August is starting, so it’s time to make some new playlists. Here’s an eclectic range of 7 tracks, all here to give you a diverse musical listening portfolio for the month. No matter what you like, there’s sure to be something here that pulls you in.
Jack Horton – Never Know Why (feat. Vesper Stockwell)
‘Never Know Why’ cuts in with gorgeous bright vocals by Vesper Stockwell resting over well-mixed piano and bass. Then, strings enter the mix to build into a sound that meshes fullness and a heartfelt vibe well. Then, Jack’s vocals cut in with a nice rasp before building into gorgeous vocal harmonies. It’s a very orchestrated track with modern influences. Lyrically, it’s about being in deep love and wanting to keep said connection with the other.
Olie Beckett – Hawkeye
‘Hawkeye’ is here to prove, once again, that though Olie Beckett is young, he is up-and-coming. The instrumentation in this track mixes an infectious bounce and emotional pull, and the vocals follow suit as they’re loaded with emotion. The production in this track is stellar, the vocal layering adding a lot to the overall sound. The instrumentation tends to be softer at times, which allows the vocals to take the stage. Lyrically, it gets into a narrative of heartbreak and hurt from another as change ensues.
Strange New World – Clarity
‘Clarity’ is a psychedelic-inspired indie pop track with a dynamic mix and soft vocals that build into vague dissonance to build a sense of intrigue. The bright guitars give a sense of atmosphere, and the buzz of the bass helps deliver further introspection. It’s dynamic but holds a moderate pace, which allows the music to seemingly float in the minds of listeners. Lyrically, this track takes on a poetic tone, using natural references and lines such as “drowning just to get some clarity.”
Gordon’s Grandson – KISSING
‘KISSING’ works with an exciting bass drive and reverb-y guitars with filtered punchy vocals to give a punky indie sound. That being said, it has a catchy pop twang to it. The instrumental dynamics here are great, with a quicker bright synth noise taking the stage at some points and more bass tones taking the stage in others. Even the guitar lines in this one are infectious. The lyrics in this track capture a fiery passion and falling in love with another in a way that leads into a physical connection.
ghost singers – Lost in Time
The soft acoustics and raw production of ‘Lost in Time’ give it a very thoughtful sound. The vocals have a brassiness to them, but they still have a sort of softness to them. Additionally, synths cut in and out of the atmosphere to add color and introspection. The guitar moves forward beautifully, and this track brings a gorgeous hybrid of folk and pop. This single is said by the artist to be about being chased by invisible forces through time from the perspective of someone who struggles with schizophrenia.
Dr. GO – Ave
‘Ave’ is another track by Dr. GO that takes his signature futuristic atmosphere and adds vocals that sound a bit classical. It builds something old and new, seeming to share a musical tale of ancient civilizations from outer space. Though the vocals aren’t the focal point here, it seems to share a narrative through the cinematic sound alone. This track gives another kind of EDM. Rather than a constant rush, it ebbs and flows in wonder.
KRAMON – Back Last Summer (feat. Hunter Hawkins)
‘Back Last Summer’ is a jazzy indie pop track that utilizes a full-band sound with dynamic instrumentation and a great vision on how the highs and lows in energy should be delivered. There’s something cinematic about the rises and falls in this track, and the brassiness of Hunter Hawkins’s vocals also mixes with a bright resonance. Lyrically, this track captures a tale of reminiscence and nostalgia. Though it also gets into the idea of forgiveness.
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Jess Bailey Designs
