Hello folks! We’re about half way through the year, so we thought we’d share a few more songs that we’re excited about!
Illuminati Hotties – (You’re Better) Than Ever
The first time I heard this song I knew it’d be an incredible song for the summer. It’s a surprisingly relatable song with lyrics like “All my favorite socks have holes in them” and a bass riff that’s hard to not dance to. Illuminati Hotties are pioneering tenderpunk and we are here for the very fun songs they’ve unleashed. As a bonus, the music video is a lot of fun:
Kitten – “I Did It!”
Poppy, a bit sad, and harkening back while still moving forward, Kitten’s whole 2018 EP is a blast. In all the best ways, Kitten could be the next Carly Rae Jepsen.
Hop Along— “How Simple”
“How Simple” (on Bark Your Head Off, Dog) showcases everything I love about Hop Along – Frances’ meandering vocals, the melodies, and vaguely psychedelic instrumentation are enthralling. It’s hard to not bop your head and sing along to the refrain at the end of the track “Don’t worry we’ll both find out, just not together.”
Daniel Caesar — “Neu Roses (Trangressor’s Song)”
The first half is a rock-solid r&b a cappella song straight from the early 90’s before it transitions to a perfectly 2018 track. It’s a great balance that’s topped off with a bit of dream-like tape playback at the end.
Courtney Barnett — “Nameless, Faceless”
Nameless, Faceless is a powerhouse of emotion. Courtneys meandering lyrics describe a reality she wishes to live in, but mostly the one women are faced with daily. This song does not mince words.
The Internet — “Come Over”
Funky and sexy. Hard to ask for much more.
Gladie — “the problem is us”
This band is probably my favorite rock discovery of the year thus far. This track in emblematic of their extremely promising debut EP and I can’t wait to hear more.
Mipso — “Edges Run”
Evan and I went to see Mipso a couple of weeks ago, and this song was a stand out at the show. The violin melody is beautiful and I love how the vocals flutter throughout the song. Listen to Mipso because they’re nice and beautiful! (And I got a taco sticker from them.)
Randall King – “Mirror, Mirror”
King is bringing back the brand of country music I was raised on and this melancholy ballad is like a little slice of my childhood I am happy to devour.
War on Women— “Lone Wolves”
Lone Wolves is an incredible album opener that addresses the violence of misogyny, transphobia, and homophobia. War on Women are the brutal, cathartic, and motivational force you need. Violence is all too often explained away by dismissing a “lone wolf” shooters actions as an act of a “man scorned by a woman.” This isn’t the world we should live in, and War on Women want to Make America Feminist For Once.
Childish Gambino — “This Is America”
Scary good. Tell somebody.