Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
From//October - “Somewhere Quiet”
From the cozy blanket of nostalgia-ridden melodies, songwriter/producer Dion Tiktak exemplifies the ongoing coming-of-age story. There is a time when you finish high school and are thrown into a completely different societal landscape. What about the transition period between your young adulthood and a grownup? “Somewhere Quiet” is drenched with dreamy guitar riffs, creating the feeling of wanting to retreat from reality and stay in the dream world. TikTak is influenced by bands from the ‘90s, ‘00s, and modern bands—creating a timeless soundscape. From//October’s discography can be likened to Far Caspian, Hovvdy, and Fog Lake. There are heavy influences to be seen from the shoegaze genre—a heavy emphasis on guitar tone and it flooding the atmosphere within a song. “Somewhere Quiet” is like the haze of becoming an actualized adult. Your vision of who you are supposed to become is foggy yet clear. You have been able to make things out, but there’s still a want to return to your younger form. The echoes of TikTak’s vocals sound representative of your internal voice and thoughts that are starting to break through. The song provides comfort and a feeling of belonging through the confusing parts of constantly growing up.
Mia Lorelei - “Call You Closer”
Mia Lorelei’s There is no better love song than one that relays the story of unrequited love. The strong emotions tied to relationships that were once filled with beginnings and passion, yet eventually turn into endings and loss are felt in Mia Lorelei’s “Call You Closer.” Her cries are heard throughout the entirety of the single. Lorelei’s vocals are strong and fervent, pushing the song forward. Her voice gives life to the song, with a pulsating rhythm and heart. It’s the thread that weaves the other pieces together. The killer indie-rock anthem is highlighted by its gritty and scratchy guitar tones, emulating the pain that coincides with heartbreak. The single captures the blurred boundaries of a dying relationship, and what it means for someone to process a newfound grief. Common themes in “Call You Closer” describe the relationship as a losing game and an unfinished race. Compared to Lorelei’s other tracks like “shortfall,” Lorelei’s soundscape has evolved into fuller sounds with layering vocals and guitar tracks to create a musical symphony.
honeywhip - “jump in the fire”
Describing their music as “kinda sad but bops,” honeywhip’s latest single, “jump in the fire,” dives into the back and forth of life – that unique push and pull that attempts to keep pieces of ourselves hidden in a world that always wants us to show more and know more. But what if that world doesn't accept what you show? What if society doesn't accept you for your true self? It’s at this moment that honeywhip wants you to let go of that impulse to hide. Love who you want to love, own the weird and wonderful intricacies that make you you, and let yourself run free. These musings are presented alongside an alt-pop melody and brightly delicate vocals. With a bass groove running through the track and shattered glass adorning the song like stars, “jump in the fire” will help set you free.
Eden Rain - “Terry And Julie”
“It’s been you all along.” The London-based singer Eden Rain is back with her latest single “Terry And Julie,” a mesmerizing love song that takes listeners on a journey from young sweethearts to long-time lovers. An ode to one of her favorite songs, “Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks, which features the characters Terry and Julie who meet at Waterloo station every Friday night, Eden offers an extension to the narrative of this age-old romance, dating back to the 60s. The track has a crisp production that adds another layer to its modern love, with powerful percussion running through. Rain’s captivating vocals take the storytelling of this pop song to soulful heights, and as the couple has moved on with other people, they eventually find their way back to each other… “I just slipped into a different life for a minute.” If you want the escapism of a romance film, this is the perfect end-of-summer song.
Old Crush - “On My Mind”
On “On My Mind,” Berlin-based, Old Crush sounds like he’s singing from a dark room with sunshine peering in through smoke and cracked blinds. He incorporates sounds of 90s video game music, synth funk, post-punk electronic, and hip-hop; reminiscent of early-The XX. The accompanying visual reflects the song with shifting textures and skylines in a modern architecture landscape. The production is the kind of hi-fi that sounds lo-fi, incredibly refined. Gentle key chords accompany a smooth, rhythmic bass as effortless vocals plea, “I want to know were you gonna let it go..”
“On My Mind” comes from a productive 2023 for Old Crush, who also released additional singles and the EP, Dead Age.
Softmax - “Swishers”
“Swishers” comes on slow, like the pitter-patter of rain before a storm. Chicago-based, Softmax sounds distant, yet close; danceable and dread-able. Pulsing, driven synth that exists in the background for the intro, takes over, interlacing perfectly with Softmax’s vocals.
Softmax’s wrote this song during an onset of previously dormant symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She explained, the pandemic caused a “paranoid OCD spiral” that manifested in the fear that her privacy was being invaded via social media. She characterizes her sound on this track: “It’s about wanting to connect with the world and understand people while feeling further and further from it.”.
“Swishers” was co-produced by Joel Ford and Gabriel Gifford. The track is out now via London-based independent label Psychotic Reaction Music.
VENDAVAL - “Ripple Blue”
"Ripple Blue" delves into a captivating narrative where the sea's love for a swimmer takes an emotive turn when they vanish. The track's wistful essence is beautifully woven with dreampop guitars and evocative Fairlight synths reminiscent of iconic artists like Kate Bush and Tears for Fears. A balance of dreaminess and indie rock vibes, the song navigates between playful and contemplative tones, making it an ideal addition to both upbeat summer playlists and introspective indie collections. Vendaval skillfully crafts a musical journey that captures the heart's depths with their signature touch.
