Weekly Roundup
Roundup by Carson Huffer
Featuring explosive vocal stacks and modified harmonies, Sleeping Lion’s newest album Most Improved closes with one of the most beautiful tracks I have heard lately in “Winedrunk”. 42 different people are featured in the over 100 harmonic vocals of this track, and the lyricism holds a loving plea to just be comfortable and relax in love with a partner. As a long time Sleeping Lion fan, I don’t know that any track will ever top “Winedrunk.” I don’t say this lightly, but this is a masterpiece.
Alt music has never felt as good as Woz’s brand new debut EP At The Gulf. Featuring expansive guitar lines and buoyant vocalism, “Best Years” is a stand out on the project as he discusses his personal family traumas through a distinct and coherent lens. The accompanying music video for “Best Years” is a greyscale nostalgic wonderland to amplify Woz’s alternative styling, and in short, I simply cannot turn this track off. Do not miss out on the rise of Woz!
I Wish That I Could Tell You by Gabrielle Grace
Gabrielle Grace’s newest single “I Wish That I Could Tell You” finds a lush cushion for the all too relatable heartbreak of longing for someone else. Grace’s signature indie styling finds a striped back and acoustic opening, further expanding her pain throughout the track through soft lyricism and building instrumentation. The first track off of Gabrielle’s upcoming project, “I Wish That I Could Tell You” is an impeccable debut to the new era of Nashville’s favorite indie heartbreaker.
Fusing together soul, indie, and R&B, new project The End Of The World creates a poignant and heartfelt new sound from Black Hibiscus. Featured track “Ninasimone” finds the Nigerian-born artist featuring explosive guitar riffs over mellow lyricism about love, loss, and the power of Nina Simone. “Ninasimone” and the entire new project feature Black Hibiscus in his purest and most vulnerable form, and this evolution of his sound is a blissful escape from the world that I cannot get out of my mind.
Struggling with the poison of wanting someone who is bad for him, Sani Knight’s newest single “Ivy” is an alt-pop explosion that demands space on your toxic playlists. Reminiscent of The Weeknd in 2015, Sani Knight’s sound firmly grasps your attention with sultry vocals and a continuous percussive pulse. “Ivy” is a fantastic new showing from Knight, and I’m already excited to hear what comes next from this new resurgence of sound from him.
Alexa Cappelli’s newest single “Lose Lose” finds her letting go of a former friend turned toxic through bold and brash alt-pop styling. This track is intensely fun to let out all of your frustrations at the people who have hurt you in the past, and Cappelli’s powerful vocals shine as she rages out her feelings. This track is so fun in its fury and a must have for anyone struggling with the people close to them.
Indie rock quintet Vanillaroma straddles thoughts both coherent and unhinged in their newest single “nonamebbgirl”. The sound of Vanillaroma is entirely unique through buzzing instrumentals and hazy lyricism, and “nonamebbgirl” is a masterclass in the underworld of sound that the band creates. With a project on the way, Vanillaroma has me on the edge of me seat wondering what will come next.
San Francisco by Gemma Laurence
Gemma Laurence’s brand new album Lavender is a sapphic dreamboat of folk short stories, and my personal favorite comes with stand out track “San Francisco,” which transports listeners to a foggy morning with a lover by the Golden Gate Bridge. Laurence explores her queerness through a strong and earnest lens with Lavender, and the title itself nods directly to Victorian flower code where lavender was sent by women to express their love for each other. For any folk and indie fans, Lavender is a must listen.
