Remi Wolf - Woo!
Building on the success of her 2019 EP, You’re A Dog!, Remi Wolf is back with "Woo!" showing no signs of slowing. A perfect summation of Wolf’s one-of-a-kind music, "Woo!" has it all. Funky production and stunning vocals, filled with songwriting that’s somehow deeply insightful, wildly goofy and completely relatable. The production plays the perfect partner to Wolf. Setting the mood and complimenting every move made. Refreshingly groovy and just as playful as the lyrics. A voice full of so much heart unleashes a remarkable performance from start to finish. Even as the chorus opens subdued, the seams quickly begin to burst and set Wolf free to soar. Pondering the complexities of love, only Wolf could deliver the stellar, “and I don’t know what I really wanted / and fuck I think I lost my wallet"—floating between the heaviness and the light of life. The versatile young artist is an undeniable hitmaker, each release bringing more to the table, winning over more ears. No one will put you in a good mood faster.
— Max Himelhoch on May 11, 2020Runnner - Frame
Like the workings of an anxious mind, “Frame” never settles in one spot. The chorus opens with an enormous, cathartic, rafter-rattling communal yell, only to fall silent seconds later and return gentler than ever before. It’s a burst of raw emotion, a count to 10 and finally a sigh. Frontman Noah Weinman sings of total paralysis in the face of anxiety and sadness—“I want to be productive / But I can’t get up off the floor.” Harder still is the constant struggle to appear as upbeat as everyone else, even when the bad outweighs the good, even if they’re pretending too, even if the effort itself is exhausting. “If you ask me how I’m feeling I’ll just lie / I see my best friends every weekend / I’m fucking reading all the time,” sings Weinman. In a brilliant act of subversion, he has gone and done something beautiful with his aimlessness and his existential dread. Runnner has grown sonically since their first album, a collection of charming but spare songs equally inspired by indie-folk and lo-fi electronic production. Now, with a seven-member lineup, the band has taken the opportunity to demonstrate an enormous dynamic range with synthesizers sitting in the background and a horn section stabbing at the melody. Band members span a veritable who’s who of a certain corner of Los Angeles indie-rock—Weinman plays with recent Buzzsession guests Worn-Tin, and bassist Rosie Tucker’s solo shows at SXSW garnered attention from NPR’s spotlight, to name just a few of the associated acts. Runnner’s EP Fan On is due out June 7th, and you can catch the release show on June 11th at the Bootleg in Los Angeles. Photo Credits: Nell Sherman and Silken Weinberg
— Daniel Shanker on May 7, 2019Jade 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, 2019Mac DeMarco - All Of Our Yesterdays
The Canadian indie rock legend Mac DeMarco recently released "All of Our Yesterdays"—the second single from his upcoming album, Here Comes the Cowboy. Following the release of "Nobody," the album’s first single, it's clear that DeMarco will be touching on some of his classic somber themes of loss, aging, and moving on.
"All of our Yesterdays" is reminiscent of his last album, This Old Dog. In many ways, it is also very representative of what makes Mac DeMarco, Mac DeMarco. The slow build is something he’s always been known for, using a steady beat and simple chords to create a chill vibe that attracts the listener. He's the master of writing sad songs that aren't outright melancholy. With the layering of several harmonic elements floating beneath his lax vocals, he succeeds in pushing the lyrics to the forefront of his listener's mind as he draws out emotions of longing and loss.
The acoustic guitar and lyrical brevity is not only beautiful but also uplifting within the sad context of the song. Though he’s singing of his loss of yesterdays, a line that was inspired by Macbeth and an old episode of Star Trek, he urges that it does not mean it's over. Throughout the chorus, you can hear him pointing this out “And that don't mean your dream is over / And that don't make your heart beat slower/ Such a shame to complain” Even with his generally bleak tone, he so often alludes to a silver lining. DeMarco isn't afraid to acknowledge that there’s a brighter side to it all. This goofball performer is full of wisdom in sometimes surprising ways, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come on Here Comes the Cowboy.
— Monica Hand on May 7, 2019Gabe 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, 2019Drinker - 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, 2019Mackenzie 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, 2019Better 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, 2019The 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, 2019Little 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, 2019Misty 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