The Alt Weekly Roundup (10/18)
Posted: by The Editor
The Popdosemagazine 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.
Catbells – “Same as You”
Beginning to worm itself into my brain as a new favorite, “Same as You” by indie-pop shoegazer Catbells is a mesmerizing, dreamy sequence covering the burning feeling of nostalgia and wistful longing. Laid overtop a blissful melody with cozy vocals, the track lulls you with a sunny disposition while its subject matter is a bittersweet albeit cleansing acceptance of the past and memories that have turned yellow at their edges over time.
Hope Ankney | @hope_ankleknee
Pollyanna – “Monster”
“Monster,” the first cut off Pollyanna’s deluxe edition of Sugarcoat, is a new direction for the band, blending alt-country lightness into their signature rough-around-the-edges indie pop. It’s a great sound for the New Jersey project, and it’s instantly one of their best tracks to date.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Oka Sun – “You Won’t Find It”
Oka Sun’s “You Won’t Find It” is a gorgeous blend of warm keys, splashy cymbals, and loose acoustic guitars. With lyrics like “You ask of me how come you stay / I’m losing reasons every day,” the track focuses on times of lateral drifting and repeated patterns, brought home in an excellent bridge and the chorus of haunting vocal harmonies. It’s the second track released from the group’s upcoming debut Twin Flame (tapes and CDs up at Old Press Records if you’re into that).
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
Salt Creek – Out of the Sky
Salt Creek’s promising debut Out of the Sky scratches a similar itch to what Teenage Wrist and Pærish did earlier this year, throwing shoegaze, thick ‘90s-influenced alt rock, and soaring pop-punk hooks in a blender. It’s a winning mix for the Nebraska band, and hopefully just the first in a string of knockout LPs.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Hayley Sales – “Lifeguard”
Jazz-soaked vintage pop artist Hayley Sales has dropped her gratifying yet haunting new single “Lifeguard.” A driving piano ballad that builds like a scorching flame, the track is a moving true story about Sales’ devastation after losing so much in her life such as relationships, friendships, and reputation. It’s raw. It’s painfully vulnerable. Yet it’s entrancing as Sales’ sharp and emotive vocals carries you throughout the journey right by her side.
Hope Ankney | @hop_ankleknee
Knocked Loose – A Tear in the Fabric of Life
When Knocked Loose released Different Shade of Blue in 2019, it already felt like a certified classic in the metalcore and hardcore world. It was the capstone for a band who had spent years grinding on the tour circuit but whose releases never matched their live intensity. Despite these high expectations, A Tear in The Fabric of Life may be their most impressive work yet. It’s an EP full of ambition and is somehow heavier than anything they’ve ever done.
Hugo Reyes | @hvreyes5
The Album Leaf – “Glisten”
The Album Leaf is – or at least should be – the gold standard for ambient-leaning post-rock. The project’s latest “Glisten” is a soft and patient lullaby, a gorgeous example of the way Jimmy LaValle can turn the softest, most patient melody into a revelation.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Beauty Queen – “Hope It’s You”
Indie-pop rocker Beauty Queen recently released her modern nostalgic tune “Hope It’s You.” Bruised lyricism about clumsy crushes and embracing moments regardless of their endgame set against a bright and airy chorus allows the track to keep its feel-good persona which follows into the song’s video. The concept focuses on recording a music video with a green screen, yet running out of the budget to actually finish it. The opening title screen informs the viewer that “The directors of this music video planned for a $50,000 CGI budget. The actual budget was $50.” It’s kooky and charming while entertaining the idea that you can step out of your comfort zone and make things work no matter what. And, of course, it gives new listeners a taste of Beauty Queen’s theatrical side. Alongside the single, she also announced her upcoming EP Real Life, set to drop November 5.
Hope Ankney | @hope_ankleknee
Swimming – That’s OK
Swimming hits that sweet spot between the melodic emo pop of early Charmer, the throat-shredding math of Algernon Cadwallader, and the more experimental fifth wave stuff that’s been taking off this year. While their new LP That’s OK doesn’t lean as far into the latter as their ironically(?) titled More of the Same EP from this August, it retains that blend that makes them stand out among their peers. From the classic chaotic twinkling of opener “Sometimes Things Change” to the quirky and crunchy indie pop of “Driving to Dannyland” to the cathartic melodic hardcore grit of the conclusive “Bigger / Better,” That’s OK is a breath of fresh air, and a real fun one at that.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
The Popdosemagazine’s ‘New Music Friday’ playlist
Each week our editor Lindsy Carrasquillo compiles a playlist of songs our staff has been jamming. We’ll post it on Fridays on Twitter and then include it in each edition of the ‘Weekly Roundup’ to make sure you don’t miss all of the great music we’re recommending.
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