In this back-to-school time, it’s time to hit the books in (we hope) the most fun way, with 3 Songs You Have To Hear! Here’s some fresh new things to study up on, from electronic diversions to dreamy soundscapes, and don’t worry, with your only homework is to give these tracks a listen, this’ll be an easy A:
“MACHETE” by Power Snatch
It’s maybe the busiest creative era in Hayley Williams’ history (at least in my memory), and it’s maybe-maybe not a coincidence that it’s also during a time where she’s fully embraced the indie (as in, non-major label) musician lifestyle. Fresh off the heels of her most recent solo album she created a new duo, Power Snatch, with that album’s producer Daniel James, and in continuing fast-and-loose fashion EP2 has now hit Bandcamp shelves. (That’s currently the only place you’ll find it as well). Opener “MACHETE” takes some of the electronic influences of the duo’s previous work (as Power Snatch and otherwise) to more downtempo-meets-rock places, which only makes me wonder, who will be the first act to pick up Williams for a trip-hop album feature?
“Linda’s Head” by Helen
More than a decade since their debut album, the Pacific NW trio Helen return this year with Linda’s Head. This is the band outlet for Oregon ambient-folk stalwart Grouper (aka Liz Harris), and her instantly recognizable voice floating over the band’s shrouded, lo-fi sonics are a perfect fit. If you’ve ever wanted to hear the tape hiss-fueled, expansive aesthetic of Grouper taken to more propulsive, dark dream pop places, then Helen is exactly the band you’ve been looking for.
“Goose Steppin’” by TTNG
Emo and math rock fans rejoice! Not only have UK genre-leaders TTNG returned for their first new music in a decade, original vocalist Stuart Smith is back on record for the first time since 2009’s Animals (or 2018’s Animals Acoustic if you count album-reimaginings). The band a dual-vocal group now (with Smith’s replacement Henry Tremain sticking around on co-lead duty), TTNG’s whirlwind guitar acrobatics are just as spellbinding and remain a great contrast to Smith’s gently soaring vocal (now with a great harmony partner in Tremain). Anyone still poring over each odd-time bar of their 2009 highlight is bound to feel like this reappearance is like a homecoming of sorts, this writer included.
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