[photo credit: Eliot Lee Hazel]

Death Cab for Cutie – “Gold Rush”: Finally, new Death Cab! This is the first single off of Thank You For Today, an album title that makes me think of a Phil Keaggy song of the same name. I have to imagine the theme of the record is going to be one of gratitude, that is thankfulness for the highs and the lows of life. The single is the first release without the talents of Chris Walla in the studio, which is a little intimidating to a lot of longtime fans I’m sure. However, the song retains that classic Death Cab vibe that teeters on the line between sad and upbeat. Danceable melancholy is a realm that this band meets expertly. This album is rumored to sound similar to Narrow Stairs and this single, while no “Cath…” or “I Will Possess Your Heart” does seem to live in a similar aesthetic.

LEXXA – “i got better friends now”: The shimmery pop of maybe-twin-sisters or maybe-just-sisters duo LEXXA is familiar but fun all the same. Watching the music video accompanying the single, I can’t help but be reminded of Matt and Kim. Perhaps it’s because they are also a duo that exudes a carefree personality. In spite of the somewhat snarky title, you’ll probably find yourself smiling when you hear this song.

WOLVES – “Freaky”: This song is a summer anthem about being confortable with who you are. I could pick any word for a good song that qualifies as twitter jargon these days and it would be accurate. Bop? Accurate. Banger? Yessiree Bob. Does it slam? Of course. Influences from trap to pop to 90’s hits to rock. I’m getting strong Maroon 5 vibes from this band as well. The lines between genres continue to disappear and WOLVES appears poised for radio success and beyond.

Boston Manor – “Halo”: All of my time spent in the indie pop world has me hungry for some heavy hitting, but still anthemic and vibey rock tunes. “Halo” from Boston Manor is a rebrand that fires on all cylinders. Boston Manor wants to hit you over the head with a wall of sound, but coat that wall with neon lights. “Halo” is the first single off of the band’s forthcoming Welcome to the Neighborhood, out September 7th on Pure Noise Records.

Ovlov – “Short Morgan”: Clocking in at exactly two minutes long, “Short Morgan” is certainly one way a song can be a banger. The song is garage rock mixed with fuzzy powerpop, all with a lo-fi sensibility that is at once abrasive and infectious. This is the sort of thing your grandparents would hate, but you would play not to spite them but because you love it.