MAGGIE LINDEMANN - “SABOTAGE” - SONG REVIEW
Maggie Lindemann is one of the fierce femmes from pop punk's newest evolution. Her latest is the introspective single Self Sabotage, a track steeping in angst and nostalgia. Lyrically, Lindemann goes through the inner workings of her mind and her bad habit of being her own worst enemy. The song is off her new album, SUCKERPUNCH. This album takes you on her emotional journey of healing from the toxicity of a bad relationship. I got to speak with her about this new project during a small presser. When I asked her what is one thing people are generally surprised to find out about you, Seeing how social media can be a veneer for many things, including people. Lindemann's response was quite like what many of us would say, that she is more than what she is perceived to be online. Sometimes all the versatility we have as humans get lost in the social media clutter. So for fans of Maggie's, her latest album, SUCKERPUNCH, is truly only the tip of the iceberg.
STREAM MAGGIE LINDEMANN’S NEW ALBUM SUCKERPUNCH HERE
HEAR THIS NOW: THE MUSIC SOUNDCHECK EDITION 12
THIS IS EDITION 12 OF THE 'HEAR THIS NOW' THE MUSIC SOUNDCHECK AT TRB
Paramore is back, Arctic Monkeys dropped another brilliant song from their forthcoming album, ‘The Car’, and Sam Smith and Kim Petras team up. All these tracks and more lead edition 12 of my ‘Hear This Now’ roundup where we’ve got a bit of everything for everyone. From lilting soft melodic indie-pop to 60s-inspired Alt-Pop, then bombastic hip-hop numbers, and "Unholy” mainstream pop collabs. This is The Music Soundcheck edition 12.
You can listen to all the music mentioned here and much more in this playlist here, The Reclusive Blogger's Mixtape Melodies..
Paramore - “This Is Why”
After a four year break since After Laughter and Hayley’s “Simmering” solo work (see what I did there). Paramore are back with a new insanely groovy new song and sound taking bits and pieces of influences from everywhere. 60s beat, 70 soul/funk, The Beatles, 90 Indie, and British naughties bands like Bloc Party. A band which Hayley has been quoted as saying was big influence for this new album and era.
Click the link to see ‘This Is Why’ we love Paramore and their groovy new tune!
Antonio Sanchez (feat. Trent Reznor + Atticus Ross ) -“I Think We’re Past That Now”
The newly released music video features otherworldly animation from the Mexican animation company Animatitlan. It’s the perfect accompaniment to what is such a hard hitting track and collaboration between the trio.
Stream Antonio’s epic collab with Trent & Atticus at the link
Freddie Gibbs -“Dark Hearted”
Another banger from Freddie Gibbs this time featuring beautifully laid out minimalist production from James Blake. It’s all set against a darkly surrealist animated music video.
Explore the offbeat surrealism of ‘Dark Hearted’ by pressing play on the link here
Paige Bea - "4x4"
This track from the London Songwriter and producer is the second offering from her upcoming EP, ‘Goodbye, Then!'. Paige takes us on a euphoric journey of a new relationship (and the obsession that can happen) via the haunting mix of avant-garde electronic pop.
To feel all the feels of a new love, stream 4x4 by listening here
Tommy Newport (Feat. Jazz Cartier) - “Jackpot"
Manchester’s Indie cool kid Tommy Newport teams up with Toronto rapper and Juno Award winner Jazz Cartier on “Jackport”. The duo create what is the ultimate vibe on this groovy, soulful yet gritty track.
To stream ‘Jackpot’ press play here
THE DRIVES - “Not That Bad”
This garage rock foursome weigh out the aftermath of relationship that never really got started with a punk realness flickering through their pop melodies.
To listen to “Not That Bad” go here
ARCTIC MONKEYS - “BODY PAINT”
The second offering from the bands’ forthcoming album “The Car”. The song oozes 60s influences like the use of orchestral elements and layered melodies and harmonies a la The Beatles. Those nods to past give the track a certain air of nostalgia all while firmly planted in the roots of todays Alternative Rock sound. Plus frontman Alex Turner vocals have never sounded this strong.
To see if there’s still a trace of “Body Paint” go here
JONAH YANO - "leslianne"
If there was ever a song that could be called short and sweet (it’s under 2 minutes). This is the perfect song. The track which is the second helping from Yano’s forthcoming sophomore album ‘Portrait of a Dog’ finds the artist gracefully musing over a girl finding her way home. Along the way Yano fuses his voice with his piano work and it’s exquisite.
Find your way home to “leslianne” here
Pre-order ‘Portrait of a Dog’ here
SAM SMITH + Kim PETRAS - “UNHOLY”
Pop balladeer Sam Smith does a complete 360 and changes up his sound in his new collab with eclectic pop singer Kim Petras. In the racy music video for the new track, appearances aren’t always as they seem and things quickly get… well “Unholy”.
Get “Unholy” with Sam and Kim here
THE BAD PLUS - “SELF-TITLED”
Then there’s the visionary Jazz group The Bad Plus. A group redefining the sonics of Jazz through their unique skill set and pedigrees. On the bands’ latest release and first as a quartet the redefine what Jazz can be through dynamic musical language, refreshing soundscapes, and ultimately the drive and passion to go beyond what Jazz is, but to what it can be.
Stream their self-titled album here
MEET ME @ THE ALTAR - “SAY IT (TO MY FACE)”
The WOC pop-punk trio returns with the first offering from the bands’ forthcoming debut album. A spunky diss track to all the haters from the group who has come to have a love/hate relationship with the internet these days. From the gang vocals in the chorus, fast riffs, loud guitars, hard hitting drums, and huge hooks. These girls are ready for the limelight and representation in pop-punk is sorely needed.
PRECIOUS PEPALA - “LOOKING FOR TROUBLE”
Rising English act Precious Pepala is already making waves with her impressive voice and storytelling. At only 17 her latest single “Looking For Trouble” tackles a tale as old as time, but with a refreshing honesty, Millennial/Gen Z relatability, and a soulful pop vocal delivery beyond her years. Precious is certainly one to watch.
Madison Cunningham - “Revealer”
Revealer is the new album by artist, singer, and songwriter Madison Cunningham. While her sound may feel familiar with its heavy notes of nostalgia plucked throughout. Her vocals, lyrical delivery and choice in words and wordplay is all fresh, she’s throws in her many influences from Jazz, Pop, and even Alternative Rock. Her Folk-Americana sound is uniquely her as she often touches upon the anxieties of her generation, the hopes, the fears, the highs and lows. Which is what I asked her about when I got the chance during a small presser last month. What has been the most rewarding experience for her so far? Despite Grammy noms, doing a NPR Tiny Desk Concert, and performing on late night shows. Cunningham said opening up for Harry Styles was it. She was in awe of how gracious his fans were even taking the time to learn her songs. Although, I have a feeling some were already fans.
To stream “Revealer” go here
Duncan Lawrence - “Electric Life”
While the “Arcade” singer new single subject matter is quite heavy. It’s song about loved ones who have passed on and the transformation of deep sorrow to hope about it. Duncan masks the sorrowful nature of the song in dynamic, warm, 70s inspired sonics. The artist creating what is ultimately a bombastic tune.
You watch the music video which he directed himself here.
Buzzy electro-pop band VALLEY have an infectious and optimistic pop anthem out titled “The Problem Song”. Non-binary Bedroom Pop artist Khai Dreams returns with a new track and animated music video for their vibe heavy track “Bugs”. Queer singer-songwriter Darren Hayes (who you might recognize from the 90s band Savage Garden) makes statement in the power of vulnerability laying reclamation to the word “Homosexual” by naming his new album that title. Vancouver artist EKKSTACY drops his new album “Misery”, an album that explores Alternative music and dark side of it and life. You can also watch the music video for his latest single “I’m So Happy” here. For fans of the pop vocal or the group Pentatonix you can check out Scott Hoying’s debut track “Mars” here.
Lastly, there’s new music out from pop artists like North London’s Natalie Shay, Salt Lake City’s Addison Grace, and Canada’s Rêve. The last three all have a penchant for great storytelling that under pin either catchy beats, great pop hooks or euphoric melodies.
CONCERT REVIEW + PHOTOS: GLASS ANIMALS AT HOLLYWOOD FOREVER
The new(ish) Indie Pop/Rock band are one the industry’s most exciting live music acts
Indie Rock quartet Glass Animals brought their groovy brand of heat to Hollywood Forever on Sunday with the ‘Dreamland’ tour. It’s a funky blend of nostalgic meets vaporwave that permeates the album but the shows as well. The tour featured the Electro Pop newcomer Binki as the opener. He played a short and engaging set closing out with “Heybb!”. A song you’ve most likely heard from its prominence of being in an Apple iPad commercial. While his energy was great, it was clear the crowd was there for Glass Animals (many didn’t arrive until they were on). The Indie Pop foursome comprised of childhood friends Joe Seaward, Ed Irwin-Singer and Drew Macfarlane is anchored by the feverishly bold lead singer, Dave Bayley. All walked out to a stunningly loud crowd full of cheers and energy that was ready to dance. Bayley who held a captive audience all night was also ready to party with us. He hovered somewhere between bewildered and emboldened, in awe of the crowd. Opening up the set with the futuristic lullaby “Dreamland”. Which segued into the tribal drum-heavy dance bop “Life Itself” & the island tinged “Tangerine” to kick off the party. Glass Animals tore through a 17 song setlist with such aplomb. Some of the major set highlights were the tour debut of “Poplar St.”. Where Dave Bayley forgot the lyrics (it had been a while) but powered through like a pro. “Space Ghost Coast to Coast”, which Dave remarked was a bit eerie playing in a cemetery. Their new track “I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)” is truly the ultimate dance party. They closed out their fun albeit spooky two-day residency at Hollywood Forever with a two-song encore. Of which included the bands’ breakout hit “Heatwaves” and the glitch-inspired “Tokyo Drifting”. Overall, Glass Animals displayed exciting musicianship. Their knack for writing super catchy lyrics with dynamic pop hooks, all transferred brilliantly into a live setting. You can check out my photo gallery of the show below.
SAM SMITH SETS THIRD ALBUM ‘TO DIE FOR’
New Album 'To Die For' Due Out May 1st...
Singer Sam Smith has announced a third studio album titled ‘To Die For’. The upcoming album is available for pre-order here and is due out on May 1st via Capitol Records. Sam also dropped a new single from the upcoming record. It’s a confessional track of the same name which dropped this past Valentine's Day. This evocative piano-led track features a softer vocal take from Sam (and a bit of vocoder). We find Sam ruminating over a time of self-discovery and heartbreak for them. It’s a quietly stunning track that’s full of pain and emotion, something that their known for. The music video echoes that sentiment with some added Sam Smith quirkiness. ‘To Die For’ was written by Sam, their long time collaborator Jimmy Napes, and Stargate, in Los Angeles. You can view the music video for it below.
https://youtu.be/POIK1H3L86k
Stream ‘To Die For’ here
HEY VIOLET // CONCERT REVIEW + GALLERY
Pop Rock band Hey Violet delivered an highly energetic and fun set at The Troubadour this past Thursday (May 30th), to an enthusiastic crowd of fans. The opener was Pop R&B newcomer Sage Charmaine whose stage presence was effervescent, her songs spunky and fun. Yet it was clear the audience was there for Hey Violet. The band having just released two new singles "Close My Eyes" and "Better By Myself". The latter which I reviewed here. The band walked out to massive cheers and a crowd that knew every single line and lyric. Lead singer Rena Lovelis voice was surprisingly sweet set against Electro rock numbers and she overcame the slight sound issues earlier in the set very well. Her crowd interaction was amazing. Rena shook hands, gave hugs, and handshakes as she sang even jumping into the crowd at one point, nearly causing some of her fans to freak out. For Hey Violet crowd interaction with fans is key. The band despite how young they are, are all pros. Rena's sister and drummer Nia Lovelis is lively on the drums and the back-beat of the band. Guitarist Casey Moreta is a jack of all trades in Hey Violet truly rounding out the band. The addition of touring live bassist Hayley Jane Batt (who had to learn 15 songs in a week) rounded out to a high energy and fun show at The Troubadour. Check out my gallery from the gig below and the full set list as well.
HEY VIOLET // The Troubadour Set list
All We Ever Wanted
Brand New Moves
Better By Myself
My Consequence
ODD
Queen of The Night
Pure
Unholy
Guys My Age
Where Have You Been (All My Night)
Close My Eyes
Viva La Vida (Coldplay cover)
Clean
Break My Heart
HEY VIOLET // Socials
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Thanks to Capitol Records for the invite out!
Don't forget to subscribe to my emails and like always for the latest and best in music, entertainment and pop culture be sure to stay tuned with The Reclusive Blogger!
Until then,
Brittney x
MYYLO // “CYBORG” - SINGLE REVIEW
Myylo, the Nashville based emerging pop singer-songwriter dropped his new single 'Cyborg' today. The uber catchy song mixes the singers penchant for idiosyncratic lyricism, catchy hooks, unique melodies and his notable falsetto. The song evokes the spirit screw ups in love and heartbreak oh so well leaning into the singers whimsical vibe, where he often draws inspiration from not only classic 70s singer-songwriters like Carole King to pop artists of today such as Kim Petras and Rex Orange County. The Twilight Zone intro to the song says it all and truly introduces you to Myylo as an artist.
"One thing I'm proud of with this song is that it manages to address something heavy while sounding joyful. I'm literally wishing I could talk to God to figure out why I F'd things up with my ex. Its like, yeah, my personal life may be a dumpster fire right now, but we're still gonna dance about it and laugh through the tears." - Myylo
Listen to Myylo ‘Cyborg’ -https://open.spotify.com/track/29zBLebxWlO4CBuZp59ZJZ?si=ldKUSnfqR7aHmx32uTqQ4gMyylo Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myylomusic/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/myylomusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyyloMusic/
