Here are my favourite four tracks that were released this week! (May 17-23)
Everything You Want Me To Be – Coldfront
Some good ole Canadian boys bringing the pop-punk. This song is a huge step forward for this band, and shows that they’re ready to take on the touring scene full force, as they’re putting everything they have behind this album. Great song, great structure. There’s no question these guys are maturing, growing, and progressing. I’ve always enjoyed the dual vocalist approach, and these guys nail it. The riff in the beginning is reminiscent of what drew me to this scene in the first place through bands like The Story So Far. The music video is great, bringing the Canadian out in them, and a cameo by LP’s frontman Jordan is a nice touch. I’m looking forward to this album.
RIYL: Like Pacific, Seaway, The Story So Far
May I Have This Dance Feat. Chance the Rapper – Francis and the Lights
Francis continues to cross my path through artists he collaborates with, and I’m now at the point that I think I should just follow his work, because everything I’ve heard is gold. This song is no exception. Francis is a smart dude, collaborating with the hottest rapper right now, coming off of two grammy wins. Chance is where it’s at. This song is absolutely beautiful. No two ways around it. A love song about dance wouldn’t work with any rapper other than Chance, and he fits the aesthetic of this song perfectly. Recently signed to Kanye West’s record label, GOOD Music, Kanye’s influence in the production is unmistakable. Ever the artist, Francis creates a piece of art in his music, his video, his use of dance and choreography, the colour grading/cinematography, and a myriad of other things. He thinks through it all. It really does call to mind Phil Collins in many ways, while remaining fresh. This song will be on repeat for a long time, believe me.
RIYL: Phil Collins, Bon Iver, City & Colour
Tommy’s Planet – CrazyEightyEight
The alternative music scene’s favourite comedian has decided to try his hand at serious music, and I honestly wasn’t expecting much. It’s no secret that Jarrod Alonge consistently collaborates with other more established musicians, so when he announced he had his own band, I, along with many, was skeptical. While we had reason to be, Jarrod and his bandmates in CrazyEightyEight proved us wrong. This song is great, and I find myself coming back to it over and over. Personally, I’m sick of the whole covers shtick that runs rampant in the scene (I Prevail, Our Last Night, Punk Goes…), so I don’t care for that covers EP they put out. But this original track shows what could be great about this band. This girl absolutely slays on the vocals, and I think she’s comparable to Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf fame. The influence of mid-2000’s metalcore is unmistakable, and is a welcomed sight in the current state of this scene. I love Jarrod as a comedian, but if he quits that and they do this band full time, I would love it.
RIYL: Flyleaf, Underoath, Pvris
Happy Judgement Day – Neck Deep
Neck Deep seems to moving towards a more commercially acceptable brand of pop-punk with these two new songs. They have much more of a bouncy feel to this song that brings to mind the early/mid 2000’s dominant years of pop-punk. They’ve abandoned the riffy-style of music they played for some more straight forward pop-punk, and that’s ok. And while I’m happy they are continuing to make music, I gotta say I’ll miss their version of aggressive pop-punk. That being said, the lyrical (political) direction of these new songs is heavily welcomed. It’s about time these bands start speaking out about what’s going on in this world, whether it’s Brexit or Trump or whatever. Seeing bands use their platform to express their beliefs, whether I agree with them or not, is something I think we all can benefit from. Plus, a dope key change makes the world a better place.
RIYL: Good Charlotte, All Time Low, New Found Glory
Alastair Heinrichs 