Tuesday Tracks: Neil Frances, Anycia, Girl Ultra, Friedberg, Super American, Catpack and Porches
This week we drift through pop-punk by Super American to rock by Porches and Friedberg, slick electronic dance by Girl Ultra, drippy rap by Anycia and soulful jams by Catpack and Neil Frances featuring PawPaw Rod.
Super American, “Hopefully Pitchfork Doesn’t Hear This” — The upbeat rhythm by Buffalo, N.Y.’s Super American is well-matched with bright guitar riffs and warm, masculine vocals, stylized like Y2K-era Blink-182 and Fall Out Boy. The lyrics describe the band reconciling the differences between its life in Buffalo and the changes since relocating to Los Angeles. The accompanying video gives an entertaining and hilarious glimpse into its personality as a group. The band’s third album, Gangster of Love, drops May 31.
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Porches, “Rag” — The latest from New York City’s Porches evokes a late ’90s, coffeehouse-rock vibe. The verses start off mid-tempo and mellow. Frontman Aaron Maine‘s sweet and slightly sad voice rails plaintively until the chorus kicks it up a notch, with sharper percussion adding to the cacophony of screeching guitars and screechy vocals. The complex lyricism adds luster and the result is sonically appealing. In addition to other projects, Maine’s music was featured in Sofia Coppola’s 2023 film, “Priscilla.”
Friedberg, “My Best Friend” — Austrian musician Anna Friedberg kicks off the second single from her band’s second album with a monotone vocal delivery. The verse, peppered with crisp drumming and melodic bass riffs, culminates with the percussion increasing in intensity. As the chorus hits, rhythmic guitar strumming is added into the mix as Friedberg’s voice strengthens to a melodic shout. At the bridge, the energy drops down to a dreamlike state. Her voice gives off a whispery note, amplified by reverb and paired with a softer, simpler melody. The video has the band in an overcrowded subway car. The band is on tour with Germany’s Giant Rooks, playing Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco on April 29.
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Anycia, “Bad Weather” — Atlanta rapper Anycia brings the swagger with her smooth cadence and lyrical delivery. The song was inspired by a fateful trip to Los Angeles for the Grammys, where she encountered historic rainfall and flash floods. Also known as “Big Nee Nee,” the rapper raps about being responsible for “bringing rain to L.A.,” flowing over beats that exude laidback West Coast rap. Coming off SXSW, Anycia will release of her new project on April 26.
Girl Ultra, “rimel” — Mexican R&B artist Mariana de Miguel (Girl Ultra) has been making music since 2016. With three EPs and a full-length album under her belt, her new single is steeped in house music. An infectious, danceable beat joins deep bass rhythms, fueled by some acid jazz. You won’t want to sit still while listening to the contagious beat paired with de Miguel’s steamy voice, singing in a mix of Spanish and English. Girl Ultra recently recorded a Tiny Desk concert for NPR and performed in San Francisco and at Coachella last weekend.
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Catpack, “Midnight” — This new soul collaboration features Phil Beaudreau, Amber Navran (Moonchild) and Jacob Mann. Their project marries elements of neo-soul, jazz and funk, and the L.A. artists each bring their unique talents to the table. Beaudreau’s smooth vocals are amazingly melodic and artfully arranged to create a unique sound. Navran’s breathy vocals are coupled with crisp hip-hop drumming and bubbly keyboard chords. It’s a song I plan to keep on my playlist through the summer and I’m eager to see what Catpack’s debut album, due June 21, has in store.
Neil Frances featuring PawPaw Rod, “High Notes” — L.A. duo Neil Frances returns with its second collaboration with PawPaw Rod. The late-’70s-soul-influenced song samples Teddy Pendergrass’ “Love T.K.O.” Rod (Oklahoma City’s Rodney Hulsey) rhymes over the beat in a soulful drawl. Neil Frances is on an impressive touring stretch, stopping at Coachella, Colorado’s Red Rocks and Bonnaroo.
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Mel’s Pick: The danceable grooves of the new tune by Girl Ultra pushed it over the edge, making it my pick of the week.
Follow Mel Bowman at Twitter.com/melmichel and Instagram.com/coco_michel_coco.