John Van Deusen – “Comeback Wrecker”

John Van Deusen proves time and time again he’s one of the unsung indie rock heroes of the US. “Comeback Wrecker” is the lead single off his forthcoming album ANTHEM SPRINTER (releasing November 1st) but the chorus is one he wrote when he was fourteen years of age. It just goes to show that you should never underestimate what someone is hiding in their back pocket. This single has a dash of sass and a lot of attitude, but all delivered what I would guess is a smile. For me personally, this song carries a lot of timeliness with new projects in the works and coming out of the most transformative year of my life so far.

The Myriad – “We Are”

The Myriad had a tough act to follow with the soaring, epic “Signs” from last year. “We Are” also has a foreboding feel and as a lover of their second record With Arrows With Poise, I assert that eerie The Myriad is the band in its best form. “We Are” takes on a cinematic feel with some deep vocals out the gate that are uncharacteristic of the act. The act is clearing going for a big sound to definitely plant their flag on the scene, saying “this is who we are” (pun intended). The production is as crisp as we’ve ever heard from the band.

LeTrainiump – “Stop Overthinking”

Alt R&B artist LeTrainiump is in a new era of music making and community building in Austin, TX and as such his latest single “Stop Overthinking” is timely in an autobiographical sort of way. Sonically, nothing in this song is a surprise if you’re familiar with his work; but if you aren’t – what are you doing? Stop overthinking your hesitancy with artists you’ve never heard of and dive in. If nothing else, maybe the vocals of what I’m assuming is his kid will ground you.

St. Lenox – “Rudy”

The quirky-sounding NYC based St Lenox has been on a mission to write the soundtrack for quintessential American working folks’ experience. “Hey Rudy, how you doing? How’s the weather down in Missouri?” explores an archetypal white collar businessman pursuit of the typical American Dream to be a family man. As always, Andrew Choi, the man behind St Lenox, sings as if he’s reading from a journal (or perhaps a letter to an old friend). The aura is pensive but also down to earth. “Rudy” is the first single from Ten Modern American Work Songs.

Mint Field – “El mar me veía (ft. Mabe Fratti)”

With spooky season on the horizon (even though it’s been hotter than blazes in Ohio the past week), it only seemed appropriate to dive into a track described as “sinister dream pop.” This isn’t something you put on casually in your car driving to work. This is something you sit with at home, in the dark. Maybe you have a little cocktail party with some mezcal shots as the centerpiece. Did you know that there are edible scorpions? They aren’t as bad as they sound. Such is the case with sinister dream pop. It’s a little bit of a tough sell, but you’ll never know unless you try how therapeutic it is.

House of Protection – “Pulling Teeth”

Steevis and Aric formerly of FEVER 333 are back with a new project. I know, I know. I’m probably behind the times on this one. But I would be remiss not to call attention to this anthemic single that just kicks you in the teeth (pun intended, given the title). These guys come across as men of the people. The refrain is one that demands yell-singing with your closest pals.