Though we’re used to more upbeat tracks from the incredible G Flip (Georgia Flipo), her latest release “I Am Not Afraid” is slightly more sullen sonically. This is an artist who has always been one to partially distract listeners from heart-wrenching lyrics with a solid beat and a fun demeanor. Not at all surprising, since she emerged on the scene with such finesse, serving up her insane vocal abilities alongside her production and percussion chops. Her wildly relatable lyrics set a tone that makes you really want to dig in to the track, and the accompanying visuals are sad, yet somehow uplifting and full of potential. (Don’t ask us what we mean by this. Just watch the video and you’ll get it.)
This is truly an anthem that will make you believe in yourself, even when you feel you may be at your weakest. Give it a spin, and let us know your thoughts!
Today, Portland-based pop musician Lo Lytes (Jameson Morris) premieres his latest track, a vibrant stunner titled “Take the Whole Bottle”. Dramatic percussion, twinkling synths, and Morris’ penchant for gorgeous melodies with soulful vocals make for one standout single that will more than likely take your spring by storm. Introduce it to your latest playlist, then introduce it at all your parties. The world will thank you.
Electro-pop artist Tallsaint has released the magnificent, upbeat new piece of the puzzle in the lead up to her upcoming EP due out in June. “Hard Love” hits you with all it’s got pretty much from the beginning, Tallsaint’s gorgeous vocals taking center stage, ushering in a relaxed feeling perfect for dancing, while her vocal range stops listeners in their tracks.
Tallsaint admits this song was built on “those wavering moments you go through when you’re over thinking about how to behave around this person that’s keeping you at arm’s length,” And if that isn’t highly relatable, we aren’t sure what is.
Montreal-based genre-blending queer artist KAYTA releases the new music video for her track “Karma” this week. Her soulful vocals dance lightly across a moody backdrop, and the video reflects that sentiment perfectly. As KAYTA dances and sings, the warmth of the lights is softened by late night fog, creating a distinct feeling of wholeness.
We are big, big fans of the song itself and even more so of the accompanying visual. Check it out below!
Cleveland-based rock outfit Heart Attack Man – comprised of Eric Egan (Vocals/Guitar), Adam Paduch (Drums), Tyler Sickels (Guitar), and Seamus Groman (Bass) – released their new 11-track full-length Fake Blood on Friday, and we have honestly been head bobbing to it all weekend. Though the names of the tracks (i.e. “Fake Blood”, “Blood Blister”, “Rats in a Bucket”) are hardly kosher for the holiday weekend – and might give your Aunt Susie her very own heart attack – the songs are entertaining. Intricately woven lyrics and hard bass lines make the album a concrete favorite, loaded with energy smothered in oughts punk influence that will keep you coming back for more.
Personal favorite tracks include “Moths in a Lampshade”, “Sugar Coated”, and “The Choking Game”, an obvious nod to a horrible pastime of the last decade. (And if you listen to the lyrics of “Sugar Coated”, please keep in mind revenge is not our game here.)
Get a taste for the album in its entirety below, and then let us know what you think over on the Facebook page!
Oakland-based R&B newcomers Meernaa – comprised of Carly Bond, Rob Shelton, Andrew Maguire, and Doug Stuart – might be revving up for the release of their debut album Heart Hunger, but we’ve got their latest music video on deck for you.
Kaleidoscope effects and gorgeously layered art in colors of striking contrast make up the bulk of the visual, and the moment the moon phases hit is paired so beautifully with Carly’s vocals that it is hard not to get goosebumps. You’ll see what we mean below.
Indiana-based self-proclaimed “psychedelic Motown” act Diane Coffee released their full-length Internet Arms today, and we’re swooning. From the very first, glittering notes of “Not Ready To Go”, we’re drawn in, carrying us through the slightly quicker tempo of “Like A Child Does” and into the slowdown of instrumental intro “The Look”. The fourth track remains at that slow pace, landing us in a neon trance while “Stuck In Your Saturday Night”.
It’s at this point that we recognize not only Diane Coffee’s palpable influence from The King of Pop, but there is a tad bit of Chromeo peeking through that seems to amplify the lyrics. While “Simulation” is one of our favorite tracks on the album, the title track definitely takes a more disco-like approach to its soundscape. “War” is another quick, swirling instrumental, leading into “Doubt”, which seems to be the most modern, intricate track of the bunch so far and a perfect staple for your latest playlist.
“Work It” is a new anthem for those reaching for their dreams, perfectly displaying the vocal range and attitude of this act. And while “Good Luck” slows it all down again, it is with “Lights Off” that we go deeper sonically, swapping the 80s synth for a more modern, dance hall beat. “Turn On” is a short instrumental, and sounds like you’re turning on a pretty complicated machine or robot. Though we agree with the inclusion of this quick transition, we think it’s better placed elsewhere – perhaps at the very beginning of the album -, as it then leads into the very slow, gorgeous “Company Man”. Once again, this track could easily have been placed in any one of our favorite 80’s movies, and therefore is the perfect way to round out such a wonderfully influenced and lyrically nuanced album.
Brooklyn-based Son of Cloud released his self-titled full-length, a 10-track album that seems to mellifluously solve the world’s problems. We know that’s a strong claim, but if you even start to take a listen to first track “How to Love You Today”, you will absolutely melt. Admitting that he’s learning from the start is the most incredible way to stir up empathy, and even without the conscientious and gorgeous lyrics he provides, the listener is immediately enthralled by his vocals.
And if you think all of the beauty lies in that first track, you’re in for a true treat. The album in its entirety is a soothing, entrancing work of art, riddled with self realizations and honest, heartfelt emotions. Tracks like “Who Could Ask For More?” and “I Am Not An Island” are thrown in with slightly more twang than the rest, as tracks like “Parade” and “I Love You More” infuse more of a soulful, robust sound into the equation.
We could go on at length about this album, but are truly so enveloped in the reality of it that we just think it’s pertinent for you – for anyone – to hear it. We want you to experience the magic that flows from this work, and to enlighten us with your thoughts on it as well! Take a listen below when you’re ready to slow things down a bit.
Electro-pop artist Nix is coming at all of our emotions with new track “Playing With Fire”, which premieres right here with iF. From the first stream of lyrics, her incredible and vibrant vocals draw you in, the instrumentals only holding up her vocal range as she croons about a toxic relationship. Incredibly relatable and full of soul, this is the type of song you’re going to want to belt when you’re ready to establish your own boundaries. Now is the time.
