“Tattoos” by Susie
The tranquility of Susie’s latest song allows you to really listen to the lyrics.”Tattoo” is based on the story of catching up with an old friend with whom she had a toxic relationship with in the past.
What had really drawn me in when I first heard this song was how well the singer’s voice complemented the soft acoustic guitar track in the background. Compared to her previous release “Remember” which had a heavy lofi/jazz influence, this track had taken some folk/pop influence in terms of production. For those who listen to Mallrat, you’ll definitely like Susie.
“An Innocent Man” by YOVA
This was such an incredible track to listen to. It felt like I was listening to a 20s play rendition of “To Kill A Mockingbird”. Based around the classic novel, YOVA’s recent double release containing the instrumental of “An Innocent Man” is a stunning take on Scout’s experience, encapsulating her “love and empathy toward her father and his anxiety at trying to do the right thing in the face of immense pressure. “
On what YOVA said when making the song:
Much like the book that inspired it, ‘An Innocent Man’ gives a pause to reflect, both on a world still prepared to tolerate the racial injustices that Harper Lee so vividly documented, and also the strength of family ties.
“Terrified” by Lucid
Coining their genre as “Alien Mowtown”, Lucid wants to create groovy music that brightens your day. This song does exactly that. Canadian trio Lucid has created the perfect song to listen to on this beautiful Sunday (or gloomy depending where you are).
Terrified is like the feel-good warm hug of accepting the uncertainty of life, while giving you some infectious melodies to scream out the car window with your friends.
Lucid
Inspired by the inability to make a decision, Alya Tesler-Mabe, and brothers Rhett and Max Cunningham created this song to spread the message that it’s ok to not know what to do.
Making decisions are difficult, not knowing what to do is okay, and in everything there will be struggle and you gotta persevere through it y’know? This song is kinda acknowledging like “ya we’re scared too.” There is also hope in this song, like if there’s a will there’s a way kinda thing.
“Are You Coming With Me?” by Kai Straw
After losing his job as a nightclub manager at the beginning of quarantine, Kai Straw had begun to pursue music full time. Without the support of a label, the artist has successfully entered Spotify’s Global Viral chart, was selected by Taco Bell for their Feed the Beat Lineup, and other incredible achievements.
His sixth single of the year, “Are You Coming With Me?”, is a sensual track with Kai Straw’s raspy voice and smooth guitar riff. The play on words with the title alone is enough to make you want to listen to the track.
The artist is currently releasing a song on the last Friday of every month. Be sure to follow him on Instagram to be the first to listen to the next single.
“Fake Love” by Katie Fuentes
Katie’s Fuentes’ soulful voice had blown me away when I first listened to her latest single, “Fake Love”. The story told though the lyrics is about realizing you deserve a love better than what you’re experiencing.
Fake Love is the story of a girl who begins to realize that the love she deserves is better than what she’s experiencing. This sassy song is her standing up to say, I don’t want this superficial idea of love. I want something real.
The composition of the song could be seen as a metaphor for this scenario. With the slow instrumentation at the introduction reflecting the realization that she deserves so much more than what her current situation is providing. The build-up and subsequent complexity of the track towards the end is her finally getting the real love she’s been seeking.
Uncertain/ty by bandanna
I wanted to highlight an album this week, a first for this series. I was introduced to this band through their song “Ghost Home”. Cleverly called bandanna (a band with anna), the group is comprised of Anna Griffith, Nick Bell, Mason Palanti, and Timothy Holder. Since the release of their first single “Fire Escape” last July, the band has been hard at work on this LP and it shows.
The sequencing of this album is perfect. The calm introduction and subsequent build-up of “Fish Song” contrast perfectly with the second, more relaxed track “Sleepy Eyes”. My favorite song on the album, “Fire Escape” is the perfect midpoint. The sudden slow down at the 2 minute mark took my breath away. I can’t wait to hear this one live someday.
Overall, this album is a remarkable piece of work from the new band. Excited to see what they release next.
“Victory” by Ciara Vizzard
“Victory” is a gorgeous tracks with subtle nuances that could be missed if not fully immersed while listening. But who wouldn’t be immersed in this track? Ciara Vizzard’s heavenly voiced mixed with Nosa Apollo’s production are a winning combination.
Vizzard describes this song as a victory track, hence the name. After what the year has brought, the artist is still optimistic.
“Victory was written after quite a few unexpected tough life moments for me. It is me essentially saying that you can try to bring me to my knees but I am going to get back up because I will always have the victory.”
“Fools” by Foster ft. Sody
Foster, Sody, and Sarcastic Sounds have come together to give a modern look to the classic song “I Can’t Help Falling In Love” in their latest single “Fools”. A chill tune about unrequited love, Foster’s smooth tone matches perfectly with the chill production of the track.
“Next Year” by Ben Leit
The last song I would like to highlight is by the New Jersey based artist Ben Leit. The artist’s discography gives a stunning look into the complexities of love and relationships. With this track, Leit hopes that the person he’s interested in still feels the same in the new year. He continues on that:
“Next Year” is a song about dependence and reassurance. I wrote it during a period of uncertainty, but I think everyone can relate to the urge to be comforted
