I Really Like This

ARTISTS

Tapir! Girl Autumn:

For such an anticipated release; “The Pilgrim, Their God and The King of My Decrepit Mountain”, could be the best album that came out in the first half of this year. But that Janurary release has not yet sunk in until this autumn season. Maybe it has something to do with the more dreary fall energy creeping into my life. Or maybe it had to do with the fact that I was lucky enough to see them live in a random festival in Ipswich, which I really shouldn’t have been at (I do not live in England, let alone have ever been to Ipswich, but this isn’t about me). This record which consists of three “acts”, has really been able to capture the small beauties in life. It’s strangely wholesome in the most upsetting way. Tapir! manages to paint a sparkling world through their music. And real life struggles to keep up with their ethereal world. Listening to a song like “On A Grassy Knoll (We’ll Bow Together)”, takes you to a gorgeous space in which everything will be alright. Tapir! create an atmosphere I have never listened to before. It is comforting and glistening, it is a fresh perspective on how to navigate those rainy days. The stories told through the record carry a coherent tale to guide you along the beautiful sounds. If anyone asks what I’m listening to this fall, it’s Tapir! But to be honest, I will probably listening to them in the Spring, Summer, and Winter. I will leave you with a Tapir! quote that kills me to read/listen to; “For a second there, I lost my head. So I’ll sing to you instead.”

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: Broken Ark, The Nether (Face to Face), and Hallelujah Bruv.

Support them on Bandcamp: https://tapir-exclamation-mark.bandcamp.com

England and Europe can probably catch them live, keep up with the gram. https://www.instagram.com/tapir_band/?hl=en

Soooo Medieval:

A lot of you people do not care about Blue Bendy and it really upsets me. I will very quickly touch on their 2022 EP Motorbike which caught me by surprise, in the best way possible. “Clean is core” is a ridiculous track that keeps pushing you through some beautiful springs, while the vocals keep you remembering what a world we really live in. “My mum’s on twitter, I roll a sigh.” We’ve all been there. Another highlight from that EP is “Settling; Cool.” Definitely a great listen.

Okay now it’s the real deal of them all, I can’t say this is my favorite record of the year but there’s a lot of me that believes that to be true. There’s something fucking magical about this record, I really wish I could explain. Is it the tone of the lead singer’s voice, the lyrics, or the jumpy-dreamy instrumentation? I cannot pin down a single thing as making this record so great. It just is. And I believe we need more of that in the world. Other than the fact this record came out on the same week as my birthday, which maybe cosmically has something to do with my love for it. It is not a piece of music that took time to grow on me, I loved it straight off the bat. Although most great records take a year plus to become classics in my head. The natural glide through each song allow those too familiar feelings of loneliness and confusion to be highlighted in a hopeful light. To analyze the lyrics would be a whole different post. They are on the nose, personal, and yet abstract. Many lines will make you chuckle if you listen closely (and don’t care about bands being “relatable”, give it a break, it’s great), but there is some great storytelling in between those lines. In a weird way I feel that this record has come out at the most perfect time, it is a wonderfully 2024 record. The highs of the record feel euphoric and the lows quite frankly make you want to crawl and wallow in your own sadness. I could continue to write about how much I love this record, and Blue Bendy, but I’ve done enough. They’ve supported Squid and Cola, so they are out there, please catch them live for me. Because I doubt they will arrive to the states soon, but I can keep hoping.

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: Listen to So Medieval all the way through please and thank you, you won’t regret it.

Sell out their bandcamp: https://bluebendy.bandcamp.com/album/so-medieval

Annnddd the gram: https://www.instagram.com/blue.bendy/?hl=en

Why Dura Mat(t)er(s):

This is a short post because Dura Mater is a band I like to describe as “On the Come Up.” Meaning exactly what it sounds like. They have some releases, that’s how I found them, but nothing distinct. I will draw my reference from their 4 song EP titled “Arable Ground,” which is a collection of their current discography. But let me get this straight. They are fucking incredible. Probably the most on the come up of them all, or at least they should be. The title track “Arable Ground” is a phenomenal song, enough to make you an instant fan. They have the classic unison motif repetition which sounds so good with the several instruments at play. I mean obviously. And it builds swiftly and so intensely, culminating at an extravagant end. The track “Umbrella Tree” is a whole lot of complaining, but in a “British post-punk way,” which works. Okay!? And the final track on the EP is “She Took The Pig.” Genuinely such a sweet song. A very simple tune, with the lead singer’s voice alternating between sweet singing into the more low-tone speaking voice. You are walked through a tumultuous journey involving a very interesting pig. And if that doesn’t sound enticing, I don’t know what will. Anyways, I will be on the lookout for more music because Dura Mater is up to no good-in the best way possible.

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite song: Arable Ground-will make you an instant fan.

Bandcamp: https://duramaterband.bandcamp.com/album/arable-ground

The Gram: https://www.instagram.com/duramaterband/

Also they are playing with Flip Top Head (will write about them soon I promiseeee) on November 16th, at Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney. If you live in London do yourself a favor and attend that show, you are welcomed in advance. I’ll be at home crying red blooded American tears over missing such a lineup.

Babymorcco and the cusp of Jean Paul:

Okay! First electronic music artist on this blog and hell yeah its Babymorcco!! So I will just talk about the songs of his that I really like and why I like them. Unfortunately there are Babymorcco songs I do not like, so I will not be talking about them. Let’s start with possibly his best release ever?! “Really Hot” and “Crazy Cheap”. Two certified bangers as they say. These songs will turn up any party, car ride, or afternoon walk. “Really Hot” makes you feel exactly like the name implies, REALLY HOT. I really love how in several of Babymorcco songs he disses people who want to be like him, who copy him. I sing along to those lyrics knowing damn well no one is out there copying my swag. But if I had Babymorcco’s swag, I would also protect it with my life, so fair play. “Crazy Cheap” is an absolute party masterpiece in my eyes. It has what I describe as a; off-putting beat that makes me wanna move my hips. Like getting down and dirty but in a quirked up way. It builds fabulously and the ending is just so rocking. Music video is also just so great. “SXC” is another Babymorcco hit that when played at a house party with my friends, immediately erupts the dance floor with the most unlikely group dancing it all out on the floor. There are beat changes, little interludes, and yet you cannot stop dancing. Babymorcco has been able to master the tasteful art of great party music. Everybody can get down to a song of his, and that is so beautiful. His delivery, lyrics, and bigggg beats manage to come together in making music that makes you want to dance, but is yet complex. Something that you can appreciate in the day-time, without certain substances and party environments, if you catch my drift. Now I will like to slightly touch on something that I know nothing about, Jean Paul. All I know (through instagram) is that Babymorcco is dead? or will be soon, and a new version will emerge called “Jean Paul.” I’m gonna stay tuned because although on his last leg, the Babymorcco we know and love can’t stop dropping hits.

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: Crazy cheap, Really Hot, SXC, London Honda Taxi- Superstar Remix, and Girlfriends

Bandcamp: https://babymorocco.bandcamp.com

He has an awesome instagram, you should follow for the content and music: https://www.instagram.com/babymorocco/?hl=en

Manning Fireworkssssss and MJ Lenderman:

The album everyone is talking about! From instagram to twitter, indie individuals cannot stop from expressing their deep love for the relatable, humble, singer-songwriter; Mark Jacob Lenderman. I can’t front, I was a smaller MJ Lenderman fan before this release. I knew a couple songs but not by heart, I respected him, but there was no passionate love and appreciation, yet. I got hooked on the album when my best friend played me “She’s Leaving You” when it had first released. The first aspect of the song that captivated my attention is the lyrics, the first of incredible songwriting moments from Lenderman that are inescapable after that first listen. A pretty immediate fan from constant repeats of such a release, slowly but surely several other singles started popping up anticipating the full-length record. Until on that fateful September day. “Manning Fireworks” lives up to the hype. And I truly mean that. It is a refreshing take on modern songwriting. It is confused, awkward, and upset in all the best ways. Lenderman walks you through the mundane world, but with the addition of little quirks only his mind observes. The instrumentals are folky, rock-y, and everything in between. You get a good dose of guitar solos as well as simple melodies. The balance of this album allows it to be nothing more than exactly what it’s meant to be. Personally, I don’t necessarily know what “that” is. The only man who can answer that is Lenderman himself. But the record is able to carry itself brilliantly through its obscene lyrics that you can’t help but chuckle about, because you get it-or at least you feel like you get it. It excites me to think about all that this record will bring to MJ Lenderman. It is exciting to see an artist making such beautiful personal work getting the praise he deserves. His tour is selling out, and I have been lucky to snag a ticket. I listen to this record daily since it’s release and will continue to for years and years. Nothing like hearing “This morning’s trying to kill me, this morning wants to kill me. Yeah you know I love my TV, but all I really wanna see. is see you need me. (Joker Lips) ” on a particularly tough day.

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: She’s Leaving You, Wristwatch, Rudolph, and You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In.

Website: https://www.mjlenderman.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjlenderman/?hl=en

Famous, Oh I love you.

No one knows this isn’t my first rodeo with “music journalism”, in 2021 I launched a now forgotten (even by myself) website in which I wrote about cool music. Sounds familiar? The first and only post I made was about Famous’ “The Valley,” which had come out only months prior. I wish I had any access of memory of where those words are but, I don’t. From my recollection of that time, I remember writing close to 2 thousand words about every little detail that made that record so great. The title was even “Make Famous Famous!” So as you may infer, I’ve been a Famous fan for just a little bittttt 😉 On that record there is a song which can only be referred to as a masterpiece, one that has been making me cry for three years now-“Modern Times.” In between all those wonderful lines there hides a secret. One that I paid no attention to until this year. One that would hint at the comeback no one expected. But my boy Jack would not leave me hanging like that. It goes just like:

“The party album’s herе, and it’s so much better…”

I mean I could end this post right here. Just telling you to listen to “The Valley” and take to heart that one line. But come on! I fucking love this band! So I will keep going.

The “Party Album” was released on October 11th, 2024. Which at the time of me writing this, was just under a week ago. Personally, any release from Famous takes months and even years to sink in. And every day that goes on, my reliance and dependance on these songs gets stronger. But I’ll write about this one now, because I’ve been waiting three years or something. “Party Album” is the fateful comeback for a band that is such a cult classic already, I can’t explain why. It is heartbroken, hopeful, distraught, and honest. It is everything that makes Famous the emotional journey that I know and love. Everything about this record puts you at odds with love. Everything about this record makes you appreciate love more than ever before. It makes me cling on to those brief glances, those starry nights, those moments alone in which you think “there must be more than this”. This is a record that I know will change everything. I am not superstitious with anything, except music. Sometimes you just feel like this one piece of music will change how everything will be. Or maybe it will just change how you see everything from that point on. I cannot keep rambling on how much Famous has impacted the past couple years of my life. But trust me, and don’t ask too much. Famous touches on every insecurity and fear that has briefly popped into your head. It reminds you to slow down, look around, and breathe. The instrumentals rotate between gorgeous melodies and erratic noise. There are several moments in which the instruments are closing in on you, and you cannot escape. There are moments in which you are guided by that fateful beat into a journey of no return. It’s become increasingly hard for me to describe why I love this band. And I am really trying over here. But the rest I’ll keep in my head. I saw Famous at their comeback show at The Windmill in England when I was visiting, and I’ll think about that night forever. Do yourself a favor. Give them a listen. And if you’re like me, without any intention or merit, they will change everything.

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: Cannot share this, almost feels too personal. And the “Party Album” is still too fresh for me. Listen to that record. Listen to “The Valley.” Listen to “England.” And just enjoy it.

Bandcamp: https://famous0000000000.bandcamp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/famous0000000000

Catch Famous live before they disappear for another three years…

Legss Bro:

Legss! Hell yeah! Legss has been a band I’ve loved for a good while. And I cannot fathom how they get better and better with every release, while still maintaining their spice I know and love. Within a short discography, they have managed to build a complicated and intricate “sound”. I find myself more often than I really want to admit writing Legss style riffs. But its more than their heavy, abrupt guitars, clashing between every beat. They have managed to write beautiful heartbreaking grooves, ones that flow magnetically with whispers and dramatic pauses. Their latest release, the EP “Fester” is an absolute masterpiece. They have phenomenally covered so many aspects of life in a distinguished manner. The title track “Fester” is a relaxing yet passionate song. It oscillates between heartfelt descriptions of a idealistic life. Until it all erupts into a tamed-yet aggressive breakdown all caused by the anticipated need for stardom. The breaking point in the song is categorized by the line; “I need to picture myself in a magazine.” An often under-looked aspect of fame, one that I can find myself daydreaming about. I could really break down almost song off that EP, analyzing every lyric that I can take to heart. But I won’t, not right now. “Doomswayers” and “Writhing Comedy” are the other two releases in their current discography. Both stand independently in being able to formulate the future Legss. I remember when “Doomswayers” was released, that first listen left me in absolute awe. To be able to so concretely nail such a complex undertaking was mind blowing. On every song, the big moments are huge, and the small moments are so eerily quiet. “Local God” of that EP is a startling reality check into the modern “band culture”, and how to cope with the madness, absurdness of reality. Later into the track, Legss creep into a very jumpy-groove, one that feels so headstrong-it might leave you behind. I again find myself obsessive over every aspect of the song. Every piece of the puzzle fits in so beautifully for Legss. And that isn’t without the obvious hard working musicians behind it. I can’t beat around the bush, they might be one of my favorite bands at the moment. If I could be in a perfect band, it would be Legss. If I could only write about one band forever, it would be Legss. They have been able to carefully construct a band that forces you to bow down at their will. Only Legss knows what they will do next. Only Legss know how to be the best version of themselves. They are in control of the beautiful chaos they began to champion. No song is wasted, every release is careful and intentional. As apparently their biggest fan (what I’ve realized through writing this), I am relating to every fucking word, and become so entranced by every little sound they make. I missed their London residency by one day, and I am still kicking myself about it. Legss is exciting, subversive, innovative, and so completely themselves. I could go on and really analyze every stupid fucking song they have released, and I will. Just let me know if that’s something you give a fuck about. I love Legss. And I feel very grateful that there is a band out there making the music that I find so necessary. I almost feel not worthy. But music is out there for those reasons, to make us a bit more hopeful about everything around us. As they are only getting started, I am anxiously awaiting what they will put out next. Knowing it will be just as good, and probably even better than the beauty they have released so far.

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: All of em? If it’s your first listen ever, listen to Local God and then The Landlord 🙂

Bandcamp: https://legss.bandcamp.com/music

They’ve been teasing a new record on instagram, keep up with that: https://www.instagram.com/legssssssssssss/

They are playing on Nov 1st at Old Blue Last in Shoreditch. Which should be a good ole time!

Bingo Fury:

Not really sure how I stumbled upon Bingo Fury. But I am so glad that I did. Another artist with a relatively small, yet wonderful discography. I will mainly be touching on the debut record “Bats Feet For a Widow”, because it really is, that good. From my eyes it is one of those records you have to listen to from beginning to end, in order to fully absorb everything that the music has to give you. It starts off beautiful, with murmuring horns, gentle piano, and comforting lyrics. Not for long. The aggression within the instrumentation make their most prominent debut on the song “Power Drill.” It is an anxious song, uncertain and unsure, stumbling through every second. Very immediately the record takes full force, every song is there to show you a different aspect of Bingo Fury. The lyrics are personal yet fantastical, unawareness and confusion are pinned down between every corner. I mean, I don’t know a “Mr. Stark” myself, but Bingo Fury will tell me alllllll about it. There is a level of excitement in every single song, anticipation for what comes next. The instrumentals gracefully carry you through the unfamiliar terrain. They jump and frolic, bounce up and down your ears. Bingo Fury nails down a concrete story, breaching in every confidential sound necessary. It is dissonant and confusing, yet itches that exactly right part of your brain that needs scratching. The lyrics divulge, confess, while keeping everything sealed away nice and tidy. For an early 2024 release, I find myself craving more. But it all comes with time, I guess. Whatever Bingo Fury has next will be great, that I know. Whatever story is to be told, and how it may sound can only be something to eagerly anticipate. Bingo Fury, please keep it rolling in the magnificent way that you so brilliantly do.

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: Power Drill, I’ll Be Mountains, and My Cup Overflows.

Bandcamp: https://bingofury.bandcamp.com/album/bats-feet-for-a-widow

Instant Gram: https://www.instagram.com/bingofury/?hl=en

She’s my American Princess- Courting:

Courting! Yay! Yay! Was waiting to write about this fabulous band until I got to see them live. That was around two weeks ago and soooo worth the 3 year long wait. I’ve been following Courting avidly for a couple years now and I was so emotional seeing them live. But today for the artist page, I’m gonna cover what I think their past three “eras” have been. Kinda walk you through the Courting essentials and what led up to this point.

The first era of Courting is going to categorized very absurdly, I don’t mean this, but it gets the point across. Cringe Courting was entirely marked by the punchy beats and overpowered by on-the-nose, post-ironic lyrics. This era is marked by the release of the “Grand National” EP. I remember when I first took that listen when it was released, and oh yeah. It was the perfect time for those witty post-punk songs, I was hooked. I still think every song on that EP stands so strongly. They are catchy, friendly, communal, and comically irrelevant. Lines about having sex with Kanye or going to hell for streaming Shape of You, stick out in really memorable ways. This is the Courting I stood by, the Courting I introduced to my closest friends. When they played songs off this EP live, and so many years since their release. I was in shock, and I was sooooo happy.

Okay we move to era #2. “Guitar Music” era aka Serious Courting. I remember the day this record was released, and thinking “ohhhh shit, they just proved all the haters wrong.” This record still has all the aspects of Courting that make them a classic band, but taken to another level. It is clean, smooth, straightforward, and yet still goofy in all the right ways. We have classic Courting-esc songs like “Tennis” or “Famous.” But we were also gifted some new sounds, more complex, more in-depth. “Cosplay/Twin Cities” blew my mind pretty much immediately. Courting takes a new electronic clash feel, and its dark, its moody, its new. “Uncanny Valley Forever” might be my favorite song off the record. It is a beautiful almost 9 minute long ballad(ish) that tugs at every single heart string. The lyrics are perfectly relatable, and the instrumentals flow beautifully. This was a side of Courting I had never seen before, and oh how I love it. Also I like to think that I am the “American Princess” from the line “She’s my American Princess.” That’s probably my own journey to grasp, soz.

Next era! “New Last Name” was released in 2024, which at the time of writing this, makes it the latest Courting release. But I know that they are already planning on album three, which is gonna be sick!!! In “New Last Name,” Courting is grand, elaborate, and complete. We are introduced to a full length record, and adjacent storyline. From lust to lost, to marriage to regret. Most songs off this record have the now classic Courting up beat energy. Regardless of the subject at hand, the instrumentals will always jump around and frolic all over the song. The lyrics will still break that inevitable 4th wall, making references upon references. But this is the most coherent Courting record. Not a single song feels out of place, and yet they all can stand on their own. Since the release of this record, I believe it really could be in my top listened to of the year. It’s a perfect listen regardless of where you are, or what you’re doing.

We did it! We got through it! Yay! If you haven’t listened to Courting yet. Please give their silly music a chance. It will probably make you about 200% happier than you were before listening to them. I feel like that’s a promise.

Can’t wait for what they do next. Spoke to them after the show, and they mentioned another possible US tour next year. Oh you know I will be barricade at that show just as I was for the one not too long ago.

Love you Courting!

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: Crass, Grand National, Uncanny Valley Forever, Cosplay/ Twin Cities, Throw, We Look Good Together (Big Words), The Wedding, and Emily G.

Website: https://courtingband.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtingband/?hl=en

Go catch them on the road! It’s a good time, trust me.

Fuck yall I’m writing about Flip Top Head:

Okay so. Flip Top head and I have a really beautiful love story on how I discovered them. My first time in London, not to mention also my birthday. My sister and I decided to go to the one place we knew good music would be at: The Windmill! If you know you fucking know, like come on now. We didn’t know any bands on the bill we just went for a fun time. And what a fun time it was. About halfway in the lineup (or maybe second to last?), comes Flip Top Head. And they were fabulous, mind-blowing, incredible. I stood there clutching onto my drink in utter disbelief. And this was two years ago (at the time of writing, 2024), when they had literally one song out.

That song is titled “Seventh Bell Number” and after hearing that funky trombone line, I couldn’t get it out my head. I searched through the deep depths of instagram to find it, and relentlessly streamed it afterwards to satisfy the itch it left me with. It is dynamic, abrasive, loud, mysterious, and everything in between. The contrast between the vocals and instrumentals is utterly perfect. There is a bit of chaos while still maintaining a brilliant collective sound. It’s a great song. I don’t know what else to say.

Since that first release, they can’t stop dropping hits. I cannot explain it. Have not missed, not once. “Alfred Street” as a second single ever is just ridiculous. It is funkyyyyyyy, and soooo groovy. Even in the slower bits, the now classic Flip Top Head atmosphere is set. You are glistening within the sounds. The desperation and beauty of the vocals. The instruments complimenting each other so brilliantly. Again. It’s just such a good song. Flip Top Head is so great.

I was hesitant about writing about them on the “Artists” page due to the fact they haven’t released anything full-length yet. But let that be a testament to their brilliance. Every single release from them has been incredible. And since that fateful day almost two years ago, I have been growing an avid fan of this band.

Please listen to their entire discography. I covered a little of “Seventh Bell Number” and “Alfred Street” in this post. But please listen to “Intro 98/ 1st July 2006” respectfully and “So Much For Mole Catching.” I am writing about their latest release at the moment “I Can’t Wait Until I’m Old,” for the “New Music” page so check that out.

Flip Top Head has not released a single bad song. And that is a talent pretty much no band can claim. I will do an updated post on this lovely group once something full length comes along. But for now, let this incredible band steal your heart with just 5 songs!

Here are the links and recommendations:

Favorite songs: Everything they have out right now: Seventh Bell Number, Alfred Street, Intro 98, So Much For Mole Catching, and I Can’t Wait Until I’m Old.

Bandcamp: https://fliptophead.bandcamp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flipt0phead/

Eazy Peazy- Man/Woman/Chainsaw DOUBLE POST

Second M/W/C post on this blog!!! Lets goooooo! I told you this was coming… I have also posted this on the Artists and New Music page because that’s how I’m deciding to organize it. It’s my blog, I can do whatever I want.

The debut EP from Man/Woman/Chainsaw is here. And figuring out how to write about this anticipated release is eazy peazy… Get it?! This release has allowed them to fully show their versatility. Whether it’s the rotating vocalists. Or the oscillation between aggressive and sweet moments. Man/Woman/Chainsaw can do it all. The EP begins headstrong. “The Boss” and “Sports Day” are both blazing songs, pushing through every second of their allotted time. “The Boss” feels frantic, uncertain, and spiraling. You are being led through an intense story about escape and those trying to cause harm. The breakdowns are heavy, the builds rumble. “Sports Day” doesn’t miss a beat. The vocals, in perfect tone, complain of all sorts of personal faults. And yet when the band joins all together, they can’t help but showcase their sheer strength. The chorus’s are huge, the band becomes a beast of noise. “Maegan” is a really fucking sick approach to an interlude. It’s messy, and unstable. Yet shows an authentic side to the band. They can mess around, crate noise at random, not everything is carefully constructed. “Ode to Clio” follows next, the only song I vividly remember from their live show, prior to its release. It’s soft, gentle. From what I remember, Clio is the M/W/C violinist. And it becomes quite clear within this song. The violin guides the band along the most calm to the most destructive songs. The main melody is nostalgic and brilliant. It leads the band through every section of the song, through crescendos, breakdowns, and even the rapidly increasing tempo. I already covered “Grow A Tongue In Time” over on the New Music page so go check out that post. Great song. Really great song. Finally, title track. “EZPZ” really feels like the culmination of the EP, every great aspects of the previous songs are shining bright. The heavy parts are strong, tight, and powerful. The quiet is mischievous, knowing it to lead into massive drops. The vocal delivery is angry, standoffish, and so incredible. I recently tried to sing along to the chorus, attempting to imitate the melody. I found myself struggling to reach the power of the “Eazy Peazy” scream vocal. A really vigorous vocal delivery. So well done. Anyways. Man/Woman/Chainsaw is a band to watch! They are gonna be huge, I’m telling you now. Their early releases are just as incredible as their new music. “What Lucy Found There” might’ve been one of my favorite songs last year. And “Every Given Sunday” is a perfect track to accompany you on a turbulent Sunday in the countryside.

Man/Woman/Chainsaw shine and dazzle in every way. They’ve got a whole lotta great ahead of them and I can’t wait to listen to it.

Links and Recommendations:

Favorite songs: What Lucy Found There, Grow a Tongue in Time, and Sports Day.

Bandcamp:https://manwomanchainsaw.bandcamp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manwomanchainsaw/?hl=en

They are going on a UK tour starting 2025, go.

It’s a Cameron Winter, Winter. Baby.

I didn’t know it was exactly what I wanted. It crept up on me like an unassuming hug from an old friend. It reminded me the priorities in this filthy and fucked up world we live in. And just like everything in my life, quickly, it has become so complicated. Although recently I had a difficult time re-listening to this record. Within its short life span, it has captured the hearts and souls of everyone who can still feel something these days. I am back from my writing sabbatical, a much more knowledgeable, damaged, and yet still perfect girl 🙂 

Heavy Metal is the debut record by American Sweetheart Cameron Winter. Most notable for being the lead singer with the rock and roll cowboys of Geese. He has captured my heart back in 2020 with the debut Geese record, and keeps coming back for more. While the rollout for this record was taking place, I paid it no mind. Till the record came out. I was persuaded to give it an immediate listen. And on that fateful night, at like 3am, it hit me. 

Heavy Metal is for the lovers, the haters, and everything in between. A song like “Love Take Miles” is an instant classic. It takes you through all the motions in which love will tirelessly use and abuse you. And yet a trusty groove will reassure you-it will all be okay. In whatever sick way, the love we all claim won’t arrive without the games, the despair, and the joy. His lyricism is bizarre and yet draws quite nearly some of the best parallels I’ve heard in modern day songwriting. Lyrics like “I need my feet more than you do,” or “I need somebody sent down from the sun that talks to me how you used to.” This song is whimsical and bright. It embraces you and gives you a pat on the back for good luck. It is a ray of sunshine on a winter morning, you are not too sure what it means-but you’ll love it anyways. Showcasing his versatility, Cameron Winter has some seriously dark and upsetting songs on this record. They are mellow, unmotivated, and pessimistic. Guided along by a quaint piano, soon to escalate. And muted, harmonious horn lines. “Cancer of the Skull” is a standout on the record. Towards the beginning of the song, Winter is defeated, of sorts. Starting off lyrically with a now iconic “I am full of heavy metals. I am a heavy metal man.” Swiftly humbled by “I have work in the morning.” Just that three line exchange embodies the humanity of this record. Winter doesn’t allow himself to become obsessed with the sadness, or the happiness he may be feeling. These songs are not indulgent, they don’t take you away from reality. If anything, I believe this record is reality personified. It is a well rounded world. You can dream, hope, and pray within this world and the globe will still keep moving. Winter is not trying to be the only man in this record, he opens his heart and soul up for all the other people out. Those who feel like 0 dollars, full of heavy metals, and still love as hard as ever. I am not really talking about the musical aspects of this record because there would be so much to break down. Each song is constructed very carefully around a main melody, ones that escalate or die down within the song’s lifespan. Winter marvelously incorporates horns, strings, keys, and many other sounds I cannot pinpoint. I can’t draw references on what these songs sound like, I just let them be. And of course, the biggest highlight of the record, and probably Cameron Winter’s life; that voice. The day Geese put out “Cowboy Nudes” I said to my sister, “That man has the voice of a generation.” There were hints of his raw talent within the vocal performance on “Projector” but in “3D Country” we got to hear Winter fully indulge his talents. Cameron Winter has a voice you want to sing you to sleep, every night. I want him in operas, pop songs, and car commercials. I may be leaning towards a world where he just sings everything ever. There is an outstanding understanding of the power his voice provides. He knows how to soothe, or how to destroy. I can keep going but anyone who listens to this record knows Cameron Winter has a gift. 

Phewwwwww. Guys we are so back. What a good record to bounce back with. Please give this one a listen. Cameron Winter blew it out of the park with this one. God bless my stupid life allowing me to heal and break continuously to a record that has been out only a couple months. It is a special one already. I am seeing him live in just around a week and if you see me at that show crying my eyes out. Mind your fucking business. I need this. Nina knows why. 

Links and Recommendations:

Favorite songs: 0$, Love Takes Miles, Cancer of the Skull, and Nausicaa (Love Will Be Revealed). 

Website: https://mrcameronwinter.com

Bandcamp: https://cameronwinter.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-metal

The Instant Gram: https://www.instagram.com/mrcameron_winter/?hl=en

Ps. god is real 2025, I’m not kidding this time. I wouldn’t joke about this shit.