Singles review – April 2022
Below are 10 songs I have been recently listening to, that inspired me to write.
Tremble – Bobeats (2022)
This track feels like a good slog. It is slow and continuous, as electronica goes. Lots of great textures that swell in and out. There is push and pull between the various layers that is inspiring to hear. Not much by the way of a main melody, more of different timbres (especially in the higher frequency band) that move in and out of the spotlight. The inclusion of some acoustic piano samples playing a sort of motif reprise towards the end is wonderful.
Don’t Lose Sight – Lawrence (2021)
A truly joyous number that has been inspiring over the last month for me. It seems to resonate. The sonic narrative fits the story here. I like the organ, trumpets, and the variety of percussion instruments like tambourine. The 2 vocal performances are really sweet, and surprisingly technical. They are both amazing singers in their own right, but something special is achieved when they sing together.
On My Mind – Mashd N Kutcher (2021)
An upbeat number that has been assisting in my running of late. The beats are well layered as expected from the duo. The filter sweeps are equally corny as needed. I enjoy the arcade samples, reminiscent of the Arcade Pocket Operator. Towards the end there is the almost obligatory cowbell that brings a smile to my face. The disco vibes are strong here, with a modern twist.
Big Science (Arca Remix) – Laurie Anderson and Arca (2022)
This EP is all the right levels of strange. It features some Moog synthesizer meanderings layered with samples of the wolf of the original. The poignant spacey opening leads to a filthy vocal driven beat. The beat is messy and hip at the same time. Very musically nerdy stuff happening here. This section zooms between some of the core sections of the original and keeps you going through the journey. Very interesting work, but very expected of these two wonderful artists. A nice little drop off into oblivion at the end keeps you wanting more but feeling weary at the same time.
Won’t Stand Down – Muse (2022)
We are back with the standard Muse affair. Maths, fat synths and chunky guitars. A serious of sections that move in rapid succession, with the same operatic flair we have all grown to love. This would be an amazing track to see live. Bellamy’s vocal performance borders on rap at times, which is strange, but fits. This is a dramatic genre cluster-affair. The ultra-clean drums are a must amongst the big, distorted sounds in the breakdown, and was a good production choice.
One Planet – Carl Sagan, Moon Hooch and Tonio Sagan (2022)
We have something special here. This track is equal parts dramatic reading, lo-fi hip-hop, ambient piece, classical overture, and experimental sample work. The synthesizers and saxophone lines provide a wonderful bed for the dulcet tones of Sagan. The manipulation and splicing of the vocal readings add a little more drama and fit for the sonic narrative. The genre shift at the end is wonderful. While the instrumentals are technical and well written, they never take away from the story at hand. Beautiful and a must listen for all.
Pockets Full of Rocks (feat Emerson Leif and Mallrat) – Golden Vessel (2022)
A cute little number that feels like the voice of the aging generation Y’ers everywhere. The different vocal performance complements the simple indie rock feel. There is definitely a hint of electronica and hip-hop drums that I like. The lo-fi filters over the drums help them to stand out. Golden Vessel never disappoints with the production. t’s so good, it makes you want to hear it all over, right away! Also, how good are Brisbane artists?
Comedown – Relay Tapes (2021)
Some more Brisbanites here, I got the pleasure of seeing this band recently at Netherworld. They are the 90s band you wish you got to see. This track has a great sweet while apathetic vocal performance. The wind chimes are great and corny at the same time. The acoustic guitars merge with the shoegaze guitar layers to create that iconic 90s sound (of many different flavours combined). The guitar instrumental is laid back and would make your head sway along in the local watering hole. The “experimental textures with AM filtered drums” ending is welcomed with open arms.
Twenty Nineteen – Chris Prine (2019)
A chill ambient number with some very sweet synth sounds. The layers blend and merge as they take up the same frequency spectrum. It makes you yearn for a simpler time. Not much by the way of overt feeling to this one, more of what you take out it as a personal approach. The drums that are added about half way (I must be really on this kind of lo-fi drum sound it seems), are grand and fill the space enough to change it up. A pitched-up layer is added at the end to again add some variation. What is left is a little thoughtful piece that fits for a number of occasions.
Kyoto – Small Black (2021)
Another offering from electro outfit Small Black. After the swank of their last release, I was excited for this. I like how it took their vibe to a different direction. The vocals are very spacey and float over the top of the electronics. The drums are way in the back of this mix. There are many moving layers that fill up the whole sonic spread. A cute little “listen on a walk” number for me. This group is fast becoming one of my faves to listen to whenever.
