Culture

Merchandise - Green Lady



Merchandise are a trio from Tampa, Florida. “Green Lady” is the second single from their upcoming album After The End. The track is a shameless rock ballad, in the same trajectory as Oasis' “Champagne Supernova” or Suede's “Beautiful Ones.” With the grandiose of The Smiths, and also with a significant portion of their charm, the production is huge, lush and vibrant – an interesting contrast to their first single “Enemy,” which was built on a Rolling Stones-esque acoustic guitar riff, perhaps showcasing the versatility of the band's songwriting.

The Growlers - Good Advice



The Growlers are a five-piece based in Orange County, USA. Their sound is a mixture of folk, surf and psychedelic rock, recalling a little bit the sound of the first psychedelic era during the late 60s. Self-described as “Beach Goth,” the band’s new track “Good Advice,” Brooks Neilsen's voice is as raspy as ever, crooning about loneliness. You can sort of imagine him brooding in the faded morning sun, looking apathetically out across the ocean and kind of, like, just sighing.

Allison Crutchfield - You



Allison Crutchfield is better known as the lead vocalist for New York punk band Swearin'. The track “You,” however, comes from her new solo EP Lean Into It. Drawing more from 90s pop and bringing to mind artists such as Liz Phair and Alanis Morissette, the song is melodic with an interestingly immersive chorus, the hook containing just the one word, “you” – the only word it seems that can sum up the frustration of the romantic situation taking place within the track. The production is lo-fi, laid back, and charming. It is a beautiful bedroom recording, with fuzzy guitar and some well-executed piano lines.

SOPHIE - Hard



SOPHIE is the stage name for a mysterious producer based in London. Known for his colourful visual style and innovative, fresh take on dance, trap, and electronic music. “Hard” is a jagged, rhythmic, hip-hop influenced, dance track. With quirky guitar lines and glittering synths executed over trash can drum beats. It is a fun and sinister sounding offering from the UK enigma.

Mr Twin Sister - Blush



Mr. Twin Sister is a five-piece dream-pop/chill-wave band based in Long Island, New York. The single, “Blush,” is from their upcoming, self-titled album. Having drawn comparisons to acts such as Cocteau Twins and Portishead, Mr. Twin Sister is a little more laid back. Well, with this track they certainly are anyway. The production is on the lighter side of dream-pop, or trip-hop – quite minimalist and lush. Andrea Estalla's soulful voice is definitely captivating, as the song gently unravels itself through waves of feathery synth.