Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for June 6
This week’s Tuesday Tracks are a whirlwind of human emotions in romantic relationships. We start off with Grandma serving up the masculine side. Then, from the feminine perspective, we go from plaintive and pleading—with moody ballads from Maryjo and TOMI—to rebellious and toxic with fiery tracks from CMAT and Kah-Lo. We end in a blaze of glory with a hot and carnal track from Sizzy Rocket, sure to get the vibes flowing.
Grandma, “Painless” — Speaking of his throwback homage to difficult romantic relationships, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and producer Grandma has called his new song “a reflection on how we can dance through the pain.” Atlantean Liam Hall’s mid-tempo alt-pop and rock ballad features dreamy vocals, echoing with reverb, laid over a ’90s-like soft rock track. Having collaborated with some of hip-hop’s brightest indie stars like Rico Nasty, J.I.D and SoFaygo, Grandma is know for his eclectic, ever-changing creative style, sure to keep listeners intrigued.
Maryjo, “Traffic” — Cleveland native Maryjo brings her strong, wistful vocals to the table on this a modern pop ballad created in the style of Ed Sheeran or Lewis Capaldi. “American Idol” alum Maryjo Young sings with a plaintive frustration likening a relationship going nowhere to being stuck in traffic. The 22-year-old shows significant staying power on this strong offering that features piano and a familiar cadence.
TOMI, “If You Tried” — Mournful appeals with a ’90s feel abound in this downtempo pop rock track from L.A.’s TOMI. Laden with rhythm guitar and melancholy vocals amplified with reverb over soft drumming, and representing for the queer community, TOMI’s vocals are reminiscent of Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde. “If You Tried” gives coffeehouse rock vibes with lyrics railing against a genderless, deadbeat lover whose lack of effort is the cause of a relationship’s demise. The “Lesbian-Barbie”-themed video makes it clear these issues are universal. TOMI is currently opening for KT Tunstall and will perform at the Great American Music Hall on June 13.
CMAT, “Have Fun” — Dublin troubadour CMAT isn’t pulling any punches on this sassy, matter-of-fact break-up anthem. The 27-year-old’s moniker is short for her full name, Clara Mary-Alice Thompson. The mid-tempo pop-rock song seems almost classic in composition, held together with a bright, solid backing track put together in a seamless and seemingly effortless manner. Her lyrics recount the story of a scorned woman that doesn’t seek revenge. She just rejects the toxicity and moves on, with the parting shot, “have fun.” The song offers a simple rhythm driven by a piano narrative. When the singer says she’s done, you believe it, hearing all of the spent emotion in her voice. Her second album, Crazymad For Me, is due out Oct. 13.
Kah-Lo, “Karma” — Grammy-nominated Nigerian dance-pop vocalist Kah-Lo brings on a potential future house classic with this narcissist female anthem. Kah-Lo’s smooth and sultry vocals deliver lyrics with “toxic feminine energy” vibes over a pulsating beat. If there were any song on this week’s list that could enter a heavy rotation during the summer, this would be it. Debuting in 2016 on Riton’s “Rinse & Repeat,” Kah-Lo has been featured on tracks by DJ/actor Idris Elba and Diplo, and has made a host of dance tunes that landed prominent sync placements.
Sizzy Rocket, “MOMMY” — Is it a heartfelt ode to breastfeeding or an uber-erotic anthem ripe for Pride? Or is it both? The independent L.A. powerhouse is known for sexually charged content. Previous single “Bestie” was about a BFF-with benefits relationship and her infamous sextape music video “Smells Like Sex” went viral. The unabashedly raunchy lyrics paired with hardcore EDM beats create a match made in club heaven with its synth-driven sound and distorted, robotic monotone vocals. The result is one to keep the body moving and the mind racing.
Mel’s pick: Sizzy Rocket’s gender fluid ownership of sexuality and intensional double-entendre make it a perfect pick for free love and representation during the first Tuesday Tracks of Pride. The driving beat and steamy lyrics will make it a sure-shot club banger and cult classic, now and in the future.
Follow Mel Bowman at Twitter.com/melmichel.