Posted: by The Editor
The Alternative Weekly Roundup is a column where our staff plugs a variety of new releases in a concise, streamlined format. Albums, singles, videos, and live sets. Check back each Monday to see what we were jamming the week prior.
Draag – “Recharge”
Los Angeles experimental shoegaze group Draag surprised me on their most recent release Actually, the quiet is nice EP. After coming across the group through their collaboration with LA’s trip-hop collective Kai Tak, one of my favorite tracks off the EP is “Recharge” which introduces a black metal shriek from Adrian Acosta that plays off of Jessica Huang’s more tranquil vocal approach. The menacing track is unsettling, using synthesizers and drum machines to create a nightmarish feeling of heart pounding paranoia that’s only quelled by its otherworldliness.
Loan Pham | @x_loanp
Oso Oso – “that’s what time does”
One of the reasons I love Oso Oso’s sore thumb record is the addition of warm acoustic guitars, fleshing out the acoustics on basking in the glow that complemented the cutting (but no less warm) electric lines on the yunahon mixtape. That acoustic sound comes across as even more fleshed out on their latest “that’s what time does,” hitting a perfect balance with the constant waves of the electrics. It sounds like Oso Oso at their most comfortable, but not to the degree that they are too complacent. It’s certainly a good sign for their next record life till bones, out August 9th.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
Sonagi – “Rain Shadow”
Philadelphia screamo band Sonagi recently signed to Jeremy Bolm’s label Secret Voice Records last month and their upcoming Everything is Longing EP is an impassioned exploration of vocalist Ryann Slauson’s identity as a transgender person as well as his relationship with grieving the loss of his father. The first single “Rain Shadow” is powerfully engaging as Slauson’s vocals intensifies and reaches a fevered pitch before he pointedly repeats “Everything is longing / You can’t protect us from ourselves / Everything is longing / You can’t protect me from myself.” Everything is Longing is available everywhere on August 2nd and I can’t wait to hear what else the band have in store.
Loan Pham | @x_loanp
Combat – “Epic Season Finale”
Like the first single off Stay Golden, Combat’s latest “Epic Season Finale” is one of those instant, grab you by the collar and force you to pay attention songs. The group is firing on all cylinders here, showing that they can still conjure that same spark at a slightly more pulled back tempo than the breakneck “Stay Golden.” Listening to these tunes, you may at first be a little surprised that bandleader Holden Wolf is only 20 years old, but what’s more surprising to me about this whole situation is that now people have heard two songs off the record and yet the first vinyl run (limited to 300) has yet to sell out. Stay Golden is out 8/16 and, just out of curiosity, I’ll be keeping an eye on Counter Intuitive’s website to see how fast those suckers go that morning.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
burner – Demo
Joe Morganti of Buffalo hardcore band Spaced recently released new music under his latest project burner earlier this month and it is brimming with vibrant catchy hits for the summer. The four song EP titled Demo consists of sentimental poppy refrains and hooky riffs redolent of the late 90’s emo shift towards pop punk and simply begs to be left on repeat.
Loan Pham | @x_loanp
Hot Moms Club – “Closure”
There’s a dreaminess to the instrumentals on Hot Moms Club’s “Closure,” that pairs well with the lyrics that apparently come from a time of introspection from bandleader Eliza Vera, journalling and talking aloud to herself to work through new feelings that were starting to manifest a bit too soon. On the track, that period of uncertainty crystallizes into a smooth, danceable blend of keys under lines like “I keep on telling myself it’s easier to be alone / Please, don’t come over / I won’t be home.”
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
despïa – “Clean Streak“
If you think the resurgence of early 2000’s inspired alternative rock already had it’s moment, think again. Los Angeles quartet despïa just released their hefty second single “Clean Streak” and they’re only getting started. Leaning into the quiet-loud-quiet method, it builds up towards a shouty chorus before delving back into a lower register that’s just enticing enough to keep listening. It’s the sort of buzzing moody spin on the alt rock / shoegaze genre that fans of Teenage Wrist or Narrowhead would thoroughly enjoy.
Loan Pham | @x_loanp
The Alternative’s ‘New Music Friday’ playlist
Each week we compile a playlist of songs our staff has been jamming. We post it on Fridays on Twitter and then include it in each edition of the Weekly Roundup to make sure you don’t miss any of the great music we’re recommending.
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