As a music journalist, I’ve perpetually disappointed friends by not knowing who is the Next Big Thing. I don’t even know what the “in” genres are anymore, though I know from countless essays that hyperpop is having a moment in the limelight. The concept is a style I’ve been fascinated by for ages, but never had a word for. The movement that began with arrhythmic, … Continue reading Tama Gucci is on the Cusp of Everything
We open on a pastel, multi-color fortress. The sea buffets its stone foundation from the west, while a forest shrouds the eastern entrance. The structure itself is entirely glass with not a blemish on any part of its façade, glowing from within to give the illusion of color on every translucent wall. From the wrong angle, the fortress may appear invisible, and with poor lighting, … Continue reading Glass Gallery, Ideal for Projection
Alice Phoebe Lou – Glow The first of two records released by Alice Phoebe Lou in 2021, Glow is filled with yearning. The South African artist discusses matters of the heart among cool, sparse soft rock. Vocals on the title track have a sassy lilt that embraces the guitar progression, all of which amounts to Lou’s brand of psych rock. There is much beauty in simplicity, … Continue reading Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 2)
Surreal Video Accompanies O Future’s Affectionate Single, “And You’re Mine” Off Forthcoming Immaculate EP Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Don’t confuse the vibes on the newest O Future track for evil; on the contrary, it’s overwhelmed by love. The LA-based duo, comprised of Katherine Mills Rymer originally from South Africa and Jens Bjornkjaer of Denmark, is known for producing music with a deep undertow, pulling … Continue reading O Future – “And You’re Mine”
It has been almost exactly a year since Tupper Werewolf released an EP packed to the brim with intrigue. The Glaswegian artist also known as Gordon Barr is comfortable in great halls of synthesizers, each one seemingly more festive than the last. There is color everywhere, and not only in a figurative sense; browsing all of his discography on Bandcamp, each piece of art incorporates … Continue reading Revel in Synths on Tupper Werewolf’s Flavour Country
sawdustandgin: Bouncy bars travel along smooth terrain before reaching a mystical destination. Get electrocuted by love, courtesy of Def Sound and Zhao. Best Songs of 20201. def.sound – “STRUCK!” produced by Zhao The friendships I forged with both def.sound and Zhao stoke the fire of my love for this track—”STRUCK!“ is energized by life, love, and art. My relationship with these artists may have been eroded by … Continue reading Best Songs of 2020: 1. def.sound & Zhao
sawdustandgin: Recent Synthwave Singles Push Khuê Into Pastel Bedroom Pop Territory Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. With the turn of the calendar comes new goals and fresh experiences. For Khuê, 2021, or more specifically the next album he releases, will serve as a milestone in his career. The SoCal musician has made music for years, but his recent singles are the only he has released … Continue reading Best Songs of 2020: 3. Khuê
Best Songs of 20205. Coping Mechanism – “The Internet Makes Me Feel Ugly” 2020 was the definition of sensory overload, but Coping Mechanism, aka Phillip Jon Taylor, offers a salve. Nothing like serene glitch-pop to drown out the darkness of the world (and one’s own thoughts). Coping Mechanism | order Coping Mechanism | website | Twitter | YouTube | Bandcamp Continue reading Best Songs of 2020: 5. Coping Mechanism
Elohim Copes With the Good, the Bad and the Groovy on New Single “Good Day Bad Day” Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Despite her recent single, “I’m Lost,” Elohim has never felt more on course. The songwriter is reliable for compelling indietronica, and she always delivers something different, from heart-wrenching ballads to haunting dance parties. Her latest track shows her vulnerability and optimism, layered over … Continue reading Elohim – “Good Day Bad Day”
Allow yourself to flow alongside Waterstrider’s pulsing bass hits on his recent single, “Liquid.” This is the first fans have heard from the Bay area musician since his Way Out EP from last May. Source: SoundCloud / WATERSTRIDER Continue reading Waterstrider – “Liquid”
Sawdust & Gin 