get you excited for the promise of better summer days to come.
Fleece - βDo U Mind? (Leave The Lights On)β
Have you ever met the gaze of someoneβs eyes within the smoky mist of a bar? That moment where you think youβve found the home, bringing them home for a chance of an eternal connection? - Well, βDo You Mind? (Leave the Light On)β by Fleece is a glittery ode to that temporary, nameless love filled with a 70βs disco vibe that lives up to the ranks of the modern-day Perfume Genius. It is bittersweet, filled with tearsy, yet haunting guitar riffs similar to that of Siouxsie and the Banshees, whose own song βDazzleβ opens with an orchestration similar to the crystalline, amethyst effects of βDo You Mind?β. Songwriter and vocalist Matt Rogersβs voice echoes with lush heartbreak, saying, βWeβre not in love | But I wanna feel like I am tonight.β This song surely will make you wonder where the narrative may go next, and if there is one thing we know for sure, we cannot wait to see what Fleece comes up with.
DAAY - βFirst Lightβ
The three-piece band DAAY has had an unconventional start to their musical career. Having released their debut single βMamaβ at the start of the pandemic, and been forced to change their name from DAY to DAAY to avoid a tussle with an evangelical rapper, you can only expect this unconventional journey to shape the music this band creates. βFirst lightβ, their follow up single is a psychedelic indie-rock gem that the band states, βserves as a metaphor for new beginnings and new life.β The single consists of laid-back syncopated drums and kaleidoscopic guitars that lead into transcendent synths in the chorus. These elements perfectly reflect how the song was written: as the frontman βAlex Barty-Kingβ sat on his friendβs sofa while nursing a hangover. It is a relaxed yet lucid song that dives into feelings of hope and positivity, which are some feelings we all need a lot of at the moment. If youβre excited for more from this psychedelic indie-rock trio, their third single βLittle Footβ is set for release in March, so keep an eye out!
SΓ€tilΓ€ - βIslandβ
The guitar in βIslandβ immediately takes you for a groovy ride. Upbeat and charming vocals quickly come in, keeping up a fun, light pace throughout the track. Representing a big sonic shift for SΓ€tilΓ€, βIslandβ brings in influencers of The Killers, Mew and Disco Ensemble compared to his more synth and electronic music in the past. Despite the energetic and positive feel of the track, the track highlights the frustration in fighting climate change, but how ultimately weβre in this together. SΓ€tilΓ€ has a busy couple of weeks ahead, with more singles on the way in the coming weeks. An instrumentally full and vocally empowering track, βIslandβ is a good pick me up for any part of your day.
