New songs for June 10th 2024

 here they are:


"Midas" by Wunderhorse:  A rather abstract and minimalist song, "Midas" is an interesting song with an equally interesting title! Unlike Wunderhorse's previous single, the more musically complex "Purple," "Midas" uses only four chords throughout. The lyrics to "Midas" are rather cryptic as well, never mentioning who exactly "Midas" is, and its verses seem to be just loosely strung together narratives that aren't really about anything. If I can gather anything here about Wunderhorse, though, it's how they seem to admire the '90s rock/alt aesthetic. It was featured plenty on "Purple," and on "Midas," the chord progression featured wouldn't be out of place in a group like, say, Toad the Wet Sprocket, or Gin Blossoms.


"Nowhere to Run" by Kings of Leon:  One of the slower KOL numbers, "Nowhere to Run" is a different vibe from the rollicking rock and roll of "Mustang" from earlier this year. The song has more of an "arena rock ballad" vibe in the vein of groups like The Killers and U2. There's also a bit more of an undercurrent of uncertainty in "Nowhere to Run," though the title alone is enough to make one cautious about just what might be going through the minds of Caleb and co. The song is a thrilling mix of fear and adventure!


"Sexy to Someone" by Clairo:  How is it that Clairo can sound so modern and so retro at the same time?! Her previous single, "Amoeba," sounded like Carole King updated for the club/neo-soul scene, and Clairo's latest song, "Sexy to Someone," seems to continue in this direction. Primarily a piano-based song, "Sexy to Someone" also features prominent flute and synth hooks interspersed through its verses. The lyrics of the song seem to tap into a desire that most of us have but are somewhat reluctant to share with others. That is, the desire many of us have to be...well...sexy to someone! Many of us want both an attractive body and an attractive heart to share with people we fall in love with, and this song reflects that desire perfectly!


"Walk Through Fire" by Yannis and The Yaw:  There really is someone named "Yannis" in this band! It isn't just some randomly concocted band name. It is, in fact, the side project of Yannis Phillipakkis from indie-rock sensations, Foals! YATY's debut song, "Walk Through Fire," does bear resemblance to Foals' music! The song's mix of a typical 21st-century indie-pop/rock sound and its funky, staccato rhythms are a defining sound of Foals, and it seems like Yannis hasn't left that behind for his side projects!


"Wanna Be Loved" by Red Clay Strays:  "Wanna Be Loved" shows a more country music-influenced side to Red Clay Strays, whose previous adult alt radio single, "Wondering Why," seemed more influenced by classic soul music. "Wanna Be Loved" has a roots-y country charm to it. I prefer "Wondering Why," but "Wanna Be Loved" isn't a bad followup. 





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