Weekly Roundup
Roundup by Carson Huffer
Nostalgic for the mess that comes with a night out, Rum Jungle’s single “Back Home” finds humor and comfort in the missing pieces and misplaced keys. One of the first singles off of Rum Jungle’s upcoming EP, “Back Home” epitomizes the all too familiar fun and frustration of a chaotic night with riotous guitar lines and lyrics meant to be screamed along.
TikTok has introduced the world to a litany of artists, comedians, and characters, but none have the true reach of Cleveland-born EMMY. A hilarious star on the rise, EMMY’s music pulls an interesting artistic dichotomy with breezy instrumentation and honest lyricism. I’ve been absolutely loving this single and already cannot wait to see what comes next from EMMY!
Following her 2022 tour with Chelsea Cutler and Jake Miller, ROSIE’s new era finds the singer doubling down on her earnest artistic journey. “Startover” finds ROSIE looking for new beginnings with herself and her own mental health, taking charge of a new worldview for a better mindset. ROSIE’s plight is entirely relatable, and her stunning voice carries a distinct vulnerability that you won’t forget.
Struggling through a relationship doomed from the start, Bonfire Tide call upon the sounds of The National and Bon Iver to emphasize their unresolved melancholy in “The Old Boys”. The harmonies running throughout the band create a comforting yet haunting energy, and the instrumentation of the track sinks the listener deeper into their own plight of pain. As a lover of emotional ballads, I cannot recommend “The Old Boys” enough!
Smooth vocals and pop-influenced synth lead Volsi’s newest single “Flight Back”. This song is entirely too feel good, operating with a breezy seduction that you simply cannot refuse another listen to. “Flight Back” is a perfect journey for any of your pop playlists!
Newly remastered from VISSIA’s 2017 album Place Holder, “Mountaineer” rides triumphant in a blaze of glory. VISSIA’s powerful vocals ring through the track, and between an explosive guitar line and brightly punchy drums, I can’t help but be obsessed with the newest version of “Mountaineer”.
Searching the titular “Lover’s High”, giu feels the push and pull that comes with love and love lost. Her lofty vocals take center stage as the backing instrumentation rushes in and then leaves just as rapidly, emphasizing the song’s vibrant desire to feel the rush of love, even if just for a moment.
Desperate for sleep and its subsequent peace, Jack Vallier wants to escape the pain of a lost relationship in “Insomnia”. Softly acoustic with belting vocals, Jack Vallier hits a resonant chord with anyone who has lost someone. The production of this track is sheer acoustic perfection and I truly cannot wait to see what comes next from this rising star.
Faster Than We Ran by Anna Elyse
Driven forward by the resounding pulse of a drum beat, Anna Elyse’s newest single “Faster Than We Ran” lets go of the pain of a past lover that left her scorned. Hoping to be this person’s favorite mistake, Anna’s honest lyricism shines with stunning harmony stacks and softly cushioned guitar lines that I cannot stop blasting in the car.
Screwed over by a lover who picked someone else, Arden Alexa isn’t waiting to lay down her thoughts in her newest single “Stupid Boy”. A fluorescent and fun pop song, Arden highlights her own strength through neon lyricism as she lets go of boys who clearly never deserved her in the first place.
With pitched back vocals and smashing guitar at the forefront, “Alright” by The Max Headroom is meant to coast you into the warmer months of 2023 with ease. I am deeply obsessed with the frenzied and fun rock energy The Max Headroom creates on “Alright,” and with the weather turning towards the better as we head into April, I know this track will be a mainstay on my summer 2023 song rotation.
