The first month of 2021 is officially coming to an end, and it has been anything but relaxed. With a new president, new celebrity scandals and a surprising (and confusing) stock market revolution- the past four weeks have been anything but “normal.”
But where there is weird news there is also new music, and this week was once more stock full of new releases that will have you re-vamping your weekend playlists.
And as always, we have compiled our favorite releases of the week for you to check out all in one place. Just this week, we’re doing it on a Saturday.
So sit back, sip some morning coffee and enjoy our New Music Friday (on Saturday) playlist. And as always, check out our full list of favorite January releases by following us on Spotify, linked at the bottom.
Charming Liars never fail to deliver when it comes to high energy rock tracks that make you want to dance, and their latest single “Pieces” is the perfect example.
A song about the overwhelming feeling of falling apart that everyone in the world seems to be sharing as 2021 continues the 2020 theme of being full of surprises, “Pieces” is a less than happy tune set to extremely fun music.
A lyrical representation of the battles between accepting our uncertain fate and standing up to fight against the negative systems the world has in in place, “Pieces” continues on the band’s path of politically aware releases. Following up last years “In The Reflection of Blood,” “Pieces” reminds listeners they are not alone in feeling broken down, but also encourages them to work together to find a solution.
With a little bit of hope, work, and good music, 2021 can be a year of change, and we expect it to be an even bigger year for Charming Liars.
“Survivors Guilt” by Black Suit Youth
Survivors guilt is defined as “a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress experienced by someone who has survived an incident in which others died.” For most, this feeling comes when a close friend or relative passes away unexpectedly. In the case of rock band Black Suit Youth, this feeling emerged after the untimely passing of two of vocalist Bryan Maher’s close friends.
As a way of coping with the losses, Maher and the band wrote their latest single “Survivor’s Guilt,” which shares the story of his two friends and the feelings of remorse and guilt that came along following their deaths.
Substituting out the band’s normal full punk meets indie rock sound for a solo acoustic guitar, the single places heavy focus on Maher’s vocals, giving it an added element of emotion and vulnerability.
And though this is definitely not a happy, up-beat track to help kick your weekend off, it is one that we think all music fans or fellow survivor’s guilt sufferers should listen to for both the experience and the solidarity.
“Loose Threads” by Hollow Front
Another somber yet potent single this week comes from Michigan based metal core band Hollow Front, who have just released a reimagined version of their single “Loose Threads.”
Turning the previously metal version with heavy vocals into a softer acoustic driven track, “Loose Threads (Reimagined)” places a large focus on the darker emotions behind the lyrics, rather than the heavier emotions in the vocals.
Giving the song an additional layer of intensity by rearranging and removing some instrumentals, listeners are more openly exposed to the track’s messaging- which shares a beautiful story of trying to remind someone of their worth despite their own inner demons telling them otherwise.
A beautiful rendition of an already great song, the reimagined track puts Hollow Front’s musicianship on full display and gives us high hopes for the band’s future.
“Liar with the Lights On” by Jimkata
Taking a step back into the uptempo- a new groovy indie pop track that is sure to get you moving this weekend is Jimkata’s brand new single “Liar with the Lights On.”
Released yesterday, the new single serves as a warning call for all persons who live their lives pretending to be somebody they’re not. Whether that be someone telling white lies as a game or someone actively harming others with empty promises and words, “Liar with the Lights On” is a reminder that the truth will always catch up with you- no matter how hard you try to fight it.
As for how the fun rhythm and instrumentals blend with the harder hitting lyrics, the style comes from Jimkata vocalist Evan Friedell’s musical loves of the past.
“I’ve always been inspired by artists like The Police who often paired poppy upbeat music with darker lyrical themes as well as classic reggae artists like Third World and of course Bob Marley and Peter Tosh who often sang about deep political or moral issues set to an uplifting beat,” Friedell shared. “I couldn’t help but follow in that path a little bit with this song, imagining a character who by day deals in lies but by night fears his reckoning. Ultimately, it’s sort of a moral tale set to a shiny dance groove.”
If you have ever sat down and thought “wow, I really love my friends,” this song is one that will hit close to home.
The debut single by British singer/songwriter Emma Webb, “90s playlist” is an ode to long-lasting friendships and sharing happy memories together. In this particular instance, it recounts a long drive Webb had taken with her friends where they blasted a 90s playlist and sang their hearts out- something she will remember forever and that all listeners can related to in their own ways.
Set to a soft instrumental background and with delicate vocals, the single has a relaxed folk soundscape that makes it perfect for reminiscing and taking a beat to remember how much those around you mean to you.
“i don’t wanna be here anymore” by Range Life
Another song that features upbeat instrumentals but darker lyrical content is the new single by Range Life, “i don’t wanna be here anymore.”
The solo passion project of musician Mike Chiarappa, Range Life debuted in 2020 and is now continuing to build their repertoire with their new release- which warns younger listeners about not taking advantage of time while they have it.
“i Don’t Wanna Be Here Anymore” is written from the perspective of a senior citizen,” Chiarappa shared. “When you reach a certain age it’s inevitable that you can’t do much anymore. So, writing this definitely puts things into perspective; being younger and realizing all you can do and change.”
Coupling this idea of someone watching the world fall apart around them and realizing they don’t want to see any more of it with an uptempo folk rock inspired guitar that drives the song, “i don’t want to be here anymore” is a reminder to embrace the days we have ahead of us, instead of letting them pass us by.
“Start It Over” and “What I Have to Give” by In Motive
A rare double feature, In Motive have surprised fans this weekend by releasing not one but two brand new singles.
Starting with the energetic “Start It Over,” the band’s first single is a positive mantra about achieving anything you set your mind to. Repeating lyrics such as “if you want it, you can have it,” and “it ain’t over,” the alt rock track radiates empowerment and encouragement in a way makes listeners feel ready to tackle whatever obstacles lie ahead. A much needed message for the new year, especially after how 2020 treated all of us- this single is easily one of the best to throw on and get yourself hyped up.
The second single, “What I Have To Give,” feautrues a slightly darker tone, and tells the other side of “Start It Over.”
Instead of words of encouragement, “What I Have To Give” is more a promise to fight your way back to the top after being knocked down. Featuring more angst and power behind the lyrics, which is equally reflected in the slightly heavier instrumentals and verses, this song is perfect for getting amped up about your own self worth and reminding everyone around you that you aren’t going to stay knocked down for long. What you have to offer the world is something special, and “What I Have To Give” will help you remember that.
“Riding a Tiger” by Alora Farenweh
A dreamy pop song that will have your imagination running wild, “Riding A Tiger” is the debut single by Canadian singer/songwriter Alora Farenweh.
Exploring the idea of traveling through someone else’s mind in order to explore their “mind palace”, “Riding A Tiger” is an imaginative look at getting to know someone in a unique way.
Giving listeners a good introduction to Farenweh’s soft, ethereal vocals, the single is a perfect way to wind down and feel a bit of peace in letting your mind wander. After all, imagination is the key to creative genius.
You can stream all of the above tracks now, wherever you listen to music, and be sure to check out our full January playlist, linked below, for all of our favorite New Year, New Tunes releases.
Anonymous
January 30, 2021 3:35 pmLoved Riding a Tiger by Alora Farenweh!
kellimarie
February 1, 2021 1:20 amAlora’s song is playfully catchy; I can’t help but sing along.