Finally a date that doesn’t make my American brain do gymnastics. Time doesn’t stop for anyone, and now that we are staring the holiday season in the face that’s especially true. Weeks turn into months and those into years. I know I’m still recovering from 2020 and there’s only 3 short months until 2022. Oh how time flies. Luckily, with time passing quickly we get plenty of new music. Here are our thoughts on some of the best songs released this week!
The Woods » A Changing Light
‘A Changing Light’ redefines the traditional definition of beauty
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Recorded in a rural Scottish studio, The Woods newest track ‘A Changing Light’ is light and easy to listen to. I loved how easily it melded folk influences with the modern electronic sound. Light chordal synths droned in the background supporting the easy-going vocals and cool percussion. There was an eerie sort of energy that pushed everything forwards while retaining its full sound. Every push and pull was full, regardless of how many voices were in it. Regardless of how thick or thin the texture was, vocals were cool, just floating alongside the rhythm section.
Make sure to connect with The Woods on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Alto Key » waiting.
‘Waiting’ is a wonderful feel good song for even the darkest of days
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‘waiting.’ by Alto Key combines modern sounds with familiar voices in a delightful way. The light aftereffects on the vocals give them a neat texture that suits the atmosphere very well. Pushed along by the throbbing bass and synth pads. One thing in particular that I loved was how easily the traditional sounds like piano paired with the electronics. It gave ‘waiting.’ a unique energy that every voice would meld into seamlessly. Additionally, the song evolved as it went along – keeping everything feeling fresh. Sounding like something out of an inspiring movie, ‘waiting.’ is sure to put you in a good mood.
Make sure to connect with Alto Key on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Bones In Butter » This Is Not What You Promised Us
The unique experience of listening to ‘This Is Not What You Promised Us’ is unforgettable
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‘This Is Not What You Promised Us’ by Serbia-based Bones In Butter defies definition. Sometimes sounding like Rock, others Alt-pop, and about a dozen different genres on top of that. Choirs sing alongside busy bass lines and eerie, atmospheric guitar riffs to kick the song off. Light vocals fit the texture incredibly well. It reminded me of a song you’d hear out of a Nightmare Before Christmas. The use of chromatics in the pre-chorus really drives that uneasy feeling. Everything starts with a ton of energy and manages to keep it going throughout the entire ~five minutes without getting stale. It demonstrated the band’s maturity and chemistry phenomenally.
Glass Heart String Choir » Wounds
‘Wounds’ finds a way to be melancholy and uplifting at the same time
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On Seattle-based duo Glass Heart String Choir’s newest release, ‘Wounds’ they explore sadder, darker themes in an unforgettable way. Supported by delicate harmonies, the poetic vocals are light yet heavy with emotion. Long chords in the strings weep alongside easy-going piano riffs. The result was simply beautiful. One of my favorite parts was how easily these deep lyrics told a story. Even feeling conversational at points, they added depth to everything going on around them. In fact, the whole song, despite the sad message, felt oddly uplifting. Light backing vocals ornament the texture, adding beauty and complimenting the easy-going strings.
Make sure to connect with Glass Heart String Choir on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Joe Traxler » Empty Prayer
Never afraid to try something new, Joe Traxler continues to impress on ‘Empty Prayer’
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Layered with inquisitive synths, the groove on Joe Traxler’s newest track. ‘Empty Prayer’ is unique and fascinating. At times sounding like a Tyler the Creator instrumental, and at others leaning more into the pop elements of the song. The consistency of the lead vocals gives the song structure without detracting from the diverseness of it all. By the time the dance break/solo section came around I was hooked. With the modern production style, even familiar voices twisted and morphed. Everything came together phenomenally, and left me entranced. Joe Traxler continues to make music in his own lane, totally unique to himself.
Make sure to connect with Joe Traxler on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
ODEONS » Level Playing Field
ODEONS chemistry is undeniable, and ‘Level Playing Field’ demonstrates it perfectly.
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Right away, Finland-based ODEONS come out of the gates punching on their new release ‘ Level Playing Field’. The catchy, high-energy groove kicks off immediately, wasting no time building energy’. Not only that, but they managed to keep the excitement going for the entirety of the song, with no lulls. The unabashed groove is exactly what Spinal Tap was talking about when they turned their speaker to 11. Every chorus was electric and memorable. ODEONS sound cohesive and mature. Each melody was memorable and suited the groove to a T. The band did a great job supporting the vocals through the ebbs and flows of the song.
Make sure to connect with ODEONS on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Rhona Macfarlane » No Rain
‘No Rain’ is emotional and gorgeous.
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Beauty and delicacy are two elements that are pivotal to any release by Glasgow-based singer/songwriter Rhona MacFarlane. ‘No Rain’ is no exception. From her forthcoming EP, ‘Closing The Window’ – it does a phenomenal job showing off the depth of her melodies and voice. Poetic lyricism is dotted with long emotive strings. The combination pulls at the heartstrings. Not only that, but when paired with the versatile rhythm section it gives the vocals the foundation to soar over top. Great mixing helps every voice cut through the texture, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the song and rounding it out beautifully.
Make sure to connect with Rhona Macfarlane on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
