“Live It Up”, the newest single from LA up-and-comer James Delaney, opens to the playful bounce of a video-game bop and a twinkling tropicality – but don’t let that fool you. A closer listen reveals an ennui that borders on ironic.
To clue you in, the very first lyrics paint a picture of a certain brand of indulgence that feels very 2019: “We’ve been wasting time getting high and watching shitty tv shows / Feeling comatose in our dirty clothes.” Split right down the middle, the lyrical content of “Live It Up” resorts to indulgence and lethargy to escape life stress; while sonically, it’s neutrally cheery – a notion that is paralleled in the song’s structure, as the verses bear the weight of Delaney’s approach. Radiating synth and an unchanging mellow tempo meet Delaney’s clear-cut chorus, ringing with a might-as-well attitude: “Live it up, live it up, live it up.” The last few bars close out on a sax solo, whose hum suggests that Delaney is already off to follow his own advice.
Savi Minds – the brainchild of Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Mikale D’Andrea – recently unleashed new single “Lazy” onto the public. Mellow and intricately layered, the track features D’Andrea’s light-as-a-feather vocals, providing a soundscape that eases your mind and blankets your senses. It truly puts you in the mindset that the name implies, and we’re all for it moving into the mellow autumn season.
Baltimore-based experimental hip hop collective Soul Cannon – comprised of Eze Jackson (vocals), Matt Frazao (guitars/electronics), Jon Birkholz (keys/electronics), and Charles Wilson (drums) – recently released the lead single from their upcoming album, a track titled “Test Drive”. The song is very similar to its name, as it addresses many important topics and seems to put them each through their own “test drive”. The vocal delivery is absolutely beautiful, the song itself breeding a mid-tempo elegance that will get you right in the gut, delivering a smooth blend of hip hop and jazz. Check it out below!
We listen to countless songs on tour, but these are the real standout rippers. The ones all four of us love with equal enthusiasm. The cream. The real heaters. The club bangers. The upper echelon type jams. The burner herzogs. Basically 11/10 hot fire cuts. THE TRACKS.
Keep your eyes peeled for their new album, due out May 11th and keep up with Brother Hawk here.
Let me begin with why the anagram title. Led by Christopher Porterfield is the band Field Report (Porterfield/Field Report) A-ha, get it?.) Released today, Summertime Songs is the band’s third album, and the first being released through Verve Forecast which is part of the Verve Label Group. Lyrical content seems to be a polished focal point as metaphors are commonly used and his style falls in line with classic folk singers who told stories rather than followed the Dr. Seuss rhyming scheme. There is something heartfelt as you make your way through summertime songs, and as I understand all songs were written while Christopher and his wife were expecting their first child.
Based out of Wisconsin, Field Report is rounded out by drummer Shane Leonard, guitarist Thomas Wincek, and bassist Barry Clark who’s contributions complement each other in creating solid transitions and strong build-ups. A perfect example of this can be heard on “Never look back”. Boasting soft toned clean guitar leads and lightly brushed with an epic cinematic climax “Never look back” as I interpreted it, seems to be about that train wreck style of attraction. Addicted to the things we hate, or maybe that we loved at one point, sticking with it until it comes down to yourself and what you need to do for you. summertime songs is the kind of album you can leave on from start to finish.
There is a mood that goes alongside it that is easy to swallow, cruising along with no bumps in the road, meaning there isn’t a ballad followed by a loud obnoxious track, followed by a rap song followed by a country song. “Blind Spot” has some brilliant and beautiful background vocals that lay out the as if weightless and surrounded by light soft clouds flowing in succession to the backbeat.
The highlight on the album is “If I Knew”. Subtle lyrical genius in the line, “If I knew, what I know, so far yet to go”. Along similar lines of Bruce Springsteen, Counting Crows, and John Cougar Mellencamp. Maybe even fans of The Fray will appreciate Field Reports consistency and their “just right” approach that isn’t over nor underdone. Kinda like when Goldie Locks finds her perfect temperature bowl of porridge.
Tour Dates
Tuesday, March 27: Chicago, IL – Schubas
Wednesday, March 28: Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
Thursday, March 29: Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
Friday, March 30: Toronto, ON – The Drake
Saturday, March 31: Montreal, QC – L’Escogriffe
Tuesday, April 3: New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
Thursday, April 5: Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy
Friday, April 6: Washington, DC – Songbyrd
Saturday, April 7: Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
Sunday, April 8: Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe
Friday, May 25 – Sunday, May 27: Boston, MA – Boston Calling
You can get a copy of Summertime Songs here. They are touring in support and you can check the dates on their website or by following them on Facebook.
Scottish duo LOVE SICK has just dropped their third single, “What I’d Do” in anticipation for their debut headlining performance in Glasgow on April 3. Julie and Shaun of LOVE SICK spent their 2017 spreading their following, even garnering support from Sir Elton John. Having previously released “Bullet” and “Hope”, Julie and Shaun look to keep the ball rolling with their brand new track. Currently Glasgow-based, the pair bring a fresh sound to listeners worldwide. Their latest release is a sleek, well-structured and modern track that displays the duo’s strong grasp on what works both for them and showcases their abilities. The synthy single juxtaposes electronic beats with Julie’s natural, emotion-packed vocals. The song mulls over romantic letdown and hopefulness on a roaming, yearning soundscape. LOVE SICK is already doing a remarkable job of honing their sound, and we’re excited to see what the futures holds for LOVE SICK. Just wait until you hear what LOVE SICK can do.
Gonna be in Glasgow on April 3rd? You can hit up LOVE SICK’s debut headliner free here. Keep up with the duo here.
