Backstreet Boys – “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”: True story—when I was in middle school I may or may not have owned three Backstreet Boys albums. I’m also going to out my dad on the internet for shamelessly jamming the Millenium album in its heyday. So does a new Backstreet Boys single hold up? I believe it does! It’s a little odd hearing those oh-so-familiar harmonies once again. The arrangement of the song is definitely brought into the current era, able to measure up to the Chainsmokers and Imagine Dragons bangers of today. There’s a bit of nostalgia, but the average teenager of today who loves current pop music should be able to latch on to this without issue!

mungbean – “Wednesday”: This quiet and ethereal love song is accompanied by a music video that was filmed in one take, set in the venue for our own Steadfast Festival. The chemistry between Sean Gleason and Emma Swyzgood is palpable and moving, in both sound and sight. With this sound mungbean would do well on a tour with Beach House, Purity Ring, or Tycho. Moody and poignant dreampop is something I need more of in my life, and I’m intrigued for what’s next!

Trophy Eyes – “Don’t Count on Me”: I didn’t realize I was waiting for a song with a big hook carried by gang vocals, but this single fulfills that want. “Some of my friends sell drugs, but I just sell sad songs” they sing/chant, tongue planted firmly in cheek.  This is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming Hopeless Records release, The American Dream—just in time for the arrival of summer, too!

Magic City Hippies – “Body Like a Weapon”: What began as a one-man-looping-party band that drove the people (and the cops) wild, albeit in different ways, has morphed into this funky hip hop infused jam project that is touring the country. “Body Like a Weapon” has a distinct pop sensibility in spite of the cornucopia of genres present. It ends quickly, leaving the listener wanting more just as the song begins to get interesting in an off-kilter, slightly eerie sort of way.

Tru – “Growing Pains”: This song is power-pop for the dog days of summer. The melodies are bright, but the sun is beating down on the listener. It’s a sense of meh overlaid by fun. But it’s a good meh. Fuzzy guitars to me often communicate a “whatever” attitude that isn’t reflective of the music itself but sets the mood for how the music is to be appreciated. Party hard, but don’t be afraid to get a little pensive while doing so.

Vagabonds – “Honest”: This song is a slow burner that deals with big and vulnerable questions. Long time listeners of Luke Dean’s musical alter-ego won’t be surprised to hear him ask questions like “What do you love?,” “What do you live for?” and—perhaps the most painful question in the song—”Will it ever feel as pure as the first time?” This song forces me to reflect on some of my shortcomings as well as my hopes. I don’t think the goal is for listeners to remain in the place of sadness that Dean so often references. Rather, it offer catharsis and direction through the topical matter of the songs. We just have to be honest, as the title suggests.