So much new music I’m behind on! But not anymore. Keep reading to see what’s out there.
5 Seconds of Summer
“Complete Mess” – Although not too much time has passed since their last full length release, and I think my local radio station is still playing “Youngblood,” 5 Seconds of Summer is getting ready to put some more music into the world. As they they get older, you can hear it in their music as much as you can see it in their faces and fashion. This time around however, they radiate much more of a boy band sound compared to their older stuff. And that’s not a rag – they sound fantastic! And they’ve always had nice harmonies, I just don’t think I’d seek out and listen to over and over again. Very radio friendly and if this doesn’t blow them up again, I’d be shocked.
The Linda Lindas
“Talking to Myself” – These girls and The Chats are steadily convincing me that I should only exclusively be listening to punk music from here on out. They literally can’t make a bad song! It’s got me hyped for their full length album due out in April, but in the meantime, I’ll take the second single off of it. This song is just as punk as everything else that they’ve released, and it’s just so good and catchy! The vocals here reminded me a bit of Bad Suns which I thought was super cool. And unlike their first single which was accompanied by a video featuring their cats, this video confirms that baby dolls are terrifying.
Arcade Fire
“The Lightening I, II” – I didn’t realize these were two separate songs until I saw the track listing off their newly announced upcoming album, We. With that in mind, “Lightening I” was just kind of meh. However, I’m almost positive this will grow on me and be the next “Half Light.” Alternatively, “Lightening II” was pretty good from the get-go. It reminded me more of their old work, which is nice. Arcade Fire made up more than half of my pandemic listening, and I cannot freaking wait for the opportunity to see them again. What devastates me most though is that Will Butler left the band (I am SOBBING). I can only hope he does a solo tour so I can see him, too. If you want a solid lyric to stick with you, look no further than “a day, a week, a month, a year, every second brings me here.” Love it!
RHCP
“Poster Child” – This song is so funky and the lyrics are so pop culture oriented. It’s kind of a blast given how mellow it is! Also, it’s so, so different from lead single “Black Summer,” while still maintaining that classic Red Hot Chili Peppers essence. I know funk doesn’t appeal to some people, but this one just grabs you with the smooth base and Kiedis’ quick verses, making you want to stick around from the very beginning. Then in another true RHCP fashion, the last full minute, at least, is just a jam session.
The Chats
“Struck by Lightening” – These guys can’t make a bad song! And every single one they release just gets me more and more amped to see them (twice) in May! Short and sweet, but punchy and vicious, similar to most all of their other songs, but that’s what they excel at. Why fix something that isn’t broke. Again, if you’ve never checked these guys out you are seriously missing some joy in your life.
Motionless in White
“Cyberhex” – It’s evidently a new era for Motionless in White, and the lead single from this new era and upcoming album is really…not all that different. In my opinion anyways. I suppose I’m not really a diehard fan of the band, but it sounds like it could fit seamlessly on any of the last few albums they’ve released. It’s maybe got some more industrial synths, but otherwise, it’s par for the course from the band. Not that I’m complaining – it’s really good! Perhaps there’s some “light rapping?” Who knows. What I do know is that Chris Motionless dedicated this as a love letter to the fans who helped him get through the last couple of years, which, very cool. They’ve always been about the fans and I respect the hell out of that.
Royal Blood
“Honeybrains” – It seems like almost no time has passed since Royal Blood released Typhoons. And really, it hasn’t! Apparently, they’ve decided to release new music as soon as they make it now! At least for this single. It reminds me a lot of their debut album, which is cool but strange given how distinct the sound was on Typhoons. Who knows if this will ever make it on the next album, or if it’s indicative of the other new stuff they’re making, but I’ll take new Royal Blood any day!