Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Nuclear Cowboy - “The Equation”
Perched on the intersection where bouncy and upbeat meets soft and gentle, Nuclear Cowboy’s “The Equations” is for the lovers of love. With sweet lyricism that explores the ephemerality and transience of relationships, “The Equations” is an intimate and tender ode to the people whose memory we carry with us through life. A collection of cracked relationships, hopes and dreams we share with those who matter, and the yearning for our ambitions to be validated, Nuclear Cowboys latest track presents an ethereal and optimistic look at loving people and moving on from them.
Max Havas - “Why am I so fucking tired?”
Inspired by chronic fatigue, Max Havas’ latest single “Why am I so fucking tired?” sees the artist take ownership of his own pain and sorrow. A sonic homage to his Californian roots, the track presents an atmospheric and existential take on the electropop genre. Embedding bleak lyricism into rich, pulsing instrumentation Havas has created a track that is impressively juxtaposing.
Erika Wester - “Wanted to be like you”
Mixing a dreamy melody with desolate and haunting lyrics, Erika Wester’s “Wanted to be like you” is a strikingly accurate sonic translation of the devastation that follows seeing the other side of a lover. A heartbreaking exploration of realising someone you put on a pedestal no longer aligns with that initial persona, “Wanted to be like you” still feels overwhelmingly like a tender love song.
Ben Sex x Tyler Brown x Ya Boii Asthma - “I Met You In Chelsea (War Criminal Offspring)”
“I Met You In Chelsea (War Criminal Offspring)” details its singer dating someone who’s grandfather is an actual war criminal… based on a true story! Ben Sex, a persona-based LA pop act, details this courtship over smooth, lounge-style accompaniment with deep driving bass and sprinkling nightclub keys. The rhythm is tight, the playing refined, and the lyrics utterly ridiculous. Sex’s perspective is hilarious and the vocal delivery is all-too sensual for the thematic angle. It’s a winning combination of humor and ice-cool throwback R&B. “I Met You In Chelsea” also features contributions from artists, Tyler Brown and Ya Boii Asthma who are also Sex’s childhood friends.
Deep Sea Peach Tree - “Puppy Love”
Andrew Dell Isola and Zack Pockrose are making surf rock for the concrete jungle as Deep Sea Peach Tree. “Puppy Love,” their latest single, perfectly encapsulates their self-described genre, “aquatic sleep rock” or “aquatic sleep rock.” You’re hit with jaunty electric guitar and doo-wop style backing melodies all draped in a notable haze. The lyrics are classic beach bum ruminations on lost love and how they just want to spend time in the sun. “Puppy Love” features undertones of shoegaze influence in its distortion/effects along with traditional surf throwback. The song’s lyric video complements their style visually with washed-out and warped VHS effects. Certain Thoughts, the band’s sophomore album, is set to release this year.
Klara Keller - “Sad Thinking About You”
Klara Keller makes her English language debut on “Sad Thinking of You.” Keller cites a wide variety of influences like Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, M.I.A, and Patti Smith and you can hear it in her direct, unapologetic vocal delivery. The instantly catchy, childlike melodies instantly bring to mind Björk. The instrumentation sounds like 2010s indie-pop with distinct synth tones that sound closer to wind instruments. “Sad Thinking About You” would be good on a playlist next to artists like Beach House, Nico, and Pink Martini. The record also features mixing from Jack Lahana (Phoenix, Air) and additional writing contributions by Rob Coudert and Thomas Hedlund of Phoenix.
Sea Lemon - “Last Year”
Bright guitar sounds and gentle vocals, Sea Lemon’s dreamy track “Last Year” is an indie pop hit. Masked by an uplifting melody that reminisces the sweetness of Alvvays and the uptempo pace of Beach Bunny, “Last Year” centers around the frustration that comes with social media trends. The pandemic gave a lot more of us time to sit at home and scroll endlessly.
Fast trends, involving fashion and music on TikTok and Instagram, suggest there’s always something better and new out there.
In “Last Year,” Sea Lemon analyzes the constant barrage of advertisements that are forced upon us. She draws our attention to the overconsumption that we’re all guilty of and participate in when we scroll online, even if we are unconscious of it… in a brilliantly infectious, jangly pop format.
nodotmad - “Jaded”
22 year-old nodotmad (Mason Patt) is an alt-pop artist based in Chicago, IL. His latest release “Jaded” is a blissfully soulful, synth-filled dream that likens to an early HONNE song. Written, recorded, and mastered by himself, Mason’s intoxicating vocals repeat “It ain't so complicated, don’t overthink it,” making for the perfect pick-me-up listen. The track is short and sweet, and just the right length that leaves you on the edge, wanting to hear more. Created on a set of synthesizers and a simple drum machine, this hyper-pop inspired track intends to generate a mental release for anyone who needs it.
Child Seat - “Burning”
An indie-rock delight, Los Angeles-based band Child Seat have shared their latest single “Burning.” The powerhouse duo comprised of Madeleine Mathews (MAWD) and Josiah Mazzaschi (Light FM, Bizou) formed last year and are to release their debut record in August. With powerful, golden vocals that grab you within the first minute of the song, Mathews runs with the upbeat, uplifting percussion.
Reminiscent of 80s, synth-heavy instrumentals, “Burning” is a live wire that features the epic guitar solo styling of Jeff Schroeder (guitarist of the Smashing Pumpkins). Lyrically, the band reference the 2021 Caldor wildfire that threatened Mathews' hometown and wiped out thousands of acres of land that she’d traversed throughout her youth. The repeated lyric “And everything you love will leave you in the end, and everything you love, will go burning and burning” is a reminder that life throws us curveballs, including losing the things we love the most. Nothing is permanent, nor does it last forever.
“Burning” is an ethereal whirlwind of a pre-release to a debut album, and a must-listen for those unfamiliar with Child Seat.
Atomic Lobster - “Boy”
Back with their second single “Boy,” German trio Atomic Lobster offer listeners a punchy, conversational sound that explores longing and love for a boy who simply wants more. The freeing track establishes Atomic Lobster’s sound as grungey, indie/alt-rock. Inspired by artists and bands like PJ Harvey, Trixie Whitley, and Radiohead, Ella Estrella Tischa (guitar/vocals), Daniel Ivory (bass/vocals) and Armando Bleher (drums) met back in 2019 in the Stuttgart music scene. Since then, they have been creating beautiful songs as Atomic Lobster, especially with their debut “Loneliness.” “Boy” is fresh and light-hearted. For fans of Wet Leg, we recommend listening to this one!
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weekly tunes playlist has been updated! new tracks from @furtradeband, @pecqband, @garryfool & more! check it out! https://t.co/ToFU0R6YGo -
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RT @oliviaborch: new @LunaCollective out todayyy shot by @alltookev ✨ @P1H_official editorial design by me ! https://t.co/cvSCKsWB5D
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RT @rlyblonde: @AnnieDirusso for @LunaCollective shot by me #35mm #portra800 https://t.co/0UUJSCBGcH
