Whether it’s acoustic, eclectic, jazzy, pop-based, dancey, R&B, or ambient, there’s something about music that brings out so much feeling with its narratives. This round-up captures so many different sounds from different types of artists, but there’s one thing that brings it all together. Even with one track that doesn’t have lyrics, there’s a lot to think on and explore when it comes to what they portray.
Tracy Spuehler – Greener
‘Greener’ is a really beautiful acoustic ukulele track detailing words that Tracy Spuehler’s father left behind before his passing. It starts with simple uke strumming with gorgeously produced vocals before rounding things out with some simple bass before fading back and introducing some percussion. It has a really pretty baseline melody with vocal harmonies that just add to it, and it uses a bit of simplicity to carry things along. Lyrically, the words left behind are important to hear for everyone. It’s about seeing the beauty in the world around oneself, loving one’s family, extending kindness, and seeing optimism for the future. It also delves into the topic of finding comfort in death and the other side.
Marta Valadon – Bus To Nowhere
With its nostalgic production style and jazzy baseline, ‘Bus To Nowhere’ feels so nostalgic while still being fresh and new. The bass and guitar trill along softly, a saxophone taking the instrumental lead, interspersed between the vocals. The sway that it has is nothing short of entrancing, and there’s a piano that enters later. Overall, the music is really full with all the aspects, but they all enter and weave around each other in a way that still delivers clarity. This track feels like an adventure, which makes sense, as it details an adventure. It’s about being drunk on a bus with no specific direction, taking in the sights, and experiencing the atmosphere.
Arclights – Town In Fire
‘Town In Fire’, in one word, can be described as groovy. It has a nostalgic funk aspect to it that delivers an addictive bounce, and its dynamic flow offers up a rush forward. It’s energetic and exciting, and it bends and punches along with such intention. Additionally, the lower points have an anthemic nature to the vocal and great instrumental atmosphere. The synths and funk guitars are so cohesive, and the mix and production make everything super crisp. At around 02:46, there’s a bit of a thrashy guitar solo, too. Lyrically, ‘Town In Fire’ is about feeling stuck in a world where everything is basically on fire with no escape. It’s about how everything is a rush toward destruction, and how it seems like no one is turning things around.
Ant Chulo – MOUNT TRASHMORE
‘MOUNT TRASHMORE’ is atmospheric R&B that utilizes soft percussion, reverb-laden guitars, and some atmosphere-filled pulsating synths as a backdrop for introspective vocals. There are some more background vocals in the bits interspersed between the main vocals that pair with a more synth foreground in a way that feels like soft interludes between the rest of the track. This track feels like deep thought set to music, and the vocals are a bit of a spoken-word foreground rap that carries a narrative-focused vision. Also, it fades to nothing at around 02:53 before completely switching things up and pulling back the vocal pace for a super dreamy outro. Lyrically, it’s about trying to build something beautiful from a relationship that feels like it’s turned to turmoil.
Ship Says Om – Water Prayer
‘Water Prayer’ rests in an absolute atmosphere. The synths build a sense of meditation, and the opening vocal hums flow so smoothly before adding more harmonic layers, filling out the guitar, and adding natural sound effects in a way that captures its vibe well. There are sound effects of birds and water droplets that float around in the mix, which, when paired with headphones, make everything super full and lifelike. There are no lyrics in this track, but there is a lot of emotion behind it. Its soft flow feels like the sweetness of rest, something to think on. This is an ambient track that feels like a meditation in itself.
Judas – Lying Thief
‘Lying Thief’ is like the next level of LGBTQIA+ dance pop. The bass is really strong, the vocals have some great rhythm, the flow is dynamic, and so is the production. This track would be perfect to bump in the club, as it has a really punchy flow. Also, though the bass is strong, and the instrumentation is buzzy, the vocals still find a way to take the forefront without taking away from everything else. The mix is dynamic, sounds moving from ear to ear, and this really pulls out all of the colors and life in the music. When it comes to the lyrics, ‘Lying Thief’ is about pulling people in with one’s own allure, and it uses religious references, which plays into the artist’s name of Judas.
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Pixabay
