Weekly Roundup
Roundup by Isabelle Turner and Carson Huffer
Have You Ever Loved Someone by BANNERS
After BANNERS’ single “Name in Lights” made our weekly roundup, I was eager to see how the other tracks on their forthcoming album would compare. Luckily for BANNERS fans, their most recent one “Have You Ever Loved Someone” exceeds expectations. The song starts out on a catchy and addictive beat as it builds to the incredible chorus. With a sound and lyricism similar to their hit song “Someone To You”, the song feels like a transport back to their roots in a sweet and heartfelt manner. Through the singles released thus far on their upcoming album, “Have You Ever Loved Someone” is a step ahead for the artist as they continue to release music that can connect with all.
Garment Bag by Adam Melchor
Adam Melchor continues to be a standout artist in indie-pop. Combining niche and hyper-specific experiences with universal emotions, the artist continues to stand out in a sea of many. Melchor is back with his latest track “Garment Bag” As the first release after his well-received album Here Goes Nothing, Garment Bag is a sweet and emotional track about being open and vulnerable with someone. Perhaps the most defining moment of the track is the electric guitar solo as the bridge of the track, which feels cinematic and explosive. When his vocals pick back up after this bridge, it creates a chilling effect that feels like love at first listen.
All We Ever Do Is Talk by Del Water Gap
After his self titled debut album, Del Water Gap is back with his latest track “All We Ever Do is Talk”. As the first single from his second album, the song is absolutely addicting and feels like summer. The loud instrumentals are what make the track feel so lively, while not drowning out the vocals and incredible lyrics. Blurring the line between a fling and true love, the lyrics feel like a perfect story of love and lust. While still containing that authentic indie sound, the song borders the sound of a radio-hit, showing the obvious evolution of Del Water Gap. As a track that truly has it all, “All We Ever Do Is Talk” is the perfect beginning to Del Water Gap’s new era.
Joanna by Happy Landing
Adept in making music for the soul, Happy Landing’s latest track “Joanna” is a stunning addition to their discography. The vocals start the track before the sweet and slow chorus kicks in. With the lyrics seeping of love and care, there is something so sweet and wholesome about Happy Landing’s sound, making it impossible to not love. As the fourth single the band has released off of their upcoming album, “Joanna” definitely stands out. While having a polished production, the vocals are left to speak for themselves. The track eventually builds to an incredible bridge where the track ends with high energy and the weaving vocals of the other band members. Ending on a complete and whole note, “Joanna” leaves you satisfied, in true Happy Landing fashion.
Birds and Beasts by Mountain People Worship
Hailing from the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee, emerging band Mountain People Worship is the pinnacle of indie-folk. Their latest single “Birds and Beasts” is an incredible track that truly feels like an evolution for the band. Weaving in elements of rock and a high energy track, the track lands among the likes of the Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, and Noah Kahan. Blending genres seamlessly and having an incredibly polished sound, the band has a sound beyond their years. The track builds to a tipping point that ends on an intense note, adding in even more of an electric guitar.
North Dakota by roger weeks
Letting go of toxic relationships with others and with yourself is no easy task, but in new single “North Dakota”, roger weeks finds peace in the life they can live alone. Of the track, roger weeks said “‘North Dakota’ is a song I wrote when I realized that after years of searching for love in someone else, the key to happiness was to love myself.” No truer advice has ever been given in such a perfectly sweet melody, with the soft acoustic guitar line and harmonic vocals of “North Dakota” carrying you swiftly to the cushioned landing of a joyous beacon of hope.
Strange by Juliander
Leading Juliander’s latest EP Introspection comes the stunning ballad of “Strange”. Written throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Juliander leans into his isolation to express emotion through stripped back instrumentation and wispy yet powerful vocals. The track continually builds in power and production as Juliander comes to terms with the complexities of his relationship with someone else, finding various different emotional barriers as he struggles. “Strange” is a stunning look into the mind and entirely too relatable, and I truly cannot recommend it enough.
The One by Valories
“The One” highlights the desire for love that burns through one’s soul in retrospect. Full of love, passion, regret, and shame, “The One” encompasses the painful pull of wondering what could have been. I can’t get over the soft vocalism and powerful instrumentation, led by the distinct kick of a drum pulsing forward at a slow but steady pace. “The One” highlights Valories strength as an artist, and their full recently released EP FX shows consistent strength in waves.
Parliaments by Bashlow
Bashlow describes “Parliaments” as requited lust but unrequited love, and I couldn’t agree more with this description. The track is sultry in its creation, exploring the secluded corners of one’s own desires, but at the exact same time holds a fire only found in the world of careless and shameless disregard of one’s own logic in love. It’s upbeat, flirty, and fun in all the best ways that a song musing over failed flings and lost situationships can be, making it the perfect song for the summer of 2023.
Wishes on Weeds by Shallow Alcove
Feeling the blissful magic of new love, “Wishes on Weeds” finds Shallow Alcove lost in the haze of grassy summers and kisses in the moonlight. The star of the show is the indie folk styling of the track, sonically reminiscent of artists like Leith Ross and Tommy Lefroy with pure joyous overtones. “Wishes on Weeds” feels like soft sunlight in a track, and I can’t help but want to bask in its golden rays.
Here For The Drama by Rachel Bochner
“Here For The Drama” is this summer’s newest pop anthem from NYC-based Rachel Bochner. Relating to the entirely too common feeling of life being a reality TV show, Bochner takes her place in the world as the one just here to hear the drama for her own entertainment. She finds joy amongst the chaos in this track, and it feels like she pulled this track directly out of my brain with how often I find myself just experiencing the drama of those around me. “Here For The Drama” is definitely a song of the summer contender, so get into your car and blast it loud!
SOLO by Blake Wisner & David Rice
On a journey of finding oneself and leaving everyone else behind for personal growth, Blake Wisner and David Rice’s newest track “SOLO” showcases the growth that comes from time alone. Vocally this track holds stunning modulations and harmonies, and with a powerful chord change midway through the track, “SOLO” really hits the ground running as an anthem for those who need their own journey alone.
This House by Caroline Romano
With her newest EP A Brief Epic on the way, Caroline Romano is already breaking hearts with new single “This House”. Highlighting the pain that comes with trying to make a bad situation work, “This House” is a gallery of self-inflicted battle wounds told through explosive vocals. Romano’s vocal talent as an artist shines in “This House”, and the building bridge culminates in powerful fury and frustration at the situation she knows she has to leave. This track is nothing short of beautiful, and we cannot wait to hear the full EP later this month!
