I might be a little behind, but there’s new music out there, and you should be listening to it!
Phoenix
“Tonight” – I mean, if this and “Alpha Zulu” are all we get before the new album drops in November, I’m fine with it. These two songs are beyond catchy, and they sound incredible. I also have the added benefit of having just seen them live recently, and can confirm they also rip outside the studio version. The bass line is so, so good, and Ezra Koenig fits effortlessly into the track on the second verse. Really, no notes.
Gorillaz
“New Gold” – All I needed was the first thirty seconds and I was freaking hooked! Past high school, Gorillaz have not really been on my radar, but if this is a taste of what’s to come, I’m definitely giving the new album a chance. This song is so groovy and just plain awesome. I’d never heard of the artist Bootie Brown, who raps the verses, but I like that almost as much as I like Kevin Parker’s chorus. If you like any song off of Demon Days, then I think you should give this new single a spin. Guarantee you aren’t listening to it just once.
Scary Kids Scaring Kids
“Omens” – I have yet to listen to Scary Kids Scaring Kids’ new album, and I have no good reason why. With or without Tyson, I know this album is going to rule, and this single is a prime example of why. Even though they were only in the game a short while before Tyson took his life, they managed to make connections in the scene that matter. That’s why this song is featuring vocals from Underoath front man, Spencer Chamberlain, is perfect. The song is just the right amount of catchy without crossing over into any pop elements, and I know this is a song that will be on repeat, just like all of the band’s old stuff. This is definitely the motivation I need to go listen to the new album!
Paramore
“This is Why” – It’s been a hot, hot minute since Paramore has put anything out, and perhaps an even longer time since I’ve listened to anything by them in earnest. Again, I think that is about to change with their early 2023 release of the same name as this lead single. At first it started off really quiet, almost, but the lyrics are funny and the chorus is catchy as hell. I was intrigued when it started, but I liked it more and more as it went along, and after just the second listen, I am all in! It gave off a bit of a 70s vibe, and I’m here for it! It also really showed off Hayley Williams vocals in a different way.
Avatar
“Valley of Disease” – It feels like it was just yesterday that the band released Hunter Gatherer, but it really has been over two years! Now, they did release of slew of singles last year, but still. I don’t feel like these guys ever sleep! It also appears that there’s another new theme coming, if the new song and video suggest correctly. It’s Avatar, so it’s a little disturbing, but the creativity seems endless with them, and as a lot of their other work, this single is just as catchy. If you were hoping they’d keep the really heavy vibe from last year’s single, “Barren Cloth Mother,” then you can rest easy because this song is HEAVY. I’m excited to see what’s next for these guys, and hopefully I get the chance to see them live again soon.