Leith - Satellite
Leith’s “Satellite” was designed to induce feelings. What feelings, specifically? That part is up to you and whatever adverse circumstances are currently at the forefront of your own consciousness. We can only speculate about what Toronto’s Leith was going through when she made this heartfelt ballad, but you can imagine the process of creating such a tune was an essential cathartic component of overcoming said hardship. And the end result is a song that winds up impacting the listener much in the same way it did the artist. Leith’s coming off the heels of her debut Birthdays in July EP - and by the sound of excellent tracks like “Satellite,” the sky might not even be the limit for this budding alt-pop singer/songwriter.
Boy Jr. - Hey Sorry
We’re convinced after listening to “Hey Sorry” from Boy Jr. that she came up as a Tune-Yards stan much like ourselves. Everything from the unorthodox arrangement to the parallel vocal styles has us reflecting on the affinity we have for Tune-Yards in the same we do this new single from this singer/songwriter/producer from our own hometown of Rochester, NY. Her catalogue is refreshingly eclectic, ranging from alt pop bangers to wholesome art pop tunes such as today’s featured “Hey Sorry.” And what’s abundantly clear from her ever-growing catalog is that Boy Jr. does not intend on being limited to the confines of one genre, sound, or construct anytime soon. Look out for the release of one or two more singles in the build up to her debut Pay Attention to Meee LP - out June 24th.
PMtoyou - Turn Red
It’s Flashback Friday. And in between various obligations, we take a quick moment to pay tribute to yet another fantastic song that never got the acclaim or recognition it deserved. Today, that unfortunate honor goes to PMtoyou’s “Turn Red,” which we had blasting for the entirety of 2014. It was the wholesome, feel good track of the year then, and it still holds its weight to this day. And on another timeline, this song would have kickstarted a long career of successful LP after LP and sold out shows. But alas, fate had other plans in store for this talented quintet. And such circumstances prompt us to do our part in paying homage to a song, and a band, that were victims of circumstances outside of their control.
Nataly Dawn - Have You Heard
When the end of the world happens - that’s going to be a bummer of a day. But there’s going to be a silver lining, because we’ll be provided the perfect opportunity to play Nataly Dawn’s “Have You Heard.” Kind of like the stoic violinists playing as the Titanic submerged into dark water, “Have You Heard” will provide just enough solace to leave you at peace with the dreary outcome fate has in store for you. We might use the term “ballad” loosely here, but this is one country folk tune that’s fully earned the label. And it’s one of the first songs we’ve showcased that’s not meant to be played on the radio, or on your headphones - it’s meant to be enjoyed around a campfire - preferably as your bones ache from hours of crop harvesting or sheep herding - about 150 or so years ago. And just like the saying that you may or may not have heard about the second best time to plant a tree being right now, the same goes for the profound and special “Have You Heard” - play it in any fashion you want - so long as it’s played.
Benny Bellson - Glass of Time
Benny Bellson’s “Glass of Time” is unbelievably refreshing. It manages to spin a mainstream, regurgitated sound into something authentic and clean. I can’t emphasize how challenging that task is when caricatures masquerading as musicians, like BoyWithUke and Milky Chance, have seemingly killed the spirit of this respective genre. Bellson’s “Glass of Time” starts out in almost identical fashion to Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So,” almost as if it’s paying homage to the timeless classic. From there, Bellson forges his own path as he layers his distinct vocal presence on top of itself to create one of the more unique harmonic soundscapes we’ve heard in a while. And if we had to use one term to describe this song, it’s just that: unique. But setting yourself apart from the rest is only half the battle in this day-and-age. You’ve got to sound good while you’re at it - and “Glass of Time” exceeds every expectation on that front, as well. So much so, that if you could invest in artists the same way you could stocks, we’d be cleaning out our bank account to have a stake in this captivating musical prospect.
IHF - Stay
We’ve been an IHF follower since the Imagined Herbal Flower Floating EP days. He emerged at an interesting time - where the electronic genre was at a sort of inflection point, looking inward at itself trying to determine where to go next. And what manifested from that inevitable growing phase was the arrival of a few like-minded artists (IHF, Catching Flies, Mishegas, Edapollo) that were fixated on creating ethereal soundscapes from mostly instrumental templates. You could even say that, from there, the genre evolved further, where producers like xander. and No Spirit doubled down on their predecessors’ philosophy. IHF’s been refining his sound since those debut EP days, and his newest single “Stay” perfectly embodies his current sonic mindset. And while he’s now been around long enough to see himself become an influence on other artists, that doesn’t mean that he’s done taking notes out of other producer’s playbooks. We’re making a pretty confident guess based on “Stay” that Caribou’s extensive catalog is one that IHF, AKA, DC-based producer Ben Gorvine, has made his way through a few times over. And if history serves as an indicator, then we should be expecting another excellent LP from IHF in the coming months.
Slow Fiction - Nameless Harm
Since we’ve been slacking this week, we're bypassing Flashback Friday to showcase some new music. And in the process of featuring today’s track, “Nameless Harm” from Slow Fiction, we are going to boast about an almost completely useless skill we have. We have a knack for linking seemingly unrelated songs that are tethered in some way, shape, or form. Whether it’s through the arrangement, melody, or lyrics - if there’s a connection, we’ll find it. That’s why, for us, this NYC-based indie rock quintet’s newest single will forever be aligned with Arcade Fire’s “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains.)” That’s in one part due to the similarity between basslines and another in the way it’s sung in such Regine Chassagne/Win Butler fashion. Then, there’s the overlapping components we can’t quite put out finger on. But if we had to guess, Arcade Fire has most likely played an influential role on one or more Slow Fiction bandmates. They are still brand new to the scene, but have come on strong with a slew of quality releases since the start of the year. We’ll be on the lookout for more from Slow Fiction in the buildup to their debut LP All These Things out July 29th.
Gretel Hänlyn - In the Water
We were going to say that Gretel Hänlyn’s “In the Water” takes a page out the Nilüfer Yanya playbook. But that would be in conflict with the whole point - that her sound is simply too unique to pigeonhole under another artist’s umbrella. With that said, there are certainly parallels. Specifically, I think it’s the challenge each song on her brand-new Slugeye LP poses that really forces the inevitable comparison. If you think you’re going to get through “In the Water” without one or two emotional resources exhausted, you might want to hold off until a more appropriate time. But for us, challenging the listener is only half the battle. It’s got to resonate on a melodic level, too. And with those perimeters set, “In the Water” sets itself up as a song we’ll be coming back to a lot in the coming months.
Way Yes - Macondo
It’s Flashback Friday. And today we’re reflecting on yet another song, and record, near and dear to our hearts. One that we were so confidently sure would catapult Columbus Ohio’s Way Yes into stratospheric heights. If you followed Lower Frequencies back in the day, you might even remember us pumping the hell out of their chef d'oeuvre, Tog Pebbles, and a handful of epic songs like “Blood Line,” “Colerain,” “Money Fields,” and today’s featured “Macondo.” So what happens when an objectively brilliant record doesn’t get the recognition it deserves? That’s a question for a higher authority. But we can speculate that the world simply wasn’t ready for a record of that magnitude. Now, the counterargument there is that other likeminded, quality bands were thriving during this period: Yaesayer, WU LYF, and Generationals to name a few. Were Way Yes simply the odd men out? Possibly. Whatever the reason, it shines a light on an industry that can sometimes be as cruel as it can be rewarding. An industry where hard work and talent doesn’t always mean you’re going to excel. Alas, today is a day of introspection and reflection. Reflection on a band that had everything going for it except those circumstances outside of their control. And so here’s to hoping that there’s still enough energy and resources left in the tank for Way Yes to come back better than ever. And if any semblance of a cosmic equilibrium exists in our known universe, then it will be sure to grant them the opportunities they never were provided the first time around.
Wallice - Funeral
Wallice is still pretty new to the scene, but she’s already got a signature sound. Not necessarily from an instrumental standpoint, but the way she sings. And we’re talking little tendencies: the cadence of her voice or the words/phrases she chooses to emphasize – it’s kind of a neat, defining trait of hers. Since 2021, she’s had a recurring presence in the new music release bin as she continues to develop her brand. She’s having plenty of success with it, too, as her songs “Little League” and “90s American Superstar” have been recently featured on Sirius XM Alt Nation – where they will be played to the point of exhaustion before being cast aside for the next wave of 20 or so songs played in cyclical fashion. We could certainly go on about how placement on Alt Nation or XMU is as much of a curse as it is a blessing, but this day is dedicated to emerging LA alt-pop queen Wallice. Her newest single “Funeral” is her best work to date as far as we’re concerned. It feels like it’s rooted in a time period past that we can’t quite put our finger on. But when that refrain kicks in, you can’t help but get lost in whatever feelings it induces in you. And it’s the subtle things that really elevate this song from good to great: like the extra vocal harmonies incorporated in the chorus on the second go around. Sometimes, it’s small juxtapositional differences like that that make all the difference. As you jam out to this brilliant tune, keep a look out for her upcoming 90s American Superstar EP – due out May 6th.
JOY. - Out of Love
JOY.’s “Out of Love” is actually a 2021 release, but it’s something special to behold. Not because it’s an inherently delightful tune, but because of what it induces in us. Feelings that only a select few songs generate: SLO’s “Atone,” Kllo’s “Virtue,” and Blue Hawaii’s “No One Like You,” to name a few. And outside of perhaps SLO’s “Atone,” these songs have the same sensual deep house groove in common. And it’s hard to emphasize just how important that groove is to the nature of the song. Because removing that four-on-the-floor rhythm with another variation will snatch the lifeblood right out of it. And for every few thousand attempts at creating a vibey, seductive, and purely carnal tune, only one or two wind up achieving the desired end result. That’s why it’s important to cherish and embrace songs like “Out of Love” when they grace our streaming platform with their presence. And when this song inevitably resonates the same way it does for us, you’ll want to shift your focus to five more excellent tunes found on this Australia-based producer/singer/songwriter’s new Portal EP.
Meursault - Another
It’s Flashback Friday. And despite the impending weekend to look forward to, this day seemingly always has a bit of a somber vibe to it. Because it’s dedicated to amazing songs, and amazing bands, that were victims of circumstances outside of their locus of control. Today, we reflect back on a band that’s thankfully still active: Scotland’s Meursault. And in a more just world, we wouldn’t be writing about them at all. Their incredible 2011-2012 two-LP run should have cemented their place as lo-fi folk rock legends, but fate had other plans. That’s not to say they weren’t recognized. They’ve got a Wikipedia page. They’ve got a dedicated fanbase of individuals who share our own heartfelt sentiments. But they were, they are, destined for more. And while this blog post won’t provide them the artificial boost needed to cross that threshold, it’s still warranted as, at the very least, a tribute to a band that’s yet to reap the full fruits of their labor.
ayokay - If That’s What You Need
We haven’t been off this week. We’ve been around, sulking in a perpetual state of disappointment after having made our way through our massive 4/22/22 New Music Release bin. But barely anything resonated. And instead of being disingenuous and posting a song we weren’t passionate about, we decided that, in this instance, less music was more. Fortunately, ayokay’s “If That’s What You Need” came through as one of a handful of saving graces. Due to the sheer popularity of this Michigan-born producer, we held off on even writing about his previous fantastic single “Waiting For (with slenderbodies).” At the time, there were other artists that could’ve used the minimal exposure we have to offer just a bit more. But with this week providing different circumstances, it offers us the perfect opportunity to spotlight a producer who we’ve been following since he catapulted on to the scene in 2016. “If That’s What You Need” seems to take a page out of deadmau5’s book - specifically his successful attempt at a mainstream deep house track in “The Veldt.” It’s got that same sense of impending, carefree wonder that’s a lot harder than you might think to recreate in a pop song. And what really elevates this song from good to next-level good is the recurrent textural vocal sampling sprinkled in that seems to be a play off Lyn Collins’ famous “Think About It” drum break. We love the style of sound he’s been exploring on the new singles leading up to his next LP - that’s ever-so aptly titled Digital Dreamscape. Check out the visualizer for “If That’s What You Need” below.
WIN WIN - AFTER THE WAIT
It’s Flashback Friday. And every Flashback Friday, we beg the same question. Why didn’t this band, this song, this record, pan out? And the answer is seemingly always the same: circumstance, timing, luck. But in the case of WIN WIN, they had a lot of that on their side. Impressive backgrounds in the industry, big name collaborations, and what felt like an inevitable path forward. But forget about all of that. Because you’re probably asking (and rightfully so), “but how do they sound?” And the answer is as objectively true as the pulse powering your vascular system: really damn good. When we reflect on their 2012 magnum opus Double Vision, we put it on par with the likes of other brilliant records from that year: alt-J’s An Awesome Wave, Purity Ring’s Shrines, and TEED’s Trouble. Honestly, it was an absolutely bonkers year for music as a whole. But, as much as we shouted their name from our local mountaintops (okay, hillsides), it wasn’t enough to cross that threshold from indie obscurity into mainstream relevance. And so, today, as is often the case with Flashback Fridays, winds up being kind of a somber one. Because, this band, and particularly this record, deserved so much more than what the world gave it in return. We’re featuring “AFTER THE WAIT” because it’s so profoundly wholesome and uplifting, but it was when we heard the unique and perpetually challenging “ONES AND ZEROES” that we knew WIN WIN was on to something special. While we might’ve seen the last of WIN WIN as a band, we can still hold out hope that a late round fan rally for no more deserving record than Double Vision is possible. Until then, we, along with the other 4,321 Spotify-following compatriots, will continue to cherish the art they put so much time, effort, and emotion into creating.
Sticky Fingers - Where I’m From
Australia churns out good music at almost the same clip as they do poisonous, freakishly large insects. And perhaps atop that list of celebrated artists is Sydney-based quintet Sticky Fingers. Beginning with one of the best albums of the 2010’s, Caress Your Soul, they have surpassed a solid ten-year run of producing consistently quality music. And for reference, that’s a rarity in our book. Even our most beloved artists have a misstep now and again, but these guys keep churning out records without the dip in substance that we’re so conditioned to expect in the digital age of music. They’re out today with their sixth LP titled Lekkerboy. It features an array of catchy tunes, from one of our personal favorites of 2021 “Saves The Day” to the soul-funk vibes featured in “Queen.” But, as has historically been the case with Sticky Fingers, it’s been their ability to tug at our heartstrings that, among all else, has kept us coming back for more. “Where I’m From” channels that heartfelt sincerity previously featured in “Rum Rage,” and fits in perfectly alongside a track list of tunes that seem to share the same universal themes and values. And during a week of releases where we struggled to find anything that resonates, Lekkerboy came out in clutch fashion to provide us some excellent listening material as we wait for the upcoming New Music Friday to start the discovery process all over again.
Quinn Christopherson - 2005
Quinn Christopherson’s ”2005” has all the right ingredients needed for a successful track. It takes you on a nostalgia-infused joyride that glides weightlessly to the tune of guitar strum that’s as simple and straightforward as those past times Christopherson keeps alluding to. But it’s easy to botch a song like this. One wrong lyrical slip up and you’ve ventured into a terrain of cheesy platitudes and played out references with which there’s no coming back. But when it’s done right - you get a result as wholesome and vibey as this new single from Alaskan-based singer/songwriter Quinn Christopherson. And for all those King Krule x Kurt Vile fans that have been patiently waiting for an artist to emerge that blends their two respective sounds together, you need to look no further than Christopherson’s growing catalog of work.
Child Actor - I Will Be
It’s Flashback Friday. Today, we’re reflecting on another old favorite that never got the recognition it deserved. Child Actor’s Victory LP is one that, along with the likes of Purity Ring and Young Wonder, took us on an eye-opening journey through a new and previously unexplored realm of pop. We also credit Victory for getting our own creative wheels spinning - which in turn ended up manifesting as our own Beast Coast moniker. To this day, there’s simply no song out there like “I Will Be.” I have to imagine it was the result of a truly carefree, “anything goes” flow that didn’t let traditional conventions or norms bog down the creative process. And that refrain full of side chain pumping synths and vocal harmonies - it’s as mesmerizing, transfixing, and frisson-inducing as any moment in recent or distant musical memory. And coming across a song like this, one that so profoundly impacts your existence and trajectory, validates all the grueling past and future hours spent in search of that next elusive unicorn like “I Will Be.”
iamamiwhoami - Canyon (with Lars Winnnerbäck)
iamamiwhoami’s “Canyon” is the definition of an acquired taste. At first, we didn’t really understand it. Part of that is influenced by our own preconceived notions of just who iamamiwhoami really is (we’re as confused as you just writing that sentence). We’ve known her for her timeless art pop classics like “fountain” and “t,” and so her change of pace into the realm country folk had us a bit twisted - for a moment. But after a few listens, the dots began to connect - and we kicked ourselves for ever doubting this innovative and talented Swedish singer/songwriter/producer in the first place. We’re also suckers for a wholesome duet - and while Keegan DeWitt x Isaaca Byrd’s “Reluctance” takes the cake as our all-time favorite, this new collaboration featuring iamamiwhoami and Lars Lawinnerbäck certainly holds its own. And once you’re through this one, go check out her even newer and equally excellent single, “Zeven,” in advance of the June 3rd release of her upcoming audiovisual LP Be Here Soon.
SOAK - purgatory
SOAK’s new single “purgatory” has got us feeling old. We’re coming on 8 years since the release of “B a noBody,” which sort of catapulted her on to the scene - a scene where she fit in perfectly alongside the likes of King Krule and Only Real. She’s refined her style quite a bit since then, as indicated by the polished, blues rock sound featured in “purgatory.” Despite the subject matter, it’s unavoidably uplifting song as that catchy refrain will make a toe-tapper out of even the most composed of listeners. You can expect one or two more singles in the lead up to her third LP titled If I Never Know You Like This Again. In the meantime, check out the whacky video for “purgatory” below.
runo plum - black pepper
We have a confession to make. From a musical preference perspective, lyrics have always placed a distant second to melody when evaluating the quality of a song. For us, it’s hard for poor lyrics to ruin a song with a melody you can’t stop coming back to - but the other way around? Absolutely. In fact, there are a lot of songs that are written as pure poetry, but don’t have a melodic leg to stand on that we’ll never be returning back to. That’s why we just had to make room to feature runo plum’s “black pepper” on the blog. Because not only does the melody captivate us, but plum’s lyrics tend to resonate long after the song’s completion. Her stream of consciousness is seemingly scattered yet deliberate, subliminal yet poignant. And how the subject of a single black pepper can lead to such profound intrinsic observations is above our emotional paygrade - which in turn makes the listening experience all the more fascinating. She caught our attention with her previous single, “till i go red,” and if you’re looking for more acute worldly insights nestled within metaphors involving random household items or overlooked autonomic tasks, then look no further than her debut jupiter EP.