Sleeping at Last – “August 21, 2017: Total Solar Eclipse”: Sleeping at Last’s instrumental tracks have been favorites of mine, for a long time. The newly launched Astronomy series by the Wheaton, IL songwriter starts with this aptly titled song (I don’t have to explain to you what it means). I can feel a sense of awe just listening to this. Celestial events inspire a sense of wonder and smallness inside me like nothing else can, and Sleeping at Last captures this well in a track inspired by the eclipse. The choir’s loud build up culminating in a moment of quiet contemplation is

Pot & Kettle – “Reckless”: Thanks to Aaron Nicolas, formerly of Trouper, for telling me about this new alternative pop project in Columbus. The song never quite strays completely into dark pop territory (that’s closer to post-punk/darkwave for me) but maintains a quiet, somber presence that oozes vulnerability. The inspiration for the song comes from a personal history of trauma and addiction for songwriter Sarai Hathaway, and explores the thought that it’s okay to be left to mourn what was lost – it’s a key step to healing. Pot & Kettle stands to quickly be known in the Columbus market once she begins to play shows.

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LUX – “Catch Me If You Can”: We literally just wrote about this artist last week, but had to officially react to the release of her debut single “Catch Me If You Can.” The oft-heard EDM guest spot singer is set to soar with this song, which is massive and atmospheric, yet not self-indulgent. LUX takes the less is more approach with the vocal stylings, being assertive but not totally in your face. I actually would really enjoy hearing this song in a festival setting – fitting since I’m headed to the south side of Columbus to jam LIGHTS, Fetty Wap and more later today.

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Sol Heilo – “America”: It feels fitting to end this batch of single reviews with thoughts on a song by a singer boasting a sun-inspired moniker. I generally don’t think of folk-pop as a genre that can sound massive, but that adjective certainly applies here. Sol Heilo is like an airier Of Monsters and Men. The Norwegian vocalist powers through the strong in a celebratory manner, convincing me that this artist is one to keep on my radar. The singer will be releasing an album, Skinhorse Playground, on October 6th.

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