PLAYLIST : SEPTEMBER 2018
Hello again! After a very busy summer, I'm happy to be returning to this blog with a playlist packed with great new releases. From stellar new songs from some of my favourite artists, to impressive debuts from small artists, read all about my top 21 releases of the summer! As always, click the song titles for a Youtube link, or go add the Spotify or Apple Music playlists at the end of the post.
"Sick Feeling" by Boy Pablo
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There's a growing movement of teenagers ruling alternative right now, and Norway's Pablo Muñoz is one of the brightest stars. Fresh out of high school, Muñoz has already toured across Europe with Boy Pablo, and hit streaming success with his 2017 EP, Roy Pablo. "Sick Feeling" is the latest single from the 19-year-old, released on June 29th in anticipation of a second EP, Soy Pablo, to be released on October 5th. A juxtaposition of heartbroken lyrics and daydreamy melodies, the single perfectly captures that end of summer melancholy feeling.
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Another high schooler who's leading the pack is American indie rocker Lindsey Jordan, the frontwoman behind Snail Mail. At just 19, Jordan is an exemplary case of an artist who is "wise-beyond-her-years", penning lyrics that show deep emotional analysis and playing guitar like someone who's been in the industry for a decade. On her June debut album Lush, Jordan submerses the listener in snapshots of a love story from blossoming beginnings to bitter ends. "Golden Dream" finds the songwriter nearing the close of a romance, where cathartic vocals and guitar work perfectly highlight the young artist's talent.
Alt-rock quartet HUNNY have been one of my favourites for a couple years now, and since the group's successful release of their EP Windows I in 2017, I've been eagerly waiting for more. Thankfully, the Cali four-piece returned with their punk-inspired vocals and new wave-indebted instrumentals in July with the follow-up Windows II EP, the band's first release since signing with Epitaph Records. "Rebel Red" opens the EP with a bang, boasting loud guitars, gripping choruses, and powerful vocals. An energetic blend of all the best inspirations, this is an absolute can't-miss release.
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Model Tenant is a supergroup – and also a friend-group – made up of Liza Odachowski (of Liza Anne), Robbie Jackson (of Keeps), Zachary Dyke (formerly of COIN), Abby Clark (of Sister Kit), Allie Closner (of Joseph), Thad Kopec, and Josh Gilligan. In August the seven pals brought us their first single, "Real Like You", which welcomes us to their vision in the warmest way. With groovy bass and synths, soft vocals, and well-blended harmonies, the song creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere while analyzing social situations in adulthood.
Bambi is the sophomore release from Minnesota indie rockers Hippo Campus, after the release of Landmark last year. The title track was released a month earlier in August, and it really set the band up for a great album. The song covers personal lyrical matter as vocalist Jake Luppen recounts his difficulties dealing with mental health issues and the strain it can put on your family and friends, while a catchy electronic beat and whimsical tambourine adorn the track, and the layered vocals in the outro pay hommage to the band's earlier songs like "Little Grace". A truly breathtaking and wise take on a second album, this is one I'll be playing on repeat for quite some time.
Since adding lead vocalist Emma Proulx to their lineup in 2015, Montreal indie pop trio Men I Trust has been putting out single after single, picking up more attention with each release. The group even caught the eye of Tyler, The Creator, who personally invited Men I Trust via Instagram to play at the rapper's 2018 Camp Flog Gnaw Festival, and he even asked the group when they will be coming out with an album. If you, like Tyler, have been wondering what's next for this rising act, then you're in luck. September's shimmery release "Seven" is the latest single from the group, hinting at an album to be released early next year.
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Chicago-based four-piece Swatches released their debut EP, Youth Can If Youth Wanna, in September. "Red Line" was the lead single released before the EP, and it's been the soundtrack to a lot of my bus rides home from school so far this semester. Synths and guitar lines bounce around each other as baritone vocals contrast with the singalong-like set of oh's throughout, in this standout single from an up-and-coming band I'll certainly be keeping an eye on.
Bringing us back to the teenage-wonder theme once again is 17-year-old Hana Vu, and her debut album, How Many Times Have You Driven By. Blurring from chilled synth-pop to garageband-like rock, the LA teen puts out diverse, genre-bending sounds over the 10 tracks, which she produced entirely herself in her bedroom. "Shallow" falls on the rockier side of the spectrum, jumping around with heavier guitar work and powerful vocal releases. Hana Vu the one you should definitely watch out for in bedroom pop right now, and How Many Times will convince you.
After last year's Songs of Her's, you're now formally invited to the UK duo's sophomore effort, Invitation to Her's, released in August. A laid-back, boyish collection of sounds, the album hazes through 11 tracks of unapologetically cheeky dream-pop, owning its weirdness the whole way through. "Low Beam" is home to funky guitar lines that wobble around the eclectic contrast between the verses' baritone and the chorus' tenor vocals, creating rich texture while remaining warm and breezy.
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This summer, Californian singer-songwriter Ashe introduced herself with her debut EP The Rabbit Hole. A colourful journey through brilliant psych-pop, this EP tackles relatable and emotional topics while maintaining an irresistibly fun disposition. "Real Love" is one of the soaring singles from The Rabbit Hole, acting as one of the slower songs of the collection, with its hypnotic melody and captivating, sun-kissed atmosphere.
From their start covering pop punk songs on Youtube to their pop chart success, 5 Seconds of Summer have always caused controversy when it comes to defining their genre. The June release of their third album, Youngblood, leans more towards pop than ever, with the majority of the album coloured by slick synths and dance pop, but the clear range in influences is still a defining part of their sound. "Talk Fast", is a song clearly indebted to the 80s vein of pop, with a guitar part straight out of new wave acts like The Police. After being a fan of this band since high school and growing with them for years, the same message that 15-year-old me learned a lifetime ago still rings true at 20 years today: it's okay to still be figuring yourself out.
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You might remember Hardcastle from their 2017 singles like "Paralyzed". After months of hard work and self-analysis, the band decided to go back to the drawing board, delete their old music, and start putting out new music that more honestly represents their vision. "I Never Knew" is the brand new debut single from the Nashville pop rock band, and it is such a powerful way to start this new phase. Beginning quiet, atmospheric, and simple with vocals in the spotlight, the song quickly builds into an anthem, with unforgettable guitar work and a giant chorus tying everything together.
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Maryland musician Tom Mclean released his second album as Modern Nomad in June. A Trip to Magic Hotel is essential summer listening, with its faded vocals and jangly guitars drawing memories of long drives to the beach. "Ordinary Girl" is one of my favourite songs from the album, with a gooey romantic storyline and soft vocals drawing an undeniable comparison to the likes of Mac Demarco's "Let Her Go".
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After two outstanding EPs – 2016's My Thoughts on You and 2017's Heaven – The Band CAMINO made a bold comeback with August's new single, "Daphne Blue". Staying true to what helped the band make a name for themselves, the song is upbeat power-pop with an infectious chorus, but this time around, the group introduced us to a much heavier guitar sound. The band explained when the song premiered on Billboard that guitarist Spencer Stewart always played that riff at the band's soundchecks before concerts, and their manager convinced them to write a song around it.
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It's not hard to get caught up in the expectations of entering adulthood. New York five-piece HOAX wants to help you break free of that, with "Moon Moon Baby", the first single from their forthcoming debut LP. The band's groovy, soulful sound shines brighter than ever on this release, with guitar work that sounds like sunshine and vocals that will make you melt. Ultimately, the song is about living life to the fullest, and learning that it's okay not to have "adulting" totally figured out, which is the perfect message for care-free summer days.
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Minnesotan quintet Early Eyes released their second EP, Decorating, in July. Known for their bright, fun, and festival-ready brand of jangle-pop, the band does not disappoint on this newest release, with their sound updated to be even glossier than ever. With its lively guitar work, quick percussion, and jazzy tempo, "The Basement" is one of my favourite tracks from this EP.
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Following the success of 2015's Psychic Reader, Bad Bad Hats returned in August with their sophomore effort, Lightning Round. The trio performs extremely well under the second album pressure, breezing through 10 tracks of slick, indie pop hits. Each song on the record has single potential, so it was difficult for me to eventually settle on "Talk With Your Hands" for this playlist. The song starts out soft, developing into a buoyantly upbeat chorus, contrasting with the bitter heartbreak and unrequited love detailed in the lyrics. Overall, Lightning Round packs punch after punch, full of melodies that will be stuck in your head forever.
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Another supergroup you should be looking out for is boygenius, composed of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus. As a trio, they've released three songs so far, ahead of a self-titled EP which is set for November. Each of the three songs is led by a different member, with "Bite The Hand" led by Dacus. The emotional chorus, "I can't love you how you want me to", and the eventual breakdown to a capella harmony beautifully captivates the listener in what will be the opening track when the EP is released. Each of these artists have already made quite a mark on the scene with their solo music, so I'm very excited to see what more they will do together.
If you liked any of the songs from this post, check out the playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.
And, if you liked my summer picks, stay up to date with what I'm listening to this Fall, with my ongoing Spotify and Apple Music playlists.
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