PLAYLIST : JULY 2017

Hot, sticky humidity is no stranger to my summers, but we've never become friends. Thankfully, I always have the retreat of great music to listen to and discover. Here's just ten of my favourite things from about halfway through the summer. As always, you can find the Spotify playlist by clicking right here, or click the song titles for a Youtube or Soundcloud link.

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"where do you go" by flor

flor have created a simply glowing debut with their album, come out. you're hiding, released back in May. Originally from Oregon but now based in Los Angeles, the four-piece have the optimistic indie-pop sound that you've been looking for this summer. "where do you go" is one of my favourites, with its shimmering pop hook and graceful vocals blending with colourful guitar and pops of percussion.

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"Plastic" by Will Joseph Cook

Young British artist Will Joseph Cook made his bubbling debut with Sweet Dreamer this April. The fourth track, "Plastic", which was one of the earlier released singles off the LP, is a fun, tropical masterpiece. Steel drums and euphoric beats contrast with Cook's repeated lyric, "I just don't feel like dancing on my own". The song begs to differ with its chorus, because you'll definitely feel like dancing to this summer tune.

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"Used 2 Dream" by PHANGS

PHANGS has been an up-and-coming favourite of mine for a while. Nashville music-maker Jake Germany started PHANGS last summer, and is now back with debut album, Get in My Arms, released on Friday. "Used 2 Dream", an emotionally raw, yet musically groovy favourite track of mine. Germany was open on social media about the emotional release that this album was for him, and it's truly beautiful. Congrats on the stellar debut, Jake!

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"She's Gonna Leave You" by The Walters

After the release of their LP, Young Men, in 2015, Chicago five piece, The Walters, is back with a single and the rumour of a new album. In January, "She's Gonna Leave You" was released, and I've been listening to this song so much lately, I actually hear it in my dreams. And dreamy it is, with sweet, velvety vocals washing over laid-back guitar, and a danceable chorus, this song is perfect for hazy summer days.

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"Hometown" by Okey Dokey

Aaron Martin and Johny Fisher first came onto the scene as Okey Dokey last year, with the release of their single, "Wavy Gravy". Their debut album, Love You, Mean It, was released in January, and on the 17th, the duo gave us another taste of their nostalgic brand of indie pop with single, "Hometown". With this song, Okey Dokey have made the overwhelming task of returning to a small town fun with memorable vocals, fun trumpet, and sunny guitar.

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"2 HRS!" by Slow Caves

Colorado quartet Slow Caves came out with their new EP, Desert Minded, in March of this year. The synthy sound and surfy atmosphere are well accompanied by the unique album artwork, all feeding towards a very Cali-culture image for the band. The first song on the EP, "2 HRS!", is the perfect blend of surf rock, synth, and punk. Chime-like synths contrast with guitar, and crooning vocals smooth it all over in this poolside jam.

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"Crowd Goes Wild" by Bien

This dreamy Nashville-based band released their self-titled EP back in 2016. Bien has a toxically uplifting, ridiculously catchy reminiscent of clear blue skies and jumping into backyard pools. Third track on the EP, "Crowd Goes Wild", is happy, unique, and highly danceable, with lyrics as sweet as candy. If you'd like to hear more, the band has released a slew of new music this year, with the luscious single "Flashback" as the most recent release.

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"Just Because" by Blonder

New Yorker Constantine Anastasakis, better known as Blonder, is making a splash onto the indie rock scene. His EP, $5, released June 16, mixes '80s New Wave influences with post-punk vocals for a sound that is quickly working its way to the forefront of indie. On June 30, Blonder released his newest work, "Just Because", a fast, large, and powerful single. Featuring slick guitar work and an irresistible chorus, Blonder is one to look out for.

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"Mind" by Declan McKenna

18-year-old Declan McKenna is making himself known with his explosive debut, What Do You Think About The Car?, released on the 21st. Praised for his innovative style and politically aware lyricism, McKenna's album was highly anticipated by many fans. Fourth track on the album, "Mind", is one of the new ones to the artist's studio collection, and with its heavy guitar, loud chorus, and playful nature, it's a great way to describe the album. McKenna demands to be heard in this summer hit.

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"Gravestones" by BOYO

L.A. group BOYO released their debut album, Control, back in 2016. The fuzzy-guitared, psych-pop project of Robert Tilden has now released a collection of B-sides from the album, by the name of Golden Days (B-Sides). "Gravestones" is the fourth track, and its dreamy, psychedelic charm is one that anyone can love. The kaleidoscopic sound of BOYO is just right for those long summer nights.

If you liked any of the songs you heard in this post, you can follow roseplaylist's July playlist on Spotify right here.