Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – April 26
Chelsea Jade, courtesy.
This week we anticipate summer in the light breezy tracks of Cassie Marin and Chelsea Jade. In the turmoil of tumultuous weather changes and dark skies, rain and new growth of spring appear in the optimistic sounds of Rei Brown. Meanwhile, the somber moodiness of winter is intimated within the subject matter of music from Lutalo and Amelia Moore.
Cassie Marin, “Push Me” — This catchy and bouncy electro-bop ditty is energetic and could slide into rotation in summer club playlists easily. With a robotic, modernistic flair, this new single will be featured in an upcoming debut album that’s set to drop later this year. The beats and electronic synths drive the appealing melody, while the lyrics describe how optimism is required in the path of negative experiences. Defiant and determined, the happy and seemingly cheerful tone to this track is a smokescreen to the steely steadfastness required to remain true to one’s path and convictions.
Rei Brown, “Could I Be Somebody” — A burning love is described vividly in Rei Brown’s indie pop single “Could I Be Somebody.” Raised in Kobe, Japan, the singer-songwriter came to Boston to study music at Berklee. When he sings about “falling from the sky,” the words trigger endorphins and convey feelings of love against all odds. This power ballad is hopeful and aspirational about the concept of romantic devotion and the uncertainty and courage it takes for queer-identifying youth to express themselves in light of adversity. The lightweight, yet soulful, vocal delivery inspires confidence. With a debut album coming this spring and a North American tour with Keshi following in May and June, he’s sure to catch on.
Lutalo, “Little Chance” — This song is reminiscent of a late ’90s emo ballad, retrospective of a rainy day at the coffeeshop or daydreaming about an unspoken crush while gazing through sunlit trees. This ethereal track demonstrates quietly compelling rhythms and cadence coupled with a melancholy melody, impeccable execution, performance and production. The nonbinary singer-songwriter’s debut EP, Once Now, Then Again, is set to be released June 10.
Thao, “Ambition” — A trippy song bringing back the nostalgia of the late ’60s acid rock movement is the newest offering from this alt-rock artist and former leader of Thao & The Get Down Stay Down. Hypnotic and alluring, the sounds of sitar and distorted bass bring us along on the journey as we drift off in the ether of her raw, punching vocals. Thao Nguyen branched off into her solo career in late 2021 after fronting her former alternative folk-rock ensemble since 2003. Thao continues to be a force to be reckoned with and is embarking on the West Coast leg of her North American tour in April and May, with Black Belt Eagle Scout and Quinn Christopherson joining in on some dates.
Chelsea Jade, “Best Behaviour” — A simple chord intro takes the listener into a steady, hypnotic beat instantly. It’s coupled with Jade’s breathy vocals and upbeat and optimistic melody. The rhythm of this infectious electro-pop track quickly takes hold. However, the subtle, yet complex lyrics truly captivate. Born in South Africa and raised in New Zealand, Los-Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer Chelsea Jade’s lyrics demonstrate the skill developed from years of songwriting for artists like The Chainsmokers, Wet and Attlas. It’s clear that she’s not here just to dazzle with a catchy pop tune.
From the substance that stands behind her seemingly light and angelic vocal delivery, she teases major themes that could be philosophized about in depth. I dare you not to dance to this dance-pop crossover that doesn’t miss a beat.
Amelia Moore, “Crybaby”(piano version) — Moore shows a powerful and commanding voice in the midst of narcissistic abuse. Her shockingly potent and robust delivery in this stripped-down, piano-led version of her previously released alt-pop single, is reminiscent of powerhouse vocalists like Christina Aguilera and P!nk. It’s also a testament to her development as an artist in the Southern church choirs of Georgia, where she’s from. As Amelia Moore toys with the melody and lyrics, artfully and deftly presenting the arrangement to appreciative ears, the slow cadence of her ballad allows listeners to bask in the raw earthiness of her woeful tale about the oppression of love.
Mel’s Pick: Hard as it was to choose between the amazing tracks this week, I couldn’t help but grasp onto “Best Behaviour” due to it’s extreme dance-ability and optimistic message. I immediately added it to the list of tracks on repeat in my playlist, with visions of choreography still dancing in my head. Dancers and choreographers looking for a great track to perform to will join myriads of pop music fans simply seeking a peppy and optimistic song to add to the soundtrack of life.
Follow Mel Bowman at Twitter.com/melmichel.