Author: Kelsey Johnson

Gleemer – “Down Through” [single] – rock

In preparation for their upcoming album, Down Through, rock band Gleemer has released a single by the same name. If the single is any indication, Down Through is going to be amazing. Gleemer has a full sound that commands attention and falls somewhere between alt and indie rock, and their music holds a certain weight that is enticing to listen to. Their song “Down Through” shows off these features, with thick layers of guitars, powerful drums, and vocals that are reminiscent of singers like Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie. All of these parts give the track a captivating strength and presence and show Gleemer’s talent and unified sound. Give “Down Through” a listen below!

 

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (5/10-5/15): Gleemer, The Sweeplings”

Sylvan Esso – WITH – indie pop

Duo Sylvan Esso did something very exciting this week; they released an album called WITH. This release is more than just an album though – it’s also a full concert film. From beginning to end, WITH is an incredible project. Each song has been reworked and given new life for live performance, featuring unique instrumentation and form compared to the original recorded versions. One of Sylvan Esso’s biggest hits, “Die Young”, really stands out for its unique character. Featuring a reworked intro, brass, live harmonies, and a (great) sax solo, this performance of “Die Young” is an exciting, unexpected, and refreshing take to an already wonderful song. Sylvan Esso showcases all of their big hits in the concert, including “Coffee”, which really pulls you into the feel of the show. Audience members sing along and shout enthusiastically throughout the song, which really makes album listeners feel like they are a part of this special performance. It’s such a wonderfully unique experience as a listener.

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (5/3-5/8): Sylvan Esso, Sis”

Dan Croll – “Grand Plan” [single] – indie pop

English artist Dan Croll’s single “Grand Plan” recounts a tale that is all too familiar to today’s world. As the title may suggest, “Grand Plan” is a wonderfully simple song about seeing people your age who seem to have their life together, while still not having a plan for your own life. The lyrics and examples are honest and relatable, and Croll’s guitar accompaniment sets the tone perfectly. Every little detail comes together to create a very pure and authentic tune that reminds us that we are all on our own timeline, and not to give up on ourselves. Dan Croll has always been a talented songwriter, and “Grand Plan” is by no means an exception to his skill. Check out his live video for the song below, and stay tuned for his album, Grand Plan, to be released on August 21st!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (4/26-5/1): Dan Croll, Jonah Mutono”

Other Lives – “Lost Day” [single] – indie rock

Indie rock and folk are alive and well in Other Lives’ single “Lost Day”. The track is incredibly full with thick harmonies, smooth strings, punchy brass, flavorful percussion and so much more; the end result of these rich combinations is a symphony of sound with a psychedelic (and almost hypnotic) flair. Other Lives’ music takes such an authentic and artistic tone, as “Lost Day” illustrates. All of the unique techniques and styles that the band explores paints a vivid sonic palette for listeners to enjoy, and each song is captivating from beginning to end.

A week from today, on April 24th, Other Lives will release their album For Their Love, featuring this great song along with several others. Check out “Lost Day” below and mark your calendar for For Their Love!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (4/19-4/24): Other Lives, mxmtoon”

Vlossom – My Friend – electronic

Australian duo Vlossom is a new formation in the music industry, and their debut EP My Friend is a strong introduction. The duo has put itself on the map with a sound that blurs the lines between the pop, electronic, and indie worlds. There are a total of six tracks on My Friend, and each one is new and unfamiliar in the best way possible. Two of my personal favorite songs are “Gotta Prepare For This” and “Missing You”. A chill beat, Seinfeld-like bass, and ethereal vocals make “Gotta Prepare For This” stand out, and an eye-catching video for the song is an added bonus (be sure to check it out below). Following right after “Gotta Prepare For This” is “Missing You”, which falls more on Vlossom’s pop side. A catchy chorus, full harmonies, and light synths give the track a more cheerful tone. Be sure to give these tracks (and the remaining four) a listen! Check out My Friend below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (4/12-4/17): Vlossom, Robotaki”

Affectionately – “prettiest part of me” [single] – indie

The up-and-coming Affectionately is an artist to watch, and his single “prettiest part of me” is a song to listen to. With funky effects, laid-back vocals, and lovable lyrics, this song will be stuck in your head all afternoon. In “prettiest part of me”, Affectionately does an outstanding job of putting his own spin on the indie sound through mixing clips of conversations and watery guitar melodies with more familiar techniques. The end product is a song that is memorable and different. There are so many unique features to discover on this track. Check out Affectionately and “prettiest part of me” below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (4/5-4/10): Affectionately, Perfume Genius”

Kellen of Troy – Vanity Project – rock

Kellen of Troy’s latest album, Vanity Project, is the perfect soundtrack for quarantine. With a positive and friendly feel, each track is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The first song on the album, “Some Tune We All Already Know”, sets the tone of the album perfectly. It has a nostalgic Disco-like sound that is complete with 70’s strings and a groovy beat. The good times and fun vibes continue on the second track, “Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am”, which is full of singable melodies and layered guitars that complement the first track. Overall, Kellen of Troy has a lovable sound that bends genres – his music really has something for every listener. Give Vanity Project a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (3/29-4/3): Kellen of Troy, The Snuts”

Overcoats – The Fight – electropop

Overcoats’ electric layers and full harmonies make their latest album, The Fight, stand out. The album is a beautiful homage to the incredible blend of Hana Elion’s and JJ Mitchell’s voices from beginning to end, and it features various styles, with almost folk-like vocals and harmonies coming together with synths and indie drums. The Fight is full of so much life. From the driving beat and upbeat sound of “Fire & Fury” to the softer and warmer “New Shoes”, each track takes on its own personality and gives the album a lot of personality. Overcoats switches from folk to pop to electronic so smoothly that you won’t even notice as they seamlessly build a whole new sound. This ability highlights the duo’s skill to create great music that is unrestricted by genre. In short, The Fight is wonderfully eclectic, and it’s easy to get lost in Overcoats’ full sound. Check it out below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (3/15-3/20): Overcoats, The Districts”

Coin – Dreamland – indie pop

Coin’s latest album Dreamland is charming and catchy from beginning to end. Chase Lawrence’s vocals give each track a charging energy, and drummer Ryan Winnen and guitarist Joe Memmel perfectly build each song to match this energy. All of the tracks on Dreamland feature creative writing, and one song that really stands out for this is “Cemetery”. It tells the story of a wealthy man who failed to get his priorities in order in life; the man has nothing now except for the fact that he is, indeed, “the richest man in the cemetery”. This story  matched with cheerful harmony and an upbeat groove gives “Cemetery” a truly unique feel that you won’t get from any other band. For those who may be looking for something a little different, Dreamland also features some great love songs. The song “Crash My Car” is a more lighthearted love song, with colorful melodies and a story about a heartbreaker. The second track, on the other hand, “I Want It All” is a more timeless love song, describing the all or nothing feeling of love. If you’re looking for a cheerful, creative, and uptempo band to sing along to, then Coin is for you. Check out Dreamland below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (3/8-3/13): Coin, Loose Buttons”

Opus Orange – Miles From Nowhere – folk rock

From ambient drums and layered harmonies, to electronic effects and driving melodies, Opus Orange’s Miles From Nowhere really has something for everyone. The album shows off an eclectic voice, featuring influences ranging from folk, electronic, rock, to pop. One of the most prominent features of Miles From Nowhere is its upbeat tone; each track pushes you forward into the next. One of my personal favorites on the album is “Add up the Years”. The song is one of the more folkier tracks on Miles From Nowhere, as it highlights slightly more rugged lead vocals, full background vocals, and a heavy kick drum. Each element gives the song a natural and exciting feeling. The second song on the album, “Tell It Like It Is”, feels more like an indie rock song with electronic influences. In this song, melodies flow, while synths fill space, and the drums lock everything in perfectly. Overall, Opus Orange’s Miles From Nowhere is a fun listen that any listener can enjoy! Check it out below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (3/1-3/6): Opus Orange, Hello Forever”