From the Inbox: 30 Tracks You Need To Hear (11/23/20)
Happy Monday!
I’m back with another From the Inbox to help improve your week and bring something fresh to your life’s soundtrack. In case you’re new to FTI, every week I filter through my favourite songs fresh from my inbox and share them with you in this handy playlist-meets-blog post (now, with a podcast!)
This week, there are 30 phenomenal songs for your ears to soak up. If there’s something you love, remember to share it around!
As always, you can find Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify to stay up to date on new releases. You can listen to the entire collection with our handy From the Inbox Spotify playlist (it’s also embedded at the bottom of the post).
And lastly, I’ve introduced a monthly newsletter and you can visit our Patreon account if you’d like to donate to Dusty Organ!
Don’t forget to listen to the new From the Inbox: The Podcast episode to learn more about some of the week’s featured tracks – out every Tuesday morning!
MONOWHALES – BL/FF
“u up”?
That familiar late-night text is the inspiration for the new single “BF/FF” from Toronto indie pop trio MONOWHALES. Short for ‘better lovers/fake friends’ , the upbeat pop hit is all about saying yes to a 3am booty call and the confusing dance of pretending to be friends instead of being upfront about your feelings. Either way, it’s a bright and confident new tune that is the “sign” you were looking for.
Highschool Jacob – Not Worth Dying 4
Los Angeles alternative pop artist HighSchool Jacob wanted to distribute some of the fun of his new single “Not Worth Dying 4” into different media. Well, not only is it a retro-synth-inspired tune, but it also comes with a sweet 8-bit video game. The upbeat synth-pop track has hints of Bombay Bicycle Club, and fun., and really comes to be with each blasting chorus.
Valley Boy – Cigarette
Ian and James are the duo behind Valley Boy. Born out of a middle school friendship, they’ve always been there for each other and their dynamic followed a familiar pattern of Ian getting into trouble and James saying “uhh, I don’t think we should do that”. Their new single and video for “Cigarette” is all about that, with the groovy indie rock track acting as a lighthearted ode to friendship and their adjoining differences.
The Notwist – Where You Find Me
German indie rock group The Notwist
Tommy Newport – Warp Speed Suzie
Coming out of Wichita, Kansas is Tommy Newport, the indie rock artist that’s mixing together classic tones with contemporary indie pop energy. His new single “Warp Speed Suzie” is a great example, mixing ’70s groove with electronic instrumentation, tipping his hat at this mysterious “Suzie” character. You can watch her hit the streets of Berlin in the music video below:
GRAACE – You Do You
Australian/L.A.-based alt-pop artist GRAACE is joining the pack of pop’s next generation. Sharing vocal similarities to Dua Lipa, her new single “You Do You” is a tantalizing and fierce cut from the emerging artist. Definitely one to watch.
Read more about the single here.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Intrasport
The discography of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard is not only extensive (they’ve released 16 albums in 10 years), but diverse, diving into anything that involves guitars. Their latest album K.G. continues the progressive rock tradition of dipping into different musical wells, including the acid house-rock track “Intrasport”. It’s a surprisingly groovy and addictive and the accompanying music video adds to the fun.
Watch the find below, and find it on my ‘Starting Line-Up’ playlist along with other favourite tracks.
Mat Kearney – Can’t Look Back
Nashville-based singer/songwriter Mat Kearney has been busy this last year, writing some of his best music yet. On his new single “Can’t Look Back”, he’s embracing the optimism of the future with his sweet, pop sound. Kearney’s rich baritone reminds me of Chris Martin, and the easy-listening guitar melody accentuates his voice even more.
The Happys – Bipolar
San Fran four-piece The Happys are certainly one of the more exciting indie bands on the rise. Their upcoming full-length debut will hopefully be out in 2021, but for now their 2018 hit “Bipolar” has finally been given an accompanying visual. Bringing together dance-punk, grunge, and harmony-filled indie rock, the single is an addictive and fast-firing favourite.
Read more about the track here.
Bleachers – 45
Jack Antonoff has made his return as Bleachers – his new release features both “chinatown” featuring Bruce Springsteen, and the acoustic indie pop tune “45”. Although it was the B-Side of the release, “45” happens to be the better of the two, stripping down Antonoff’s melancholic voice alongside an acoustic guitar before it slowly swells into an emotive finish.
SOMBRA – Are You Welll?
Montreal-based indie rock group SOMBRA blend together a range of genres. WIth an eerie vocal resemblance to Damon Albarn, the band’s frontman Matthew Cataldo brings their music into the darker side of Gorillaz and Albarn’s solo work. Hypnotic percussion, reverb-ed vocals and moody synthesizers collide with rock arrangements and a driving bass line for a electro-grunge track.
lodet – Chasing Circles
Swedish indie pop singer-songwriter lodet (that’s a lowercase L, not an I) knew from the age of 6 that he wanted to be the lead singer of his own band. His debut EP Many Days is a product of that prophecy, and will be out December 11th. From the release comes “Chasing Circles”, a wonderfully bright and optimistic indie pop tune with hints of ’90s arena rock and an undeniably uplifting vocal melody and hook.
Hotel Mira – Better On Your Own
Vancouver indie pop group Hotel Mira have reworked their upbeat indie rock sound into more synthesizer-inspired territory on their latest album Perfectionism. Lead single “Better On Your Own” plays with a more electro-pop flare while keeping their explosive indie rock sound at the forefront. It’s got all the pieces of some of Canada’s top indie pop rock groups, like The Zolas, The Elwins, and Mother Mother, and the accompanying music video adds to the bright, fun-loving sound.
Hannah Georgas – Pray It Away ft. Matt Berninger
Hannah Georgas released her stunning album All That Emotion earlier this year. “Pray It Away” was originally written as a solo, but the Toronto-based singer-songwriter brought in Matt Berninger of the National to add some welcomed depth and edge to the delicate piano song. All That Emotion was produced by Aaron Dressner (also from The National), so the feature is also a fun peak into the friendships of the music world.
Keys N Krates – Double Dutch ft. Dai Burger
Toronto electronic act Keys N Krates continue to be one of Canada’s best musical exports. Their latest single “Double Dutch”, which follows their 2019 release A Beat Tape For Your Friends, has been given a makeover with N.Y rapper Dai Burger. Bringing along elements of trap and punching lyrics about empowerment, the remix is a fierce rendition reminiscent of old school Missy Elliot with new school Cardi B.
Bicep – Saku ft. Clara La San
London-based electronic duo Bicep dropped their new single “Saku” earlier this week. Featuring vocalist Clara La San, the trippy UK Garage-meets-’90s R&B tune explores the pair’s experimental and progressive songwriting style, taking whatever works to add to their detailed dance music. Their new album Isles will be out January 22nd.
KLOUD – Disconnect
Speaking of exciting electronic artists, KLOUD released his new album AUTONMY this past October. One of the album’s lead singles “Disconnect” is a bass-crunching taste of the record, best described as the evil twin brother of Daft Punk with The Weeknd as his sidekick.
Das Mörtal – It Comes
If anyone’s seen the movie It Follows, the new single from Montreal-based producer and composer Das Mörtal “It Comes” has a similar ominous, synth-driven tone with its neon-coloured, ’80s vibe. The song’s video instead follows the story of a witch and her sister, and a moody, Twilight-esque teen love drama. It’s mysterious, brooding, and dense.
TOBi – Matter
Toronto’s rising hip-hop star TOBi dropped his new album ELEMENTS Vol. 1 recently. The collection of R&B-infused hip-hop showcased his budding strength as an A-list Canadian talent, and from the release is the smooth love song “Matter”. His alternating vocal style from oaky R&B singer to crooning rapper adds to his depth as a multi-genre artist, and for “Matter”, it shines bright alongside the element-inspired music video.
Hope Tala – Cherries ft. Aminé
London-based alt-R&B artist Hope Tala shared her luscious new EP Girls Eat Sun recently, which includes the dazzling, Latin-inspired hit “Cherries” featuring rapper Aminé. The bold and silky smooth track continues to push Hope forward into exciting places as an artist, and 2021 will surely be big for her.
KWAYE – Run
“Run” is the first taste from British Zimbabwean artist KWAYE since his 2018 EP Love & Affliction. It’s a powerful re-introduction, as he explores the challenges of being a Black man. The bold, punctuating synthesizers and percussion of each chorus channel the neo-soul of D’Angelo and Prince, while staying firmly planted in 2020 with its relevance and electronic strength.
Action Bronson – Mongolia
For his latest album Only For Dolphins, Action Bronson has already shared two cinematic music videos for “Latin Grammys” and “Golden Eye”. His new single “Mongolia” continues the tradition with a Snatch-inspired heist featuring secret hand offs and nameless assailants. Featuring a Tarantino-Western-twang sample, Action, along with Hologram and Meyhem Lauren take turns with a secret briefcase and rapping verses.
LA Timpa – Quarterback
I still haven’t quite understood the music video – it is slightly unnerving and terrifying. But at the same time, a wonderful match for LA Timpa’s new single “Quarterback”, one of two from his new album Modern Antics In A Deserted Place. Glitchy percussion, repetitive sounds and seemingly random details shape the track, inspired by the concept of returning to the dating world following a long term relationship.
Frauds – Copenhagen
Croydon, UK post-hardcore group Frauds pack together satire, wit, fuzzy guitars, and crushing percussion for their punchy, shouted-word rock sound. Their new single “Copenhagen” is similar to the likes of Slaves and Future of the Left with its off-centered hardcore style and politically-driven content. This track in particular is about the spread of misinformation by governments on the internet – specifically the Danish government for throwing aggressively targeted tourist advertisements at drummer Chris.
For the record, they have not been to Copenhagen.
Cloud Nothings – The Spirit Of
With their new album The Shadow I Remember coming out February 26th, Cloud Nothings have shared their latest single “The Spirit Of”. Drenched in existential crisis and guitar melodies, the power-pop song eventually spins out of control in a feverish jam rock finish. How fitting…
Profesor Galactico – Alien
A splash of punk, a healthy dose of ska, and a sprinkle of science fiction-infused hip-hop makes up “Alien”, the new track from Los Angeles group Profesor Galatico. Featuring a blue alien that quickly befriends the band, the music video is a fun, satirical take on hiding an “alien” from the “man”. As a first-generation Latino in the U.S., P.G. wanted to make a point about the American xenophobic tendencies with the new music video – but of course while having some fun along the way.
Nick Schofield – Mirror Image
Ambient artist Nick Schofield created his new single “Mirror Image” while observing a blizzard from his home. By layering arpeggiations on a synthesizer, the rhythmic and lush track is built on patterns and abstract geometrical sounds. It is wonderfully captivating and soothing, as it slowly builds upon itself. You can find “Mirror Image” on his upcoming album Glass Gallery, out February 5th.
Kéren – Ever Learn
Singer-songwriter Kéren released her new EP In Form this past week, and includes the colourful, optimistic tune “Ever Learn”. Channeling the likes of Kate Bush, and Ingrid Michaelson, the song is a glistening synth-filled indie pop reminder to slow down and take in your surroundings. The warm-hearted message and brimming instrumentation makes for a wonderfully easy-listening track.
Ghost Woman – Anne, If
Psych-folk rock group Ghost Woman released their sophomore album Anne, If on October 31st, timing it with the full moon. That will all make sense when you hear their music. It’s rugged, earthy, and hazy, influenced by psychedelic rock and effects. The title track is a wonderful example of the band’s sound, capturing the album’s spirit in its slow-burning, vintage tinge.
