The Alt Weekly Roundup (5/22)
Posted: by The Editor
The Alternative Weekly Roundup is a column where our staff plugs a variety of new releases in a concise, streamlined format. Albums, singles, videos, and live sets. Check back each Monday to see what we were jamming the week prior.
Chris Farren – “Cosmic Leash”
Chris Farren’s “Cosmic Leash” takes a bit of a heavier approach than we’re used to with his solo work, and it’s a great decision. The track is as immediate as any of his work, but there’s an extra punch from moments like the huge, song-stopping riff that sneaks in right before the chorus. It’s the first track off his upcoming Doom Singer, which should definitely be mandatory listening come August.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
Twin Princess – “Violets”
Following up the excellent lead single, “Allston,” is an equally-effervescent piece of bouncy, ethereal synthpop. On “Violets,” Philadelphia’s Pauli Mia—who writes and records under the moniker Twin Princess—not only invites you to dance the night away with you at the coolest party you could ever dream of, but also gets real with you in moments of subtle emotional intimacy. It’s a delicate balance and in striking it, Twin Princess rightfully earns her spot as your new favorite popstar.
Grace Robins-Somerville | @grace_roso
Spiritual Cramp – “Phone Lines Down”
San Francisco / Los Angeles based punk rockers Spiritual Cramp recently signed to Blue Grape Music and debuted their newest single “Phone Lines Down.” It offers up their signature style in cultivating energetic garage rock / punk with sneering lyrics and is one of two new songs on their new 7-inch alongside “Nah, That Ain’t It.” Spiritual Cramp are 100% that band you’re going to wish you knew about before everyone else catches wind of them. Just try to find another band with more style and class. You can’t.
Loan Pham | @senseofexile
Panchiko – Failed at Math(s)
Panchiko isn’t the same band in 2023 as the one that released their cult classic debut in 2000. The band that shows up on Failed at Math(s) is a bit more straightforward, turning in a sub-thirty-minute electronic alt rock album that should broaden their appeal. The title track sways and chirps like a Phoenix cut, and the fuzzy standout “Gwen Everest” has their biggest hook ever. It might not be what people expected from the Nottingham indie rock legends, but it’s what we need from them.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Yes Yes A Thousand Times Yes – “Numb Sum”
A song that truly blossoms, Yes Yes A Thousand Times Yes’ “Numb Sum” feels like a five-act play, taking listeners from a comfortable bounce at the start to a jumble of intricate riffs and a groove from the drums that’s both tight and jumpy, busy in the best way. The song flips again halfway through with a wild interlude following the repetition of “I guess the big guy likes me / I guess we’re going steady,” but the group isn’t done there, as a headbanging section is followed by an absolutely sick guitar solo. If “Numb Sum” is any indication, emo fans should be on alert for Yes Yes A Thousand Times Yes’ upcoming record.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
Koyo – “You’re on the List (minus one)”
Ahead of their debut album Would You Miss It? Long Island punk rockers Koyo have dropped an absolute heater. “You’re on the List (minus one)” sees the band’s members trading some of their catchiest hooks yet over crashing drum beats and incessant shreds. In case I haven’t already convinced you to check this one out, maybe the music video—in which a battle of the bands at a local pasta joint turns into a knockdown drag-out brawl—will. Come for the Frank Iero cameo, stay for the killer tunes.
Grace Robins-Somerville | @grace_roso
Heavenward – “Choke”
“Choke,” the second single from Los Angeles alternative rock project Heavenward helmed by Kamtin Mohager, is a brilliant high-powered, soaring track that demonstrates an untethered sense of freedom that comes with the notion of leaving something behind in order to start anew. It also happens to be the album’s closing track and ends on a dazzling high note. Heavenward’s debut album Pyrophonics is out on June 16th through Fever Ltd and is looking to be one of the biggest alternative rock albums of the year.
Loan Pham | @senseofexile
Origami Angel – “My PG County Summer”
Starting with a heavy opening before flipping to a saccharine melody with lyrics about the asshole anti-choice protesters that invade the capital each summer, Origami Angel’s “My PG County Summer” is a wacky and fun turn from the band. Fans know the duo can play the hell out of their instruments, but you can feel Gami stretching to different territories here, with blaring synths joining the massive riffs and drum fills that Gami so casually throw in their tunes, as well as a bridge that opts for vocal acrobatics over Gami’s usual wild instrumental runs. “My PG County Summer” is the second track off Origami Angel’s upcoming mixtape The Brightest Days, which may be their best yet.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
leor miller’s fear of her own desire – eternal bliss now!
eternal bliss now!, the tenth full-length Leor Miller’s put out under the name leor miller’s fear of her own desire, is the project’s cleanest, most fully realized release yet. Previous albums occasionally leaned into bedroom pop’s scruffiest impulses or into experimental ambient or electronic directions; eternal bliss now! plays things relatively straight, treating space and openness as instruments alongside Miller’s pliant voice.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
The Alternative’s ‘New Music Friday’ playlist
Each week our editor Lindsy Carrasquillo compiles a playlist of songs our staff has been jamming. We post it on Fridays on Twitter and then include it in each edition of the Weekly Roundup to make sure you don’t miss any of the great music we’re recommending.
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