Wax Owls – “Overpriced Bullets”
-From the first time I clicked play on this track I got some early 90s alt rock vibes (in the vein of Oasis). I love the phrasing and style of the song. It feels like it’s got a familiar energy. The effect on the electric guitars definitely has an intentional alt rock element to it. The effect on the vocal on the chorus is meant to intentionally soar over the rest of the production. I like that it has this bright pop energy in the chord progression, all while feeling like a sound that wouldn’t fit into a conventional top 40 slot. It’s a great encapsulation of why the term “alt pop” even exists. This is a cool sound.
Georgie Winchester – “What’s the Matter”
-“I sang a song but you didn’t listen…” Well, I’m sorry for that guy, but I am listening Georgie! I am sure listening! I love the energy of this song; it’s got a heaviness that draws the listener down into the mire of the emotions in the opening. But if you stick around for chorus, there’s a rising energy to the “what’s the matter?” line that makes it feels like it picks up. Winchester writes about doing all these special things for a lover who was unappreciative. It’s a song that feels both like heartbreak as well as a “better off without you” story. The emotions are certainly relatable. I appreciate that it takes elements of pop music blended with rock, yet strangely doesn’t quite fit “pop rock.” It’s a song that is greater than the sum of its parts in the best way possible.
Young Rising Sons – “[Un]Happy Hour”
-If you’re looking for a toe-tapping upbeat rock song, give Young Rising Sons a spin. If you’ve ever gone to a happy hour after work with colleagues, the concept of this song will connect. The lyrical concept is about when you can’t shake the negative emotions, so you sit unhappy at happy hour. A lot of the imagery are these relatable concepts for contemporary folks certainly here in the US and probably a lot of places around the world. The rich production on the chorus with layered vocals and fantastic synth work gives the track an indie pop flavor that’s sure to resonate with a lot of our readership.
Image courtesy: Georgie Winchester IG
