These are the top four tracks for the week of May 3-9.
Apnea – Currents
Currents second single off their upcoming album proves again that they are not a one-hit-wonder, instead bringing the riffs, the heavy, and the breakdowns double the amount this time. These guys are more than just your average chugcore band, creating inventive riffs, atmospheric guitars, all while being monstrously heavy. These guys continue to impress with me with how technical they can get, making this one of my most anticipated albums of the year. This song showcases their incredible songwriting, as the structure doesn’t feel tiresome at all. It has elements of straight forward metal, nodding towards their influences, before going into a neck breaking breakdown. The only thing I don’t like about this song is the end, as it feels too abrupt, and almost lazy. However, my guess is that this song will go right into the next one on the album, and so they weren’t sure how to phase this song out without doing so. Despite that minor detail, this is a song I will revisit over and over, mostly while I hit the gym. It goes hard.
RIYL: Invent Animate, Structures, Forevermore
Pretty – Don Broco
Don Broco continues to amaze me with each song they put out. They have a way of creating the tastiest riffs, both for guitar and bass, and they just get stuck in your head. I fell in love with this band upon listening to their song Whole Truth back in 2012 where the harmonies and creative musicianship hooked me. They’ve only grown since then, becoming more experimental and branching out into funky territory. Their hooks get stuck in my head all the time. This is a band you either love, or you can’t stand. Obviously, I’m in the former category, but I fully acknowledge they aren’t for everybody. That being said, give them a shot, as they are definitely different.
RIYL: Lower Than Atlantis, Twin Atlantic, Deaf Havana
Whetstone – Conveyer
These dudes show some serious progression from their previous work by signing to Victory and dropping this album, proving them to be a mainstay in the melodic hardcore scene. This song honestly sounds like a b-side from a Capsize record, and I mean that as a compliment. Part throwdown hardcore, part minor chord beauties, Conveyer scream their way through emotional downfalls in this song. Though this definitely isn’t new territory as far as the genre is concerned, it is rather small, and so another voice is a welcome addition to a genre that deserves more recognition.
RIYL: Hundredth, Capsize, Counterparts
Want You Back – HAIM
I discovered Haim on SNL in 2013, and was amazed at their songwriting and harmony. Both of these trends continue in their new singles, and the three sisters show progression by reeling back their rock and roll from the first album, revealing a more soft rock/R&B influenced style. This song really could be found in a late 80’s/early 90’s album and nobody would know the difference, as there are serious influences from Tom Petty and Michael Jackson in this song. The yearning of the lyrics call a pureness of love to mind, and it’s glorious. I think everybody will dig this song, and the beautiful harmonies in the song.
RIYL: Lorde, Tegan and Sara, Florence + the Machine
Alastair Heinrichs 