They say good things come in threes and in this case it is true. Alt-pop trio, TWIN XL, is back with their latest single, “Problematic”. Cameron Walker-Wright, John Gomez and Stephen Gomez created a new pop anthem that fits in with today’s pop sounds. “Problematic” documents watching things turn wrong, but not being able to do much about it. The music video that accompanies the single cleverly conveys this idea, without saying it outright. In every scene the trio becomes more disheveled and injured, fitting perfectly to what they were trying to say with their lyrics.
The band follows the 2019 release of their debut EP, How To Talk To Strangers, with their third single of 2020 which will be a part of their upcoming debut album. A consistent beat behind Walker-Wright’s vocals makes for a match made in pop music heaven. After writing and producing for other artists like All Time Low and Lindsey Stirling, these three have the right skills to rise to the top themselves. The catchy chorus of the single will be stuck in your head all day.
R&B/Soul singer Gaidaa releases her debut eight-song EP, Overture. Gaidaa’s cover of a Kehlani song caught the attention of Dutch producer and artist Full Crate, which helped to rocket her career. The EP is a breath of fresh air that we all needed, a new sound that demands to be heard. For the release of Overture, Gaidaa says:
To me ‘Overture’ is not only my introduction to the world, but essentially my reintroduction to myself, my rediscovery and re-creation of Gaidaa. It’s about realizing that we are far more complex and hold more depth than we think. ‘Overture’ is the foundation to something more substantial; the beginning of everything that is yet to come and yet to be learned. Gaidaa meeting Gaidaa.
If you had to describe the album in three words it would be vulnerable, soulful and groovy. The first track,“I Like Trouble” is about breaking from the rules and finding your own path. Her voice makes the songs so easy to listen to, not needing to go to extremes to show her talents. “Ride My Way” has a chill vibe and is Gaidaa being completely open, ready to start something new. The instrumental just carries her style further, especially with “Falling Higher”. The song is destined to be a hit, with a falsetto-driven hook accompanied by a steady drum beat. The Netherlands-based Sudanese artist, takes you through a journey that you’ll find yourself relating to.
Gaidaa had no trouble getting artists on for her debut, including tracks with artists such as Jarreau Vandal, Saba and Joshua J. “Say Yes (Turquoise)” (feat. Joshua J), is one of the best off the EP. Not only do their voices compliment each other, but her voice stands out here. The third verse showcases her talents and is a different take then you typically hear her sing in. “Morning Blue”, her debut solo single, references the campaign #BlueForSudan, which encouraged social media users to make their profile pictures blue in honor of a protesting victim. The song is simple, but has powerful and relevant lyrics, including, “It’s all in, we rise / It’s been a hard, hard time / For the ones who fight / In the land of the Nile”.
The 20-year-old’s debut is no rookie move, it is an example of this craft at its finest. https://orcd.co/overture
A certain crowd grew up with the sultry, badass sounds of The Veronicas as the backdrop to their adolescent years. I happen to be a certain member of that certain crowd, and my love for the duo was amplified both by the fact that they are twins (Ahem! Twins need more fun representation in popular culture!), and they are the nieces of The Proclaimers. (Yo, if you’re a child of the nineties or before, you know they are also a badass set of musician twins.)
As someone who has been following them for a while, I was overjoyed at the release of their new, cinematic music video. The best news about it? It just so happens to be their directorial debut, and it is, without question, a masterpiece.
A soft, pastel overlay. Both twins starring in a grimy, beautiful, honest piece about love and violence in a small town. Surrounded by chaos, they find their people. But will love get them through jealous peaks and intense moments?
The song itself is perfect to dance to, infectious in both its upbeat soundscape and the way it makes you move your hips immediately. Add the twins’ sticky sweet vocals and dark, intense attitudes, and you just cannot go wrong.
Nashville-based duo, The Danberrys, are back with their third full-length album Shine. The twelve-track collection strays from their traditional sound, but comes full force with all the stops. There is a bit of a dark atmosphere throughout with graceful combinations of rock, blues and folk incorporated. Dorothy Daniel and Ben DeBerry created an enchanting record that you’ll catch yourself playing on repeat. It’s one of those records that every time you listen, you will find new meanings behind the lyrics or different instruments like an electric guitar or drums. The duo spoke about the meaning behind the album, “Shine represents a major shift in our sound, moving away from our acoustic-centric past while staying rooted in our love for the song and the groove. By venturing outside of our comfort zone, sonically and process-wise, we were able to make an organic record that we’re excited for the world to hear.”
Immediately, we are introduced to this repeated idea of looming darkness with the title track. “Sometimes darkness may roam / shine, shine wherever it goes”, reminding us that the dark is only a way to find the light. It could be used as background music for a movie scene where a character is almost just breaking out of their struggles, similar to something you might have heard in the tv series Sons of Anarchy. Similar to “The Mountain”, which was the first single off the record, the themes continue: keep growing from your past, don’t let it take you down. The sound in this track was inspired by New Orleans traditional second-line rhythm and blues.
There are lots of stories incorporated into these songs, especially with“Francis” and “Never Gone”. Daniel’s vocals guide through these compelling narratives, conveying the pain behind the words. “Never Gone” is based on their friend’s father who battled a chronic illness and said goodbye on his own terms, breaking the hearts of his family in the process. Although there are some darker tracks than others, “Love Conquers War” teaches a positive message of wisdom. Not only do the lyrics radiate this message, but the instrumental backs it. With the closing track, “Rain”, Daniel and DeBerry sing together and bring back this theme of worry and darkness. In the end, success comes through deep beliefs and unity. The sound is reminiscent of Margo Price and is easy on the ears. The Danberrys are back and they’re ready to have their messages heard all around the world.
Influenced by “dreams, waves and outer space,” the celestial Mai Kino weaves together satin sounds in her single “Dopamine”, the title track on her newly released EP. Praised for her mesmerizing take on electro-pop and her intriguing voice, Kino’s music transcends sound, using her background in dance and multimedia art as well as her synthesia condition to integrate sound, video experimentation and self-directed video work into her own personal multifaceted universe.
“Dopamine” is an ethereal expression of this world, beginning with soft dulcet tones that induce a feeling of floating atop calm waters. Soon enough, however, you find yourself immersed in deeper waters as the music transitions seamlessly to ambient but grounded bass and other electronic sounds. These sounds create an entrancing soundscape, filled with waves of electronic bliss. Kino’s voice floats within this atmosphere, reminding listeners of the lead singer of Metric, Emily Haines, with her bright yet muted vocals. She sounds like an angel as she sings her charming words, suspended above in the ether.
With the mélange of sounds in “Dopamine” one could only imagine the array of colours that Kino would see as she listens. Fortunately the sweet sounds that enchant our ears are more than enough.
The valiant band Beautiful Dudes have channeled their determination and spunk into their newest single, “Nite Nite.” The single is first to be released from their upcoming EP Nite Songs, out August 14, the soundtrack to the current state of the world as it traverses dark, melancholic times with refreshing optimism. From Nevada City, frontman Tom Bevitori and the Dudes have always aimed to capture serious topics with infectious hooks and heavy riffs. There’s more to the band than meets the eye, however. Among the band’s brazen sounds are intimate lyrics that add a deeper dimension to their music.
“Nite Nite” embodies the courageous energy of four dudes who have tons of spirit and spite: “We are not afraid, we fear nothing.” It’s simple in structure– the opening combination of clashing drums, Bevitori’s turbulent voice, and the rumbling guitars including the persistent rising triplet figure continue basically throughout the entire song. This creates a feeling of static but excited energy, as though something is coming. And indeed, the first words we hear are “the revolution is coming.” The release of Nite Songs is coming as well, making this song the perfect first release to generate eager anticipation for the EP.
“Nite Nite” will only be released on a flexi vinyl record included with the purchase of their limited edition Skateboard deck. Beautiful Dudes will also be featured on the upcoming compilation album for the Nevada City Film Festival in August with their new song “Beverly Hills” and live performances and interviews.
