A sublime and magnetic vocal, an evocative and transportive tranche of a production choices and instrumentation, and a run of melodies and tunefulness that is just wrecking to one’s central viscera (enough hyperbole for you?), Rodes Rollins’ “Young & Thriving” is some very very good dark pop. One of the best debut tracks of the year.
The slow emotive burn of “Golden Hour” is the latest from BK-based COTE. Fixed on a detached central whirl of quiet drums and heart-wringing harmonies “Golden Hour” shows of a further thoughtful and accomplished layer of COTE’s writing/artistry. Get interested in “Golden Hour” above and check out “London” from earlier this year which we loved too.
“Closer” is the lead track from UK artist Henry Green’s forthcoming “Real” EP for Akira Records. The plaintive acoustic guitar-driven “Closer” earns it’s dough on a stunning set of moving melodies and it’s unexpected turns of subtle electronic production. The resulting effect is pretty extraordinary and transportive. Listen to “Closer” below.
“Palo Alto” is new from Australian songwriter Holly Rankin a/k/a Jack River. Wound around a Nirvana-esque groove (“About a Girl”), “Palo Alto” blends elements of West Coast US indie with that aforementioned grunge feel. The result is differentially cool blend of styles made great by Rankin’s strong sense of melody. Listen below.
“I Would” is the second track online for Gueorgui Linev’s KAN WAKAN project. “I Would”, which follows the blogger favorite “Molasses”, is as an arresting statement of formidable artistic skill. Wow.
If only everyday could sound like Hope Sandoval.
Like something cast forward from a different, much more advanced, dimension, “Lonely World”, the new track from Moses Sumney sounds nothing like most and run circles around just about everything else out. Look for “Lonely World” appearing on Sumney’s “Lamentations” EP, out Friday.
More than just an awesome band name, the Michigan Rattlers hale from (you guessed it) Michigan with a fresh breath of Americana. The duo have a distinct delivery with their harmonized vocals and guitar with upright bass in tow. Like all great songs of the genre, “Sweet Diane” tells us a story with the right balance of musical and lyrical simplicity and complexity. A rebirth of roots friendly Americana seems on the horizon, and alongside the paths of artists like Sturgil Simpson and Kacey Musgraves, the Michigan Rattlers hint towards a career of relatable integrity, so long their music stays as on point as it is with “Sweet Diane”.
We don’t know much about Mondo Cozmo but there seems to be much to like about this LA via Philly native. With a lot of pretty consistent redundancy in the sound of today’s popular music (on both sides of the pond), Mondo Cozmo clearly doesn’t care to take note about the status quo. Distinct influence by way of decades deep Mancunian/Brit rock is paired with a tactful baritone vocal, reminiscent of icons like Bill Withers and Bob Dylan. Mondo Cozmo is sure to ring home for anyone who appreciates an honest soul in their music. For us, “Shine” is authentically classic and assertively relevant. Be on the look out for more Mondo Cozmo and “Shine” on a debut EP expected in 2017.
