New Week, New Tunes

Image courtesy of Matablog – Matador Records

Another week has passed, which entails another week of new music. Here is another list of new tracks to listen to, along with some older tunes that are just as noteable. Enjoy!

“Shades of Blue” by Yo La Tengo
Released: January 18, 2018
For fans of: Wilco, Dinosaur Jr., Dirty Projectors

Image courtesy of Matablog – Matador Records

If you thought this adventurous, soft rock band was done, you (thankfully) thought wrong. With four new singles released on January 18, word of Yo La Tengo’s upcoming album There’s a Riot Going On has officially come out. One of the four released singles, “Shades of Blue,” is reminiscent of the band’s distinctly subtle indie-rock vibes. This track will have you swaying, dreaming, and bopping your head from left to right. The other three singles, “You Are Here,” “She May, She Might,” and “Out of Place,” uniquely rely on instrumentals and subdued rock beats to bring you to the place Yo La Tengo always brings you: a place of peace and privacy. There’s a Riot Going On will be released on March 16, 2018, and can be pre-ordered through Spotify here. For a heavier, but quicker experience, you can also listen to all four singles at once here. –Ana Magallanes, @_anamagallanes

“Under the Wheels” by Calexico
Released: January 16, 2018
For fans of: Pavement, Phosphorescent, M. Ward

Image courtesy of Spotify – Calexico, ANTI- Records

With a catchy, Latin-inspired beat, “Under the Wheels” becomes the third and most upbeat single from Calexico’s newest album The Thread that Keeps Us. The duo is most notable for their unique experimentation with guitars, banjos, and other instruments. “Under the Wheels” is a bit more electronic and funky than their older discography, but with just as much creativity as usual. It almost feels like a call for help, as vocalist Joey Burns sings, “Under the wheels of the war machine / Always someone else’s scheme / Show me a sign when the word falls apart / From the core to the seams the threads that we seek.” Despite the song’s emotionally numbing lyrics, the beat remains hopeful, possibly implying a celebration of unification through turmoil. The Thread that Keeps Us was released on January 26, along with Calexico’s new tour dates. –Ana Magallanes, @_anamagallanes

“My My My” by Troye Sivan
Released: January 11, 2018
For fans of: gnash, Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth

Image courtesy of EMI Music Australia

Troye Sivan has just come out with his second album, and his single “My My My” is filled with a sense of freedom that urges you to live in the present. The music video that accompanies this song is stunning as well, and captures the feeling of taking action and being happy while living your best life. Sivan’s soft voice is soothing in the beginning, with a consistent thumping beat in the background that builds up to a chorus charged with enthusiasm. The chorus has some EDM vibes, and coupled with a catchy beat and simple lines, it will invariably make you dance your way to your destination. So belt out this new pop song and “shine on, diamond / don’t make me wait another day.” –Mandy Huang

“Rep the Set” by The Underachievers
Released December 23, 2017
For fans of: Flatbush Zombies, Denzel Curry, Joey Bada$$

Image Courtesy of RPM MSC

The Underachievers deliver on their hard-hitting verses with another banger after their latest album release, Renaissance. The rap duo consisting of AKTHESAVIOR and Issa Gold has consistently put out trippy vibes with eccentric flows that recreate experiencing psychedelic drugs. The duo’s moniker stands for society’s perception of trying mind-altering substances, and their albums reflect the experimental attitude both rappers have towards changing their flows to fit the mix of trap and old-school production. The Underachievers highlight a lifestyle in “Rep the Set” of being true to one’s experiences and enjoying the results that come with it. So, blast the bass and bump the whole Underachievers catalog! –Amar Paul

Other Bops to Consider:
“Severed” by The Decemberists // For fans of The Shins, Wolf Parade, Jenny Lewis
“Leave the House” by Porches // For fans of Alex G, Girlpool, TV Girl
“Paradise” by George Ezra // For fans of Hozier, James Bay, Bahamas
“Pirouette” by Jay Som // For fans of Japanese Breakfast, Palehound, Alvvays
“God’s Plan” by Drake // For fans of Miguel, J. Cole, Future