In this edition, we bring you a combination of honest indie-folk storytelling, a grittier hip-hop sound, and a spot-on spooky gothic vibe. For the full playlist, click here.
LAOR—”Great Eagle”
Together with Abuela Maria Valdivia Wakantitlan, LAOR creates a deeply calming musical prayer that takes you on a deep spiritual journey. The track does a beautiful job of calling on the guiding spirit of the eagle by using ethereal yet grounded nature sounds and a stunning, transcendent flute arrangement in the bridge. It is a personal musical offering that wishes you luck and clarity as you navigate the twists and turns of life. This composition is a beautiful, healing work of art that blends traditional wisdom with a delicate, meditative soundscape. It invites the listener into a state of pure, peaceful reflection.
_Shoe—”Circuital Melancholy“
_Shoe’s “Circuit Melancholy” is an immersive sound experience that explores the history of a sentient factory automation system. Right away, the song takes the listener into a mechanical soundscape driven by computer glitches and the smell of broken circuits. There is chaos in this future code, and the voice of a man is full of raw anger and rage. The voice of a trapped machine soul pleading for freedom. As the crazy system slowly dies, though, the climax changes to a much calmer, slightly thought-provoking ending. This glitch-industrial piece of art is beautiful and moody, and it tells its amazing conceptual plot perfectly.
Matt Law – “Made Up Construct”
Matt Law of Scotland’s “Made Up Construct” is a very humane look at what it means to be real and what people expect. The single is inspired by early Arctic Monkeys’ jangling indie rock, with racing percussion and layered guitars that are complemented by a stunningly wide sound. His conversational, real vocals carry the heavy emotional weight of existential lyrics. The themes of confusion and fear of being rejected feel both very personal and universal and are explored elegantly here. In some ways, it’s like a nostalgic vintage snapshot. It’s a mind-bending, life-changing experience that makes you question your own realities.
Motihari Brigade – “Problematic”
Motihari Brigade’s new song “Problematic” is a powerful rock anthem that comes out on the birthday of George Orwell. It is powered by the band’s unique “Rock-n-Roll Thoughtcrime” idea. The song combines the defiant spirit of classic rock with sharp, modern social criticism. It’s a rebellious call to think for yourself. It’s an earworm that’s fun to play and listen to, with driving, high-beat guitar riffs and a drum pattern that’s constantly playing behind the beat that pushes people to question their beliefs, ask tough questions, and be proud of being the problem. Eric Winston is a master at writing songs, so this concept-driven banger never sacrifices pure musical excitement for its important, thought-provoking message.
Ben Aubergine – “Farewell”
Artist Ben Aubergine’s powerfully moving song “Farewell” is a heartbreaking reflection on letting go. At the beginning of the song, a slow-paced, melodic acoustic guitar strumming goes perfectly with Aubergine’s unique, gravelly but deeply soothing voice. The arrangement is so well-paced that it purposefully leaves long, meaningful gaps between lines of poetry, giving the listener plenty of time to feel all the feelings building up inside. The song slowly builds up to a beautiful ending as it deeply explores the unbearable pain and grief of saying goodbye to a loved one. The striking vocal harmonies near the end of this deeply moving acoustic song make for a beautiful and healing ending.
