Margeaux Lynn – “McCorrie Beach”
Margeaux Lynn’s sophomore single is a breezy affair that harkens to the indie rock of the early 2010s, while also drawing from something even further back. The vocal delivery and lyrics are wistful, blending well with the sunny instrumentation buoyed by joyously crunchy guitars. In these cold months, this song brings summer right to the listener’s ears.
The Morning Image – “Zion”
A noisy intro caked in fuzz eventually gives way to acoustic guitars on the latest single from The Morning Image. Piano sprinkles in like a drizzle, giving scope and magnitude to an otherwise sparse affair. The imagery invoked by the lyrics completes the melancholic picture. While long, the song uses each of its minutes to devastating effect, including calling back to the hazy intro at the end of the song.
The Bitter Joy – “Obsolete”
This song combines an anthemic feel with a nostalgia soaked in uncertainty and restlessness. Dense walls of guitars are punctuated by horns, something that certainly isn’t heard much in the Rhode Island music scene. Throughout the song, the songwriting proves to be a cut above, featuring a mixture of chords that prevents the song from becoming boring while staying catchy enough to hold the listener’s attention.
Morning Thieves – “Cowboy Song (The Devil)”
This is the leadoff track on this band’s debut EP, Wanted. The song has a little bit of everything: lyrics about murder, fuzzy guitars, tragic piano, wailing sax, and vivid imagery. Despite all the disparate parts, everything coalesces quite nicely, making for a unique listening experience from this newer group.
Nes Tarot’s Psycho Tropics – “Only a Shadow [Live at Dead Letter Office]”
Nes Tarot’s Psycho Tropics are known for being a quirky, chilled-out group. However, they recently performed for a new YouTube channel called Dead Letter Office, where they had a chance to let loose a little. On this cover of The Cleaners From Venus’ beloved classic, the band gives the jangle pop mainstay a punky makeover, cranking up the tempo while imbuing it with their trademark slacker style. •
