Tuesday Tracks: The Bug Club, Breymer and Tones And I
This week, we bring you electronica from Macgray, neo psych rock by Dream Phases, a disco and dance collaboration by Tones And I, Young Franco and CHAII; garage rock by The Bug Club, pop from Breymer and a kaleidoscopic ’60s-esque blast by Joy Buzzer.
Tones And I, Young Franco and CHAII, “(Can’t Get You) Off My Mind” — Here’s a vibrant invitation to the dance floor, perfect for your summer playlist. This groovy neo-disco track pulses with infectious energy. Its sound is reminiscent of Jungle’s signature disco beats and lively claps.
The video enriches the song by weaving together a narrative shaped by fans’ creative input. Australian artists (and former street busker) Toni Watson—better known as Tones And I— Young Franco (DJ Joseph Da Rin de Barbera) and New Zealander CHAII (Mona Sanei) solicited ideas from their fans and selected their favorite submissions to bring to life. The result is an engaging visual interpretation that enhances the song’s playful vibe.
***
Macgray, “Haunted” — This evocative electronica track beckons with an initially open and inviting pattern that gradually draws you into its mesmerizing depths. As the track unfolds, it delves into more intense, eerie and darker territory. The second single from Macgray’s upcoming EP, slated for release in October, is for fans of Max Cooper and Jon Hopkins.
The Bug Club, “Lonsdale Slipons” — The Bug Club’s “Lonsdale Slipons” pays homage to the U.K.’s famous footwear with a tongue-in-cheek approach. It’s packed with riffs galore and infused with humor from start to finish. Case in point: It begins with Sam Willmett (guitar) and Tilly Harris (bass) singing, “Listen up, little babies” and ends with them suggesting you “slip on your Lonsdale slip-ons and call the police on me!”
Breymer, “Wrong Path & Darkness” — This is technically two distinct songs in one video from Sarah Walk (aka Breymer). The first track, “Am I on the wrong path here?” digs into themes of insecurity masked as self-doubt, capturing a moment of realization that change is necessary. Halfway through, “Darkness” shifts gears with reassuring lyrics penned for their wife, proclaiming, “It’s going to be all right/ Darkness leads to light.” Both songs showcase rich instrumentation, raw lyricism and layered vocal harmonies that invite introspection and self-discovery.
Breymer’s upcoming album, When I Get Through, explores themes of gender and identity and is slated for release on Oct. 18.
Dream Phases, “Turn Away” — This song channels the spirit of ’70s German rock infused with shoegaze, and it’s an excellent driving tune. Anchored by a pulsating bass line, rhythmic percussion and catchy guitar hooks, this offering from the L.A. neo psych rock group is characterized by its fuzzy guitars tones and harmonized choruses. The band’s new album, Phantom Idol, is out this week.
Editor Roman Gokhman’s pick: Joy Buzzer, “You’d Be Surprised” — Looking for some Beatles circa 1963 in your life? Look no further than this overdriven tune with multi-part harmonies by New York City power pop quintet Joy Buzzer. The song is about a dude on the way to hitting rock bottom but hasn’t quite reached it yet, with more acts of depravity promised to come. The song was inspired by the Everly Brothers—and the band’s inspirations include Fountains of Wayne, which is clear here—but what I hear most is the Fab Four.
The band formed in 2021 and includes guitarist Jed Becker (who was the music director for Nick Jr.’s “Dora the Explorer”), vocalist Kevin Lydon, guitarist KG Noble, bassist Nick DeMatteo and drummer Mark Brotter.
***
Sery’s pick: It’s a tie! “(Can’t Get You) Off My Mind” and “Wrong Path” couldn’t be any more different, so it really depends on what mood I’ve been in the last few days. When I’m contemplative, I’ve been reflecting on the chorus by Breymer. If I’m in good spirits, then “(Can’t Get You) Off My Mind” is my pick.