Welcome to "Thank God It's Friday" where we dive into the latest musical releases that have been setting our "earing pupils" on fire. As we bid farewell to another exciting week, we can't help but celebrate the incredible tracks that have graced our ears in recent weeks. From infectious pop hits to electronic and rock-ish stirring records, this post is dedicated to showcasing the best of the best. Get ready to discover your new favourite songs and let the music take you on a captivating ride. It's time to turn up the volume and embrace the magic of these incredible releases. Let the music speak, and let the weekend begin in style.
Enemy Airship – I Am Shaking Off A Dream
Enemy Airship‘s “I Am Shaking Off A Dream” effortlessly strikes a harmonious balance between the cruising momentum of indie rock and the profound depth of a ballad. From the onset, the song captivates listeners with its compelling vocal elements, reminiscent of influential acts such as Destroyer and Death Cab for Cutie. As noted by Aarik Danielson of Columbia Daily Tribune, Enemy Airship’s unique sound profile blurs the boundaries between garage rock, indie-pop, New Wave, and experimental tones, never truly settling in one domain. This track showcases this genre-blurring capability by intricately weaving complexity, allowing the song to evolve multiple times, and ensuring listeners embark on an immersive sonic journey. With its top-notch production, “I Am Shaking Off A Dream” is not only rich in texture and innovation but also incredibly pleasing to the ear.
Jason LaPierre x mokina – same old story
On their second collaboration, Jason LaPierre and mokina are still telling us a very similar story: the one where you are whole and quite cool alone. On their first release together, a rework of Chet Baker’s “I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Some Times)” they found a cool-cat jazzy way to re-tell that old story. Now and without losing the cool-cat jacket, the feeling remains the same on their latest composition “same old story“. Almost lullaby-like, the softness of both timbres is balanced with the lo-fi crackles and hisses from yesterday, resembling a distant and cold memory.
If you like the tenderness and nostalgia of 50’s jazz but you still live in 2023, this piece is for you!
Liquid Pennies – Vestibules
Liquid Pennies, hailing from the sun-kissed streets of St Petersburg, Florida, is not your typical indie-psych trio. Since their inception in 2018, the group has consistently challenged the boundaries of music genres, pulling inspiration from a plethora of sounds like psychedelia, post-punk, doom, jazz, and even hardcore. The band’s quest has always been clear: distil the complex into the lucid and always keep their listeners enchanted and guessing. Their debut album “Floods” in 2019 showcased a masterful mix of analogue tape and digital production, reflecting their ability to stay grounded in the traditional while embracing modernity. Their recent work, “A Wake-Ending” dives deep, with a nuanced, stripped-down sound that bears witness to their mastery over live performances. A special mention of their latest genre-blending track should be done. “Vestibules” is where psychedelic meets bossa nova meets rock, and the expert hand of Ryan Boesch is evident in its production. Truly represents a musical journey where the expected meets the unexpected, and there’s no telling where they might journey next.
Peli Gene – Now You Know
Peli Gene serves as the alias for the independent musician Gabe Parker. Crafting each track within the confines of his bedroom studio in Tampa, Florida, Peli Gene‘s purpose is to ignite motivation and be a voice for the DIY/bedroom pop enthusiasts. Fusing elements drawn from jangle pop, bedroom pop, lofi-rock, and psychedelia, Peli Gene‘s musical style is a direct reflection of the shared creative journey that gives it life.
His latest release,”Now You Know“, embodies an individual’s inner exploration and ambivalence regarding their emotions toward another. The orator has been delving into their own feelings and musings, questioning whether the other person reciprocates those sentiments or if they’ve been under an illusion. They stress the significance of open dialogue and sincerity, urging the other party not to let unspoken thoughts linger and to grant their feelings a chance to flourish. The speaker contemplates the potential existence of longstanding misunderstandings and veils within their interactions. Ultimately, they demand the revelation of truth and affirm that both sides are now cognisant of the emotions in play.
This marks the initial release of a trilogy of singles paving the way to Peli Gene‘s inaugural album. Oh and this video is a part of all of it, check it out!
sfven – sideline, red wine lover
Sfven, the amiable bedroom-pop producer, has recently introduced his diverse new mixtape, “you, green” featuring the standout track “sideline, red wine lover“. This delightful song celebrates the essence of unwavering support for loved ones, confident that they’d reciprocate in kind. The track sets itself apart with a production emphasizing vocals, notably through an innovative approach of sampling an ‘ooo’ sound recorded on tape. With previous accolades from platforms like BBC 6 Music, Radio 1, and MTV, and having toured with artists like KAWALA and Spill Tab, Sfven is gearing up to accompany BoyWithUke in their forthcoming EU/UK tour in August. We’ve featured him 3 times already before (here, here, here), so by this time, we are probably one of his bigger fans. Listening to this track my enlighten you why.
Stella Starf0x – Chicken pock drop top
Emerging from the rich musical tapestry of the Providence and Boston areas, Stella Starfox, a compelling trio comprised of Tommy Fuccillo, Matt Hatch, and Ben Gardner, first caught listeners’ attention in 2018. Although their collaborative synergy had been in the works for years, it wasn’t until their time on a Massachusetts college campus that their distinctive sound, termed “mystery pop,” truly came into its own. Celebrated for hits like “Sardines” “Run” and “Slapped” their music seamlessly blends the raw essence of beachy indie-alt with the captivating allure of modern influences like Mac Demarco and STRFKR. Characterized by sharp guitars, profound vocals, and candid lyrics, their sound has continually evolved, and their newest offering, “Chicken pock drop top“, serves as an irresistible reflection on world-weariness, presenting a stripped-back arrangement that juxtaposes moments of apathy with sparks of hopeful melody. At its core, the track is a call for solace in shared experiences and an optimistic vision for a more compassionate world. Combines lo-fi rock with indie pop, samples and all-around crazyness and gorgeous funky elements.
The Down & Outs – Cntrl Group
“Cntrl Group” the latest hit by The Down & Outs, is a musical anthem that encapsulates the vibrant and intense nightlife that has exploded in New York City in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a portrayal of the city’s renewed zest for life, where individuals come together, diving into the electrifying chaos, drawn by the allure of the unknown. Even amidst this almost reckless abandon, there’s a shared sense of camaraderie, a paradoxical feeling of being at risk yet secure within the collective. Drawing inspiration from NYC’s iconic post-punk sounds, “Cntrl Group” infuses edgy, raw vibes with the pulsating rhythms synonymous with underground rave culture. This energetic juxtaposition is not just a nod to the city’s musical history but a fusion that promises a heady, immersive experience, reminiscent of neon-lit nights and spirited dancing shadows.