With Halloween creeping ever nearer, we were tempted to go for tracks on the more ghoulish side this week, but there were just so many great alternatives out there we went with what we enjoyed the most. Below are our picks, showing off some great songwriting, structure, and warmth within soul, indie, pop, and country. As always, click the pics for a listen.
Areej – Guided
West London-born Moroccan-Sudanese musician Areej lets go with the beautiful neo-soul of Guided. Her settled yet playful sound grows against fresh beats, warm piano and jazz influences that slide into your consciousness and overtake your mind. Set against poetic lyrics and honest tones, the track discovers those first cracks of light in a moody grey sky. A fresh and delightful sound.
Retro Video Club – Boys Like Me
Based on letting go of all that holds you back, Boys Like Me from Retro Video Club is a pulsating, feel-good indie tune that has swagger and power. With delightful builds ups and a coming-of-age energy, the guitars glow, the vocals provide guile and the chorus hits hard and fast. It’s just one of those tracks you need to play loud and proud to burn off a bad day or difficult situation.
Scoobert Doobert – Wavy
Scoobert Doobert’s second time on New Music Fridays and well deserved. Wavy is a collab with singer Celeste Krishna who brings in a subtle yet prolific flow to the track that moves forward in a dreamy, idyllic way. The bass takes a walk all over the track as the drums hold the sound steady, helping it feel like a nice, warm hug. All-encompassing and dreamy pop.
Benjamin Dakota Rogers – When I Do Die
From the countryside of rural Ontario, Benjamin Dakota Rogers creates a wonderful mix of country flows and starry-eyed nostalgia on When I Do Die. Full of beautiful harmonies, warm vocals, and Americana stylised heartbreak, the track saunters forward without a care in the world, just intent to tell its sorrowful story. This one will stick with you for a long time.
Leave a comment