Conan Gray has always made heartbreak sound cinematic, but in the music video for “This Song,” he leans fully into visual poetry, backdropped by small-town Texas skies, the nostalgia of youth, and the ache of something left unsaid. Shot on film and directed by Moon Shynin, the video stars Gray and actor Corey Fogelmanis, both playing lovers locked in a quiet, unresolved orbit. From stolen glances across dimly lit diners to an emotionally loaded first on-screen kiss, it’s a haunting introduction to Wishbone, Gray’s upcoming album, due out August 15.
The music video doesn’t tell a story in linear terms. It floats. Much like the song itself, the visual narrative exists in memory and metaphor more than clear chronology. It’s nostalgic without being kitschy, romantic without requiring words. The intimacy between the two characters feels lived-in… gentle, familiar, and quietly devastating in its mundanity. These aren’t grand cinematic lovers; they’re real people in the in-between, suspended in the echo of something that might have already ended.
Then, the kiss. A moment fans have buzzed about as Gray’s first on-screen kiss, it lands with more sadness than celebration. It’s not a moment of passion, but one of acceptance. A soft surrender to everything left unsaid. That’s the power of “This Song.” Nothing explodes. Nothing resolves. It just lingers.
Produced by Ethan Gruska, “This Song” doesn’t rely on sonic spectacle to hit hard. It simmers in longing, filled with slow, pulsing instrumentation and restrained vocals that unravel like a late-night journal entry. The lyrics linger in that liminal space when memories start looping louder than reality. Fans are already calling it Gray’s first true love song, and in many ways, it is. It’s vulnerable without being self-pitying, romantic without being grandiose, and devastatingly honest in how it captures the feeling of being left behind.
Gray’s reflections on the track (shared via Instagram) make the video all the more poignant. He compares relationships to a wishbone ritual: two people making a wish, pulling until something breaks, and only one person walking away with the long end. That metaphor shapes the emotional palette of “This Song.” There’s no revenge arc here, no triumphant solo glow-up. Just the ache of an ending you didn’t see coming until it shattered in your hands.
What makes this video stand out in Gray’s visual catalog is how understated it is. There’s no high-concept drama, no surreal worldbuilding like in some of his previous videos. Instead, it’s the color of Corey’s sweatshirt, the distant look in Gray’s eyes, the awkward space between their hands in the car. Director Moon Shynin lets us sit in the discomfort of things unsaid. Combined with the grain of the film and the dusky, warm palette, the video feels like something found in a box years later, watched with a lump in the throat.
“This Song” marks the beginning of Gray’s Wishbone era! An album born from 300 unreleased tracks, written in basements and between tour stops, in hotel sheets and long cab rides. And if this single is any indication, Wishbone might be his most personal work yet: disillusioned, self-aware, and softly soul-searching. A story of choosing people who are already halfway out the door and finally asking why.
Watch the video and prepare yourself for the August heartbreak. This is Conan Gray not as the heartbroken teen pop star, but as a young adult sifting through what it means to trust, to lose, and to love anyway.
La Raca Flaca taps into a new-age pop nostalgia on her most recent track “Peaks and Valleys.” “Peaks and Valleys” is an earnest pop track that explores love’s staying power, and its resistance to outside forces.
The song begins with a string arrangement that leans into the romance and allure of the track. La Raca Flaca’s voice then takes charge and with it comes a backing full of bass and synthy beats.
Her lyrics are conversational and are delivered as such, as she speaks to her lover directly, letting them know that outside barriers will not inhibit her love.
“Peaks and Valleys” chorus uplifts the narrative of the song as she further enforces her love’s staying power, and her confidence towards her relationship and its longevity. Her voice becomes stronger, and her message becomes even more powerful when she sings, “This special love will find a way.”
Throughout the verses, La Raca Flaca calls out to her lover creating an intimate bond within the song, and letting us in on her romance and its vulnerability. The song speaks to a greater union and alliance as she emphasizes the power that is created when her and her lover come together. The simplicity of the backing track gives La Raca Flaca the chance to speak to her lover with no distractions, and keeps the focus on her lyrics which are a declaration of unified love.
La Raca Flaca also released a music video which emphasizes the song’s title, “Peaks and Valleys”, as she walks through and exists within nature.
“Peaks and Valleys” is a testament to love and devotion, and La Raca Flaca’s lyrics capture the importance of the human ability to trust in love completely. This song is perfect for long distance relationships, reconnecting with a former flame, or really any relationship that’s ever had some sort of barrier. If you love emotional pop ballads, this one’s for you.
Despite their recognition being mainly limited to the UK, I love Glasgow-based rock band Primal Scream. Part of the group’s appeal is their wide range of playing styles and music genres. Starting out as an indie-pop band with almost no traction, they reached massive levels of success with 1991’s Screamadelica, which broke musical boundaries by combining their sound with dub, psychedelia, and acid house into something entirely their own. It’s still considered their magnum opus and remains a cultural landmark in both the UK’s indie-rock and rave scenes. Despite their huge new audience, they still continued to push themselves in wildly new directions with their following releases. These include 1994’s blues pastiche Give Out But Don’t Give Up, 1997’s experimental Vanishing Point, and 2000’s blaring industrial-noise-dance epic XTRMNTR. Recently, Primal Scream put out the lead single for their upcoming 12th LP, Come Ahead, titled “Love Insurrection”. This comes eight years after their last release, 2016’s Chaosmosis.
“Love Insurrection” is based on nostalgia in a few ways. The cover for both the single and album is a vintage photograph of Robert Gillespie Sr., father of lead vocalist Bobby Gillespie. I believe this is to relate to the 60s both visually and lyrically, as the lyrics talk about political and social turmoil. Musically, it’s a bit of a throwback to the sound that Primal Had on Screamadelica, featuring a funky “Madchester” shuffle beat, psychedelic wah-wah guitars, and breezy percussion and flutes. However, it keeps the sound fresh by adding influences from 70s soul, with a lush string section reminiscent of seminal artists like Curtis Mayfield who also addressed social consciousness in their work. As usual, the backing vocalists provided by the band give the music a soulful, almost gospel-type feel, not unlike previous Screamadelica singles “Movin’ On Up” or “Come Together”.
The single’s release comes with both a 6-minute full version and a shortened edit at 3 ½ minutes. Both versions are perfectly adequate depending on the type of listener you are, but I definitely recommend the longer cut if you’re willing to ride the groove as the song climaxes in a way that’s both beautiful and groovy. As it stands, “Love Insurrection” is a perfect song for psychedelic raves or summer beach parties, and signals a possible return to form from Primal Scream.
Hold onto your headphones, music lovers! Alt-pop sensation Jagwar Twin has just unleashed a sonic rollercoaster ride with his latest single “tomorrow [ANGLE OF ETERNITY],” featuring longtime pals lovelytheband. Released July 12, 2024 via Big Loud Rock, this arena-ready banger will have you living for today and loving every second of it!
Fresh off his viral hit “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)” (which racked up a mind-blowing 9 BILLION YouTube views!) and a European arena tour with Jared Leto and Thirty Seconds To Mars, Jagwar Twin is proving he’s the artist to watch in 2024.
This collaboration is pure pop magic! “tomorrow [ANGLE OF ETERNITY]” is a perfect blend of driving guitars, pulsing drums, and soaring melodies that’ll have you reaching for the stars. Jagwar Twin’s signature genre-bending sound collides with lovelytheband’s indie charm, creating an irresistible bop that’s impossible not to groove to.
But don’t let the catchy beats fool you – this track packs a lyrical punch! With lines like “We might not get tomorrow / Just close your eyes / Let it go,” Jagwar Twin delivers a feel-good message wrapped in an infectious melody. It’s the perfect soundtrack for embracing life’s wild ride and finding your own shine in the chaos.
“I’ve been friends with Mitchy for many years,” Jagwar Twin shares about collaborating with lovelytheband. “We grew up around the same music scene… It was such a pleasure to be able to do something together.”
The music video for “tomorrow [ANGLE OF ETERNITY]” is a mind-bending journey through AI-generated wonderlands. Created with next-gen studio Secret Level, it’s a technicolor trip that blurs the line between reality and digital dream. “Using AI to make art is fascinating to me,” Jagwar Twin says. “The imagination will be the only limit to what we can create.”
“tomorrow [ANGLE OF ETERNITY]” is more than a song – it’s a party, a pep talk, and a glimpse into the future of pop – all rolled into one addictive, upbeat little package. Ready to have your ears blessed and your mind blown? “tomorrow [ANGLE OF ETERNITY]” is now streaming everywhere, the trippy video is waiting to wow your visual senses on YouTube, and you can catch Jagwar Twin lighting up stages live with 30 Seconds To Mars on their upcoming U.S. tour dates – this is one rising star you’re not going to want to miss! Don’t miss this rising star as he continues to redefine pop and push the boundaries of music and visual art!
Modern pop outfit Kiss Bang is forever imprinted onto our minds as exceptionally fun convention/festival-goers. The duo took to the @imperfectfifth Instagram account during SXSW 2024 to give us a glimpse into their spring break fun. Not to mention the fact that they were attending SXSW as performers. (But really, do go on.)
We got to throw a few post-fest questions their way. Results below.
You approached strangers. You ran around. You tried to win things – and WON! What was your FAVORITE experience during your iF takeover?
We really did do it all haha! I think the best part of doing this takeover was really getting to explore SXSW. It felt like we went straight from one show to the next so this really gave us the opportunity to check it out.
Was there another experience that exceeded expectations during your trip to SXSW 2024?
We would say our last show at Hotel Vegas. It was the day of our EP release and performing to a packed out venue was the best feeling in the world.
Who was the best artist or act that you discovered (besides your damn selves) this year at SXSW?
We would have to say Shannon and the Clams! We had a chance to stop by their set and we’re blown away.
What was the best food you ate that week? (For real, always need suggestions.)
Terry Black’s!!! It was on our bucket list before we got to Austin and did not disappoint.
Any highlight moments from your SXSW performances you’d like to share?
One of our favorite moments was watching people who’d never heard us before singing along to our songs by the second chorus. With the EP only being out for a couple of weeks, it was incredible to see how quickly people were falling in love with this band.
What else would you like to share that’s coming down the stretch for Kiss Bang?
More music and more shows!!! We are so excited for what’s coming up 🙂
English indie rock outfit The Vaccines – made up of Árni Árnason (bass, vocals), Yoann Intonti (drums), Justin Young (lead vocals, guitars) and Timothy Lanham (guitars, keys, vocals) – dropped a track today that, at first look, could be considered misleading. The title “Love To Walk Away” gives off the impression that the song will be a positive one, perhaps one about finding empowerment in walking away. However, the lyrics come from the perspective of an outsider – an assumed lover – who is experiencing grief as the result of a crumbling relationship. They watch the runner prepare to run. With lyrics like “How come you’re always leaving?” it is implied that this is patterned behavior.
Sonically, there is a sunny disposition that just does not align with the lyrics, almost making the contemplative message more palatable. (Hey, who really loves confrontation or existentialism THAT MUCH?)
Says Young of the release, co-written with Andrew Wells: “This is the song responsible for the album’s direction sonically and thematically. Given the record’s central theme is not knowing what direction you’re headed in, it feels poignant that the music was so sure of itself so quickly.”
Check it out below.
The Vaccines 2024 US Tour Dates with The Kooks Feb 29 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle Mar 1 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel Mar 2 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall Mar 4 – Toronto, ON @ QET History Mar 5 – Montreal, QB @ Mtelus Mar 6 – Albany, NY @ Empire Mar 8 – Boston, MA @ MGM Fenway Mar 9 – Philadelphia, PA @ Fillmore Mar 11 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5 Mar 12 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel Mar 13 – Washington DC @ Anthem Mar 15 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Mar 16 – Minneapolis, MN @ Filmore Mar 18 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Mar 19 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Union Mar 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium Mar 22 – San Francisco, CA @ Fox Theatre
Loveless invites us into a mesmerizing realm of music where genres blend and emotions soar. With harmonies that tug at heartstrings and lyrics that paint vivid stories, Loveless is a captivating musical journey we cannot miss.
“Drag Me Down,” Loveless’s latest single, takes us on a rollercoaster ride of aspirations and self-discovery, all set to a catchy and upbeat melody. Picture this: a wannabe movie star trying to strut their stuff, hoping to be the next big thing on the silver screen. They’re dreaming big, just like the heroes who always save the day, but they’re also facing some unexpected plot twists.
As the song plays on, our protagonist starts to realize that being a hero isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The chorus shouts out “Drag me down with you,” a battle cry against those pesky challenges that try to spoil the fun. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, I won’t let life rain on my parade!”
And just when you think things are settling down, the song throws a curveball with lines like “The fear of dying alone / Doesn’t hurt half as much / As the feeling of letting it go / After one last touch.” It’s a mix of deep thoughts and lively beats, keeping us grooving while pondering life’s twists and turns.
So, kick back, imagine yourself in a movie montage, and let “Drag Me Down” be your anthem of resilience and the pursuit of dreams, all wrapped up in a toe-tapping, head-bobbing package.
LOVELESS WORLD TOUR DATES 8/17 Sydney, AUS Metro Theatre 8/18 Brisbane, AUS Triffid 8/20 Melbourne, Aus 170 Russell 9/16 Paris, FR Trabendo 9/18 Amsterdam, NL Melkweg OZ – SOLD OUT 9/20 Berlin, DE Columbia Theater – UPGRADED 9/21 Hamburg, DE Reeperbahn Festival 9/23 Brussels, BE AB Club – SOLD OUT 9/25 Cardiff, UK Tramshed – UPGRADED 9/26 London, UK Electric Ballroom 9/29 Birmingham, UK O2 Institute 2 – SOLD OUT 9/30 Manchester, UK Academy 2 – UPGRADED & SOLD OUT 10/1 Glasgow, UK Garage – UPGRADED 10/3 Dublin, IE Academy Green Room
This is a fun playlist of some of the soul artists from around Australia that have inspired me lately! Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.
Debuting from Nashville, WILSN’s music video for “If You Wanna Love Me” sets the stage for her upcoming album release. In the song, she stakes claim not only on her heart but on her place in the music scene. While a potential love interest may need to learn how to love her before gaining access to her, we get the privilege of loving her song and its steady and empowering message upon first spin. The fast clip and lyrics connect listeners to WILSN before song’s end.
WILSN’s new song “If You Wanna Love Me” has a fast, steady beat, empowering vocals, and echoes of classic female-led bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Kicking off with a bassline that sets a strong tone for someone standing their ground, “If You Wanna Love Me” builds both lyrics and volume. The drum beats suit a fast-running clip, the snares matching footfalls on pavement, keeping audiences moving forward with WILSN’s attitude for direction.
This anthem lays out the ground rules for love, letting both singer and potential partner know the starting line. WILSN reminds me of my worth as I venture forth on my own search for my own romantic interest, that steady snare hits nailing home the point at a staccato clip. With no distortion, these lyrics come across loud and clear. They also offer solidary, inviting anyone to sing along.
WILSN’s clear message lights up the video in its simplicity. Depicting only the band performing, it keeps the song its focal point. WILSN’s dark hair matches her simple sleeveless black dress and killer knee-high black boots as she moves through the room, exploring sound, demands, and potential connection. Though no one outside the band appears in the room, perhaps echoing no one else having learned how to love WILSN yet, it gives fans plenty of space to join the music. It doesn’t take long to learn the words, let alone love the song, so we only can hope someone learns how to love her.
![jagwar twin electrifies with new anthem “tomorrow [angle of eternity]” feat. lovelytheband](https://imperfectfifth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-18-at-8.22.48-AM-853x675.png)
