Halfway through the year. How are your new years resolutions coming along? Forgot about those, didn’t ya? One of ours was to listen to as much local music as possible, and these hot singles are making it easy. Check ‘em out. Also… happy pride y’all!
Reviews by Ava Ferriero
Tops of Trees - “Love is Love”
“Love is Love” not only conveys the beautiful essence of love through lyrics, but captures the feeling using instrumentals. The prominence of the horn, with the drum and bass combination to back it up, fosters a hopeful, upbeat atmosphere. The theme is simple — that you can’t control who you love — but that pure, universal truth is what makes it so impactful. Tops of Trees made a beautiful tune with an even more beautiful message through “Love is Love.”
Hayley Stafford - “The Illustrated Woman”
Hayley Stafford immediately hooks you in with the piano's melancholy tune in “Illustrated Woman.” Her voice is soft and full of emotion, which allows the lyrics to pave the way. There is so much contrast within this song. Stafford starts mournful, but transitions to upbeat. This became a cycle of slowing down and accelerating, evoking different emotions in the listener — a cycle I think is intentional. Stafford was almost depicting the excitement of breaking free, but the difficulty of doing so. I listened to this song about 15 times.
Sova - “Heavy Shit”
“Heavy Shit” has depth to it without even using lyrics. Using a beautiful combination of instrumentals, with the piano and drums prominent, Sova created a mysterious, profound beat. It reminds me of someone in intense reflection, alone and contemplative. It’s the kind of beat that leaves you wanting more.
Amassed - “Nothing to Hear”
“Nothing to Hear” hooks listeners instantly. The beat is engaging through Amassed's very distinct voice — capturing quirky songwriting with melancholic tunes. The vocal almost contrasts the beat overall, but that’s what’s unique about it .The lyrics emphasize the role music can play in self discovery — “Nothing to hear. Just let yourself be led,” they sing. I played this song in the living room and everyone got up and danced. It’s truly a vibe.
Alex Chang - “A Love As Deep (II)”
“A Love As Deep (II)” feels like the introduction to a Tinker Bell movie. It reminds me of a fairy fluttering above a whimsical pond — that’s the only way to describe it. Alex Chang uses the harp to cultivate such a peaceful, beautiful tune. The song is consistent throughout, but that stability makes it feel safe. It flows naturally, and is easy to listen to on repeat. It’s enchanting, soothing and lulling — the kind of music I think we need more of in this hectic world.
Shannon Tehya - “Lovely”
Shannon Tehya’s “Lovely” is exactly how it’s titled — lovely! It’s hopeful, romantic, and simply a cute song. The soft harmonizing in the back mixed with the acoustics only paves way for her voice to shine. “I’ll tell you that you’re lovely, Like you tell me all the time,” she sings with her folky, ethereal voice. It’s about love that's easy, the kind that deserves to be sung about. It’s adorable. I love it.
Nocturnne - “Dancing With Wolves”
“Dancing With Wolves” is very earthly, folky and fairytale-like. Nocturne’s voice reminds me of Mitski. It is angelic and airy, allowing it to float above the instrumentals. Through her lyrics, her love for nature truly shines. “I feel so alive, when I look them in the eyes,” she sings about the wolves. It’s quirky — emphasizing her connection with an animal that’s portrayed as beast-like. The flute only contributes to the ethereal essence of the song. It’s beautiful.
Not Chinese Takeout - “Left 4 Dead”
Some songs just make you bop your head. “Left 4 Dead” is one of them. The blend of instruments curates an engaging punk, pop beat. There's a perfect balance of vocals and orchestra that makes it so energetic. You feel the frustration build up as the song continues, leading to the chaotic, intense shriek of the lead singer. Not Chinese Takeout created the perfect outlet for pent-up rage — allowing listeners to release it in a rhythmic, lively way.
Maddy Hicks - “Think You Can Guess”
“Think You Can Guess” is the kind of song that fits perfectly on my summer playlist. Maddy Hicks has vocals that fit right into the pop culture of our time — Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, Audrey Hobert like — but with a country-ish twist. “I’ll never confess, but I think you can guess,” she sings relatably. Pensive, yet relaxed, encouraging leisure and contemplation this summer.