Tuesday Tracks: Amber Mark, Flipturn, SPRINTS
A disco-tinged banger by Amber Mark, alt-pop by Flipturn, electronica by Mild Minds and JADE, folk rock by Samantha Crain and grunge courtesy of SPRINTS.
Amber Mark, “Won’t Cry” — Get ready to lose yourself on the dance floor with this infectious disco-tinged electronica party song by Amber Mark that’ll get you to the dance floor. The opening notes evoke the classic allure of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” while the second half adds interesting tempo variations to break up the relentless energy. It’s three minutes and 40 seconds of bliss.
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Flipturn, “Rodeo Clown” — The guitar wails with raw emotion on this track by quintet Flipturn. The introspective lyrics explore escapism in the face of overwhelming reality, drawing a poignant comparison to the rodeo clown who distracts and entertains. Dillon Basse, the band’s frontman, captures this theme beautifully, making it a compelling listen. Basse’s vocals deliver a gritty yet vulnerable performance.
Mild Minds, “TEARDROPS” — This uplifting track by artist Benjamin David expertly weaves melancholic undertones into emotive electronica. With hints of early trance, “TEARDROPS” creates a mesmerizing soundscape that feels both nostalgic and invigorating. It’s a standout track that lingers long after listening and I’m keen to see what else Mild Minds has up next. Luckily for me, Mild Minds is on tour and will play at Bimbo’s 365 club in San Francisco in April.
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Samantha Crain, “Dragonfly” — Singer-songwriter Samantha Crain delivers a cool slacker anthem with a quirky, twisty melody in the second half. This Oklahoma singer-songwriter crafts a carefree vibe that feels like an old VHS tape, complete with fuzzed-out guitars and echoing feedback. “To me, a dragonfly symbolizes the type of creature I aim to be: flexible and resilient in this ever-changing world,” Crain has said of the song. So the track is a thoughtful reflection on adaptability. It’s Crain’s second Tuesday Tracks appearance.
JADE, “Midnight Cowboy” — For fans of Charli XCX, this enticing PC-Music-like dance track builds beautifully around the 2:30 mark. English singer-songwriter Jade Thirwall’s ethereal falsetto melds seamlessly with funky beats, creating a vibrant sound that incorporates elements of 2000s R&B. She has my attention.
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SPRINTS, “Feast” — The Dublin, Ireland quartet unleashes a fever dream on “Feast,” combining frantic energy with fierce urgency. The ominous guitar riffs, hyperventilating breathing and unapologetic vocal delivery create a disorienting experience. “She’s a bad stroke of luck,” goes the song’s opening, before hitting hard with memorable hooks like “she chewed up like dinner.” The song explores themes of gluttony and desire, revealing a dark yet engaging narrative.
Sery’s pick: Not only do I love the homage to Donna Summer, but I’m particularly obsessed with the throbbing synth on “Won’t Cry” by Amber Mark.