Tuesday’s Top Tasty Tracks
THE TOP EIGHT BRAND NEW TRACKS FROM FEBRUARY 20-26.
I’ve got 4 bonus tracks for this week because there’s lots of good music out.
Don’t Overdose and Drive – Happy.
Happy. have signed to Rude Records, and have released this as their first single. The song brings up the feelings from older early to mid-2000s pop-punk bands, from the grit of the guitars to the gang vocals to the simplicity of chords. There’s a lot of Weezer influence in this song. The song is short and sweet, and leaves the listener wanting to repeat the song once it’s done. Though the lyrical content is pretty heavy and feels out of place compared to the bouncy instrumentals they are sang in front of, the song is original in a scene of cookie-cutter bands, and if “Don’t Overdose and Drive” is any hint of what’s to come, you’ll be hearing about Happy. for a long time to come.
Genre: Pop-Rock
RIYL: Rozwell Kid, Joyce Manor, Free Throw
Keep Your Chin Up and Your Expectations Down – Settle Your Scores
Though there are a handful of bands trying to “revive” the easycore scene, none sound as good as Settle Your Scores. After signing to scene sweetheart Sharptone Records last week, SYS has released their lead single. Understandably, every easycore band will be compared to the juggernauts in A Day To Remember, but naming your song almost identical to one of ADTR’s most recognizable lyrics may not be the best approach. “Keep Your Chin Up and Your Expectations Down” is eerily similar to “Keep Your Hopes Up High and Your Head Down Low.” That small critique aside, Settle Your Scores has a catchy earworm in this song, with one of the best choruses in this genre in a long time. The song clicks along at a bouncy pace, and every instrument in on point and dialed in. However, where Settle Your Scores rises above is in the vocal department. Christian Fisher shines on this track, showing off his ability to write an infectious hook and great lyrics. All in all, this band is poised for success, and now they have the label backing to do it.
Genre: Easycore
RIYL: For The Win, A Day To Remember, Carousel Kings
Blemish – Greyhaven
From the moment the song starts, listeners know whether they’ll love it or hate it. Completely chaotic and mathy, Greyhaven hold nothing back on their new single “Blemish.” 30 seconds into the song, it shifts to a tapping guitar section similar to Oh Sleeper, only to shift to a down tempo dissonant chorded syncopation only 20 seconds later. What’s unmistakable is that Greyhaven keeps listeners on their toes in this song, but it never feels jarring or out of place. Every Time I Die is an obvious comparison, especially in the vocal department. But Greyhaven have something completely their own in this song. It’s groovy, heavy, chaotic, and altogether fresh.
Genre: Chaotic Metalcore
RIYL: Every Time I Die, Dillinger Escape Plan, Harp & Lyre
Psycho (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign) – Post Malone
Though many consider Post Malone overrated at this point (and they may be right), there’s no question that he is talented and is bringing a totally fresh blend of R&B and hip-hop to the industry that is relatively unmatched. This song heavily leans into the R&B side of his mixture, and it’s all the better for it. Excuse the lack of actual description, but this song is just so chill. The production is incredible, with all the small noises in the background sounding like a circus or festival, while the beat and use of synth just adds to the overall feel. Nothing takes away from this song, all things are working together. Ty’s feature is one of the best he’s ever done (and that’s saying something). He lays into the beat, hitting each downbeat with perfection. The song is wavy, chill and vibey, and is perfect for relaxing on a beach. Post Malone is at the top of his game, and everything he releases has been gold lately. Expect to hear this on your local radio station in the next few weeks.
Genre: R&B/Hip-Hop
RIYL: 6lack, Russ, Frank Ocean
In Between – Can’t Swim
Whether this is just a one off single, a b-side, or a single to a new album is unclear, but what is clear is that this is a great song. Can’t Swim continue their brilliance with this song, featuring soaring choruses and incredible instrumentation. There’s such an urgency in their writing that is so evident to listeners, making it almost irresistible. There are moments of rawness and emotion that most bands wouldn’t touch. “In Between” is an emotional track that is honest and regretful, but cathartic. Much like everything they release, this doesn’t cater to any crowd or genre, instead standing as a song of music and passion, and that’s truly what fans want from bands anyway.
Genre: Alternative Pop-Punk
RIYL: Have Mercy, Moose Blood, Manchester Orchestra
Inner Word (Feat. Michael Barr) – Dualist
3/4 of Elitist have reunited with new vocalist Robbie Gardunio under the name Dualist. “Inner Word,” the first single from the newly formed band features everything fans loved from Elitist: heavy music, tight riffs and energy. Robbie fits incredibly well into the formula the band has, and it sounds like they never missed a beat after Elitist. What makes the song a huge deal is the return of Michael Barr to the metalcore genre. Former vocalist of Volumes had a messy departure from the band, claiming he wanted to focus on his solo R&B career (which is incredibly good). However, it’s unmistakable that Barr has something special in his scream, and it’s a relief to hear him use his range again here. Many fans in the comments are hoping Barr finds another band to scream in, or at the very least do more guest vocal spots. This song is technical, it’s groovy, and it’s heavy.
Genre: Metalcore
RIYL: Elitist, Erra, Volumes
The Soundtrack To Missing a Slam Dunk – Hot Mulligan
Hot Mulligan are at the top of their game, and this second single off the upcoming Pilot showcases their abilities to write catchy, hook-laden songs. The guitar riff in the intro to this song is so well executed and catchy. The sad lyrics is something everyone can relate to: reminiscing about a bad break-up. The battling vocals of Freeman and Sanville set Hot Mulligan apart. This is what the emo genre has turned into: midwest indie pop-punk. And I am all here for it, because these kind of songs hit me perfectly. There’s an honesty in this type of songwriting that lacks in almost every other genre, and it’s shown in the imperfections. Nothing is polished, nothing is perfect, and everything is there for your approval.
Genre: Indie Pop-Punk/Emo
RIYL: The Wonder Years, Sorority Noise, Microwave
On My Teeth – Underoath
Save the best for last right? Well, the king and father of modern metalcore is finally back after a long eight years without new music. What’s most thrilling about this single is that Aaron Gillespie is back in the band, meaning the signature dual vocals of Underoath are also back in the forefront. While this song feels fast, and the guitar work leaves something to be desired (it’s fairly simple), there’s a lot to digest in this song. The drumming is incredible, and Dudley’s work on the keys is top-notch, as always. The production sounds crisp, and Gillespie’s vocals sound great next to Chamberlain’s cleans, as those have never existed on the same album before. Lyrically, it appears Chamberlain is steering completely into the anti-religious camp, which is fine for him, but at this point feels overdone in this genre. Every metalcore band has beef with religion, but nobody does it well. All that being said, this is the lead single, and probably their most accessible song (hoping for that Octane radio play?) and I’m confident the more complex and nuanced Underoath is still there, and there are moments of it in this song as well. But a new album has many fans excited, and I am right there with them.
Genre: Metalcore
RIYL: Sleepwave, The Devil Wears Prada, Bring Me The Horizon
As always, you can listen to all of the TetraT songs at this playlist here:
Alastair Heinrichs 