From the Inbox – April 12, 2020
I hope everyone’s enjoying their Easter. Or if you’re trapped in the Animal Crossing world, Happy Bunny Day. Of if you don’t celebrate Easter, happy From the Inbox day!
Send chocolates either way.
Speaking of delicious treats, I have filtered through some of my email submissions and am excited to share with you some of my favourite new tunes from the week. And just like my intro, it also happens to be a diverse selection. Alternative, R&B, hip-hop, “crunkcore”, prog-metal, and pop are scattered below to give your ears a buffet of music.
Don’t forget to wash your hands before eating…I mean listening.
And more importantly, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify for more music updates!
Mondo Cozmo – Upside Down
I’m a simple man. You give me an upbeat song, and I’m probably going to like it.
Better yet, you give me an upbeat song with some grit, tenacity and vibrancy, and I’m probably going to like it even more.
Enter alternative rock outfit Mondo Cozmo, the brainchild of singer-songwriter Josh Ostrander. His new song “Upside Down” comes after a crazy few years of touring, hospital visits, and self-evaluation. It’s textured, it’s frantic, it’s colourful, and it’s spirited.
Plus, the accompanying music video has Ostrander letting it all out in a white room with projections, lights, and silhouettes.
If you’ve ever wondered what I looked like while doing karaoke, his dancing is a perfect impersonation.
Leon Bridges & John Mayer – Inside Friend
Nothing like some sultry R&B and glossy guitar licks to remind us all that we’re inside and alone. Leon Bridges and John Mayer have joined forces for the slow-burning love song about enjoying some special company without leaving the house.
And if you’re wondering if they wrote this during the pandemic, they did not. It’s actually referencing a conversation between Bridges and Mayer about the ideal date night for an introvert, such as Bridges, and being able to date women from the comfort of his own “crib”.
Nevertheless, if you’re fortunate enough to have an “inside friend” during these times, this one might help to get things going for the 100th time this week (or at least that’s what you can tell your followers).
Justin Time the Rookie – Oh Romeo
Atlanta-born, Jacksonville-based indie rapper Justin Time the Rookie is barely out of high school. At just 19, he’s already released a hard-hitting hip-hop album called I NOT SORRY. From the depths of Soundcloud, Justin Reid is a hidden gem. He incorporates R&B and gospel into his sound, using the genres’ softer elements to juxtaposition against his deep flow and punching production.
His lead single “Oh Romeo” is a great first listen to the young musician. Sampling a groovy latin beat, he releases his addicting confidence overtop an infectious rhythm. There’s a bit of Chance the Rapper and Amine scattered in their, but mostly, it’s The Rookie keeping his head down and doing what he does best.
The Mowgli’s – Vacation
The Mowgli’s (their 2013 hit single “San Francisco” might ring a bell) are here to cool things off with their summery tune new single “Vacation”. For fans of the modern-day Jonas Brothers, The Mowgli’s bring together the energy of the West Coast with the vibrancy of indie pop, teasing the idea of a vacation.
Rich with Vitamin D, “Vacation” is a good enough excuse to kick back on the couch, porch, or kitchen floor with a cold one.
Cheer to the people who are stuck working while keeping the world from crumbling into anarchy. They’re the ones who need a vacation.
Blair Lee – Less Or More
Singer-songwriter Blair Lee was always shy about sharing her music. It wasn’t until recently the young musician built up the courage to record and release her music. While studying audio production in Toronto, her teacher encouraged her to pursue music as a career.
And here we are. Her new single “Less Or More” is a velvety smooth bedroom pop tune that showcases her budding ability to craft songs that sit with you well after the final note. Her ethereal folk pop style is a great fit for her voice; it’s soft and rich like a Belgian chocolate, and makes it easy to tap the repeat button.
Overcoats – The Fight (Reprise)
Brooklyn alt-pop duo Overcoats released their latest album The Fight back in March, bringing together rich alt-pop textures and vibrant hooks to express the will to overcome adversity and staying loyal to yourself.
They’ve since taken the title track and stripped it down to its core, releasing the acoustic “reprise”. “The Fight” has always been a strong, lyrically-centric tune about finding resilience from within, but the latest rendition helps to sharpen the song’s focus.
It’s a timely release, as the world continues to change and shift in a whirlwind of uncertainty.
The song is accompanied by the fan-made music video, with Overcoats fans answering the question “What are you fighting for?”.
Holding up pieces of paper with words written on them will always be a powerful method of self-expression.
All jokes aside, “The Fight (Reprise)” is a cathartic addition to your everyday playlist.
Freja the Dragon – Give You All My Love
Keeping with the theme of staying positive and strong during the COVID-19 pandemic, Swedish singer-songwriter Freja the Dragon released her new single “Give You All My Love” as a tribute to the frontline healthcare workers.
Vanessa Carlton, Phoebe Bridges and Margaret Glaspy come to mind as Freja’s voice floats over top a delicate piano ballad.
It’s catchy, sincere, and just a little bit sappy.
The Parallel – Who I’ve Become
Progressive metal has some of the most talented musicians in the business. The technicality and precision required to master each note with speed and vigour is not a small feat. Incorporating mix-matched time signatures, crisscrossing rhythm sections and rapid-firing melodies are always a treat when executed properly.
On their new single “Who I’ve Become”, Toronto metalcore outfit The Parallel incorporate the captivating facets of the genre but bringing in more “radio-friendly” elements to even out the song’s power. Rough, brash verses lead the way into a pop-punk chorus, alternating back and forth between the two structures before swirling together for a fire-hot finale.
Head-banging is highly encouraged.
Travis Barker – Dogshit ft. Jasiah & Nascar Aloe
Travis Barker is hands-down one of the greatest drummers of all-time; his speed and accuracy is a feat for the eyes and ears.
As well, Barker is known for his crossover style between punk and hip-hop, doing a number of collaborations over the years including with Lil Wayne, MGK, and Yelawolf. The Blink-182 drummer has added to his hip-hop repertoire, this time looking towards the future with up and coming hardcore rappers Jasiah and Nascar Aloe.
If you’re familiar with either one, then you know to expect something relentless and vicious. Combining the scream-rap genre “crunkcore” with Barker’s pelting snare beats, it’s an aggressive and explosive new single.
Try not to blow your speakers with this one.
You can hear all these songs and more on our Monthly Spotify playlist, and if you’re looking for some full-length listening material, read through this week’s In No Particular Order.
