Fresh Tracks: 8/4/23
New songs from Big Thief, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Jordan Klassen + 6 more
Are you out there? It’s me, your internet farm cat. I have some new songs for you that I found out in the back-40.
Smoke DZA, Flying Lotus & Black Thought, “Drug Trade”
I admit it: before hearing “Drug Trade,” I had no idea who Smoke DZA was. But collaborate with Flying Lotus and Black Thought on the same track, and you have my attention. The result is much more true to form than I expected with F.L. involved—but in a good way. I could sit on that groove all day.
Yard Act, “The Trench Coat Museum”
Leeds band Yard Act might associate themselves with the British post punk of the day, but in they’re latest release, “The Trench Coat Museum,” I’m hearing the accent of Arctic Monkeys combined with LCD Soundsystem and loving it. Dancey, suave, a little noisey—the kind of indie rock that can make a club get real sweaty.
Troye Sivan, “Rush”
Speaking of perspiring on the dancefloor, this house track from Troye Sivan deserves “song of the summer” status. Every year, we get to add one track to the obligatory wedding playlist. Can this be the one for 2023? Please.
Bombay Bicycle Club & Holly Humberstone, “Diving”
Bombay Bicycle Club: the ‘10s band that deserves more critical acclaim than they receive. Are they just not moody enough for you? Too joyful? That’s no excuse.
“Diving” is a perfect example. It gets your body moving, maintains your interest with its dynamics, and then singer Jack Steadman (with the help of Holly Humberstone) gives you and auditory hug with that voice.
Far Caspian, “Commuter Repeating”
If moody’s what you’re after, here you go. Far Caspian (aka. Joel Johnston), another Leeds-based artist, mumbles like a shoegazer while chugging away on his reverbless guitar like he didn’t the genre’s memo. It works.
Big Thief, “Vampire Empire”
Big Thief can do no wrong in my books, but a good piece I read the other day by
about the multiple versions of this song and how toxic the relationship between musicians and their fans can get was the final thing that convinced to include it here.Keep doing your thing, Big Thief. No notes here.
Jordan Klassen, “Cocoon”
Full disclosure: about ten years ago, for about six months, I was in Jordan’s band. Does that mean I can’t sing this song’s praises? If it does, I don’t care. It’s worth breaking the rules of music journalism (whatever those are).
Words normally used to describe Jordan’s sound: clean, orchestral, sensitive, tender. “Cocoon” offers all these things, but also, guitar spasms? Tension? Anxiety? Klassen adds these new colours to his palette with an expert hand. Can’t wait to hear what comes next after hearing this one.
Flyte & Laura Marling, “Tough Love”
If there’s one trend in music partially encouraged by streaming platforms that I’m thankful for, it’s the expanded use of collaborators and “featured” artists into other genres besides hip hop and pop. This track brings a real dream team of modern folk together, and I couldn’t imagine it working out any better.
Tim Baker, “Twenty Twenty”
I’m a firm believer in Tim Baker. The Hey Rosetta! frontman went solo over four years ago now, and I love how he’s expanded out of the band’s Canadian indie-gang sound into solid songwriting akin to early Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Billy Joel (with a Maritime twist).
And that voice! “Twenty Twenty” puts it on display nicely. It’s a voice you want to start and end of your day with: pure, honest, and deceptively powerful. Come to think of it, it’s a good introduction to next week’s “sea” theme for Ponytail Picks. See you then!
You know how this works.
Share the songs that have wormed their way into your brains. What’s the algorithm fed you lately that really nailed what you needed to hear right now? I want to know.
I didn't realize I was subscribed to a bona fide rock star.
I dig that Smoke DZA sample and will check out more. Also: Black Thought is among the most underrated emcees ever.