Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Deb Never - “Somewhere Else”
Returning with “Someone Else”, Deb Never’s latest release meshes lo-fi indie with chillwave dream-pop. Laced with guitars and an urgency of drum & bass in the song’s climax, the singer softly expresses the fragility between love and loss. The flit between the two reveal Deb Never’s sincerity. In these lyrics, she doesn’t shy away from questioning ‘How selfish am I? / Don't want you to fall in love’. In a world where time seems so slow and simultaneously finite, with days escaping us, the singer suggests how those in love find it hard to keep a grip on their lifelines.
This authenticity is mirrored in the Elif Gönen-directed music video. The love-struck protagonist is placed in front of a London dreamscape. The video whispers hazy nostalgia, greenery, innocence and reinforces the childlike vulnerability that selfishness is symptomatic of. Prior to her bandcamp release Intermission in 2020, the last full project was her 2019 debut EP, House on Wheels. The recent collaborative work with Never and UK producer Jam City, have displayed the success of experimental instrumentation with poignant songwriting, as seen on “Someone Else”.
Maro - “Take It Back”
Budding Lebanese artist Maro steps onto the scene with his new single “Take It Back” alongside a cinematic video. The track combines Maro sweet, endearing vocals with an upbeat indie-pop melody keeping the audience swooned with each note. Touching on the idea of high school nostalgia and reflecting on the good times you had back in the day, Maro notes “[It’s] about being nostalgic and reminiscing about the good moments you’ve had with a person when you were in high-school. Experiencing the feeling of missing that someone, who’s not in your life anymore. It takes you back to the good times you miss and describes how someone made you feel, and how you feel about it now years later." “Take It Back” charming flow showcases the growing talent of the young star, and proves he’s here to stay. His music has a genuine and feel-good vibe to it always, allowing the listener to have a temporary moment of fun. Maro is kicking off 2021 and will have a busy upcoming month so keep your eyes peeled.
Smmr Cmp - “Heather”
LA Bedroom-Pop duo Smmr Cmp gives you a taste of their new music with the release of their electrifying new single, “Heather.” Being described as a mix of “Tame Impala with Sports,” the single surges open with an almost wave-like 80s inspired riff, immediately laying down a rhythmic yet bouncy beat, readying you for its first verse. As the vocals pick up, Smmr Camp introduces lyrics packed with nostalgia - reminiscent of Lorde’s “Pure Heroine” - and a yearning for a time that once was. The song launches into a perfected embodiment of remembrance, laced with velvety and smoky basses and synths that border on synthesia. At its core, “Heather” presents itself as a complex battle of confessional sentimentality with a powerful euphoria - which after living through 2020, you’ll be able to understand right away.
Cardinal Moses - “Hanging Around”
The guitar in “Hanging Around” immediately hooks you in tight before serenading you with a sweet vocal flow. Cardinal Moses keeps the tone light but with just enough energy to move the track forward with each note. Produced entirely in a bedroom studio set up, the guitar riffs carry a solid edge to the track while mixing in the smooth vocals. Taking inspiration from artists from Jim Croce to Rage Against the Machine to Tame Impala, Cardinal Moses keeps his tracks fresh by always bringing a new tone. With simple though charming production and a catchy chorus “Hanging Around” is sure to make its way into your brain on loop, as well as your playlists.
Cardinal Moses - “Smoke Break”
In slight contrast to the previous track “Hanging Around”, “Smoke Break” has a summer-like feel with airy vocals just as sweet as always. The surfy guitar and dreamy melody make for an upbeat soundscape centering around new love. “Smoke Break” highlights those guitar riffs we adore alongside some moments of a more dominant guitar solo. Cardinal Moses radiates the energy of Still Woozy thanks to his upbeat and bedroom pop production foundation carrying the track forward. Written with an intent to create something easy for the listener to digest and a smooth listening experience “Smoke Break” lets you drift into a summer moment filled with love.
Penny Roox - “Mean”
Welcome to the world of Penny Roox’s first single, “Mean.” Stepping into an all-so-alluring vintage black-and-white daydream, “Mean” presents itself as a long-lost classic ballad of the 60’s - alluding to the likes of a modern-day Dusty Springfield or Bobbie Gentry. Based in the Netherlands, Penny Roox takes the inspiration of singer-songwriters such as She & Him and Bedouine and serenades a snarky yet sincere little tune about “falling for the dickheads, instead of the nice guys.” Her Joni Mitchell-like honesty in how she approaches her lyric writing makes this song one we can all relate to. In the end, “Mean” is a piece full of captivating melodies and witty tongue-in-cheek remarks that will make you want never to stop repeating it. The good news is, much more music by Penny Roox is coming soon, so stay tuned!
The Silver Devils - “Silver Cat”
Much more than an ode to some cat, “Silver Cat” brings in elements of alternative rock and soul with an upbeat flow that makes you think, “Tell me more about this cat!”. Rich with instrumentals and production, the track provides a plethora of sounds for the listener to hold onto. San Diego-based group The Silver Devils bring an energy that’s not to miss out on with each track. Storytellers at heart, the band is able to translate a variety of entertaining stories with each track. Between the powerful guitar and drums alongside some charming sax, "Silver Cat” is topped with the high energy and versatile vocals of Demetrio Donzelli. If the lyrics and vibe of the track don’t already convince you of the witty and fun nature of the group, take a listen to more of their tracks and get immersed into the world of The Silver Devils.
Ella Eliza - “ALONE WITH YOU”
German-born, US raised, Ella Eliza now resides in the UK, and diversity is integral in her sound. The singer includes a unique blend of contemporary R&B and soultronic in her music. Taking inspiration from artists such as KAYTRANADA and Nao, her debut “ALONE WITH YOU” is nothing short of mesmerizing. As the singer explained herself, it is an ode to her journey of self-acceptance as well as a love letter to an impactful relationship. Ella Eliza’s inviting vocals seem languid whilst also being confessional and vulnerable, balancing well with the infectious groove of this track.
In welcoming the changes instigated by the pandemic, the singer has produced an ethereal piece of art in the most authentic, DIY way from her home studio. We can look forward to her debut EP INTROSPECTION which, judging from this introduction, will have a similarly sincere and entrancing soul-infused theme.
Olivia Morreale - “No Answer”
With a bit of nostalgia and a dash of melancholy, Olivia Morreale’s “No answer” radiates a perfect “main character” energy song. Morreale is an LA-based artist whose debut EP DAYTIME MOON was more funk and soul-inspired, but Olivia’s latest single is drawing from a different school of influence. The song is a modern-day ode to 80’s synth-pop and retro wave with its sparkly synths and a pulsating electronic beat, while seamlessly showcasing the texture of Morreale’s voice which reflects 2021.
The lyrics are equally as enthralling as the instrumental and depict passion, intimacy and longing. If you’re looking for something to form main character rituals or simply “the soundtrack to a good dream” as Morreale put it, then this is the song for you.
John Jin Han - “Find My Own Way”
Upbeat production is quickly met with unique, soulful vocals in “Find My Own Way”, a track that gives you that driving through a tunnel in a teen coming of age film energy. Touching on the theme of imposter syndrome as a young adult, “Find My Own Way” gives a sense of reflection and optimism in figuring out yourself better as you grow older and better understand your passions. Artist John Jin Han brings a feeling of authenticity as genuine sincerity shines through in his voice. Consisting of John Jin Han on vocals, Dani Lyra on synths, Benja Schick on drums and Asa Stern on guitars, the group comes together to make heartfelt, upbeat indie tunes. Reminiscent of artists like Bleachers and Bad Suns, John Jin Han creates a track perfect for when you’re in need of reassurance or motivation that you’re on the right path. “Find My Own Way” serves as a terrific introduction to the group if you aren’t already familiar, and makes us excited for what’s to come for the band next.
Stray Fossa - “How Come”
In a music landscape that thrives off of grabbing our loose attention spans and relatively short run times, every once in a while you stumble across a song that is unrelenting in the pursuit of your adoration. If you haven’t found that kind of song in a while, meet Stray Fossa. Their latest single is “How come?”, a five-minute atmospheric and psychedelic rock and single that winds and weaves together infectious guitar parts, gorgeously ornate drum patterns, and an incredibly intoxicating bassline.
“How come” is the first single from their upcoming debut full-length record which was recorded and written at the start of the pandemic. While there are certain thematic expectations regarding recording an album during a global crisis, Will, Nick and Zach have created a record to soundtrack some of the key moments and emotions that have become quite ordinary for all of us. Seclusion, anxiety, the longing for human contact, and mourning time lost during the pandemic are just some of those moments and emotions explored in their album that is expected in April. If you haven’t already heard of Stray Fossa, this definitely a band you’ll want to know in 2021, and one you won’t forget.
Charlie Houston - “Calls”
19-year old artist Charlie Houston presents brutal honesty and pure authenticity with her newest song, "Calls." The second standout song from her planned debut EP, I Hate Spring, coming April 23, "Calls," is about an unwanted breakup of a long-distance relationship. In a time where the pandemic has caused many to quarantine and many to be away from their partners, "Calls" lyrics are all too real and even more powerful. The song is full of relatable self-discovery storytelling paired with breathy vocals compared to King Princess, Faye Webster and Empress Of. Its beat, often syncopated and parallel to a heartbeat, matches the lyrics' anxiety, piercing through when compared with the guitar melody's accents. Overall the song, which Zane Lowe premiered on his Apple Music 1 show, is an edgy remorse packed full of downtempo beats and progressive, raw electronic sounds that are sure to be memorable.
Honeyboys - “Davinci”
"Davinci" is a tender and catchy track presented by the up-in-coming band Honeyboys. After a successful year of launching a series of debut singles to the ears of thousands, the band is back with "Davinci," - a song that mixes a modernized approach at the nostalgia and storytelling of 50s RnB with 60s Surf Rock love songs. Born out of a collaboration between guitarist Reese Gardner and singer Ari Eisenberg, the duo and band worked with mixer Nico Fabito to bring this once live-performed crowd favorite to the studio. The song opens with a sparse yet intimate melody, with a slightly gentle and soft-spoken voice following after. Building from the likes of a gentle ballad, it blends a mix of genres to build further anticipation before crashing into an uplifting, joyful chorus that oozes with the sounds of a simple pop hook of the 50s. "Davinci" is a perfect song evoking better days ahead with its fun-filled themes, memorable hooks, and driving rhythms.
Jax Beats x Gully - “Carpe Diem”
It only takes a few seconds to get vibing to the smooth and groovy feel of “Carpe Diem”. Jax Beats teams up with Gully for an instrumentally rich and charming track that keeps you moving with each note. The track was written at the beginning of lockdown in the spring of 2020 but was re-produced during a later phase in quarantine. Latin for “seize the day”, “Carpe Diem” serves as an ode to self-love while telling the story of making the most of these weird times at home. The track serves as a reflection for the new year and a glimpse of a new start, and an ounce of optimism. Jax Beats is kicking 2021 off strong and is sure to keep us grooving throughout the year.
LISTEN TO OUR FULL WEEKLY PLAYLIST
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From Pavietra 🕊️ https://t.co/BXVgWlZud8 -
slowthai by Rosie Matheson 🤩 https://t.co/z7SDfFQ5iF
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RT @i_D: Ian Kenneth Bird photographs young punks on Polaroid: https://t.co/MKT0tMUqO9 https://t.co/a0tTl12ML5
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RT @AnOtherMagazine: #DreamHome – this isolated idyll in the mountains of Lanzarote 🌵 📸 via Nowness, photography by Clemence Blr 🔁 https://t.co/GUusdxD0cg
