Now Listening: This Week's Tracks

Music

Mar 22

By Rufaro Chiswo, V. Freeman, Sahar Ghadirian, & Patrick Zavorskas

Cehryl - “outside the party, outside the dream”

Nostalgia are dreams that have happened, but have become dormant to the touch of our lives. I’ve been searching for that one song that summed up how these COVID-19 days have been fleeting, tracing my steps before I can take a look back, and Cehryl has delivered it to me. “outside the party, inside the dream,” creates the momentum behind the Hong Kong based singer-songwriter’s new EP, Time Machine, which will break open a timeline you thought was closed when it appears on 4/9. Cehryl’s voice, hushed yet beautiful, bouncing in & out of the track can fit as the key narration behind anyone’s dreams, especially those who see reality through the shapes the clouds pass by as if they were a whole parade meant only for them. I can’t tell what Cehryl is reflecting on, exactly, yet I can sense there is a longing behind her lyrics - a piece of emotion that we have all felt in our lives, lately. The whole song draws you in, hypnotizes you as Cehryl whispers a piece of life that was once non-fiction, something she can sense so vividly, now entering the realm of fantasy. The song moves as if it is shifting scenes in a Wong Kar-Wai film, and making you believe that what’s in your head can, sometimes, be more beautiful than what’s in front or behind you. If you want to escape from work or, simply, enjoy a moment in your head, then Cehryl is here to take you anywhere you would dream to go.

JW Francis - “Maybe”

When asked to describe what best sums up his music, JW Francis states “NYC lofi jangle dream slacker bedroom pop looking for deep romantic love, no hookups,” and this is perfectly communicated through his latest track “Maybe”. An energetic yet easy-going track, “Maybe” reflects all the best elements of JW’s captivating take on bedroom pop, and blends them with some of his greatest influences that hail from New York. Listing Talking Heads and The Velvet Underground as some of the sounds that are evoked in his music, the latest offering of the recent Sunday Best Records signee explores “the anxiety of decision making” while tapping into the irresistible energy of his predecessors. “Maybe,” is the kind of song that can usher you along more pensive paths and yet is the perfect addition to your spring playlists. Read our preview feature with JW Francis here and make sure to check out his new track.

HAOO - “Moving On”

The former half of the electronic duo NÉONHÈART has released a slick R&B and Pop infused single “Moving On”. The song features a steady groove with spacey synths that are reminiscent of HAOO’s previous work but give them new life and meaning in their solo project. Following the break-up of NÉONHÈART, HAOO has been building their own sonic identity and even managed to get a writing credit on Grammy Winner Rac’s single “Carefree”. HAOO states that the song was written during the quarantine period, “where I realized that I had to let some people go cause they weren’t the kind of friends I thought they were”. With lyrics that explore relationships in a manner that HAOO would describe as “somewhat sad”, the song is also about progress, valuing oneself, and is definitely one you’ll keep on repeat.

Tala Silva - “Moon”

“Moon” is the latest single from Tala Silva that depicts the ever-growing tension between two inevitable lovers. Carried over the sounds of a lo-fi beat, the track oozes with a romantic ambiance, nostalgia lingering in the background as the early stages of attraction fall into place. With lyrics such as, “You got me blushing | Smiling ear to ear | Don't know if we're falling | But baby, I'm here | To catch us if we fall,” there is a certain reassurance that the love was made to be. The melody is perfect for rainy nights spent cuddling with that special someone, or even those perfect parked car conversations that lead to first kisses. While the track only lasts 2:07, this love (for the song) is made to last.

Modern Nomad - “Can’t Explain It”

Modern Nomad returns with the sparkling and entrancing 70s inspired indie-pop track “Can’t Explain It”. The song is the lead single off of his upcoming EP Bardo draws from soul and disco sounds, and wholly dives into the nostalgic and irresistible atmosphere that it draws influence from. Modern Nomad is the solo project of Tom Mclean, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music is reminiscent of the psychedelic sounds of The Beatles while reflecting Tame Impala and Toro Y Moi. Mclean’s music has been gaining buzz since his 2015 debut Road Tripp, which earned him a feature on BBC Radio 6 and Jimmy O’Yang’s VICELAND “Party Legends” episode where his song “Fun Is Good” is played. If you want more from Modern Nomad, his EP Bardo is set for release on the 14th of May this year and you don’t want to miss it.

Argonaut & Wasp - “Autoslide”

Trey, Theo, Alec and Chris, the four men making up Argonaut & Wasp, are here with a perfectly timed, funk inspired anthem as the doors to the world are, slowly, beginning to open back up. After COVID-19 ended all of our chances to use our youth to create unforgettable moments with the people we call friends, it is nice to have a song to ride out too once we are able to fully wrestle with what life throws our way. “”Autoslide” is a song about causing a ruckus with your friends, knowing who has your back, and pushing each other to the limits,” the group says about the meaning behind the new track, which is held down by a brake drum beat and a fluent horn - sounding off alongside the hook of the song - and it’s building anticipation toward their new album, dropping on 4/30. The beat keeps your head moving, getting you ready to sprint toward the risks in life when you see open air, yet the lyrics, straight from the consciousness of the band, articulate how fun being young and reckless can be. It’s a song about the trials that make-up friendships, the ones where you all are bonded by moments that have left you all as witnesses to what craziness life can offer. Argonaut & Wasp understand the urge to let loose, but, they have one request when embarking on these adventures...MAKE SURE YOUR FRIENDS ARE COOL!

Cosmis Crooner - “Deep Down In Jazz”

Amsterdam-based singer-songwriter, Cosmic Crooner is here to stay - and he is proving it with his debut single and music video “Deep Down In Jazz.” The debut single plucks from a rich history of psychedelic lounge pop, drawing in comparison to David Bowie’s Young American or Honky Dory phases and now St. Vincent’s Daddy’s Home persona. The track is filled with witty, swoon-worthy lyrics - sure to carry on the legacy of classic songwriters that came before him. Cosmic Crooner’s voice is completely captivating, full of a richness that borders the likeness of Scott Walker - flowing with a sultry seductiveness that prepares you for his arrival. Paired with a music video capturing the artist as a 70s rock star revivalist, there is something so utterly enticing about the track - and we truly cannot wait for more!

Wax Works - “Will You Remember Me?”

Fading in with echoes of dance-pop, Wax Works’ bassline and percussion have an instantaneous groove. “will you remember me?” is the second single from the Leeds singer, and his lyrics capture a wistful lovesickness. The fear of being forgotten is a theme which remains present throughout the track. Despite this, the chilled euphoria from the instrumental helps soften the blow of heartbreak.

The vocals and rhythmic funk on this song have a reminiscence to the early sounds of Honne, especially the initial, almost spoken word style of singing which shifts melodiously into the chorus’ curiosity: “will you remember me?”. It’s refreshing to see a young artist emerging with this alternative pop sound, the type that is both relaxing and makes you want to dance.

Written, recorded and produced all by himself, Wax Works’ “will you remember me?” is a DIY success.

MARKETPLACE - “CHARLIE”

“CHARLIE” is a bouncy indie-pop anthem by Hartlepool five piece MARKETPLACE. The band arrived on the music scene in 2020 and have similarities to SPINN and the late Viola Beach. The music from both bands mentioned radiates a unique, upbeat enthusiasm that MARKETPLACE shows on this latest track.

The opening riff on “CHARLIE” is magnetic and hooks you instantly. The vocals of Joel O’beirne and Evie Rhodes blend beautifully, and harmonising with the playful rhythm, the song comes to life. Just in time for Spring, “CHARLIE” is freespiritied and glittered with thrills - the type of track you play to start your day right.

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“I want to set the mood for younger emerging artists in Toronto, to be like, ‘Hey, you could, like, fucking work with literally anyone who has a kind soul.’ I do want to uplift the artist community. I do think collaboration is important, because if you wanna be in the community, you're gonna have to collaborate one way or another." - Cruz ⭐️ 🎞Allowing themself to take a more vulnerable & meaningful approach with their work, photographer Cruz is combining her creative talent with her passion for mental health advocacy. Read more about this incredible artist & how quarantine shifted her work + about the work they are doing for the community in our feature on the site now 💞