I apologise for this weekly track roundup being three days
late. I was too busy getting drunk at the pub mourning Prince Philip’s death
on Friday that I didn't get round to posting it. Anyway, here it is - the best tracks of the week!
‘Little Deer’ – Spellling
This latest track from Oakland singer Spellling is indeed spelll-binding.
Her soulful voice is so unique (a Youtube commenter nailed it when they
described it as a mix of ‘Kate Bush and Goldfrapp’) and the soaring strings and
flourishes of harp give it all the grandeur of a Bond movie score. Spellling is
dropping a new album The Turning Wheel this June.
‘Lamentation II’ – Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens’ father sadly passed away not long after
releasing his last album The Ascension. As a tribute, the
singer-songwriter is delivering a five volume collection of instrumentals
titled Convocations – each volume symbolising a different stage of mourning.
This track is from Volume 2. It’s a tranquil but equally eerie synth track made
up of swelling 5th chords and bright twinkles. It’s like a creepy
version of a Lone track and it’s utterly hypnotic.
‘Kiss Me More’ – Doja Cat ft. SZA
Not gonna lie, I was so distracted by the three fine human specimens in the video that I barely even took in the song the first time around. That’s not to say that the track itself is uninteresting – In fact, it’s a pretty addictive hip hop/r&b jam with a sensual catchy hook from Doja and a steamy rapped-sung verse from SZA. Doja Cat will be dropping a new album Planet Her some time this year.
‘Hey Mama’ – Zebrah
This deliciously funky single is the work of London-based
French group Zebrah, who are dropping a new EP Stripes on May 21st.
Pauline Janier’s vocals are delivered in a playful conversational tone,
inspired by a conversation she had with her mother before bed. The vocals are accompanied by
groovy guitars – they start off hard and energetic before simmering down and
then building back up. Along with the feelgood video, the whole thing just makes
you want to get on your feet and dance.
‘I Can Do One Handed Cartwheels’ – Animal Schoolbus
Animal Schoolbus is a Connecticut grindcore duo consisting
of Charlie Sad Eyes on guitar/bass/drums and his 9 year old daughter Princess
Beast on vocals. This track is off a new remix of their album Going To Grammy’s House.
Not only are the lyrics hilarious (‘I WATCH MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS!
THERE ARE 34 SEASONS ON NETFLIX! DADDY SAYS THEY ALL SOUND AUSTRALIAN!’)
but the vocal delivery itself is genuinely br000tal.
THE WORST:
‘White Boy Summer’ - Chet Hanks
TOM HANKS, COULD YOU PLEASE COLLECT YOUR SON FROM THE BEACH.
HE’S OUT HERE PROMOTING WHITE PRIDE, RAPPING IN PATOIS AND COMPLETELY DESTROYING
YOUR LEGACY.