Laufey – “Seems Like Old Times”
This track from Icelandic-Chinese, Grammy-winning artist Laufey is onomatopoetic. By which we mean, self-referential, or perhaps, meta. Titled “Seems Like Old Times,” the lyrics describe the nostalgia one may experience when reunited with a past lover… And the song itself does indeed, sound and feel like “old times,” as it is expertly crafted in the style of smokey jazz lounges of yesteryear. Catch Laufey’s tour in LA later this month, with support from Suki Waterhouse. (P.S. It’s pronounced lay-vay. You’re welcome.)
Bar Italia – “Fundraiser”
This twangy track from collaborative singer-songwriter trio Bar Italia features ultra-indie guitars, room-filling cymbal smashes, and alternating male-female vocals to keep you stimming in a protosexual, tingly kinda way. Nina Cristante, Jezmi Tarik Fehmi, and Sam Fenton made this excellent single the opener on their album, and named the album (out now) after a classic film about another fabulous trio: Some Like It Hot. LA folks can catch them at the Bellwether in November.
Hannah Judge, the artist behind Fanclubwallet, belies the seriously challenging reality (a bout of chronic illness) that inspired this excellent late summer single with a hopeful, hooky, and dare-we-say bouncy musical style. This ultra-catchy track is infused with the kind of ‘90s charm that’ll have you reaching for your velvet choker and your most well-worn pair of Docs.
Lionmilk – “all i have”
We love when a song feels lifted right out of a jam space, a golden-hour lit room that might be layered with rugs and dotted with lightly sweating cocktails on cork coasters… And that’s this open-hearted groover from Lionmik. The song may feel casual and unpretentious, but Lionmilk is accomplished as a musician — the artist produced, wrote, and performed every instrument on When The Flowers Bloom, his first album at his new musical home of Stones Throw Records. Give it a listen and tap into what you’ve got to give.
Massage – “Daffy Duck”
Massage! The LA indie-poppers are back with new music, and this big-sound single is leading the charge. It’s no wonder that the band cite The Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen among their influences, but it’s also sweet to read that they, “have always seen themselves as music fans rather than proper “musicians.” In our opinion, the band may be taking the humility a step too far there, as this track is stellar in musicality, production, execution, and that ineffable quality… ear. Click play for a blue-hued chune that’ll have you dancing Molly Ringwald style… You know the one.