Spencer Griffin's New Music Mondays

 here they are: "Buzzkill" by Jobi Riccio:  Before I begin this review, I want to say that I had the pleasure of seeing Jobi perform this song and others of hers live at a place called Healing Force of the Universe! I barely knew about her back then, but she did an amazing performance, sounding somewhere halfway between Joni Mitchell and Linda Ronstadt, but for the indie-folk generation. Though most of Jobi's material is rooted in folk and country, "Buzzkill" has that biting indie/alt edge to it, which is probably part of why it's ended up being her breakthrough single! The lyrics are also very relatable, especially to young adults! Jobi goes through being different ages in the song (21, 23, 25) and noting how, no matter how old you get, life can still feel incomplete and dissatisfying. Jobi herself is the "buzzkill" in the song. Her wry, self-deprecating humor combined with bittersweet observations on life make this song a winner! "Dime"...

 here they are: "Eternal Love" by AVTT/PTTN (The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton):  Did you ever think that a member of a rock group as heavy as Faith No More would get together with a group as roots-y and bluegrass-y as The Avett Brothers?! Well, now they have!! The song is mostly in the Avetts' direction of bittersweet bluegrass-rock, but the surprise synth solo in the middle is likely Patton's idea. The Avetts have done plenty of reflective songs, but it's a fresh new road for Mike Patton. The coolest part?! It works wonderfully for him! Well, for both of them, really. Such a reassuring song for these increasingly dark times! "Loser" by Tame Impala:  Not to be confused with the Beck song of the same name, Tame Impala's "Loser" is an interesting tune. It takes Tame Impala in a new direction with a fresh funk-rock sound! The song's sound is somewhat reminiscent of "Fame" by David Bowie. Beneath the song's funky heartbeat l...

 here they are: "Arizona" by Palmyra:  Named after a song by fellow indie-country-rock group, Houndmouth, Palmyra's "Arizona" has a similar vibe to the band whose song they were named after! Arizona itself often gives one images of dry desert land and vast canyon mountains, and the song "Arizona"'s traveling-down-the-highway country-rock vibes go right in line with the state it's named after. The town of Sedona, Arizona, is mentioned in the song's first verse, and that might be a subtle nod to the title of Houndmouth's most popular song. What separates Palmyra from Houndmouth is how Palmyra has an openly neurodivergent member. Guitarist and mandolinist Sasha Landon is bipolar, and they have written about it in at least one song of theirs. I look forward to reviewing that song if I ever get the chance to! "Back to Friends" by sombr:  New Yorker Shane Boose, better known as Sombr, might only be 19 years old, but he has the wisdo...