by Meredith Schneider | Nov 9, 2018 | albums, review
With baited breath we’ve awaited the arrival of indie rock collective Daisybones‘ 10-track album Gold. The Boston quartet has really provided us with the energy shot we’ve been needing, from the very first chords of the title track, through slightly slower – but just as otherworldly rock as its predecessor – “Choke”, and into “Drag”, which slows down exponentially but doesn’t quite drag, if you as us. (We’re full of jokes today.)
Daisybones performs with a hint of 60s British punk woven into lead singer Dillon Bailey’s vocals. This is especially evident in “Bang”, though “Crush” follows suit perfectly. “Beautymark” might be our favorite of the collection, the tempo changes alluring and the crashing cymbals providing a soundscape that we can both veg out AND dance our asses off to. Many fans might like “Daiquiri” for its tropical vibe, providing us an escape from our (now) snowy landscapes.
“Score” is the obvious head-bopper, frantic and staccato in its existence. If you’re looking for a slower rock track to nerd out over, “Heave” is your particular brand of ear candy, though last track “Lemondrop” might sound as such. “Lemondrop” is actually the perfect way to end the album, slowing everything down exponentially and providing an almost rock ballad-like atmosphere that will lord over you for the rest of the day.
And that’s not a bad thing.
Keep up with Daisybones here.
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 8, 2018 | albums, review
New Orleans-based Sexy Dex and The Fresh – comprised of Dexter Gilmore (Guitar, Vocals), Gabrielle Washington (Vocals), Andrew Landry (Bass), Evan Cvitanovic (Drums), and Ben Buchbinder (Keys) – has been winning awards left and right in the south, and we can see why. As a young band, their technique – and, truly, pure chemistry – is undeniable. Not to mention the alluring genre they’ve almost created unto themselves. You can witness this in their new EP Don’t Play My B-Sides.
Though you’ll hear some psychedelic influence amidst the funk in “SDTF”, hip hop makes its way in there, as well as some interesting pop-infused dance breakdowns. We could see ourselves dancing to “Play Me Birdie” at a sock hop, but there’s an 80’s flare to it as well as a quirky, fast tempo that is a total earworm. “These Young Charms” exists in a more quintessentially 80s soundscape, while “!Wait!” presents a cacophony of sound that is otherworldly in its disposition. Last track “Fotographs” begins with a speaking part that truly captures the otherworldly, as the song blossoms into another 80s-inspired dance track.
Check it out below!
Keep up with Sexy Dex and The Fresh here.
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 8, 2018 | premieres, wolf tracks
Though we have to wait until November 16th to add Monica Aben‘s “The Beginning of Things” to our music library, you don’t see us over here pouting. That’s because the Venice-based songstress is sharing her new single exclusively with imperfect Fifth. Right here, right now.
“The Beginning of Things” is a delicate love song, poetic and intense in its existence. It examines a love in relation to the stars, a song that’s so lovely it’s impossible to ignore. Never mind the piano work involved, which is so mellifluous we want to dance on each note.
Check it out – and prepare to appreciate whatever love you have right now – below!
Keep up with Monica Aben here.
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 7, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Los Angeles-based musician Jordan Vincent released an alluring, intense beauty of a track in latest single “Sister Jill”, which seems to be his version of a soulful rock ballad. Vincent displays his gorgeous, multi-faceted vocals while crooning, a hint of 50’s sock hop sauntering in while the guitars whir with bravado. Soft, endearing, without ever losing its rock roots.
We’re impressed, and you will be too.
Keep up with Jordan Vincent here.
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 7, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Grand Rapids-based rock quartet The Legal Immigrants – comprised of Boots, Ben Taber, Kevin Kitsch, and Marcus James – has created a pretty substantial fanbase since 2015’s Drugs to Roses, and rightfully so. Latest track “Hang On” tells the story of a band that has only gained momentum and broadened in talent since then, as the toe-tapping beat and whirring guitars get you moving. After yesterday’s election especially, this track should be on everyone’s soundtrack, as it is a call for unshakable perseverance.
Put it on, play it loud, and amp up your day!
Keep up with The Legal Immigrants here.
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Los Angeles-based pop/soul songstress Jenna Lotti hits the week full force with her latest track “Better In The Morning”, which was released on Friday. The song itself captures feelings of doubt and fear in life-changing situations, echoing Lotti’s thoughts while making a cross country move with her husband last year. Gorgeously composed, the track edges on ethereal with strong, confident vocals that still somehow feel delicate and wonderful. It’s exactly what we need on this bright, wonderful day to keep us leaping into situations with confidence. {{GO VOTE!}}
Keep up with Jenna Lotti here.
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Just in time for Election Day (GO VOTE!), Santa Monica-based singer/songwriter Mason Summit has released his tantalizing new track “Thoughts & Prayers”. A bit tongue in cheek as it were, the percussion is standout as it leads you into a song that will make your hips sway. His smoky, gorgeous vocals dance over a soundscape that plays with tempo in an alluring way. The instrumentals themselves set the tone for a picture perfect autumn evening, though the lyrics will definitely make you swoon even more if you’re a little perturbed at our current political situation.
Check it out below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Keep up with Mason Summit here.
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 5, 2018 | albums, review
New York-based indie pop trio VHS Collection – expertly comprised of long-time friends James Bohannon, Conor Cook, and Nils Vanderlip – released their new 12-track stunner, Retrofuturism, on Friday. With vocals reminiscent of The Kooks, first track “One” explodes into an interesting cacophony of sound effects and percussion that will get your head spinning, yet better prepared for what’s to come. “I Can’t Stand It” deconstructs the album a bit, keeping a good dance pace loaded with a little more attitude, while “Take My Money” makes you feel like you should be donning clothing of yesteryear, putting on your favorite pair of shades in slow motion.
“Sign” modernizes the sound even more, though keeping it glittering and 80s-inspired, magnetic in its disposition. “Blame It On A Dream” bounces into a layered version of what you might hear in a hip hotel lobby, “American Cynic” bounces back into intense, late 80s MTV vibes, though “The Otherside” slows it all down for us, the instrumentals harnessing energy from late 90s love songs as we head into the intense, hard-hitting sounds of “Animal”. While ninth track “What Does It Mean” takes on an “80s slow dance at prom” vibe, tenth track “Break” is a track music supervisors should keep their ears on for any upcoming coming-of-age projects, if we’re being completely honest.
“Feel It Boy” is energetic, fun, and something we can get on board with lyrically and sonically. “Fade Out” takes on a more contemporary pop sound that slightly overshadows the 80s vibes, with quirky percussion and beautiful, entrancing lyrics. It rounds the album out quite nicely, and gets us in the mood for a dance party like no other.
Keep up with VHS Collection here.
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 5, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Just in time for tomorrow (Can anyone say “Election Day”?), New York sweetheart Gianni Paci comes at us with the offering of a new single and its artfully crafted music video. The song itself rocks the boat, allowing Paci to voice his opinions on our current political issues. But the song is so much more than that, as is the video. Shot in black and white for the first half and bursting into technicolor later on, the video does an amazing job of layering in artistic footage and illustrations, a touch of honest beauty to each. It’s a music video packed with a bang, as you’ll soon find out!
Keep up with Gianni Paci here.
