Three genre-bending new tracks that command your attention with excellent production and performance

Iona Luke – “Existential”
-The lyrical core of this song is about only ever getting to be one person. What a thought!? In a world with so many being self obsessed, this track laments the reality of not getting to be someone else. The genre is alt rock (mostly) with elements of folk, pop, and a heavier, noisy rock element. Honestly, I’m here for the layered guitar production that gives it a bit of a grungy energy, especially on the chorus. I mean, how can you sing about existentialism without a bit of dissonance? The lyrics are captivating and layered in their own way. I’d say give this a fun spin for the music, then a serious spin for the lyrics, and a third spin to let them both hit you. It’s so good.

The Bruins – “Sun Rays”
-There’s trend here in the past few years of pop music with bossa nova influences. I think the rhythmic style in the opening of this track has that cool jazz energy to it. The vocal is solid, telling the story of how someone special makes the lead feel. The timing changes partway through, feeling like a bit more of a straightforward love song. What I like most about the production (other than the ear-catching timing shift) is the way the song blends easier listening elements with this driving energy. It’s a parallel to the lyrics in my opinion, how you’re just chill doing your own thing until you meet someone who just absolutely shifts your focus… changes your step, your own rhythm. Anyways, maybe I’m riffing a bit too far off the main here, but I just mean to say I feel it. Y’all keep killin’ it.

Zuffalo – “Digging a Hole”
-I haven’t heard a song like this in a really long time… and if you click play you’ll hear what I mean. It has 60s rock vibes with some snappy contemporary production elements that make it pop. I hear an organ and some excellent bass work. If you’re on board with the Red Clay Strays (on the Americana side) and groovy blues like Allen Stone (on the soul/blues side) then you are going to really enjoy this sound. I’m honestly just thrilled that people still make music like this. The production on the chorus with the blending of the organ, vocal harmonies, riffing guitars, and snappy drums all make me feel like I’m listening to a delightfully high definition time machine. I’ll be putting this one in my personal rotation.

Image courtesy: Iona Luke IG