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- “Nob & Tooth” – Falcon Arrow. IC faves Falcon Arrow are back with more bass-and-drums post-rock theatrics. This adventurous, enthusiastic piece sounds like it could be the opening soundtrack to a clever, excitable indie film about a wild, unexpected buddy journey. Highly recommended.
- “Golden Thread” – The Fierce and the Dead. Proggy post-rock that’s heavy on the rock. The song-leading bass work here is particularly memorable.
- “Horses” – OK Wait. Doomy, intense post-rock/post-metal that’s more Neurosis than Explosions in the Sky. Check out the video in the link, then the description of the video.
- “Need for More” – LETR. This rock/metal track has strong Tool vibes in the bass tone and usage. The vocalist’s tone has some Chester Bennington in it too. The mixing is a bit roomy, letting each instrument have its own space. The songwriting is holds its own (impressive for a debut song!), moving deftly from verse to a soaring chorus.
- “Cerberus” – After Ours. Funky, jazzy, spacey, evocatively keys-heavy (or is that melodic percussion?), and yet still heavy at times. This is a blast to listen to.
- “Girl in Chains” – Magana. A pulsing indie-rock tune that frames Magana’s enthralling vocals with a darkly jubilant arrangement.
- “Cathedrals” – Secrecies. A smooth, spacey electro-pop jam that sits between CHVRCHES and the XX. A lovely little listen.
- “Gathering Light” – Fog Chaser. Fog Chaser’s delicate, nature-inspired composition is well-represented here in this shy, sun-dappled rumination for piano and strings.
- “End of Innocence” – Shabaka. A mournful yet light piece for piano and winds.
- “East Bound and Down” – Herb Alpert. I own a half-dozen Herb Alpert records on vinyl, and I’m thrilled to hear that he has new music out. The classic Herb Alpert sound is alive and well here, not aged a bit.
- “Hope” – Harold Lopez-Nussa. I’m getting very into Latinx music lately, and so this lively slice of Latinx jazz is just right up my alley. What a great groove, and what great performances!
- “Pajaro Chogui” – Yamandu Costa & Domingo El Colorao. A chipper, friendly, sunshine-laden instrumental duet that puts a smile on my face.
- “Sunset Cliffs” – Daniel Villarreal. A real head-bobber: a guitar-forward jazz/funk cut that’s deep in the pocket and flowing smoothly the whole way.”Hot Fruit” – Adeline Hotel. A mid-paced, easy-going piece that leads with guitar but arranges for flute, woodwinds, violin, harp, and drums. It fuses contemporary Americana vibes with Laurel Canyon country vibes and a touch of new age flair for a fantastically interesting piece.
- “Night Bus” – Beatenberg. A smooth piece of pop that blends the barriers between acoustic pop, lite soul, and electro jams. Wiggles its way into my ear and doesn’t let go.
- “Lapses” – Omar Ahmad. A headbobbing, pensive piece of ambient/composition. The focused swirls of sound are driven forward by a bass line that unspools downward, leading the listener deeper into the track.
- “Skin of Salt” – Alexander Stordiau. Domineering organ, burbling arpeggiator, and insistent beat create this ominously mesmerizing piece of motorik meditation.
- “Band in Boston” – Nashville Ambient Ensemble. A swooping, elegant, luscious ambient piece created mostly with organic instruments. Highly recommended.