If you came here ready to mingle, sorry to disappoint; this isn’t that kind of site. But rest assured, we’re not here to deceive. Each month, we will be presenting a recap of the hottest singles… released by local bands. This is by no means exhaustive, so please let us know if there’s anything we criminally overlooked.
Yeah Universe - “Washed Out”
Feeling like I'm back in the 90s listening to Yeah Universe's new single. It's got a grunge-meets-midwest-emo quality about it, with wonderful harmonies and interweaving guitar parts. Fantastic arranging, this.
For our inaugural column, we have an eclectic mix of indie rock, hip hop, funk and more just in time for Bandcamp Friday. Surely you’ll find something to swipe right on – and when you do, be sure to support the artists directly by purchasing their tracks through the Bandcamp embeds below.
Jes Hudak - “Brass Knuckles”
Jes told me she wrote this song over a decade ago. Thank goodness she decided to finally release it because it is an infectious track with the potential to dominate pop radio. For all you partiers out there – if you don’t add this one to your playlists, you’re not doing it right.
Head Sound - “Home”
Recommendation for today: put on a pair of headphones, hit play on "Home" and let its lush ambiance surround your head. (Hey, is that where their band name comes from?) A truly delightful slice of shoegaze ready to hypnotize you in the best way.
E.R.I.E. - “A LOT TO THINK ABOUT”
I'm way too biased to write about this one, so I decided to have our writer James Mullen review it instead. Here goes: "Banger."
That’ll do.
Ab the Audicrat & Xkwisit - “Pushing 40”
I’m admittedly not too in tune with the local hip hop scene, but Ab the Audicrat and Xkwisit’s latest collaboration is straight fire, and I need to educate myself. The raps are immaculate and the beats are so contagious, you might want to get vaccinated before listening. Okay, that was bad, let’s move on.
The E-Block - “Stars”
With a song as polished as “Stars”, it’s no wonder they won “RnB/Soul/Funk Artist of the Year” at the Eddies earlier this year. Blending elements of funk, jazz and R&B in their latest single, The E-Block are truly something special. Don’t sleep on this one.
Foster Planet - “Lemonade”
You guys – we have a bona fide, Local 518 supergroup on our hands. Featuring Camtron5000, Mirk and John Glenn (of Stellar Young / LikeTheAstronaut fame), this song is a JAM. John’s melodies ground the song with an insanely catchy chorus, while Mirk and Cam trade verses with impeccable rhythm. Try not to smile while listening to this one, I dare ya.
UnRendered - “nostalgia”
When I was 17, I wrote an album called Nostalgia, and I think we can all agree that’s not an appropriate age to make anything with that title. Anyways, UnRendered – Cody Platt from Seize Atlantis – is at least of a more suitable age for such things. He leaves it all open to interpretation, with a fuzzy alt-rock instrumental that fans of Wolf Alice or Deftones should enjoy.
Spotify users can also check out September’s playlist right here.