The Faves Playlist - Week of 4/9
New music from Tetsu the Phoenix, Sub*T, October Dogs, Perhapsy and more.
Clubdrugs - Waiting
Electronic/synth-pop duo Clubdrugs takes heartbreak on their new single “Waiting.” As vocalist/bass player Maria Reichstdt explains, “You lay in bed at night, begging for sleep to come, but the pain and regret just reverberates inside your head – pleading desperately for relief.” The band has a string of dates coming up including Dark Castle Fest in Louisville, KY on 9/27.
Vacant Pavements - Pripyat Love Song
On their new single “Pripyat Love Song,” Glasgow post-punk band Vacant Pavements continues their storytelling around the Chernobyl tragedy. As bandmember Paddy McDermott explains, “The track tells the story of a couple in love during the aftermath of the disaster. It aims to provide a sense of optimism in contrast to the dark subject matter.” Vacant Pavements is set to release an EP next month.
Anakyn Gray - Manipulation Man
Alt-pop artist Anakyn Gray dropped his latest single “Manipulation Man.” The track takes cues from $uicideboy$, Michael Jackson and Oliver Tree. Muted guitars, a recurring bass riff and wordplay keep us tuned in before all hell breaks loose at the chorus. This is Gray’s fourth single since his debut track “Out Loud,” released last year, and his most left-field work to date.
Listener 555 - Animal
FL-based indie rock/shoegaze project Listener 555 looks for meaning on their new track “Animal.” As songwriter/vocalist Camilo Alvarez Tovar explains, “I don’t typically write with much in mind. I only knew I wanted a simple song. Bands like Slow Pulp and Jay Som come to mind in terms of sonic influence. Once the melody found me, lyrics flowed from pen to paper. I don’t exactly know what they mean yet, I just know the song feels good to sing and play with a band. I hope people can jump to a million different conclusions on what the song means so that it’s a personal experience for each listener. I dedicate ‘Animal’ to the enlarged cat(s) on the single art, Luciana, and I extend my thanks to all animals that appreciate my music.”
The Trusted - Self Destruct
On their new single “Self Destruct,” UK indie band The Trusted gives us a throwback to the early to mid-aughts garage rock. The 3-minute song explores our tendencies to give into harmful patterns to feel something. “While people love to party, often we take it too far,” vocalist Tom Cunningham explains. “‘Self Destruct" delves into the experiences of an individual who is pushing their body and mind to dangerous extremes for the sake of a fleeting thrill.”
Moon Cowboy - baby jane
Moon Cowboy, the solo project of songwriter Ricardo Fiel, has released its new single “baby jane” under the UK shoegaze label 1991 Recordings. Fiel’s subdued vocals add an element of mystery behind lush guitars and atmospheric sounds. Moon Cowboy’s upcoming EP an explosion of sound is out in May.
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On their debut album Ambivert, Houston-based duo Blemishes—comprised of Julienne Ceron and Jessie Huntington—defies easy categorization by blending diverse musical influences and styles. This 50-minute album showcases a spectrum of sounds, from frantic rhythms to gentle instrumentation, reflecting their view of albums as cohesive narratives rather than mere collections of songs. To highlight its various influences, Ceron curated a playlist for us. Read our Q&A with the writer/producer and listen to the playlist.