Stop, Rock, and Roll is back! As summer arrives, here are five local tunes to help you soak in the sun.
Aloe – “Ouch!” Sultry vocals play out over a restrained beat to kick off Aloe’s new single, buoyed by silky synth pads. Throughout the track’s length, more and more elements pop in and out, including vocal harmonies, chip-tuned singing, and additional percussion. Despite the number of changes, the song maintains a consistent feel, sounding like it belongs in a smoky, dimly lit club. This just might be dance music from the future.
Seagarden – “Motive For Your Crime” Jangle pop is relatively rare in Rhode Island. However, that issue is remedied by Seagarden’s debut single. Starting with a rapid fire, arpeggiated riff, the song’s bright guitars are soon complemented by a winding bass riff before the rest of the band crashes in. A surf beat is melted together with a moody post-punk atmosphere. The song reaches its peak in the bridge, where a wall of vocal harmonies joins with a blaring guitar riff.
The Marquees – “Overload” The Marquees have been releasing a number of singles leading to their debut album, Silver Screen, which drops in August. Each has been a lot of fun, and “Overload” is no exception. The song features a punchy chord progression that wouldn’t feel out of place in the 2000s NYC indie scene. Distorted vocals throughout only heighten this comparison. Eventually, the skies open in the chorus, where the band’s trademark, anthemic sound pours through.
Cheap City – “Raised by Rats (featuring Moth Rogers)” Cheap City’s new album, Cheap City Forever, is an album that’s as fun as it is cathartic. Case in point: this song. Kicking off with an intoxicating blend of piano and guitar, the song throws time signature changes and unexpected chords at the listener; a journey before the verse even starts. Once the vocals begin, the dynamics continue, with melodic vocals in the chorus contrasting with the screams of “rat family!” One final shout ends a song that’s a barn burner from start to finish.
Mutter – “Heart Palpitations [Live at Microscopic Sounds]” One of Providence’s most beloved bands has called it quits, but not before leaving us with one more release: an EP titled Standadz: Live at Microscopic Sounds. Dusky, chorus-soaked guitar locks in bass, organ and drums for a smoky beginning to the opening track, “Heart Palpitations.” However, just as the listener gets comfortable, out of left field comes a saxophone, adding to the semi-noir feel of the track. The sax gets plenty of time to blow before, suddenly, the song picks up speed and the instruments crash to the finish line. •