Three quarters through 2021 we continue to stumble through uncertainty but we continue to assess what we’ve accomplished so far, all the while allowing those pied pipers to lead the way at some points. Maneuvering through the remains of 2021 does still, in fact, has shown its difficulties but has allowed for fewer restrictions than the previous year. Artists have been able to dive back in, offering fans live performances and continue to release new music that astounds. Here we take a look at a few more artists that have released exceptional songs.
βSchatzeβ-Ohtis (ft. Stef Chura) Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
A little over two years ago we were witnesses to one of the most personable albums to
be released in recent memory. Curve of Earth explored in vivid detail stories and
haunting memories of lead singerβs Sam Swinson period of drug addiction. βSchatzeβ
propels Ohtis into the next step of their journey with fuzzed-out guitars and lo-fi vocals.
Stef Churaβs involvement hurls the single into a punk ethos that is hypnotic. I canβt wait
to hear what Sam and company have in store.
βArthur Is At A Shivaβ-St. Lenox Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Behind the fluid keyboard sounds and drums comes some of the most explorative
narration of singer-songwriter Andrew Choi. Going under the moniker St. Lenox, βArthur
Is At A Shivaβ delves into three individuals that Choi engages in conversation with. The
underlining topic of religion reigns in these characters in various ways. The delivery in
Choiβs vocals are emotionally moving and striking throughout the single and the album
that itβs associated with – Ten Songs Of Worship and Praise For Our Tumultuous Times.
βLocust Lacedβ-Sleigh Bells Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Easily one of the top five singles of the year and I will fight anyone who disagrees here.
All kidding aside, Sleigh Bells returned with news of Texis and dropped this slamming
track down with authority. Equipped with their punishing guitar riffs and indie-pop
vocals, βLocust Lacedβ feels different than previous Sleigh Bells tracks. Once Alexis
Krauss and the backing vocals belt out, βI feel like dynamite/I feel like dying tonightβ
come in, you get an instant rush of pure adrenaline, and dancing ensues.
βCountryβ-Good Morning Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
From start to finish, βCountryβ encapsulates this description within my mind each and
every time: The Smiths take the bold leap towards being indie-rockers. The uneven
layers of guitars that take the lead, following by the snare drum are perfectly bestowed on
us. The lyrics are what stand out most of all; Liam Parsons mentioned to another outlet
that the song centers on the struggle with nostalgia and the future. βAnd you know that
I’m incapable of changing/Some people just get stuck in their ways/Never thought it’d be
me like this/Yeah, I was meant to be brave.β Oh, how most of us have thought that at
one point.
βCanariesβ-Cuffed Up Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I hope that I can catch this quintessential banger in a crowded venue that has the
humidity bumped up to maximum levels. Only then will I feel that the quality of the song
is reached its perfect state. The give and take of Sapphire Jewell and Ralph
Torrefranca is punishing yet exhilarating. The lyrics center around feeling the weight of
going down paths we know will alter us yet we are drawn to it. The Los Angeles-based
foursome exudes an overwhelming amount of punishment instrumentally and itβs
fucking great.
βAnti-Divinityβ-Moontype Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
If you havenβt been noticing the overwhelming surplus of Chicago bands/artists that are
coming out with stellar music, then you are missing out. Moontype dropped earlier this
year Bodies of Water, an album that explodes off the speakers, and the single βAnti-
Divinityβ kicks off the triumphant march. The single comes away as being frazzled and
full of energy which is not a knock in the least bit.
βCome Out and Playβ-Frances of Delirium Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
When writing this single, 20-year-old Luxembourg-based Canadian Jana Bahrich had
wrapped up the Italian film 8 Β½. The ending scene that featured a procession of clowns
performing in a band spoke to Bahrich; the painted faces signified something being
hidden from the audience. To consign with her takeaway from the film, Bahrich created
a track that’s dark and ominous. βCome Out and Playβ has a hint of shoegaze which
always brings a smile to my face.
βCβmon Be Coolβ-fanclubwallet Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We can all agree that this pandemic has made a lot of us suffer from some low-key
depression and disappointment. Hannah Judge herself had some unfortunate dealings
with a Crohnβs disease flareup that made her bedridden for a period of time. To cope
with the urge of a breakdown loitering around, the singer-songwriter spun her sadness
into an indie-pop, lo-fi track that features an effortless vibe. Good luck not feeling better
after hearing this jam.
βSilvertongueβ-PACKS Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Seemingly a lock to be one of my favorite albums of 2021, Take The Cakeβs second
single βSilvertongueβ highlights PACKS to perfection. Blitzing post-punk into a heavy
90s grunge influence within the instrumentals, lead singer Madeline Link sings with βno
fucksβ attitude. Some would say that this single showcases a slacker faΓ§ade which I
canβt argue too much. I personally say that Iβm totally in from the jump. If you havenβt
immersed yourself with PACKS yet, spin this track a few times.
βWaiting for Your Heartβ-Mediocre Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
There are artists/bands that we come across every year and become absolutely
obsessed with. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you Mediocre. Based
out of LA, the duo crafted a high-level, garage rocker that is earworm-inducing to all who
listen. Lyrically, the back and forth of the emotional toll that love makes us feel vibrates
loudly. βIβm just waiting for your heart/You know Iβve been here from the start.β The
successors of bands such as Sleater Kinney should look further than Mediocre.
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