Graceful Closure – “Never Let Me Go”: Live this has been a staple of the indie pop outfit’s set for awhile. Though, given that I saw this song be performed with the original lineup, it probably comes as a shock to many that this song is effectively the debut of Graceful Closure as a duo. The song is an upbeat homage to whom the song’s protagonist looks up to. The message isn’t new, but the song sure is fun. It also has radio potential written all over it. A very distinct synth sample at the start of the song basically solidifies the song’s potential to be a summer hit, actually.

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Graceful Closure – “Waves”: Yes, we are writing about two songs from the same band in a single reviews post, for possibly the first time ever. This song hones in on the band’s synth driven sound even more, with a sound that is almost tropical. The production makes use of the aquatic theme without being indulgent or cheesy. As always, Jared Condon’s vocals stand to be the thing that makes this song stand out from it’s counterparts in the industry – distinct and on point. Indeed, this pair of singles make me believe that Graceful Closure make a strong case for making the leap from being a regional band to a national force to be reckoned with.

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The Worn Flints – “Burn”: In the past I have said that this band needs to hit the road because it just isn’t fair that Kenny Steigele’s stage antics are limited to Columbus. Months later, I have eaten my words as the band has TOURED THE COUNTRY with the likes of Alabama Shakes and Catfish and the Bottlemen. On the song “Burn,” they prove they are not only an unstoppable live band, but a solid songwriting band as well. I can basically hear Kenny’s facial expressions as he sings each line in the song, and there’s not a misstep to be found in Jacob Smith’s drumming either.

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Jack Moves – “Sleeperhold”: Jack Moves from Toronto, ON is an electronic artist who is known for live looping to create fresh, on the spot remixes of popular songs, though he is releasing an EP of all original material very soon. “Sleeperhold” mixes a sense of urgency and minimalist electronic beats with a unique vocal style. There is something about Jack’s singing that feels old school, in spite of the modern and experimental vibe and structure of the song.

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The Builders and the Butchers – “Casket Lands”: If you are yearning for something a bit more simplistic, here you are. For being so dark in subject matter, this is a surprisingly light hearted song. It reminds me of singing songs around a campfire in my days in the Boy Scouts – we even sometimes broke out stereotypically sad songs like “Cat’s in the Cradle,” but we bonded and even had fun in the process. That’s the sort of feeling “Casket Lands” brings to the table. The vocals remind me of Needtobreathe with a touch of Tom Waits.

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