The Alt Weekly Roundup (7/19)
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.
Girl K – “Girl K Is for the People”
“Girl K Is for the People” starts with an undeniably gripping guitar line accompanying vocalist Kathy Patino before turning into an absolute stomper when the band kicks in for the verse, adding keys and fun call-and-response with the backing vocals. And then it all stops suddenly for a more restrained chorus washed in synths. The abrupt change demands your attention for a moment before kicking back into the more upbeat verse. The track is the first off an upcoming EP of the same name that should definitely be one to watch out for.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
Spanish Love Songs – “Phantom Limb” / “Blacking Out the Friction”
“Phantom Limb” features a host of lyrics that appear on Spanish Love Songs’ Brave Faces Everyone from last year, making it a fitting coda to that album. Even as it’s filled with devastating lyrics, it’s got a triumphant feeling to it, as though to say, we survived. The single’s b-side, a cover of Death Cab for Cutie’s “Blacking Out the Friction,” gives us a different view of the band, one where they’re less aggressive punk rockers and more aggressive indie rockers. It works quite well for the band.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Halogens – “Talking Shit”
Finally, New Jersey pop-punk outfit Halogens has returned with the single “Talking Shit,” a bit older and wearier but still angsty as hell and beating themselves up for not growing up just yet: “I just need to get a grip/And find someone to hold me down.” The production continues to be solid and clean, much like their older tracks – it’s straightforward, with no frills – letting the guitars shine. The single dropped with an announcement that they’ve signed to Charlotte, North Carolina-based Refresh Records, where they’re in great company with other indie favorites Downhaul and Biiitchseat.
Madison Van Houten | @madisonvanhalen
Born Without Bones – “Disappearer”
Born Without Bones’ upcoming Pictures of the Sun is made up of rerecordings of previously released songs, except for one, its first single, “Disappearer.” It’s a classic Born Without Bones rock song, sounding like it could’ve fit nicely on either of their most recent LPs.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Valley Palace – “Friend”
Valley Palace’s latest single — and first for Run For Cover Records — “Friend” is a laid-back and dreamy pop tune about understanding and embracing who you are. The catchy guitar lines and layered background vocals that float around in the mix add to the song’s ‘80s vibes, creating a danceable groove over the song’s upfront lyrics like, “I don’t understand what you see in me / I’m still tryna find a good way to breathe.” It’s a great song for late night or early morning introspection and mental meandering.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
Charm of Finches – “Concentrate on Breathing”
Charm of Finches are back with another fairy-dusted track. Accompanied by a music video inspired by ’40s film noir, “Concentrate on Breathing” is reminiscent of Fleet Foxes with dashes of Band of Horses. A melody that beckons in the season of cooler air, it has a folky soundscape that is simple but languid — causing me to want to take a highway drive up to the mountains as the leaves begin to change, a much needed oasis from the sticky heat of July. As usual, the spotlight is perfectly framed around the sister duo’s rich vocals, melding into one another in delicate layers. Charm of Finches’ sound, creativity, and innovative spirit just keeps getting better and better.
Hope Ankney | @hope_ankleknee
Gang of Youths – Total Serene
Gang of Youths’ recent “Angel of 8th Ave.” single felt like an excellent endcap to their Go Farther in Lightness era. Now that the full Total Serene EP featuring that song is out, it gives an idea of where the band might head next. The closing track, the ever-building “Unison,” features samples from the archives of composer David Fanshawe; the band mentions in a press release that their upcoming music will feature even more of Fanshawe’s work. As “Angel of 8th Ave.” acts as a send off to the band’s earlier music, perhaps “Unison” is an indication of what to expect.
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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