Tuesday Tracks: Ben Böhmer, Okean Elzy and Jack Kays

Ben Böhmer

Ben Böhmer, courtesy.

A mesmerizing Americana hybrid by Jack Barksdale, a punk anthem by Jack Kays, emotional English-language rock by Ukraine’s Okean Elzy, dreamy house music by Ben Böhmer, a breezy bop by Dora Jar and an alt-pop (or alt-country?) tune by Denitia make the cut.



Denitia, “Don’t Let Me Go” – On this slow-burning alt-pop song, Denitia explores the heartache of falling for someone at the wrong time. The driving acoustic guitar and mournful pedal steel weave a melancholic background and adds some country influence. The poignant lyrics—”Loosen up my grip and then/ I’m using you for medicine”—highlight her desperate plea for someone to hold her together as she navigates her turbulent emotions. Denitia’s smooth, rich timbre and vulnerable delivery draw you in. The result feels poignantly bittersweet instead of dejected.

Mark your calendars for Sept. 7, when Denitia’s new album, Sunset Drive, is out.

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Ben Böhmer, “Rust” – Composer and producer Ben Böhmer’s latest single is a return to the dreamy, melodic house music for which he’s known. With this piano-led track, Böhmer journeys further into the depths of minimal electronic composition. The few, sparse lyrics are introspective: “What if I wait for you?/ What do you want from me?” Subtle electronic textures, soft interludes and orchestral crescendos build a delicate, atmospheric backdrop. Ben Böhmer will release his next album, BLOOM, on Sept. 27. He also plays Portola Festival on Sept. 29.



Dora Jar, “Ragdoll” – Dora Jar blends dreamy sentimentality with a glitzy breakbeat on her new pop track. Singer-songwriter Dora Jarkowski explores the delicate balance between feeling powerless and finding liberation in letting go, highlighted by its compelling lyrics: “You can let me fall/ Heavy little rag doll.” This evocative mix of contradiction and self-discovery is from her debut album, No Way To Relax When You Are On Fire, which will be out Sept. 13.

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Okean Elzy with John Rzeznik, “Lighthouse” – Ukraine rock band Okean Elzy joins forces with John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls on this new track. “Lighthouse” showcases soaring melodies, amplified by Rzeznik’s gravelly vocals. The Goo Goo Doll and Okean Elzy’s lead vocalist, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, deliver a powerful melody.

“You know the winds will change/ And nothing stays the same,” they sing, imploring resiliency. The track’s cinematic, folky energy is propelled by its vigorous percussion during the drum fills the precede the chorus. The song is a review from the band’s English-language album, Lighthouse, due Oct. 11 via Elektra.



Jack Barksdale, “Freak Show” – “Freak Show” is a captivating blend of Americana, blues and jazz with Barksdale’s knack for storytelling. Cowritten with Alabama singer-songwriter Matt Prater, it’s as insightful as it is intriguing. “Every act has a purpose/ And every plot needs a twist,” he sings. The song reveals more layers with each listen.

The accompanying video enhances the dizzying effect, complementing the song’s eclectic blend of genres. The clarinet’s unique, disorienting quality adds a surreal touch, further emphasizing the song’s exploration of the extraordinary and bizarre. Even more impressive? He just turned 17.

Jack Barksdale’s new EP, Out of Order, is out on Sept. 13.

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Jack Kays, “Deadbeat” – Kays’ latest song is a raw and punchy 90-second anthem. It perfectly encapsulates his distinctive style with its unfiltered intensity and drive. The simplicity is the song’s strength, featuring a straightforward and catchy melody that will have you pumping your fists and singing along. Having seen Jack Kays at BottleRock Napa in May, I can vouch for his music’s electrifying power and his knack for sparking a mosh pit.



Sery’s pick: “Rust” is the first track I’ve heard from Ben Böhmer and it’s left a striking first impression. The sumptuous single manages to be contemplative, danceable and ethereal. It’s a moving and versatile piece that promises great things to come. I’m eager to dive deeper into Böhmer’s discography.

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