Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Brimheim - “Literally Everything”
Danish-Faroese artist Brimheim is back with a new single, "Literally Everything." Following her acclaimed 2022 debut album can't hate myself into a different shape, this release combines infectious electro-pop melodies with Brimheim's introspective lyrics, touching on the desire for others' approval at the cost of self-identity and ambition.
In her own words, Brimheim reflects on her journey, from self-destructive behaviors to seeking admiration, both as an individual and an artist. She shares how early success brought insecurity and an attachment to fleeting fame, revealing the fragility of her self-esteem.
The accompanying video features Brimheim in a confident, pink-themed dance routine across the Faroe Islands, directed by Heiðrikur á Heygum. With a growing reputation on the international alt-pop scene, Brimheim's "Literally Everything" is a candid exploration of self-confidence versus the need for recognition, setting the stage for her upcoming album.
Liz Stuart - “Creeper Thoughts”
Liz Stuart's latest single, "Creeper Thoughts," from her upcoming debut EP, focuses on the haunting realm of intrusive thoughts. Whether you're affected by your bad habits or paralyzed by dark contemplations, this song offers a reflective experience. Stuart's voice is ethereal and whimsical, effortlessly blending with Pinegrove-inspired acoustic and electric guitar melodies to create an eerie atmosphere.
The lyrics delve into the experience of feeling debilitated by inner demons, inviting plenty of introspection. Co-produced with Jack Harrington, the track's minimalistic production subtly enhances Liz's haunting vocals, crafting an unsettling and mesmerizing soundscape. "Creeper Thoughts" lingers long after it ends, offering catharsis and profound insight into the complexities of the human psyche
Hana Eid - “Pitbull”
Hana Eid recalls early-00s pop punk on her latest single, “Pitbull.” Through distorted chunky guitar and confessional, frank lyrics, Eid sounds like she’s competing for a spot on 2007’s VH1 Top 20 Countdown.
The song’s subject deal with failed commitments and the bitter disappointment, “I feel like a pitbull chained outside foaming at the mouth,” Eid laments. Though her lyrics deal with bad times, the arrangement uplifts in its catharsis. Towards the end, the instruments strip back just leaving Eid and that guitar, until the whole band returns for one last anthemic chorus.
“Pitbull” is her second single of 2023, following “Weird.” Eid has more punchy songs in the works.
Man with a Corduroy Heart - “The Wailers”
“The Wailers,” the debut single of UK-based sound engineer, Ryan Davies, is perfect end-of-the-night music.
The song is about Davies using Bob Marley as a lullaby to get his baby to sleep. It’s night-light core: gentle strumming and a delicate croon. Production that paints a scenic picture with bubbles and synthesized strings, you can see the kind of lazy afternoon nap hour. Lyrics recall childlike innocence and loving expressions of how tired being a parent can make you.
Davies has released multiple additional singles this year as Man With Corduroy Hat. “The Wailers” ends with Davies cooing cries as we fade off into the night.
From//October - “I Feel Like Something Is Changing”
The Dutch act, From//October is back with its alluring, spacious soundscape. “I Feel Like Something Is Changing,” is their newest single from their upcoming EP. The growing pains of your 20s mean friends can come and go and life is moving very fast for many people — including yourself. “I Feel Like Something Is Changing” paints a picture of appreciation for these life changes, and how you can be grateful for having the chance to meet the people you do. The song feels like that moment when you’re hanging out with all your loved ones or closest friends and everyone’s laughing and smiling without a care in the world other than for each other. In an instant, you just realize how lucky you are to be alive.
Although change is extremely scary, From//October’s sound captures the mystery life brings to us. The dazzling guitar tones sound like wind chimes blowing in the quietest moments of the night, and a pad that carries a sound of sorrow. The bridge of the song has Dion’s vocals echoing common thoughts people have of anxieties and fears of losing people they’ve once known. But once you’ve faced this realization, you become grateful for the people you do have in the whirlwind around you. This song definitely checks off the box of the “indie-teen, coming-of-age movie soundtrack.”
Pink Mario - “You Know Who to Call (This Modern World)”
Lazlo Barclay, better known as Pink Mario, is a Berlin-based dream pop artist from London. His career launched in 2020, and has since released 17 songs, 2 EPs, and amassed over a million streams. His bright, eclectic performances range from Germany to the UK, and has been on the same bill with none other than Ellie Goulding. His music is described as treading the lines between dream and desperation. He doesn’t shy away from synths, and uses the ‘80s pop sound with a creative new perspective, giving the genre a newness that’s refreshing.
His newest single, “You Know Who to Call (This Modern World)” is about the collective worries and anxieties that new technology brings. Written within the depth of an existential crisis about AI and its potential impacts, he wrote an upbeat melody to combat those worries in search of comfort. This was greatly accomplished with a punchy rhythmic line, atmospheric synths, intentional vocal layering, and a bubble-gum type of pop.
