by Meredith Schneider | Nov 8, 2019 | singles, soundtrack
November has been gorgeous, transitional, and… rainy. The new music being created, recorded, and released has run the gamut in emotional content, and has kept us in our feels. We’ve begun to gather some of our favorites in our “November Rain” playlist, inspired by — of course — some well-known lyrical content. Check out some new tracks below, and make sure to come back and visit all month for more new gems!
Stay tuned all month, and be sure to subscribe to our Spotify channel for more!
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 6, 2019 | soundtrack, videos
Hey ladies and gents and everything in between! It’s time to unleash the best new music video releases of November 2019, slowly but surely. We wanted to get these out a little earlier than usual because — though this time of year is usually the slow down season in the music industry — people are revving up their game and releasing far more material than we could have ever hoped for at this juncture in time. So we’re cherry picking our favorites and adding them here every single day. Check back throughout the month for more visuals you will absolutely adore!
Any particular favorite new video releases you think we should add to our roundup? Comment on Facebook and we’ll check it out!
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 1, 2019 | albums, review
Christine Smith is a songstress capable of bringing both a hint of gothic-inspired sounds and inspired lyrics. Her new 9-track release Meet Me on The Far Side of a Star is no different, catapulting its listener into a slightly whimsical existence. Starting out slow and steady, an absolute ambiance is created with “This Love”. The piano leads the way into “You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore”, and an ear that has never witnessed Smith’s music can sense a very theatrical disposition almost off the bat. And perhaps that’s the magic about Meet Me on The Far Side of a Star, as it feels as though all of these songs could be written into a stage performance. Both “Trying Not to Fall in Love” and “Happily Never After” could both be read as tongue in cheek, though the genuine attempt to avoid love is a real thing that many people grapple with.
“Feels Like Yesterday” brings the nostalgia in like a train at high speed, while the title track brings the tempo up slightly more than its predecessors. “I Know This Moon” feels like a lullaby, and wonderful caress compared to the other tracks that are part of this collection. It might appeal to the increasing number of people who are starting to follow moon cycles a little more closely, and become something almost sacred for some. “Very, Very” feels just as delicate, while “We’re Never Going” is the perfect final track, as there is a sense of finality not only in its title, but also in the structure of the instrumentals.
How wonderful to feel like this audible journey closes out as perfectly as it could. Enjoy the album in its entirety below, and be sure to let us know how you’re feeling about it on Facebook!
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 31, 2019 | show review, snapshot
If you haven’t experienced KONGOS live yet, it’s really high time you should. The South African quartet — comprised of brothersJohnny Kongos, Jesse Kongos, Dylan Kongos, and Daniel Kongos — boasts incredible vocal harmonies and layered, striking instrumentals (hello, accordion!). Their captivating stage presence is no surprise, as their musician father must have had quite the influence on them. Just a few days after spending time in the studio with Hanson in Oklahoma, the brothers performed compellingly to an audience in Kansas City, MO. Nothing could have been more beautiful than the full moon on October 13th, shining brightly over this collective crooning to the patio stage at Riot Room.
Through every track, there was a sense of belief in the story that was being told. At times the vocals were raspy and rough, while at others there was a smoothness you almost didn’t expect from this handsome group of men. Regardless of its delivery, each song felt so effortlessly inspiring. For example, during the more tropical-infused track “I Am Not Me”, the audience sang at the sky, as though every individual was having the same existential realization at the exact same time. It was such an intensely beautiful moment, illuminated by the red stage lights, that by the time we got to crowd favorite “Come With Me Now”, I felt like most of the audience had become family. Litter percussive tracks like “Birds Do It” and “I’m Only Joking”, and you’re in for a night of blissful camaraderie with strangers, no matter your surroundings.
What was perhaps most notable was the friendliness with which the group welcomed the crowd and shared anecdotes to introduce their songs. I’m not certain what it was, but a sense of magic surrounded this performance that I wasn’t altogether expecting. Charming, incredible musicians with a lot of love and fire for their work. And simplified, that’s the experience KONGOS creates.
Keep up with KONGOS here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 29, 2019 | premieres, singles
For Denver-based garage rockers Danny (vocals, guitar), David (bass, vocals), Chris (drums), and Zach (keys, vocals), running a punk-tinged collective named …And The Black Feathers seems strangely easy. Their new song “Scandalous” brings the kind of high octane energy that this autumn so desperately craved, and the soulful, edgy guitar drives us right into a new troublemaker mindset.
Try to stop us.
Keep up with …And The Black Feathers here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 29, 2019 | premieres, videos
Do you appreciate music videos packed to the brim with humor? How about smooth vocals, eighties vibes, and soft lighting? If you checked all of the “LOVE LOVE THIS THING” boxes next to those items, then go ahead and take Minneapolis musician Lady Lark‘s “Bad Thoughts” video for a spin. Actually, since we have the exclusive premiere and we’re totally into showering this hilarity and musical genius in views and shares, why don’t you go ahead and watch it several times? We are anyway, because the song is so damn catchy. While you’re at it, why not show all of your coworkers?
Thanks!
Keep up with Lady Lark here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 28, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Memphis-based psych rock outfit Spaceface — comprised of Peter Armstrong, Jake Ingalls, Eric Martin, Matt Strong, Daniel Quinlan, and Miles Young — has produced an intricate and whirring track that we could easily see being played both in a slow motion montage of a romance film, as well as for nostalgic ambiance in shows such as This Is Us. (But we aren’t here for music supervision YET, now, are we?)
We’re big fans of the relaxed vibe that accompanies this track, the high pitched melodies and reverb that makes you feel like you’re melting into the night sky. It’s time to pull those high waisted pants out of hiding and give yourself a chance to let the past inspire you, too.
Keep your eyes peeled for the video premiere this week! Keep up with Spaceface here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 23, 2019 | albums, premieres, wolf tracks
If you’re looking for something to add some spice to your autumn flavor (is there really ever enough spice though, really?), look no further than indie musician Matthew Heller‘s new full-length release Temple Moon Desire. This album opens its listeners up to thirteen tracks full of emotion and raw talent. The lyrics are poignant — songs about staying vulnerable and open in a world so full of hate and mystery bring about a necessary reality check –, the songs create a sonic ambiance all their own, and with the last chords come a deep longing for more.
That’s what good music does to you. It reaches into your soul and guts you. Matthew Heller has done this, with an array of tracks that really show off his brilliance as well as his resilience. If only all of us could create such beauty.
Keep up with Matthew Heller here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 22, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Toronto-based indie synth rock outfit Zinnia may be comprised of Rachael Cardiello, James Burrows, Chris Pruden, Connor Walsh and Mackenzie Longpre, but it feels as though their new track “Requiem” is made up of stardust. With that classic ethereal, synth-infused soundscape that we have come to expect from this act, Cardiello’s vocals serve as an anthemic reminder to the song’s listener. Add this one for a fun, psychedelic boost at your next autumn party, or sink deep into it surrounded by candles as Halloween approaches!
Keep up with Zinnia here.
