Merry Christmas! Here’s an early gift, a diverse range of 9 new songs to explore.
Parlay Hunter – City Slicker (Harlem Nights)
‘City Slicker (Harlem Nights)’ is a rap track with a funky and futuristic sounding beat and diversity in the sound of its rap bars. The chorus is super catchy and has a flow in its pacing, and the verses bring in some harder bars. In general, the bars match some smoother and more punchy tones, and it builds into a dynamic sound. The lyrics have a bit of a biopic style, exploring the life of the artist. That being said, it’s an anthem of self-confidence that looks forward to the come-up.
Bruklin – Good Cry
‘Good Cry’ is a synthy pop track that works with energy but uses reverb to create a sense of dreaminess and introspection. This track hits the note of modern pop energy well, as it stands out as an emotional bop with a lot to relate to. The vocals are crisply produced and they have a great flow, but there’s a punchiness and power before them. Lyrically, it explores pain, or more so the need to process pain. It expresses what it’s like to go through something and not be able to share or cry over prior hurt.
Sara Diana – all up in my head
‘all up in my head’ works with a bass-driven synth instrumentation that hits in with a drone which controls the pacing and energy well. It has a bounce and energy to it, however, it doesn’t take things too fast. This is helpful in allowing the vocals to stand out with their quick hits, bends, and riffs. The vocals get a chance to stand out well in this track, and it shows a lot of dynamics in both the sound and tone. The lyrics share yearning over someone who’s seen with a rose-colored lens in one’s head due to past experiences and connection.
Sara Diana – filthy happy
‘filthy happy’ is placed in the same EP as ‘all up in my head,’ “CAN’T BE FAZED”. This track serves as a stark contrast to the last. The instrumentation is based mainly on piano and some soft electric drum sounds introduced later on. It has an overlying softness, but there’s a point when bass is introduced, then electric guitar, and the energy flows upwards as elements are added. The vocals hit an alto sound with a mix of percussive flow and harmony, but then there are some smooth belts in there. The lyrics are about breaking free of the darkness of the world to find happiness in one’s own story.
Nick Deutsch – Christmas With You
‘Cristmas With You’ hits a nice shiny holiday-filled note with bells, and an optimistic sound. The bass in the instrumentation stands out in smoothness, and there’s a moment of brass that adds warmth like that of a fireplace. What probably stands out the most are the vocals. They work seamlessly between a higher soft falsetto and a brighter chest voice, and the dynamics are astounding. The lyrics share all about the beauty of Christmas; eggnog, holiday movies, and snow. But, it shares that the most important part of the season is having a loved one there to enjoy it with.
Danny Hamilton – Down the Line
‘Down The Line’’s bass riffs and lines start up the track well with a good sloppiness. Then, after the lyrics hit the instrumentation picks up adding guitar and percussion. The pace has energy to its flow, and that energy picks up when things move on. The vocals work with some rock-influenced growls but a western bend. At 02:26, the instrumentation takes the stage with some vocal “ahh” sounds in the background with an intricate piano riff that brings a lot of groove into things. Lyrically, it explores a tale of someone not allowing themself to fall into bitterness and to define themself in a different way.
Jon Hayes – 27
‘27’ has a soft folksy sound that works with some electric elements to add more color to things. The synths bring an introspective atmosphere, and the guitar riffs and lines seem to float about in the atmosphere. There’s a smoothness that brings a bounce in as percussion is added to the mix. Then, the vocals have a nice rasp to them but give an anthemic tone to the track. The lyrics do great at capturing an introspection on growing older and how fleeting time can feel.
JoDavi – I Want You To Miss Me
‘I Want You To Miss Me’ has such a gooey R&B sound with dynamic instrumentation and focus on the smoothness of the vocals and their riffs. This track has really great pacing, and there’s something about the way that the sound has little instrumentation at points and other points with more elements added. The sound this track holds is nothing short of exciting, and each new section doesn’t fail to give the ears a reason to listen further. At 03:21 there’s a trumpet section that does great at giving a little bit of an extra punch. The lyrics explore a voice who misses a former lover and gets in their feelings. It expresses that it wants the other party to miss them in the same way they do.
Jen Ambrose – Plenty of Nothin’ to Do
‘Plenty of Nothin’ to Do’ uses blues sounds with electronic instrumentation. The percussion in it does a great job at pacing everything and building a swing while taking a spotlight in the instrumentation. Then, the bass and guitar are placed well in the mix to stand out well, and there are piano and organ-like sounds that add more life. There is also a bit of brass which brings a nice buzz to things which works well with the buzz of the guitar. The different parts of the instrumentation cut in and out in a way that makes things interesting from front to back. The lyrics highlight the fact that getting out of a relationship can have positives, such as not having much to focus on and more time for oneself.
Written by Sage Plapp
