Worm Grew A Spine- Elias Ronnenfelt

Some may know Elias from Iceage, which is how I know of him! Sooo we are the same. But he has been teasing this debut album of his and phewwww these drops are good shit. I am recommending “Worm Grew A Spine” because it just came out and also I think it can ease you into the other singles. My best friend described it as; he made a “song that sounds like blur in this one chord change.” It doesn’t really sound like blur, even in the chord change, but it is still so awesome. He has an amazing cadence and the instrumentals are just so great. The track feels like a moving train that you must hop on. If you like what you hear please listen to his first single “Like Lovers Do.” Such a great song. Like wow. Genuinely on repeat, everyday. It’s so country in the least American way possible, which really makes it awesome. A disgustingly sweet love song that makes you maybe believe in love, just for once. Cannot wait for this record! Keep up the good work Elias!

Links and recommendations:

Bandcamp: https://eliasronnenfelt.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-glory

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

Real Deal- Honey Glaze

I would put this record under my “Artists” page butttttt I think Honeyglaze has a little more to give after this release. I have taken note of Honeyglaze since their first Speedy Wunderground single releases. They dropped their debut self titled record in 2022, and I didn’t really like it. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good record, but not good enough to have me write about-if you catch my drift. I still caught up with them briefly through instagram, and I am glad I did. Because when that announcement came for their debut single from their sophomore release, I listened immediately. And I am so glad that I did. “Don’t” might still be my favorite Honeyglaze song to date. The baseline is magnetic, the drums are punching, and the lyrics are delivered brilliantly-jabbing in that final hit. Also if anyone is as nerdy as me, Jerskin Fendrix makes a cameo in the music video 🙂 The lyrical content haunts me daily, making the entire song an absolute masterpiece. It was a new side to Honeyglaze I had never heard, and it made me so fucking excited. Several great releases followed until finally being blessed with the “Real Deal,” Honeyglaze’s sophomore record. The record flows so beautifully, a completely harmonious project. It provokes the complexities of navigating the intense world around us. The instrumentals shimmer and dazzle on every song. It is enticing, and personal- yet beautiful. An intoxicating release that is well due for their discography. And I can finally say that Honeyglaze have faux proven themselves to me as The Real Deal.

Links and Recommendations:

Favorite songs: Don’t, Real Deal, Pretty Girls, and I Feel It All.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/honeyglazemusic

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

Grow a Tongue In Time- Man/Woman/Chainsaw

I wanna go in depth into Man/Woman/Chainsaw but until they drop their EP I won’t!!! But I did get to see them live and yeah, they are gonna be huge. Got to speak with a couple of them after the show and they were just genuine people. Really one of the most exciting bands emerging right now. I will cover their semi-latest release, because covering “What Lucy Found There” would be very late to the party. Even though that is still my favorite song by them. But I am ready for more!

“Grow A Tongue In Time” released on August 28th, 2024. It is a beautiful sentiment of jealously and agony. Shy and elusive, it digs deep into a frightening space of loneliness. The lyrics are antsy and upset. Comparison is at the forefront, reminding you of the destruction such thoughts bring. But it is all backed by gorgeously devastating violin lines, fluttering guitars, and powerful vocals. The song remains sweet, calmly allowing a slight spiral within the substance of the vocals, and yet keeping everything together brilliantly. It is a sick lullaby tormenting those isolating moments alone. From what they have released and those songs I heard live. Man/Woman/Chainsaw can be elaborate, strong, and punchy. And they do that very well. But because of their usual ease at complicated multi-instrument delivery, I wanted to highlight a more mellow release. A personal ballad which proves the versatility of a band with still much more room to grow. I have been very excited about Man/Woman/Chainsaw for a while now, and that excitement only builds. Cannot wait to see what they have in store!

Links and Recommendations:

Bandcamp: https://manwomanchainsaw.bandcamp.com

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

They are about to embark on a headline tour in the UK. Catch them if you can. I can only say great things from what I’ve seen.

Pale Blue Dot- Moreish Idols

Okay so, I am writing about this because it’s motherfucking Speedy Wunder 50! If you don’t know why that is so important and exciting, I can’t help you love. But yeah, I’ll write about this release and then Moreish Idols will get the full synopsis they deserve on the “Artists” page. Stay tuned!

An exciting new single from Moreish Idols, “Pale Blue Dot” lives up to the exciting 50th single from the label who does it all. Starting in classic Moreish Idols fashion, it is simple, sweet. The vocals build up into a harmony chanting “We don’t know,” allowing the instrumentation to build up into the acceleration. And yet it grounds itself for a moment, or a second verse… The song twinkles. Shines through every single crack in the walls. It is a comforting hug, it is a sweet kiss on the cheek. It is the groove in which has been ingrained in you from a previous life. It follows and echos, circulating around in your head. Gracefully gliding through the song you can’t help but imagine a beautiful summer day. A field, some peace. In “Pale Blue Dot,” Moreish Idols are at their best. The groove is so tight, both vocal lines comforting and guiding. The best word that I can gather to describe this song is bliss. It is a blissful song, it ignites the beauty in life. And for fucks sake, it is the 50th Speedy Wunder single, that means something to someone (me).

Whole lotta links:

Get the 7″ straight from the source: https://www.speedywunderground.com/shop/singles

Bandcamp: https://moreishidols.bandcamp.com/merch

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

Cartoon Darkness- Amyl and The Sniffers

If you don’t know why Amyl and The Sniffers rock so hard please give them a listen. And due to their well deserved notoriety, I don’t think I need to say much about them. This new record has been a wonderful addition to a sound they champion so greatly. “Cartoon Darkness” is angry, spiteful, mean, honest, and even vulnerable. I saw a video of the band playing the song “Tiny Bikini” at some live recording thing, and the comments were so fucking tragic. It was on instagram, but no one got it. Which is awesome but also a bit upsetting.

Instead of writing more about the record, I am just going to share my favorite lyrics from the song “Jerkin’” Because Amy speaks her mind in such a beautiful way. It’s blunt, it’s real, and I think we all have felt that way before-but have been too afraid to say it.

“You’re a dumb cunt
You’re an asshole
Every time you talk you mumble, grumble
Need to wipe your mouth after you speak ’cause it’s an asshole
Bum hole, dumb cunt
You are ugly all day
I am hot always
You are just a critic
And you want to hit it
You are fucking spiders
I am drinking riders.”

Links and Recs:

Favorite songs: You should not be doing that, Jerkin’, Doing In Me Head, and Big Dreams.

Big band got a website: https://www.amylandthesniffers.com

The instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylandthesniffers/?hl=en

Waxwing- Sorry

If anyone has known me for a bit they know I’m a huge Sorry fan. Like who else was there for their iconic apology. Yeah. That’s what I thought. Whatever.

I was more than excited to see a new single from my favorite duo! Especially when I have overplayed “Anywhere But Here” so much I think I could probably perform the entire album by memory. Anyways. This song has everything that makes Sorry so great. A little distorted vocal intro. Clashing synth/guitar sounds. Desperate vocals, silly lyrics, catchy melody. Smooth and groovy rhythms. Making it an instant classic. The music video is so awesome too. The song is another journey into the twisted world of Sorry, and I loooove it.

Lyrics are really great on this one as per usual. Never thought I would be outwardly singing a sleazy confession towards Mickey, you know, the mouse. Or is it about the mouse? I don’t know.

I’ve been desperate for more music from Sorry so this has made me so very happy. Can’t wait for more. It’s going to be incredible. I’m gonna listen to it everyday and it’s going to be the soundtrack of my next couple years. AS PER USUAL. I AM NOT SORRY.

Linkss:

Music vid: https://youtu.be/2I1th_ZXuyk

Website: https://sorryband.co.uk

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

I Can’t Wait Until I’m Old- Flip Top Head

The latest single from one of the most consistently fabulous band in the game right now. “I Can’t Wait Until I’m Old” is devastatingly nostalgic. It is a statement, an anthem, for us stupid young people. The trombone line is regal, heroic. The bassline walking all over the brushy drums. As per usual in a Flip Top Head song, the instruments slowly come together until finally uniting into a consistent melody. And as per usual, that melody gets broken in a punchy build, a dramatic bridge of sorts. To which the song can finally commence into it’s full, grand potential. Finally resolving with the repeated vocals and accompanied bass. The lyrics are a subject matter in which I have not heard much about from any band currently. Within the current societal pressures around preserving youth and living while you’re young. Hearing a song about treasuring those small moments of aging is really beautiful. And when combined with the already brilliant nature of Flip Top Head, I am constantly in awe of the new ideas they are bringing to the table. Just genuinely nothing but great things to say about this band-and this song. And well although I haven’t really thought about it before, I can’t wait until I’m old!

Links and such

Bandcamp: https://fliptophead.bandcamp.com

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

I wrote another post on these legends under my “Artists” page. Check it out. Probably lots more praise/posts in the future for these guys.

Crispy Skin- Squid

Squid is back baby!! YES! YES! YES! I fucking love squid and have loved them since that first day Bright Green Field debuted. They have consistently kept up a discography of absolutely marvelous music. And their new single, “Crispy Skin” is no exception. The song begins with a classic shimmering Squid intro, full of glistening synths and other atmospheric sounds. And yet again in classic Squid fashion, they lock into a tight groove almost at random. This isn’t your average groove (it’s the global one… hahah get it?) but something much more complex. The guitar lines oscillate between the brushed hats. Every member plays their own individual riff and yet it all fits in so beautifully. Regardless if it’s the lead melody or some crushed chords, it plays an integral part to the song. Around two and a half minutes in the songs quiets down, just vocals and the guitar. With narration surrounding the mystical “Crispy Skin”, you are let in and yet still left puzzled. And before you have time to get comfortable with the quiet. They start building that groove yet again! It creeps up on you, familiar yet strange. And it runs you through the remaining verses and choruses. Something is always so ominous about Squid lyrics, like a story you forgot to read the first chapter to. In “Crispy Skin” the lead singer, Ollie, circles back to the chorus of “Am I the bad one? Yep, yes I am. Thought it could change me. Well, here I am.” I’m sure there’s a very intelligent meaning towards the song which the lyrics hint at. But at surface level, with no analysis at hand-they rock. Almost a supervillain esc type of monologue. But sang through Ollie Judge’s iconic voice. For the last minute or so of the song, the groove is broken. Into this funky legato sax-synthesizer lead breakdown. A absurd yet perfect ending to another classic song by Squid. These guys are absolute legends and have just given me something to look forward to in 2025. The third record is going to be phenomenal-if this single is just a taste of it.

Squid is the best live band right now. Or at least that I’ve seen. Catch them at a show.

Links and such:

They got a sick site: https://squidband.uk

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

Nerves- ear

Okay so this has been one of the songs I’ve been most excited to write about since I started this blog. And you real indie-heads will thank me later, because this song is the song of the fucking decade. I got the pleasure to hear this song before it was released and stream it anonymously before the public. But it’s here! And it’s amazing! From the second you press play, a vibrant synth hits you right in the face. And for such an attack, you still feel comforted, you feel warmth. The rustling sounds build, into a sweet simple melody. The two voices guide you, as the drums are introduced, into the promise land. There is a sweetness you can’t deny. “Nerves” is like a hug from an old friend. Quiet little “e and ahhs” follow, shifting along the melody at random. And then, a drum break, now where will it lead? The lead synth comes in full swing. Blaring out your speakers. Drums following obediently. This single melody allows you to encompass yourself with the world the song has so far created. It feels like running free on a field. Like swimming in the sea with your loved ones. And finally, we hit the proper chorus of the song. Gorgeous lead vocals speak of a subject yet not quite in reach. Avoidant, secret. Following a brief synth-vocals line we are lead into the meat of the song. The beat gets punchier. The synth more groovy. Gun loading sounds and other effects highlight certain beats. Now you’re in the party. This huge moment glides all the way until the somewhat abrupt ending. Yet it ends just how it should. “Nerves” gets me nostalgic for times I haven’t yet experienced. And yet long for all those special moments I have stored within me. Certified pick for your next houseparty. With an incredible first single, ear is looking like the next best electronic duo to look out for. I’ll stay tuned for pretty much their whole career, but that’s a personal thing. They are making new classics. Love ya ear!

Links and suchhhh:

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

Music video might make you cry: https://youtu.be/Ks8PKFjzuoU?si=hKWSXIsOr04EreLm

this is my california- Mary in the Junkyard

Most post ironic song I’m writing about maybe, possibly? I’ll get to that later… I love Mary in the Junkyard so much and had the pleasure of seeing them live over the summer. So phenomenal. Every single song they have put out has been pure magic. And this latest one might be one of their best. “This is my California” starts unassuming, a picked guitar leading a crescendo of sounds. Until the drums hit, and start the meat of the song. The soft vocals traverse the calming instrumentals. The lyrics, in harmony, cling on warmly. It is simple. Sometimes only bass and guitar, being accompanied with the now reoccurring lead guitar riff. A change is imminent after the lines “But everyone is holding me down.”, the song unravels beautifully. A calming presence of gorgeous instrumental atmosphere and some “ooo’s.” When the vocals return into a second verse, they are full of magic. The high harmony is child-like and soft spoken, with the lead becoming more aggressive-while still maintaining that gentle tone. And yet again the song is due for the strings to untie. This time around it is prompted by the ever so familiar “But everyone’s holding you down.”, a slight change of lyrics, one that hits harder than before. The breakdown (/chorus?) that follows is heightened. I noticed a glistening violin (I know they play the viola though…that’s what I saw live… so maybe viola..?) texture. Parading over the sparkling instruments below. The remainder of the song flies by like a dream. The vocals are long and echoing, the guitar solos, and the violin/viola takes a slight intrusive approach. Despite it feeling like a memory that could go on forever, song ends with a unison harmony, lead by the two gorgeous vocals that have blessed us throughout the song. It’s a really cute song. Okay now I have to say… As a now notorious Californian/ Los Angeles girl. This song is awesome. The insane dig at California within the lyrics is actually crazy, but I get it. If I lived like them in London I would fucking hate California too. It just killed my hopes and dreams of seeing them live in LA. I guess I have to fly to London again… Oh that sucks 🙂

Anyways great work Mary in the Junkyard. Killing it as per usual. Can’t wait for more! Go see them live they are really really wonderful.

Links and the usual:

Bandcamp: https://maryinthejunkyard.bandcamp.com/track/this-is-my-california

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

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.

Paths- Addie Alaimo

I’ve been patiently waiting for this release. Over the summer I think I heard this song over five times at Addie’s shows and just craved it being on platforms so much. But finally! It is here! Yay!

“Paths” is sentimental, it is yearning, and it is so beautiful. The song begins with a comforting piano, warm and rich. Slowly the drums start to kick and the song begins to rumble until it is in full swing. The most memorable part from all the times I saw this song live has been that main guitar riff. A simple arpeggio that tugs at your heart strings. The second guitar clashes and erupts at all the right moments. Perfectly marking the heartbeat of the song. It is strong, and a crucial driving force in the song. Addie speaks of lust and hope, denial and despair. Missing someone your entire life, and wondering how it is back east. The instrumentals perfectly compliment the more fiery aspects of the song. It all flows together, taking you through the emotional rollercoaster. The harmonies are sweet, with the addition of some spoken words behind the final chorus, planting the songs impact even further. This song has been out for less than a week and I already know all the words. It feels so familiar, for many reasons I cannot divulge. Addie has a special gift that she plants into every single one of her songs. It’s not just the incredible voice, and great instrumentals. Every song Addie puts out tells a story, a confession of sorts. It transports you to exactly how she is feeling at the moment. The type of storytelling you want to narrate your own life. Addie is a wonderful person in and out, I can infer… How would I know 😉 Anyways, keep up the fabulous work Addie. Shoutout Riley Schemedman for his musical genius contributions to the track. Real deal legend. Can’t wait for more. In the meantime I will be listening to “Paths” everyday. Love ya Addie! Can’t wait to see you soon!

Links bro:

Bandcamp: https://addiealaimo.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-stella

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