My inbox has been filled with some pretty strong material lately, which has made editing things down to the Five Songs You Must Hear list rather challenging. Here’s what I’m able to present this week.
1. Strumbellas, Hard Lines
The Clearing (Sonic Unyon/Glassnote/Universal)
Recommended If You Like: Plaintive CanCon
It’s been about a year since Strumbellas released their Part Time Believer album. This standalone single harkens back to the introspective feeling of the group’s earlier material. Let’s see where this path leads.
2. Goldfinger, Freaking Out a Bit (feat. Mark Hoppus)
Single (Big Noise)
RIYL: California ska-punk
Given that both Goldfinger and Blink-182 have flown in the same circles for decades, it’s a little surprising that it’s taken this long for there to be some kind of collaboration. This track is a co-write not only with Mark Hoppus but also Travis Parker (I guess Tom DeLonge was off chasing UAPs). The blend is like peanut butter and chocolate.
3. All Time Low, The Weather
Everyone’s Talking (Basement Noise Records/Photo Finish/Virgin)
RIYL: A moment in the sun
All Time Low has been around for more than two decades and has always sort of been on the fringe of Making It REALLY Big like some of their contemporaries such as Blink-182. It’s not that they haven’t done well (3.5 million albums sold in just the US, five billion streams) but given the early support by American radio, they may find that their time has come with this single and upcoming album (due October 17).
4. Just Mustard, POLLYANNA
Single (Partisan)
RIYL: Fuzzy Irish bands
Just Mustard was formed in Dundalk, Ireland, a decade ago and have been working on a fuzzy experimental sound ever since. While their two albums have received plenty of critical praise, I think they need to be better know outside of Ireland. This single—which I think is their first release in about three years—features all kinds of fuzzy goodness.
5. Wet Leg, Mangetout
Moisturizer (Domino)
RIYL: Solid female-fronted rock
Now that Wet Leg has blown up, it’s more than just the duo of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers. Wet Leg is officially a five-piece band, although Hester has decided to let everyone else handle live duties. This second album is brilliant and is one of my favourites of the year. This is the fourth single.
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