PLAYLIST : APRIL 2018

roseplaylist is back in bloom! With my first year of university now behind me, more regular blog posts are on the way, starting with my monthly favourites. As I finished up the semester at the end of April, I didn't have much time to listen to new music, so I relied on a few favourites to help me through the month. In no particular order as always, here are my top ten picks of April. Click the songs for a Youtube link, or go ahead and grab the Spotify or Apple Music playlist at the end of the article.

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"follow you" by Zuli

I first started listening to this album a few months ago, and it quickly became a survival guide for my semester. On Human Freakout Mountain is the debut record from New York's Ryan Camenzuli, the genius behind Zuli. "follow you" is the first track on the album, and as soon as I heard the opening of the song, I knew this album would become one of my all-time favourites. Camenzuli's unique blend of 60s sensibility, clever tempo changes, and sweet vocals make for an album that is really just a lot of fun.

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"The Good Thing" by Talking Heads

Talking Heads are an obvious favourite for any alternative fan, and have been a staple of mine throughout the whole school year. Recently I've been specifically digging into the group's second release, More Songs About Buildings and Food. A futuristic fusion of influences, the 1978 album is new wave at its finest, among vocalist David Byrne's signature squeakiness, fantastic bass lines, and shimmering synths. The jangly commotion of this New York group is exemplified here on "The Good Thing", the third track on the album.

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"Can I Call You Tonight" by Dayglow

Dayglow are one of the most outstanding up-and-coming acts right now. The Texas project fronted by high school student Sloan Struble released their first single, "Run the World!!!" back in 2017, but their latest track, "Can I Call You Tonight", is really taking on the music scene by storm. Released in January, the song is a lushly textured echo of bittersweet dream pop that sounds miles more experienced than anything you'd ever think could come from a high school kid. If this song hasn't already popped up in your Discover Weekly, do yourself a favour and listen to it now.

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"Quit the Curse" by Anna Burch

Indie rocker Anna Burch released her first record, Quit the Curse, back in February of this year. After trying her luck in a few different projects, Burch set out on her own, and I'm really glad she did. A testament to the Michigan-based musician's incredible songwriting skill, the album is a collage of sweet harmonies, 90s alt influence, and smart guitar work. The album's title track "Quit the Curse" is a sun-faded drawl of lovesickness, illustrating the story of a failed relationship through the brightly coloured lens of charming vocals and danceable melodies.

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"On The Door" by Just Like Fruit

British quintet Just Like Fruit released their debut EP On The Door last year, displaying a refreshingly rocky brand of alternative. The group boasts a fun, lively timelessness that satisfies 2018's craving for some good old rock 'n' roll. Boisterous guitar solos, noisy attitude, and youthful appeal compete with modern references which bring a classic sound into the present. The title track "On The Door" is one of my favourites on the EP, standing out with a slightly slower tempo which fosters a more intimate listen, but the song maintains the same fun attributes. Just Like Fruit are bringing rock 'n' roll back, and with a vengeance.

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"I Can't Stand It" by Blossoms

Blossoms were one of my favourite discoveries of last year, so you can only imagine my excitement when the British five-piece announced that they would be back with another album. Cool Like You just dropped this past Friday, April 27, and it's a fantastic extension of the bright yet melancholy synth-pop from 2016's self-titled debut. "I Can't Stand It" was the first single that the band released ahead of releasing the album, and my first listen was accompanied by a distinct happiness. An explosion of glossy synths, frontman's Tom Ogden's unmistakable vocals, and a hugely catchy chorus, the song is an instant hit.

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"Afterimage" by Hate Drugs

If you follow me on Spotify, you'll know that I like to keep a playlist on the go for each season. I threw this song from California surf rock five-piece Hate Drugs into my playlist for this past winter, and I found myself falling in love with the song every time it came on shuffle. "Afterimage" is an ethereal, surreal encounter with soaring vocals, memorable guitar work, and an amazing outro. The track is featured on the quintet's debut album, Tsunami Soul II, which is a diverse collection of beachy atmosphere and raw emotion.

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"Closest To Me" by Liza Anne

This March, Georgia folk-rocker Elizabeth Anne Odachowski, better known as Liza Anne, captivated us all with her third LP, Fine But Dying. Her latest release reveals a strikingly truthful account of her journeys through mental illness and adulthood. With her haunting vocals, enchanting instrumentals, and hypnotizing melodies, I have not been able to tear myself away from this work since its release. "Closest To Me" is one of the softer songs on the album, allowing for Odachowski's voice to shine, sharing lyrics which detail her difficulty to deal with emotions as a child and consequent habit of hurting others. The song is a perfect example of the dark yet dazzling honesty that makes this album so fantastic.

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"Hesitate" by Hala

This artist's 2016 record has been on heavy rotation for me over the past few months. 20-year-old Ian Ruhala's Spoonfed hosts a carefully crafted blend of lo-fi sounds, fuzzy vocals, and expert hooks, which create a cozy, easy-listening experience that was the perfect soundtrack for my cold evening bus rides home from class everyday this semester. Ruhala's work presents a surprisingly mature outlook on life, which really makes you feel that he really puts his heart into what he does. "Hesitate" is one of my favourites on the album, offering simply pleasant vocals, punchy guitar, and Hala's signature lo-fi fuzziness.

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"Stay" by The Aces

Ending this collection in the best way possible is the debut album from Utah four-piece, The Aces. Since their debut EP, I Don't Like Being Honest caught everyone's attention last year, I was so excited to see what this group would do next. When My Heart Felt Volcanic does not disappoint. It's a sticky sweet heat wave of pop perfection, but also pulls its weight substantially. Songs like "Stay" are ideal for bedroom dance parties and easy listening, but there's something more to it than regular bubblegum pop, which lingers and keeps you coming back for more. The Aces are pop with a purpose.

If you liked any of the songs you heard in this post, find the Spotify and Apple Music playlists below.