Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6PYXvhXcuSi2kihB7p1TVd?si=4DunKe5nQoe34L73XHMc2Q 

Madelaine’s picks

1. Local Natives – “Right Down The Line”
2. Young the Giant – “Mind Over Matter (Reprise)”
3. Adia Victoria – “Ain’t Killed Me Yet”

Indie-rock band Local Natives are impressive with their cover of “Right Down The Line.” The song was originally performed by Gerry Rafferty and comes from the artist’s 1978 album “City to City.” Local Natives keeps the original lyrics and catchy melody, but puts their own spin on it by incorporating heavier drums and some electronic elements. This version and the original are worth adding to your summer playlist.

Young the Giant is a rock band that formed in 2004. “Mind Over Matter (Reprise)” comes from the band’s 2015 album release “Mirrorball / Mind Over Matter (Reprise).” The best way to describe this song is powerful. Everything blends together seamlessly; lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s dynamic vocals, a rock ‘n’ roll-inspired track and gospel-like background vocals.

“Ain’t Killed Me Yet” is the latest release from Adia Victoria. Victoria’s sound is a mixture of alternative, indie, rock blues and Southern gothic. This is one of Victoria’s softer songs, allowing the listener to really hear the distinctive raspiness of her voice.

Sean’s picks

1. Fresh – “Going to Bed”
2. Totally Cashed – “Sport Drink”
3. Beabadoobee – “See you Soon”

“Going to Bed” by Fresh is a new release this week from the British indie and pop-punk band. This song highlights a more indie rock side to the band, and is an exciting direction as the third single from their upcoming record releasing this summer. 

“Sport Drink” by Totally Cashed is a track that highlights just how promising local acts can be. Totally Cashed is an up-and-coming band based out of Chicago with a very interesting and loveable twist. Lead vocalist “Trash” holds both a love for music and bagels, baking dozens to sell at shows in place of traditional merch table items. This new song shows a very exciting peek into what is to come from the rapidly growing band.

New single “See you Soon” by Beabadoobee is one of airy and dreamy vocals by the singer, with a warm instrumental track that captures a lot of the beauty of mid-’90s while blending her own style into the track with familiar drum machine loops and synths toward the end of the track. Overall, a great new indie song from the British singer-songwriter. 

Daija’s picks

1. Gabrielle Aplin – “Ready to Question”
2. Bon Iver – “Brackett, WI”
3. Stephen Sanchez – “Until I Found You”

“Ready to Question,” from Aplin’s debut album “English Rain,” explores going back and forth in your faith and wanting certain questions answered. This song, along with the rest of the album, has an indie-folk sound with deep and powerful guitar and piano instrumentals. Through the powerful instrumentals, you get to feel how frustrated Aplin is when it comes to faith and how complex it is. 

Justin Vernon, the lead singer of Bon Iver, is known for writing about locations that mean the most to him, especially places in Wisconsin since he grew up and resides there. Brackett is where Vernon went to school, so in this song he details coming to terms with the past and how time is a weird but beautiful concept. “Brackett, WI” features Bon Iver’s usual bass guitar instrumental but it’s not too loud or powerful; instead it’s more calming. 

Sanchez is a newer musician, getting his start on TikTok after one of his songs went viral on the platform. “Until I Found You” is about feeling out of place and insecure in a relationship, but after taking some time away, realizing that you’re meant to be with that person. The song has a ‘60s slow dance sound to it and I like to compare it to “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” by Paul Anka.