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Jade Bird - Side Effects
Jade Bird - Side Effects

Jade Bird - Side Effects


English singer-songwriter Jade Bird leans into her folk side with “Side Effects” off her self-titled debut album. At first, it’s pretty bare with just acoustic guitar and minimal percussion, but it builds gradually as a full band comes in after the second verse and Bird's voice reaches its peak in the last chorus. The upbeat song holds the desperation and optimism of young love as she sings, “Give me a sign and we’ll go / if it’s tonight baby please.” That being said, there are some indications that the relationship may not be as good as she wants it to be and that she doesn't like the person her lover has turned into. The tried and true trope of running away together is the through-line of the track. There’s this idea that maybe if they get out of here, the bad things will fade into the rearview mirror. Maybe they could leave all their troubles behind. Jade’s trying to convince both herself and the person she loves that everything will be ok.

Corey Bates on May 7, 2019
Gabe Goodman - Redacted

Gabe Goodman - Redacted


Carefree and fun, “Redacted” is the harmonic new single from indie artist Gabe Goodman. The track, reminiscent of a folkier Passion Pit, is a sunny soundscape filled with buzzy bass lines, quirky percussion, and compelling vocal harmonies led by Goodman’s clear, easy voice. The melody is a far cry from the lyrics, which address the difficulties of being honest and vulnerable with loved ones. The song opens with a fight: “You don’t mean that / you were just looking for a reaction.” From there, Goodman’s lighthearted approach to the vocal reflects the optimism at the core of the song. “Redacted” has a cool beat and nice vocal, and it will be your next feel-good summer jam.

Britnee Meiser on May 6, 2019
Drinker - California

Drinker - California


“California” serves as the final single from Drinker’s debut album Fragments. The song explores the reality of giving up the past in order to move towards what the future will hold. "California" is softer and sweeter than the first two singles—starting off with fingerpicked guitar and fuzzy vocals. The added element of layered female vocals contributes to the track's sweetness as Aaron Mendelsohn sings, “dreams so real it keeps me from sleeping.” The production fills out more about two minutes in as the synths come in to keep the song from falling flat in its tenderness. "California" is gentle in its sadness. It’s not a visceral pain, but more of a sweet nostalgia with an element of subtle hopefulness when Mendelsohn sings “follow the leader until you’re born again.” He is looking forward to the future but tentatively, dipping his toes in instead of diving in headfirst. There’s a hesitant optimism like maybe California will be the answer. Maybe this place really is as good as it seems.

Corey Bates on May 6, 2019
Mackenzie Leighton - After All

Mackenzie Leighton - After All


Indie folk singer-songwriter Mackenzie Leighton used to play keys in a classic rock disco group. Her newest single, “After All,” channels her genre-crossing musical roots, bringing a bright and refreshing burst of color to the track’s folk-leaning heart. A vibrant, reverberating guitar and easygoing bassline sweep you into the song, and you’ll immediately start swaying along with the fun, easy-going tempo. Leighton’s vocals, doubled to a light, breezy effect, carry the melody over dreamy, whispering synths with effortless ease. She sings the line, “God it feels so good to be alone,” with the sweet release of somebody who truly means it, and in those moments, her bliss is contagious. “After All” has a catchy melody and nice beat, but it’s Leighton’s gorgeous voice that makes the song one to remember.

Britnee Meiser on May 3, 2019
Better Oblivion Community Center - Little Trouble

Better Oblivion Community Center - Little Trouble


Originally only available as a 7-inch vinyl at concerts, “Little Trouble” was released digitally as a gift to fans last month—and a gift it certainly was. Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst, the sad-indie rock duo behind Better Oblivion Community Center, sing some of their best, and definitely most upbeat, harmonies yet. The thrashing drums and throbbing guitars set the tone for the song’s carefree attitude; immediately, no matter where you are, you can’t help but start bopping to the beat. As always, the compellingly dark lyrics are delivered with matter-of-fact charm, reminiscent of Bob Dylan with a full band. “Well, tell me, baby, what’s your biggest conceit / Is it that you did it, or you did it with me?” Complete with a tiny, grungy guitar solo, “Little Trouble” is a fun and fitting addition to the band’s debut album, which they released in January.

Britnee Meiser on May 3, 2019
The Head and the Heart - Honeybee

The Head and the Heart - Honeybee


One of the first words that come to mind when listening to The Head and the Heart’s new single, "Honeybee" is grounding. The abundant ups and downs of the track will make your heart take flight and land back on the floor like a feather. "Honeybee" was released ahead of the anticipated fourth album from the 6-piece Seattle band, Living Mirage. The beat, vocal melody, and lyrics work together to create the ideal love song about the person you want to build your whole world with. Vocalists Jonathan Russell, Josiah Johnson, and Charity Thielen's collective timbres pair seamlessly with Kenny Hensley’s piano, Tyler Williams’ percussion, and Chris Zasche’s bass—reuniting nearly 10 years of work together as a band in a perfectly sweet folk track. Their album Living Mirage comes out on 5/17.

Giulia Santana on May 2, 2019
Little May - As Loving Should

Little May - As Loving Should


“As Loving Should” is an especially circular song with its sparse drum beat, ever-present acoustic guitar strumming, and simple song structure, ending up right back where it started. Singer Liz Drummond’s tired vocal delivery uses the song’s circuity to examine the perils of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. “I didn’t feel very well / I still don’t feel very well,” sings Drummond of the endless cycle, the bottomless pit. Much of the music Little May has released in the lead up to their forthcoming album deals with feeling stuck— the previous single “Apples” addressed the difficulties of creative fulfillment in the face of relentless financial pressures—and that may be the nature of finding success as an independent band. A band with small beginnings, three high school friends making music together achieved a pleasant level of exposure with their debut—an album produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, support from Australia’s Triple J, appearances at large festivals and a supporting date with Mumford & Sons. But 2017 saw the departure of original member Annie Hamilton, and there are obvious creative pressures to follow up on the success of their debut. With “As Loving Should,” the third single from Blame My Body, due out May 3, Little May is looking forward and reclaiming control—“I chose the bottle over you too many times / No more empty promises, this body is mine.”

Daniel Shanker on May 1, 2019
Misty Mtn - Silver

Misty Mtn - Silver


With their newest single, “Silver,” self-described "dark mountain pop" duo Misty Mtn just released a song that could reasonably be interpreted as an ode to a tryst with a werewolf. It’s a pretty on brand move for the Brooklynites-via Montana and LA, to be honest. With its full-moon over pine trees cover art, sizzling trap hats and lyrics like “but if you don’t say I love you / blame it on the moon,” the song is, at the very least, an homage to the innate sensuality and strength of night. The most well-executed, spooky mood setters in "Silver" are the legato hums that weave in and out of the chorus line. It’s all very spectral and magical and perfect for warm night walks through the park.

Devon Sheridan on May 1, 2019
Bear's Den - Crow

Bear's Den - Crow


"Crow" by Bear's Den is a nostalgic elegy remembering the loss of a father figure. Full of bittersweet gratitude, the harmonic aspects of the track are a beautiful complement to the melody and lyrics sung by Andrew Davie with such pure emotion. He laments, "a stranger who I learned to love / a friend when really no one was / my Daedalus, my wings to fly / why'd you leave me behind?" This deeply personal song from Bear's Den is a leading track off their most recent album So that you might hear me.

Ben Burke on April 30, 2019
Old Cob - Wasted

Old Cob - Wasted


The words “once upon a time” invite you into “Wasted,” a genre-bending track full of lush, warped soundscapes that flow through a breezy, laid-back melody. The song clocks in at just over two and a half minutes, bops to an odd time signature, and has an undeniably mathy influence, yet is completely immersive. The intricate production of the arrangement is nicely complemented by the easy-going tempo and Old Cob’s smooth vocals—allowing you to acknowledge the weirdly wonderful synths without losing the beat. The vocal layering effect, reminiscent of Dr. Dog, adds a pleasing layer of warmth to the more technical sonic elements. At the heart of “Wasted” are the carefree banjo strums. Old Cob’s decision to add a banjo to a song flush with spacey synths is a good metaphor for the song itself: strange, but exactly right.

Britnee Meiser on April 29, 2019
Trafton - Winter Blues (Demo)

Trafton - Winter Blues (Demo)


Rising indie-pop artist Traftons newest single, “Winter Blues (Demo),” is a hauntingly beautiful rumination on toxic relationships and seasonal depression. Bathed in hazy reverb, the arrangement is deeply and effectively atmospheric. Delicate piano notes tug at your heartstrings while Trafton’s wistful vocal guides you through a snowy landscape. His lyrics are a lullaby packed with soothing imagery and sung next to a warm fire: “Deep in the dark as the light snow flurries / my body warm your vision blurry / want more baby don’t you worry.” Born and raised in the northeast, Trafton is no stranger to bleak, chilly winters, and “Winter Blues (Demo)” is a vivid, emotional portrait of the season. It’s the softest track Trafton has released thus far. Marked as a “demo” to single out its raw, stripped power, this track proves that sometimes quiet songs speak the loudest.

Britnee Meiser on April 29, 2019

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