Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Aug. 30
Mabe Fratti shakes up the image of classical cello while The California Honeydrops ooze with Bay Area jazz and soul; and Dylan Fraser, Caroline Romano, Miles and Kramies showcase different aspects of the modern alt-pop scene.
Mabe Fratti, “Cada Músculo” — Guatemalan cellist and composer Mabe Fratti’s current single is from her third album, Se Ve Desde Aqui (“It Is Seen From Here”), due on Oct. 14. The multilayered track blends stark aspects of pop with classical cello arrangements. Her light and breezy vocals are paired with electronica elements. A synth piano and cello play the percussive parts on which she builds her unique style of cello playing, resulting in a compelling score.
Fratti’s artful musicianship urges the listener to see the instrument in a new light. It’s not merely an element of a classical composition but an instrument that can come to life in modern electronic and rock-inspired music. At times, it sounds like she’s noodling on an electrical guitar in a noise rock song.
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Caroline Romano, “Chopstix” — A whimsical, coming of age tale of romance is the subject of Romano’s alt-pop anthem. This is the latest single from her debut LP, Oddities and Prodigies. She blends power pop with her bright, palatable vocals. The mid-tempo tune starts off with simple rhythmic claps and harmonic vocalization. Soon, a spare drum track, a guitar and Romano’s clear vocals come in.
Caroline Romano’s third appearance in Tuesday Tracks is a study in how the marriage of slick production with simple instrumentation can result in pop treasure.
The California Honeydrops, “I Miss You Baby Pt. 1” — Starting off with a smooth, jazzy piano intro, this song quickly unwinds into slick R&B featuring the dynamic, soulful vocals of Lech Wierzynski. Coupled with the distinct and varied musical influences of Delta blues and New Orleans second line jazz, this type of upbeat, jazzy, soul music by Oakland’s The California Honeydrops is reminiscent of Bay Area greats like Tower of Power and The Grateful Dead—and suggestive of great soul bands like Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago.
The single is from their upcoming album, Soft Spot, due out Oct 7. The band will kick off a tour in Napa on Sept. 9.
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Dylan Fraser, “2030 Revolution” — Scottish alt-pop artist Dylan Fraser’s new single is the title track off of his third EP, which came out last week. The theme is cautiously hopeful of how the younger generation has the potential to challenge status quo and create a better tomorrow in the not so distant future. Fraser’s wistful delivery on this mid-tempo, guitar-driven melody captures the conflict of youth struggling with accepting their current lot while remaining optimistic.
Kramies, “Hotel In LA” — Haunting and mournful, the latest track by Ohio native Kramies Windt is reminiscent of the dreamy, hazy and downtempo music made popular by ’90s bands like The Cranberries. The song contains just the right amount of guitar distortion, ’80s synths and reverb. The lovelorn subject was inspired by a real letter between two lost lovers. The artist’s self-titled album will be released on Sept. 9.
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MILES, “Never Have I Ever” — This crossover rap/pop-punk cut is the title track of the artist’s (whose name is Miles Sanders) current EP, released last week. Produced by and featuring drumming from Blink-182 alum Travis Barker, the upbeat, catchy and energetic track pairs perfectly with warm summer weather. With MILES’ syncopated and melodic lyrics, this dance-pop crossover doesn’t miss a beat.
Mel’s pick: The smooth yet bright vocals of Caroline Romano bring this catchy pop tune to life. The upbeat tune effortlessly adds and removes musical elements to bring depth, while the relatability of the lyrics are sure to keep listeners engaged.
Follow Mel Bowman at Twitter.com/melmichel and Instagram.com/coco_michel_coco.