RIVVRS recently released their latest, “Let It Die”, a break-up track with a raw sound. The alt-rock track is composed of raspy vocals and intense lyrics such as “I’m gonna let it die” and “This time I didn’t pay no mind, to the song playing in my brain.” While “Let It Die” is primarily seen as a break-up song, it takes a look at everything in life that you need to “let die”– not just love.
RIVVRS explains the track for us, stating: ” ‘Let it Die’ is a breakup song but it’s more so about that feeling of reaching your limit in life and you realize something needs to change.”
“Let It Die” remains an eye-opener for anyone in need of a change.
“Tire Eyes” is the fun and phenomenal latest from Post Animal. Post Animal throws listeners for a loop while including sounds from all different genres. They include a little bit of country, but only before transitioning into a classic rock vibe shouting “TIRE EYES!” in unison at the giving the track its peppy 80’s feel. “Tire Eyes” remains groovy and is also a track you can get down to but scream with in your car at the same time. The band puts a new twist on a classic sound, which makes “Tire Eyes” so unique.
Speedy Ortiz just released the latest track “Villain,” which opens with a heavy bass line and grunge rock feel. The lyrics remain quirky with lines like, “He talks like he knows me so I’m being polite,” and “I want to know if no means all right.” The track takes a stab at the topic of unwanted advances and the struggle of having to act “polite” in awkward situations.
Take a look at the vintage, candy-colored inspired video and you’ll agree that “Villain” is more than just a song, it’s an anthem for many.
I had the pleasure of seeing Lo Moon for a second time on Sunday, January 8th at the Riot Room. Lo Moon was in Kansas City last year at Buzz Under the Stars 2017, as well as opening for Andrew McMahon in The Wilderness in Music Alley for a smaller show during the warm summer months. A second time around, Lo Moon shined in the intimate setting at The Riot Room. The trio’s energy was in full effect, bringing a soulful and wondrous vibe to the room that isn’t often found in this space.
The band has gained quite a following after their iconic first single “Loveless” was released in September 2016. This was a proven fact as The Riot Room was packed with loyal fans. Lead singer Matt Lowell also professed “We love Kansas City” to the audience, which had every measure of sincerity.
And honestly, how could you not love a city that breaks new music? Take a peek here.
“Hit and Run” is the latest single from Parker Matthews who also just released a video for the track. Before I watched the pop newcomer’s video, I had to just listen to the song itself. “Hit and Run” is a bubblegum pop infused track with, of course, the perfect voice (Parker Matthews) to complete the song.
“Start it one-by-one, cuz’ this ain’t no hit and run,” Parker sings, proclaiming a love song for a special someone. With Parker’s high voice, catchy tune, and upbeat chorus, I soon found myself swaying by the end of the song. The second time I listened to the song I viewed the video for “Hit and Run.” Set in city night life and donned in an all black outfit (shades included), we see Parker walking up to an apartment for a house party. With a crowd dancing and Parker singing, he shows off his fierce dance moves and has no problems “feeling himself,” which adds to that “pop-party” vibe that the song encompasses.
Pop Dust, who premiered the video described “Hit and Run” as “decorated with sticky drum loops and fluorescent synth makeup, embodies classic dance music but dispatches a crucial, heart-pounding message.” Pop music, in its essence, is something you can dance to—but also be in your feelings about and “Hit and Run” definitely hits the nail on the head.
Payson Lewis just released the video for his latest single “When Love Was Young”. The video opens up to beach with a beautiful sunset, then cuts to Payson singing and playing piano in the living room. We then see Payson walking on the beach with a girl holding hands. “So you go go go back, when you love somebody— you let them get away, get away, but what’s done is never done,” sings Payson on “the one that got away.”
The video is touching, with the scenes of the beach and a happy couple reunited. The video for “When Love Was Young” is an acoustic version which gives us a glimpse at Payson Lewis’ talents which include his amazing and bone-chilling vocals and his ability to beautifully handle a piano. The video to “When Love Was Young” had me tearing up and I hope you find it equally as sweet!
With the help of a beautiful piano intro, musical duo Mauwe releases their latest single “Strangers” today. We get a hit of realism with chilling vocals on a this bittersweet track like “After everything that you put me through, yeah that shit don’t matter now—-I really hope you’re happy now.” Mauwe opens up in the tug of war of what it’s like to still deeply care about an ex on the track. On one hand “Didn’t think this would happen to us, we’re strangers now,” remained unexpected, while on the other hand, the talk of “I really hope you’re happy,” is the realization that one party has moved on forward.
The track may be bittersweet but it is really good, from the lyrics to vocal execution. “Strangers” is sure to be a hit that you’ll sing-cry to in your car.
Tour Dates
April 12th – Moles Club Bath April 13th – Purple Turtle, Reading May 10th – Sixt Million Postcards, Bournemouth May 11th – Also Known As, Banbury
The cool thing about writing for a music magazine is that you get a first look at new music. I recently had the opportunity of listening to Anton Barbeau‘s latest album Natural Causes, which will be released April 13th on Beehive. My favorite track is iconically titled “Summer of Gold.” About a minute in, all I could think about was open road and as I write this I just hit the lyric “Steal a car, hit the road.” “Summer of Gold” takes you back to old America— a simpler time of road trips, convertibles, and cheap motels. The album has a range of fifteen tracks, starting with “(preamble)” and ending with “(ultimate outro).”
One thing to be noted of this album is Anton’s voice as he has a great vocal range. While “Summer of Gold” is my personal favorite, it’s tracks like “It’s The Coffee that Makes The Man Go Mad” and “Magic Sandwiches” that remain equally quirky and unique. The creativity on this album is also seen in the not two, but four intros/outros. “(Preambiguation)” and “(penultimate outro)” are interesting breaks that seamlessly make the album come together.
The Berlin based artist himself has a few words on Natural Causes:
My previous record, Magic Act, was my first on LP. It’s also an album I see in either an alpha or omega role, an introduction for new fans and a sparkly reminder to those that have tried to follow me for a while. Surviving the 2016 election AND turning 50, I’m treating Natural Causes like it’s my second album. The songs I remade are there for personal reasons, enough said. Magazine Street happened to be the first track on my first ever CD, so everything’s come a bit full-circle, as it were.
Stay tuned for the album release on April 13th and keep up with Anton Barbeau here.
Rachael Cantu just released her refreshing video for the latest track “You’re the Most.” The video opens in a kitchen with a girl sitting in her kitchen pondering life. The scene then cuts to the sink where we see roses and a pink cake batter being mixed (baking a cake for a lover is my suspect). Cut to an adorable girl in pink, smiling while walking down the street. Then the cutest thing happens. Both parties meet in front of a rose bush. Sometimes staring at each other, sometimes hugging. This video is a very candid depiction of what it means to “start falling in love with someone.” There are always conflicting feelings of that point when one starts being vulnerable with someone which is why the lyrics state “I’m a loner, that I’ll own it–you’re the most I’ve ever wanted.”
