Hot Snakes - 'Six Wave Hold-Down'

ALTERNATIVE ROCK

Drive me. The song title and album art supports the surfing imagery felt by the guitars and non-stop music drive.

But this isn't surf rock. It's darker. The toms are full and rhythmic. The vocalist's strained yells remind me of Dave Grohl's raspy energy. 

I have this song on a running playlist because of it's constant energy. There is some space in the pre-chorus that leaves room to breathe. 

from Jericho Sirens. By Sub Pop Records. 2018.

Superorganism - 'Something For Your M.I.N.D.'

ART POP

Ear candy. You'll be pleasantly surprised with every playful sound samples. It's interesting how the sound samples paint a picture and also help color certain instruments. 

The vocals are charmfully monotoned.

Listen with headphones to catch every sonic element. Which sound effect is your favorite?

from Superorganism By Hostess by Domino Records. 2016.

Sad Park - | SLEEP |

GARAGE ROCK

Here's more proof that jarring yells can be charming. SLEEP is recorded to help flaunt the highlights from Sad Park's live shows. 

The vocalist Graham Steele roars sincere emotion powerful enough to melt into your skin. The introductory energetic track "IN MY HEAD" encapsulates the band's tone. But don't be fooled by the excessive amp noise. This album is layered with much more than that.

The album dynamics contrast with the second track "TRAGICALLY YOUNG", slower song with beautiful sincere lyrics about mortality.

"When my life has reached it's end 

I'll be helping all my friends 

to love me just the same"

The drummer Grant Bubar keeps the album interesting by implementing other drum styles like in the Bossa-Nova-influenced track "GOODNIGHT". The guitars also follow these style changes.

There are plenty of vocal lines to sing along to like:

"I just want to feel like I did 

back before I had a reason to pretend I didn't want to stay all fucking night"

Or

"You get so dumb when you're in love"

My favorite track? "ALONE". I'm a sucker for these drums and lyrics. I wish this were mastered loud enough to blast even louder.

2018.