Carriers – “Motion”

My first impression of this song is one of enjoyment – driving, pensive songs tend to do that. My first real thought is that this reminds me of Michigander. The second one is that this reminds me of the War on Drugs. Then, I start to wonder if playing the comparison game would be an insult to the artistry of this song – you know, because I’m an overthinker like that. Carriers could take his songs the way of a radio friendly track, but nope – he’s gonna end them when he feels like it, darn it. And you know what? It still works. 

Disiz – “Try Try Try”

Be sure to read along the English translation of this alt-R&B/hiphop song that is sung in French, the first time you listen (unless you’re fluent in French). We don’t want you to miss out on the full weight of what’s being sung. However, you can’t help be drawn into the profound sadness that’s being expressed regardless. The moody production adds a compelling nature to the passion expressed. You feel sad, but you also are drawn in by the beat and end up enjoying it. Two things can be true at once; there’s good, or a lesson that be gleamed from each sad situation. For now though, Disiz wants you to be consumed by his emoting.

Gabrielle Grace – “It’s Not That I Hate You”

The first thing that stands out to me on this track is the depth of Gabrielle Grace’s vocals. Indeed, the richness and variety simply in her vocal style seems to go hand in hand with the layers to a breakup song, which is what this is. She has been a force to reckon with in Nashville for years now, and she will undoubtedly continue to continue her rise through her unique brand of folk pop. Watch out though, her songs may surprise you with a dose of attitude when you least expect it. This track did for Yours Truly (hello there, distortion!).

Kardashev – “Seed of the Night”

If you ever wanted to know what progressive death gaze sounded like if it was inspired by the 21st Century version of Homer, here you go. The vocals remind me of Jimmy Ryan from Haste the Day and the emotion therein is on par with M83. The range of the cleans and growls coming from one man is simply stunning.

Joey Aich – “Really See”

“What’s clear to you to ain’t always clear to me.” This might be one of the most relatable, straightforward lines I’ve heard in a hip hop track recently. Joey Aich has proven himself a master of the pensive driving brand of hip hop, but this one seems to be especially so. This track carries some spiritual undertones at times, and also at one point feels like a bit of a self pep talk. Joey has a goal he’s trying to reach in support, so if you feel so inclined, buy the track on bandcamp (linked below) instead of streaming it.

Sunless Lands – “Providence of Ghosts” / “Antidote”

It’s tough to believe that’s been over nearly 12 years since I reviewed the EP titled Deaf Kids by Ron Freeman’s project Lost Orchards. It’s even harder to believe that I’m approaching 20 years since I first saw Luke Harris sing live (I’m fairly certain it was in my high school cafeteria). These two forces have combined on the new Sunless Lands project. Ron’s conversational vocals mesh with Luke’s piercing tenor in an oddly compelling way. “Providence of Ghosts” takes a, dare I say it, radio-friendly approach with driving guitars and a catchy hook. “Antidote,” however, is more ethereal and feels like a cousin to Luke’s most well known project Playing to Vapors. The latter hearkens a bit to Grizzly Bear in my mind. Bright and clear, yet with an unsettling undertone.

Ronnie Martin – “Ever Sing For Joy”

A Psalm with lament. Ronnie transformed this line into one of the most upbeat melodies I’ve heard recently. This is the lead single from Ronnie Martin’s Psalms inspired full length Consume Like A Moth What is Dear, the entirety of which was recorded on analog synthesizers. The main body of the Psalm is repeated over and over, almost like a hymn, but it feels appropriate rather than redundant.