sophie strauss, “i was”

sophie strauss, “i was”

Dial up internet noises in the beginning, and we’re already in love. Sophie Strauss‘ new video for “I Was” captures the visuals in a very ethereal and light way, much like the vocal delivery. The song itself is an introspective anecdote, while Strauss susses out the complicated feelings she had for and around women growing up. Even if it wasn’t created on film directly, the video is shot with an esthetic as though it was, which goes with the throwback theme of the song. Self analysis sometimes requires us to delve into the past in order to create our futures more fully. Take this track as your opportunity to do so.

Keep up with Sophie Strauss here.

tuarrah, “ellis” (martin hviid remix)

tuarrah, “ellis” (martin hviid remix)

Have you ever felt like a foreigner in a situation? Like an outsider who just might not quite fit in? Tuarrah‘s “Ellis” conveys that feeling, which aims to reduce peoples’ fear of “the other”. We are all about conquering those fears this year, and intend to do so with the right soundtrack behind us. Luckily, Danish sound artist Martin Hviid collaborated on “Ellis” for us, to bring a different type of life to the already enticing track by the Brooklyn indie band — and to our resolutions.

Keep up with Tuarrah here.

lily & madeleine, “just do it”

lily & madeleine, “just do it”

If you’re looking for some inspiration in the new year – and trust us, we all are – then Indiana-based sister duo Lily & Madeleine (Jurkiewicz) have what you need. Their new track “Just Do It” dances a fine line between edgy – with their dares to take chances woven into the lyrics – and soft and seductive with the sisters’ ethereal harmonies, while maintaining a fresh and enigmatic feel for 2019. Keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming album Canterbury Girls, which is expected in late February.

Keep up with Lily & Madeleine here.

aok, “back burner”

aok, “back burner”

In October of last year, electro-pop duo AOK released their high energy track “Back Burner”. They’re still turning up the hype on the track, which led effortlessly into their most recent EP Waves. Though they hail from Grand Rapids, MI, the duo – comprised of AngelaB and Kyle – has a sound that could easily be at home late at night in the streets of LA. If you’re looking for a party track to lead you into the New Year, this is it. Take it.

Keep up with AOK here.

holy white hounds, say it with your mouth

holy white hounds, say it with your mouth

As if the cover art weren’t enough to draw you in – HELLOOOOO Earle Rock Studios -, Holy White Hounds‘ sophomore full-length release is absolutely extraordinary. Blending in the signature “eff you” style that they established with 2016’s Sparkle, Sparkle, Say It With Your Mouth is an established alt-rock adventure, with high stakes energy from beginning to end. While first track “Thirsty” insists that “I’m not excited,” the intense lead-in would say otherwise, as “Lucid Kid” establishes an energy that we’re ready to bump from now into the summer months. “Perpetrator” feels like the perfect addition to “Guitar Hero,” catchy as all get out with a visual that will keep your mind reeling.

The quirky name of the project can be found in the lines of “No Teeth”, while “Big Heavy” boasts the perfect sound to be played during an NFL game. (Shameless plug.) While Dean struggles with his perspective in “Trifection”, the attitude continues – complete with a whole different level of percussion – in seventh track “Violence”. This one is a real banger, so make sure to allow plenty of space to move around when you press “play” on it.

Dave Keuning joins in on the fun with “What I Am”, and “Burnt Tongue” speeds things up even more than originally anticipated, guitar licks and a beat that doesn’t just pull you in, but drags you in by your shoelaces – or bootstraps, or whatever gets you going – and does not let go. The drums set the scene for “The Void”, coming in with bass that sets one of those “walking like a badass” vibes for the remainder of the track. (AKA add this to your life soundtrack and when you’ve got to raise that confidence, play it and strut your stuff!)

If you are really paying attention to the lyrics instead of just the mood the soundscape sets for you, you’ll notice a variety of emotions, stemming from personal anecdotes that have been woven throughout the work as a whole. Dean’s vocals drag more of that emotion out of us, highlighting moments of darkness and a questioning mentality while we all learn how to feel through it. “Tracy Free” is one of those introspective tracks that really entices you to think, though the title of its follow-up, “Aids Chimp”, kind of detracts from the weight of the words.

But that’s what we’ve come to respect and love about this band. They can sing about some dark, dark shit and keep this weightless feel to it all, and you can tell that they are a ton of fun live simply from listening to a few lines from Say It With Your Mouth, if you haven’t yet been graced by their live performance tactics. “New Blood” will further enforce the theatrical nature of the band, though they may be the last to admit it. With bits of comedy mixed in with self realization and that clear, gorgeous edge, we’re big fans of this album as a journey, and are stoked you get to hear it from beginning clear through “Thirsty Outro”.

Say It With Your Mouth is available now. Keep up with Holy White Hounds here.

beatrix sky, “love drug”

beatrix sky, “love drug”

We made it through the holidays, and for some of us that means winding down a bit. For others, that means revving back up the productivity. (Hello, running a publication!) In either case, Beatrix Sky‘s latest track “Love Drug” is the perfect soundtrack to make the next chapter of your life happen, no matter what you’re going for. With luscious, ethereal layers and the perfect blend of Sky’s brooding vocals, this is one you won’t want to miss. Try it on for size below!

Keep up with Beatrix Sky here.

deck the imperfect {fifth} halls | a holiday soundtrack

deck the imperfect {fifth} halls | a holiday soundtrack

We’ve been in the holiday spirit on and off all year, if you’re truly asking me. Every once in a while on a Friday, we have been known to break out into a rendition of a 98 Degrees Christmas song, or to envision the Hanson boys singing “Run Run Rudolph” directly at us. And this year, we wanted to acknowledge and highlight the alternatives to our “classic” options – and the real OG options by Sinatra and the like – so you have something a little bit different, but just as historically magical, to share with your holiday crowds and hordes of friends!

We will continue to update it as we see fit, so check back for more!

Have any holiday track suggestions for us? Share on social media with #imperfectfifth and we might just add your song selections to our soundtrack!

evan petruzzi, “sideshow”

evan petruzzi, “sideshow”

Long Island-bred singer/songwriter Evan Petruzzi has a new track out called “Sideshow”, a twang-infused pop song with a pace that will make even the most cynical of humans – especially at the holidays – tap their toes. As we listen to the building instrumentals and Petruzzi’s powerful vocals, we are carried to a place that is forever summer, a sun kissed glow dancing on our cheeks. Get into our headspace – and feel that glorious sunshine – below!

Keep up with Evan Petruzzi here.

fleurie, “love has no limits”

fleurie, “love has no limits”

If you’re looking for a cinematic chord progression, bedazzled with ethereal vocals reminiscent of Imogen Heap, then Fleurie‘s new track “Love Has No Limits” is the way to go. Anthemic from just the title of the track, this new single takes its time reaching its angelic crescendo. We’re big, big fans and ready to share this one with the crowd at some upcoming holiday festivities! What about you?

Keep up with Fleurie here.