Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – July 3

Ivory Layne

Every week, there’s a plethora of new music at our fingertips.

Artists on platforms such as Spotify and Bandcamp are plentiful, and the radio offers a steady deluge of new singles, but who has time to sort through all that? RIFF does!

We pooled our resources to find some of the best new singles from all genres and backgrounds, so you can find your newest earworm without all the drama. Enjoy this week’s hidden gems:

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Vista Kicks, “Live, You’re Gonna Die” — In the music video for their latest single, this Los Angeles indie rock outfit shows off a lot more than its music as the members parade through sand dunes while half-naked. The carefree attitude of the visuals contextualize the new track’s sound and feel. Jangly guitars and upbeat percussion bring surf rock to mind, but the song’s progression and vocals reveal clear influences from ’60s and ’70s icons like the Beatles and the Bee Gees. Always preaching peace and positivity, Vista Kicks see the inevitability of death as a reason to celebrate life while they can, rather than falling into despair. The rest of Vista Kick’s sophomore album, Twenty Something Nightmare, will be released on July 13.

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Ivory Layne, “Committed” — The latest act of Justin Timberlake’s artist development company Villa 40, Ivory Layne is a star in the making. On “Committed,” the title track off her new EP, she showcases her playful lyricism and powerful vocals, evoking the contagious exuberance of young love. Singing over a danceable synth beat, Layne often uses quirky vocal inflections that bring Sia to mind. The music video is just as colorful as the single, placing Layne against a variety of bright, pastel backgrounds where she appears right at home.

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Your Smith, “The Spot” — Sporting a new haircut and a fresh sound, Your Smith is not messing around on “The Spot.” The artist (real name: Caroline Smith) shines under her new moniker. Dripping with nostalgia, the track is decidedly groovier than Smith’s earlier offerings, boasting an irresistible bass line and a slapping drum beat. Your Smith’s delivery is inviting and friendly as she implores listeners to come to “The Spot” to forget their troubles and obligations. Smith’s warmth comes through in the music video where she struts through a number of urban settings, inspiring in her carefree swagger.

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Talos, “Odyssey Pt II” — Talos distinguishes himself in the indietronica scene with his knack for crafting raw and emotive songs. On Odyssey Pt. II, a song off the new EP Then There Was War, Talos is as introspective as ever, presenting sad, often cryptic lyrics over a shifting soundscape. Ominous synths introduce themselves as a backdrop for Talos’ ghostly vocals, growing and swelling toward a massive, droning climax. Spooky visuals accompany the track, depicting a computerized humanoid figure oscillating and bending through strange environments. It all adds up a powerfully unsettling experience.

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Roses & Revolutions, “White Wave” — Roses & Revolutions thrive by juxtaposing harsh sounds with beautiful pop and hard-hitting electronica. This is exemplified on the dreamy lead single from the the duo’s upcoming debut EP. Alyssa Coco’s breathy voice perfectly complements the production, projecting angelically over thumping drums and melodic guitar notes. Given this stellar single, the band’s EP, out Aug. 3, promises a memorable listen.

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Matthew’s Pick: In a week filled with creative videos and colorful tracks, Ivory Layne stands out with “Committed.” Layne has the complete package; vocal chops, infectious charisma, and remarkable mainstream appeal. “Committed” is as catchy a summer anthem as any, and demonstrates Layne’s potential to remain memorable for years to come.

Follow writer Matthew Eaton at Twitter.com/MattnSoCal.

(1) Comment

  1. Pingback: Would-be pastor, painter, actor Ivory Layne finds her calling in song | RIFF – RIFF – Celebrity Life

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