On today’s menu, you’re going to find some delicious new music from Shallow Pools, Wez King, The Get Right Band, Pretty Girl, Rogue Traders, Noble Oak (pictured), Caoivin, Harri Pick, Fake Shark, and BRELAND & Alana Springsteen.
Dig in and enjoy!
Rogue Traders – To The Discoe
Iconic Australian electro-pop-rock group, Rogue Traders, has made a long-awaited comeback with their newest single “To The Disco.” After a decade-long hiatus, the band has managed to keep its reputation alive with this catchy tune, laced with an irresistible electro beat that is guaranteed to get people moving.
“To The Disco” takes fans back to the dancefloor, as the song is a perfect reminder of why the Rogue Traders have remained such a beloved name in the Australian dance music scene. It is clear that the band has spent a lot of time and effort making this track feel right, and they have succeeded in doing so. Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s vocals are dynamic and soaring, while the electro-pop-rock soundscape of the song provides a sense of nostalgia. With the band’s first new single in over a decade, “To The Disco” is the perfect reintroduction of Rogue Traders to the music industry. The song is a testament to their ability to make music that is both danceable and meaningful, which is why the band has remained so popular over the years.
Shallow Pools – Now or Never
Shallow Pools’ latest release, “Now or Never,” is a mesmerizing indie-pop anthem that captures the essence of that pivotal moment between two people who are on the cusp of a romantic relationship. The track, released through Equal Vision Records, is the band’s second song on the label and was co-written with PVRIS frontwoman and LGBTQ+ activist Lynn Gunn. The four-piece Boston-based group is known for their upbeat, infectious tracks that carry a message of vulnerability and strength, and “Now or Never” is no exception.
The song’s production is polished and energetic, with bouncy basslines, propulsive drums, and shimmering guitars driving the melody forward. The chorus is particularly catchy, with vocalist Glynnis Brennan’s soaring vocals soaring over the top of the instrumental, demanding listeners’ attention. The lyrics are both relatable and empowering, urging listeners to take risks and be honest with their emotions, even in the face of uncertainty.
The underlying message of “Now or Never” is one of courage and authenticity. As Brennan explains, being vulnerable is difficult, but it is necessary if we want to form authentic connections with others. The track encourages listeners to seize the moment and take a chance on love, even when the outcome is uncertain. In a world where hate and division seem to be on the rise, Shallow Pools’ message of acceptance and love is a welcome reminder that we all deserve to be happy and fulfilled, regardless of our gender or sexual orientation.
The Get Right Band – Generation Happy or Dead
The Get Right Band, a psych-rock trio hailing from North Carolina, has released their latest single “Generation Happy or Dead,” a high-energy indie rock track that exudes an infectious funkiness and powerful message. With its poignant lyric video, the song serves as a rallying anthem for today’s generations to fight against apathy and choose happiness, despite the overwhelming information overload and societal norms that dictate our existence.
Lyrically, “Generation Happy or Dead” tackles the challenges that modern society presents us with, from the constant barrage of notifications on our phones to the pressure to conform to arbitrary societal norms. The band’s refusal to become apathetic in the face of these challenges is both empowering and inspiring. As Durocher puts it, “We aim to determine what’s real and what isn’t.”
In addition to its musical and lyrical strengths, the track also benefits from a well-executed lyric video that features powerful imagery that perfectly captures the song’s message. The use of bold colours and eye-catching graphics adds an extra layer of visual interest that complements the song’s energy and power.
WEZ KING – Mona Lisa
Wez King’s latest single, “Mona Lisa,” is an absolute gem of a track. Hailing from Maidstone in Kent, Wez King is an accomplished singer/songwriter and with “Mona Lisa,” Wez takes things to a whole new level, as the track opens with a seductive storyline that immediately draws the listener in, supported by a sexy backbeat that sets the tone for the rest of the song. Wez’s vocal performance is a standout feature, showcasing his adaptability as a musician.
The track ebbs and flows along at a pleasurable pace, taking the listener on a journey that climaxes in a hedonistic parting shot. The arrangement is expertly crafted, with a tight rhythm section that keeps things moving and layers of guitars that build to a satisfying climax. What sets “Mona Lisa” apart – from his previous releases – is the depth of the lyrics. As Wez himself has said, the track is about art from the viewpoint of both the artist and the viewer, exploring how different people can view the same piece of art in vastly different ways. This theme is explored with great skill and nuance, creating a song that is both catchy and thought-provoking.
BRELAND – For What It’s Worth (feat. Alana Springsteen)
BRELAND and Alana Springsteen’s latest collaboration “For What It’s Worth” was initially released by BRELAND, but features a new verse co-written by Alana Springsteen. The new verse adds another layer of depth to the already poignant song, as it captures the other side of the story, showcasing the feelings of remorse and self-blame when a relationship ends. With gentle guitars and subdued drums, the pop-country track is a beautiful blend of the two artists’ styles.
The track’s new harmonies complement each other perfectly, and the emotional honesty of the song is evident in the artists’ vocals. It is a song that anyone who has experienced heartbreak can relate to, with lyrics that are both vulnerable and empowering. BRELAND and Alana Springsteen both deliver captivating performances on the track, as they share a moment over what they once had, but ultimately find out that you can’t turn back time. The two artists complement each other perfectly, and it is evident that they have a natural chemistry.
BRELAND explains that he was inspired to bring Alana Springsteen on board after the overwhelming response from women who wished their exes would own up to their mistakes in the way the song does. He recognized that a woman’s perspective would take the song to another level, and he was right. Alana Springsteen’s verse adds the flavour that was needed, and her performance is outstanding.
Pretty Girl – All Good
‘All Good’ is a finely crafted track that perfectly showcases Pretty Girl’s unique sound, through the use of breaks, ambient synths, and introspective vocals creating a deeply textured and emotionally charged atmosphere. The overall effect is a cerebral introduction to the delicate soundscapes of Pretty Girl’s emotive strain of electronic music. The lo-fi video, directed by Charles Buxton-Leslie & Tom Lewis, is a playful accompaniment to the track, showcasing the Melbourne native in various locations throughout her hometown. The video’s use of vintage filters and playful transitions complements the track’s overall aesthetic perfectly.
Pretty Girl describes ‘All Good’ as her most personal song yet, and this is reflected in the track’s emotive lyrics. The song is about disappointment, vulnerability, and heartbreak, and Pretty Girl’s soulful vocal performance brings these emotions to life in a way that is both relatable and deeply moving. The track’s introspective tone and emotional depth are sure to resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of loss and heartache.
Caoivín – Do Them Proud
Caoivín (pronounced “kwee-veen”), is a Limerick-based producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, and he has delivered a heartwarming track that touches on the theme of loss. Written for his grandmother who recently lost her lifelong partner, “Do Them Proud” features a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing Caoivín’s unique sound.
The track begins with a gentle guitar melody that is soon accompanied by Caoivín’s soothing vocals. The artist’s musical upbringing in a traditional Irish music family is evident in the subtle use of a fiddle and a whistle that add depth to the track. As the song progresses, the listener is taken on a journey that showcases Caoivín’s ability to blend multiple musical styles. The chorus features a vibrant beat that is reminiscent of electronic dance music, adding a contemporary touch to the song. The use of a synth provides an uplifting atmosphere, creating a sense of hope and positivity despite the theme of loss.
The production quality of “Do Them Proud” shows how well-mixed and balanced it is, as Caoivín’s vocals are crisp and clear, delivering the message of the song with sincerity and emotion. The instrumentation is expertly layered, creating a rich sound that is both warm and uplifting.
Fake Shark – Save Me
Fake Shark, the Vancouver-based alt-pop outfit, has once again delivered an infectious and anthemic new single titled “Save Me”. From the first notes of the song, the track features the hallmark blend of bright, buoyant pop and hooky alt-rock that has become a signature of the band’s music.
“Save Me” is a song that tackles the theme of toxic relationships and the realisation that one has been attracting negative people into their life. The band shares that the song is about the feeling of hopelessness that can arise when one realizes that their “friends” are toxic and the difficulty of trying to escape from them. The lyrics are powerful and introspective, as the lead singer’s emotive vocals convey the pain and frustration that comes with being stuck in such a situation.
The instrumental arrangement of the track is equally impressive, with Fake Shark once again showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend various genres into a cohesive sound. The band’s rock influences are particularly evident in “Save Me”, with heavy guitar riffs and a driving beat underscoring the song’s pop sensibilities. The result is a track that is both catchy and anthemic, with a chorus that is sure to get stuck in the listener’s head.
Harri Pick – Broke
The track features a colourful melting pot of thrashing drums, overdrive-soaked guitars, and irresistible vocal lines. This is a single that will fully immerse you in Harri Pick’s musical world. The single is texturally diverse, blending typical, infectious indie-rock sensibilities with Harri’s unique style. The result is a refreshing sound that will have you tapping your feet and humming along in no time.
Harri Pick’s empowering lyricism and vocal lines come tinged with vulnerability, making for a truly captivating listening experience. Her sound has the hustle and bustle of an urban and diverse city, wrapped up in a larger-than-life sound. The inspiration for “Broke” came about after Harri had visited her partner’s family in Scotland and returned to London to find her bank account with a measly 74p.
“Broke” is an infectious and refreshing single that showcases Harri’s talent as a musician and lyricist. The perfect blend of indie-rock sensibilities and her own unique style makes for a truly captivating listening experience. I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Noble Oak – Tides Turn
Noble Oak’s newest track offers a unique blend of pop, indie, electronica, and soul, with each influence seamlessly woven into the fabric of the song. The result is a sonic landscape that is as diverse as it is captivating, featuring a range of tempos and beat styles that will appeal to a wide variety of music lovers.
Noble Oak’s music has evolved significantly over the years, and “Tides Turn” is a testament to his artistic growth. The song is a testament to his ability to craft a cohesive sonic experience, with each element complementing the others. The track is a story packed into a single song, with each note serving a purpose in the overall narrative.
