There was an absurd amount of new music that came out this month; I’m sure I even missed something. But man, the 518 really came to play for the official start of summer. Some of these are sunnier than others, but they’re all delightful in their own way. Check out this month’s hottest singles below.
Reviews by TJ Foster
Girl Love feat. Sawyer Fredericks - “Stonewall” (Live)
Recorded live at Mount Ida Preservation Hall, Girl Love teams up with Sawyer Fredericks for "Stonewall", an incredibly powerful track about the Stonewall riots in the '60s perfectly timed for Pride Month. The two adept songwriters' voices meld so nicely together creating an unforgettable performance they've thankfully documented for us to hear.
Mall Goth - “Your Garden”
Produced and recorded at Tummy Rub Records, Mall Goth's first single from their upcoming EP is a jangly, indie-rock delight that fans of The Strokes and The Beths will adore. "Your Garden" has me quite excited for whatever else is in store this summer from the group.
Julia Alsarraf - “Take Responsibility”
Another scathing barnburner of a track from Julia Alsarraf here. These one-off, full band singles are a delight and do wonders for amping you up. Consider it your responsibility to listen to this one immediately.
Head Sound - “Hyperion”
I don't know if I'd call this one very summery, but they do sing about the summer sun in the first verse, so maybe I'm wrong. Either way, if you're looking for a healthy dose of fast-paced shoegaze, Head Sound have the medicine for you with "Hyperion". It's caked in fuzz and reverb and destined for massive stages -- festival bookers, take note.
Kat Mackenzie - “How to Disappear”
"How to Disappear" takes its time throughout a brooding five and a half minutes, with Kat Mackenzie delivering an impressive genre-mashing of grungy shoegaze with gothic undertones. It's a whole vibe that culminates in a pretty epic ending.
Cassandra Kubinski - “Find What Feels Good”
It's no secret Cassandra Kubinski is a worldclass songwriter, so it should also be no surprise that "Find What Feels Good" is an absolute pop masterpiece. Piano-led with delightful melodies and just a tad bit of twang, this is summertime wrapped up in a pop song. And not for nothing, but I think we could all use a little positivity like this right about now.
Dayburn - “Here Tomorrow”
The debut single from John Glenn (LiketheAstronaut, Stellar Young) and John Luby (ex-Athletics) is a post-rock anthem. The perfect amalgamation of what these two old friends are best at. The entire EP comes out August 20th and spoiler alert: it might be one of the best things you'll hear all year.
Ursa and the Major Key - “Please Don’t Hurt Me Too”
This is admittedly my introduction to Ursa and the Major Key, and I immediately got Lord Huron circa-Strange Trails vibes from "Please Don't Hurt Me Too". The band exists nicely in that realm of reverby folk-rock and, while I don't want to get ahead of myself weather-wise, this will be a wonderful Autumnal accompaniment.
Ab The Audicrat, Shyste Chronkye, Xkwisit, Mista Pigz - “Stop the Cap”
At this point, it should be expected that anything with Ab the Audicrat's name attached to it gets a seal of approval from us. "Stop the Cap" is no exception. The artists themselves are class acts and so of course the music is too. A+ hip-hop right here.
The Sugar Hold - “Loner”
The new single from The Sugar Hold is actually something of an old single. It's one of their oldest tunes they ended up re-recording during their QUICKIE sessions, but "it didn’t quite match the power-pop vibe of that record, so we held onto it for a rainy day," Mikey Baish told me. There's (basically) no vocals and honestly it doesn't need them; the surf-rock, spy-caper vibes make for a perfect instrumental.
Brule County Bad Boys - “The Lantern”
Brule County Bad Boys' latest is an epic mashing of acoustic instrumentation---seriously, there's acoustic guitars, fiddles, an accordion, and I'm sure a whole lot more I'm missing. Not to mention some truly killer vocal harmonies.This is brash honky tonk at its finest.
The Heart of Urchins - “Decade”
The Heart of Urchins is project of Justin Persutti who has returned to music after a decade hiatus from the scene with "Decade". It's hard to describe this one beyond saying it's tight, guitar-forward rock-and-roll. The halftime section about 2/3 of the way in is particularly impactful.
Watch Reggie Run - “Little Tiny Bites”
Everyone's favorite kid-band-that's-also-for-grown-ups is back with "Little Tiny Bites", and if you ever wanted a catchy-as-hell song about pizza and bagels, this one's for you. Always a treat when we get new music from Dave and his son Luke.
A Whole Nother - “Shifting”
Kingston-based A Whole Nother is a six-piece indie-rock outfit that throws the kitchen sink at new single, "Shifting". The song weaves in and out from spooky melodies and synths to dancefloor-worthy grooves. It's quite a feat how much the band packed into 3:22; well done.
simplemachine - “#FollowMe”
The duo of David Tyo and John Harmon is back with latest song, "#FollowMe". simplemachine songs always seem to have something to say, and this one is no exception. Just give it a listen and you'll see what I mean. Another alt-rock gem from these guys who seem to never miss.
Moe Greene & The Dive Bar Juicers - “South Skunk Beach”
Every time I see their band name, it makes me smile. "South Skunk Beach" is the latest single from the local blues rock outfit. The rhythms are locked in, the guitar solos sing, and the half-spoken vocals are compelling; this would do quite well at the county fair.