Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Rikas - “Never Leaving The House”
German band Rikas’ new single “Never Leaving the House” presents modern living and its always-available expectations, whether it be constant emails or notifications. The music video, directed by Aladin Mekanovic, presents a colorfully choreographed, in-your-pajamas dance routine which adds excitement to and comments on an otherwise every-day repetition of work intruding into one’s home. The video is described as “a tribute to 90s comedy classic Groundhog Day”. The single was recorded by Foxygen’s Jonathan Rado and is to be followed by Rikas’ upcoming EP Goodbye Sunshine on October 29th.
Lost In Japan - “On My Way”
Ontario-based indie rock band Lost in Japan’s “On My Way” was inspired by a friend opening up about personal struggles and with its energetic chorus, the song sheds light on the back and forth of healing and hurting: “I want to find hope, and I know it’s not gone.” The band reached #18 on Billboard with their single “Red Line”, and the new single is a hint at the sounds that Lost in Japan’s sophomore LP Night Talks Pt. 1 will include. Produced by Grammy Award winner Matt Snell and JUNO Award winner Dan Brodbeck, the upcoming record is described as “listening to a friend talk about their day or week”.
My Double, My Brother - “A Little Light”
LA-based My Double, My Brother’s single “A Little Light” is the first from their upcoming LP Something to Hold. Poignant lyrics describe the familiar human experiences of both loss and dreaming: “It’s just fine to not solve all the riddles”. The narrative is filled with imagery that makes it a pleasure to follow along: neon lights, graphic tees, driving. The single is described as “a collection of short stories, vignettes, and dramatic monologues”. “A Little Light” is a thoughtful and intimate declaration of hope that brings together diverse stories to ultimately examine the one similarity between them all, the experience of life: “We meet the right people with the right kind of sadness that know the right words to give to the madness”.
SYTË - “Sirena”
New York-based band SYTË just dropped their silky new single, “Sirena.” The colorful alt-pop/R&B track likens feelings of jealousy and ulterior motives in flourishing relationships to a “siren swimming in my heart,” whose game they don’t want to play anymore. “Sirena” is accompanied by a simple, but effective, visualizer that sees the band’s lead singer dancing in front of what appear to be waterfalls of fabric hung onto an otherwise dull, decaying backdrop. This release mark’s the band’s second single this year, which will be part of the band’s upcoming EP.
Deep Waters - “Daughter”
If you’re looking for a song as dynamic and emotive as its subject matter, look no further than Deep Water’s new single, “Daughter.” Written by the band’s lead singer about the experience of coming out to her family, the song captures a wide range of emotions in both its lyrics and instrumentation. On the song’s composition, the lead singer said that “while the focus of the lyrics is based on the pain of not feeling accepted, it also emits a sense of hope.” “Daughter” is the band’s third single off their forthcoming album.
charlø - “numb”
Charlø has arrived with her debut single “numb.” The Los Angeles-based songwriter, producer and vocalist has had an unconventional journey to where she is now, which includes a previous career in commercial real estate and a freak ski accident that left her bedridden. Her first single delves into how we can often be deceived by our memory, especially around traumatic events. As a first outing, and one that is self-written and co-produced, “numb” is a strong track and one that has us excited for what charlø has in store for us next.
Shallow Alcove - “Blonde Phase”
Leaning into the nostalgia of autumn, rising indie band Shallow Alcove recently released their newest single, “Blonde Phase.” The band describes the song as being one for “people that romanticize the past without getting stuck in it” and it certainly delivers on that description with endearing verses recounting fuzzy, chaotic nights in “places we used to know.” The song is the first part of a three-song narrative that will usher in the band’s “pop era.” If it’s anything like “Blonde Phase,” there’s no doubt that Shallow Alcove’s next chapter will be one to watch.
Jenny Newman - “Danish Boy”
Recounting a real life romance with a Danish foreign exchange student, Jenny Newman’s “Danish Boy” explores the whirlwind of teenage love with an expiration date. The track features a blend of genres from grunge to indie pop, creating a sound made for a movie score to accompany Jenny’s fluorescent and impactful lyricism. The accompanying music video feels like a nostalgic walk down memory lane, particularly as different cuts of friends appear as Newman sings “Can we do it all over, over again?” Between the stunning song and an equally beautiful video, “Danish Boy” pays homage to the fleeting tendrils of young love in a heartfelt and nostalgic way.
Paul Vinson - “I Can’t Go On (Without You)”
“I Can’t Go On (Without You)” finds Paul Vinson riding his angst on a vibrant guitar line. Lyrically struggling with the weight of the world, Vinson bounces between discussing the intrusion of societal establishments and expectations on his own mental health. “I Can’t Go On (Without You)” explores a rock sound that easily expresses Vinson’s frustrations while also allowing his soft and melodic vocals to shine through as he finds hope in the people he loves to keep him moving forward. “I Can’t Go On (Without You)” may discuss some heavy topics, but the listening is easy and assuredly confident in Vinson’s strengths, and we cannot get it out of our heads!
Mazey Haze - “The Weight of the Weekend”
Following her debut EP Always Dancing, Mazey Haze is officially back with her newest single “The Weight of the Weekend”. Haze said about the track, "In this song you could say I’m talking to myself, to certain people around me and to the particular voice in my head that refuses to give me real peace and pride in anything I do." As Mazey explores connecting with others and finding herself in the process, the track finds a distinct sonic balancing act between reserved verse and vibrant chorus to further amplify her own struggles found in the lyrics. The music video holds a stunning retro spin on her emotions, grasping the sense that her experience of loneliness is not singular yet feels overwhelming nonetheless. “The Weight of the Weekend” is just the first of an upcoming slate of releases with new sounds and experimentation for Haze, so be sure to be on the lookout.
Listen
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weekly tunes playlist has been updated! new tracks from @furtradeband, @pecqband, @garryfool & more! check it out! https://t.co/ToFU0R6YGo -
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RT @oliviaborch: new @LunaCollective out todayyy shot by @alltookev ✨ @P1H_official editorial design by me ! https://t.co/cvSCKsWB5D
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RT @rlyblonde: @AnnieDirusso for @LunaCollective shot by me #35mm #portra800 https://t.co/0UUJSCBGcH
