
Josie Man - Grow
Imagine a world ruled by the sounds of an infectious bubble-gum pop utopia. The colors surrounding the pretty planet are pastel pinks and purples, and the mood is always light and fun. The perfect contender for the official anthem for this imaginary utopia would absolutely be Josie Man's new single "Grow," released earlier this month. The mood of the glossy and upbeat track is a perfect description of the 21-year-old singer's aesthetic. Man's light and fun neon-filled persona would not be out of place on the weekly list of music videos on MTV's beloved TRL back in 2002.
"Grow" does a perfect job of giving the listener an opportunity to travel back in time to a world of Lisa Frank-inspired space aliens, possessing an infectious mood for the entirety of the single's nearly three-minute running time. The track gives a possible reprieve from the seasonally inspired melancholia currently ruling the airwaves, providing an alternative option for pop fans who, for instance, may want a peppy break from the more sepia sounds of Ms. Swift's folklore. This is something to transport you back to an era ruled by boy bands and baby blue color schemes. Josie Man is ready to keep the mood light and fun, showing us all we're still able to move forward musically in an era fueled by such uncertainty outside of our headphones. Photo by Cal McIntyre.
— Taylor Hodgkins on October 27, 2020
Pale Grey - Seasons
Belgian indie group Pale Grey’s single, “Seasons” off of their new album, Waves is the perfect complement to a quiet fall afternoon. It starts off with a simple beat and some garage-like synths that quickly fill up the track with a feeling of longing. Though it sits at just over two minutes, the song packs an emotional punch with minimal production. It asks the question of whether or not you can go on when the one you love passes away, and in that contemplation is where the song shines.
— Nick Arcos on January 10, 2018
JR JR - Clean Up
Indie favorites JR JR, formerly known as Dale Earnhardt JR JR, have returned to the scene with new music after their self-titled LP back in 2015. The new single, “Clean Up” offers a look at the mind of someone coming to terms with their addictions and indulgences. The duo uses a throbbing bass line, simple plucked guitar and harmonies to illustrate the conflict that happens when one willfully chooses something that is bad for them. “Clean Up” brings JR JR to a more provocative realm, and one that we are excited to see more of in the upcoming album.
— Nick Arcos on January 7, 2018
Henry Jamison - The Wilds
Henry Jamison is a storyteller at heart. It may be in his blood — his father, a classical composer, and his mother, an English professor — but Jamison is a writer and artist in his own right, evidenced by his debut album The Wilds (released October 27th). Beyond writing, recording and arranging the album all on his own, Jamison has a special ability to bring each track to life. Take his song, “The Wilds”: it’s instrumentally rich without being overbearing, letting Jamison’s narrative whisk you away. “The Wilds” sounds like an old-time American love story - unassuming and familiar, but nevertheless, still surprising.
— Natasha Cucullo on January 7, 2018
Moses Sumney - Plastic
Los Angeles genre-bending artist Moses Sumney released his gorgeous and ethereal debut album Aromanticism into the world this September. Sumney has made a big impression on artists like Solange and Sufjan Stevens for good reason. His infusion of soul and folk come together on this album in a way that leaves us begging for more. A prime example of this heavenly blend is found on the third song of the album, “Plastic.” A previous version of the song can be heard on the first season of Issa Rae’s HBO series, Insecure. This new version serves as one of the more simplistic songs on the album, featuring just a fingerpicked electric guitar, a synth and Sumney’s captivating voice. The hook of the song repeats the line “my wings are made of plastic,” each time sung in a slightly different way than it was before, continuing to imbue the phrase with new meaning. This song of vulnerability, self-awareness and secret-spilling is the kind that you can leave on repeat and get lost in for hours.
— Dara Bankole on October 22, 2017