March is officially giving us our first taste of spring this week and we could not be happier.
And with this nice weather we are feeling eager for more sunny days ahead and new music to become the soundtrack to our everblooming lives- perhaps a spring time anthem or a pre-summer bop to keep our spirits high and energy levels higher.
So, seeing as today is once again Friday, we are excited to once more share our ten favorite releases of the week in hopes that you too may find your new favorite song.
All of the new releases can be found below and as always be sure to check out our full March release playlist, linked at the bottom.
“You Swore Your Love Would Burn” by This Wild Life
This Wild Life are easily one of the best bands in the alternative/emo scene right now and their new single further proves why.
The band’s first release of the year, following November’s “Nothing Hurts Like Love For The First Time,” “You Swore Your Love Would Burn” is an acoustic breakup anthem that is both petty and beautiful- showcasing the band’s lyricism as well as their musicianship.
Written about the feelings that come post-breakup, including your desire for your former partner to feel the pain that you are feeling- including lyrics about nightmares, cold sweats, and general discomfort- the single navigates coming to terms with a difficult period in your life and expressing the range of emotions said situation has brought you through.
Helping to further signify the band’s reputation as an “acoustic emo” band, the track emotes pain and anger with a symphonic melody that will both captivate you and break your heart from the first notes to the last chords. A quintessential This Wild Life tactic.
“Watermelon Sugar” (Cover) by FELICITY
Harry Styles has never sounded so punk rock.
Released this morning, alt rock band FELICITY have taken the 2020 song of the summer “Watermelon Sugar” and given it a revamp along with a brand new music video.
Turning up the intensity on the original pop song, FELICITY helped to give us an idea of what Harry Styles may sound like if he took on a more pop punk meets rock approach to his music. Increasing the percussion presence and trading out the original track’s soft guitar for a full bodied rock sound, the new version provides a next level of energy while still maintaining the lyrics and overall happy vibe of Styles’ original.
And in the accompanying music video, the band showcase some of the best parts of summer- including eating watermelon in excess, taking a swim, and having a barbeque- all of which have us eagerly awaiting our own return to the summer warmth.
“Don’t Run Your Mouth” by Octopus Montage
The latest single from the Octopus Montage’s upcoming album, How To Live and How To Lose (out April 2) “Don’t Run Your Mouth” is a punk rock track that will have you headbaginging along almost instantly.
Lyrically the track serves almost as a warning for someone to stay in line and not spread lies about a situation they know nothing about. Everyone has their secrets and this song reminds listeners to rethink their gossip before causing unnecessary strife.
Featuring all classic elements of good punk and good rock music- including biting lyrics, catchy guitar riffs and a rhythmic clapping section that we cannot wait to someday hear live, this single stands apart from the band’s previous releases. With a catalog that range from pop punk to metalcore to rock, Octopus Montage have a knack for keeping their music interesting and keeping fans on their toes- allowing for enjoyment across genres in a way that helps them stand out from the pack.
TWIN XL are no strangers to making absolute bops and today’s “Slow Heart” is no different.
An upbeat electronic meets pop rock fusion, “Slow Heart” is a song about trying to find yourself and recounting all of some of your past mistakes. With an extremely catchy beat and chorus that immediately grab your attention- this is a song that anyone who has ever experienced self doubt can relate to.
Recounting mistakes such as using illicit substances, getting caught up in the opinions of others rather than working to make peace within yourself, the track encapsulates the feeling of being lost and dealing with your own anxiety. But rather than drag you down, the song almost hypes you up solely through the energy the band brings to the track.
A song that will be perfect when the return to live music comes- “Slow Heart” may be TWIN XL’s best release yet. But we’ll let you be the judge.
“Redbone” (Cover) by Your Paris
Your Paris is a rising pop duo that you do not want to miss out on. Especially if you’re a fan of getting your heart broken by beautiful music.
And though today’s new single is a cover of Childish Gambino’s “Redbone,” it hits just as hard as the rest of Your Paris’ repertoire.
Swapping out the thick bass and r&b vibes of Gambino’s original for a softer acoustic pop sound, Yours Paris transform the original version into almost an entirely different song. Keeping the original lyrics but slowing everything down for a more emotional, gut wrenching feel.
Coupled with the duo’s unique, ethereal vocal styling, this cover will have you feeling the seven stages of grief while also helping you feel wrapped in a musical warmth that the instrumentals provide.
The first single of the year by CJ Cooper comes with a reminder well worth hearing and embracing.
The new single titled “Never Alone” is a pop country inspired track that serves as a reminder that no matter what you are going through, you are not going it alone.
With Cooper’s angelic voice laid over subtle string instrumentals and acoustic strumming, the track leaves listeners feeling as though they are being supported by a close friend.
Using anecdotes about family stories and personal reminders, Cooper uses the track to encourage listeners to think about the people most important to them and remember that while you may physically be alone in the world- growing up and moving away from home- the support and love your family and friends give you will never leave your side.
Life gets tough, but this song makes it a little easier to handle as we’re reminded of all of the best parts of being alive.
“DAYWALKER!” by Machine Gun Kelly feat. CORPSE
Machine Gun Kelly is shaking it up once more with the release of his new single “DAYWALKER!”
Featuring YouTube sensation Corpse Husband who went viral this past year with the release of his single “E-Girls Are Ruining My Life,” the new track pays homage to Kelly’s ‘rap devil’ history while also incorporating his new punk pop sound for a punk rock fusion.
A track that is perfect hype music, “DAYWALKER!” is an anger fueled track that makes listeners feel ready to tackle anything that may stand in the way of them and their goals. An artist who isn’t afraid to shy away from his emotions or defy societal norms, Kelly uses “DAYWALKER!” gives fans a glimpse into his darker headspace. If Tickets To My Downfall was the grieving and pain phase, this track is the beginning of anger and bargaining- only indicating an upward turn is coming soon and further solidifying that Kelly’s talents exist beyond the rap stage.
An indie rock song that has a charming alternative quality, “Lucky Cig” is a song about an unachievable love and the process of waiting for someone to realize your worth.
Telling the story of the track’s narrator falling for a close friend while also acknowledging the relationship that said friend is currently in and the complications that poses for their love story, the song features no real chorus but instead continued points of intensity throughout the narration- indicated by the guitar and vocal verses picking up in pace and volume.
Recounting the nights spent together with cigarettes, car rides and a sense of comfort you can only find in a person perfectly suited to your personality, the single features a sense of nostalgia and small town comfort.
Captivating you from the first lyrics about corner stores and hearts burning like gasoline to the final chords where the story comes full circle, “Lucky Cig” is the perfect new release to send to the special someone in your life to remind them what they mean to you.
Another beautifully unique single this week comes from Minneapolis based indie rock group, Dad Bod with their new song “4/9.”
A track that is heavily focused on instrumentals rather than the lyricism, “4/9” features a cinematic quality that makes you let your guard down almost instantly- leaving you feeling relaxed and comforted but simultaneously as if you’re in a somewhat somber atmosphere.
With minimal, simplistic lyrics, such as “I wish we hadn’t happened,” and “it’s pouring here / is it raining there too,” “4/9” allows listeners to interpret the song in whatever way they may need at the moment. Whether it is a breakup anthem, a regret filled reflection, or just a track that allows you to truly get lost within your own emotions and headspace- the single proves that there truly is beauty in simplicity.
“Switching to Whiskey” by Adam Ezra Group
An emotional folk driven ballad, “Switching to Whiskey” is the latest single from the Adam Ezra Group- a four piece band who have been switching up what live music means in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest single to come out of the band’s aptly named “Album Project”- through which they will be releasing 19 new singles at varying times to help keep fans engaged and musically fed rather than in a standard album format- “Switching to Whiskey” is at its core a song about heartbreak.
Lyrically navigating the aftermath of a breakup, the song recounts a night out with friends when nothing seems strong enough to stop your mind from wandering other than a few shots of whiskey. Using the drink as a coping mechanism to serve both as a painkiller and a mind number- though only until the morning when the drinks wear off- the track relays a message of sadness that resonates with any listener who has experienced a similar level of heartbreak. And though this song may not be the up-beat springtime anthem you need- it is a fantastic song for anyone who is a fan of good songwriting and incredible musicianship.
You can stream all of the above songs now, wherever you get music.
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