Anyone else have a totally manic week? Bet yer extra happy it’s Friday like me. Here are some fresh tunes to guide you comfortably into the weekend.
TRACK OF THE WEEK: Lydia Ford – Burning Out
Lydia Ford’s ‘Burning Out’ is a perfectly produced modern pop gem that captures the essence of what it’s like to be young in today’s world. With Olivia Rodrigo-esque relatability, Ford delivers one-liners that cut deep, such as ‘Ask me how I am and all I can say is ‘tired’ / because I’m obsessing with how the whole world is on fire...’ ‘Burning Out’ is a track that speaks to the anxieties, truths and passions of youth in a way that is both timely and timeless. With its infectious pop hooks and thoughtful lyrics, it’s sure to become a new favourite for fans and new listeners alike. [JG]
Also new this week…
Young Summer – Make Waves
Young Summer’s latest release is a mesmerising blend of flowy pop and ethereal soundscapes. The song’s opening immediately transports you to a dreamy world, filled with airy synths and Young Summer’s enchanting vocals. As the song progresses, it builds into a powerful and uplifting anthem, inspiring listeners to take charge and make their mark on the world. [JG]
The Beaches – Blame BrettÂ
The Beaches are back with their latest frenetic rock offering, ‘Blame Brett.’ Led by an electrifying guitar riff, the track boasts a steady rhythm that’s brought to life by the energetic chorus and the infectious refrain ‘you could be my baby, baby, baby boy…’ With its raw energy and unapologetic attitude, ‘Blame Brett’ showcases The Beaches at their best. The Canadian rockers have once again proven that they’re a force to be reckoned with and this track is a must-listen for any fan. [JG]
Ethan Tasch – HoldupÂ
A captivating blend of intimate singer-songwriter vocals and beachy rock feels. With shades of Bon Iver and Novo Amor, Tasch’s voice is a mesmerising force that draws you in from the very first note. The pleasant harmonising vocals add depth and sincerity to Tasch’s lyrics, which are both introspective and relatable. [JG]
Bethany Cosentino – It’s Fine
Lots of cowboy hats and cowboy boots in the new video from Bethany Cosentino, the first to be released under her own name. For the last decade or so, she’s been synonymous with indie-pop outfit Best Coast, but here she injects a little twang into her repertoire and we approve. Not just because of the aforementioned rodeo attire either. [TF]
Strange Ranger – She’s on FireÂ
With ‘She’s on Fire,’ Strange Ranger has crafted a genre-bending anthem. Shoegaze-inflected vocals wash over glitching synths and dynamic drum loops, creating a modern and unique sound. The track then blossoms into a retro alt-rock anthem, complete with an anthemic chorus that’s sure to get stuck in your head. Strange Ranger’s talent for crafting complex and nuanced music is on full display here. Fans of alt-rock and shoegaze will find plenty to love in this captivating journey. [JG]
Hand Habits – Private LifeÂ
A beautiful example of the power of subtlety in songwriting. The guiding piano ballad feels like it could be lifted straight from a classic Austen adaptation, with Meg Duffy’s eloquent and artistic expression carrying the same weight as the author’s finest protagonists. With a quiet, twitching energy, the track emphasises intimacy over intensity, perfectly capturing the subject matter. The refrain, ‘This is your private life, I don’t belong here…’ is deeply introspective and relatable. Moving, poignant and sure to resonate with listeners. [JG]
The Dirty Nil – Celebration
If The Dirty Nil aren’t your favourite modern rock band by now, they’re probably not for you. And that’s okay; I won’t judge you too harshly. Because everything the Canadian trio puts out is just packed with fun, raucous energy, and ‘Celebration’ continues their hit streak as expected. Raise them rock hands and bow down. [TF]
Sorry Girls – Sorcery
Sorry Girls have struck gold with ‘Sorcery’ a track that manages to seamlessly blend modern pop euphoria with a nod to the hyperbolic 80s synth and drum programming. The Montreal-based duo have created something truly fun, with a timeless quality that could have been released yesterday or four decades ago. The track captures the feeling of frivolous love and the mystery of romance with its shimmering synths and catchy melodies. [JG]
Contributor Key:
[TF] TJ Foster, [JG] Jack Gill
