Author: Marcus Adetola

Birthday blues—that melancholic haze that settles upon countless souls as another year comes full circle. Amidst the well-wishes and celebratory fanfare, there’s an undercurrent of introspection, a reckoning with one’s hopes and fears, and the ever-elusive pursuit of having it all “figured out.” Alice Pisano’s new single, Birthday, resonates with this sentiment, striking a chord that reverberates through the collective psyche of those grappling with the weight of their dreams and the reality of their lived experiences. Her delicate vocals, interwoven with the gentle caress of acoustic instrumentation, create an intimate sonic tapestry that envelops the listener in a shared vulnerability. The lyrics,…

Looking for music tinged with nostalgia and sad longing? Singer-songwriter Allen Miller has you covered with Boring, a raw, visceral exploration of post-breakup heartache. Allen Miller is a writer first and foremost, and his cutting, clever lyrics sit atop production that seamlessly blends indie folk and big pop; his priority is telling compelling, authentic, and intriguing stories. In Boring, Allen immerses us in the turmoil of a heart-wrenching separation from a relationship that has gone sour over dreamy, uptempo melodies. His expressive vocals convey the confusion of loving someone who can’t quite love you back: “Bloomed for your gaze, but it…

Ainjo’s If Pretty Was a Contest is a refreshingly candid exploration of the insidious beauty standards that pervade our digital age. This mid-tempo R&B gem subverts the conventional narrative of self-loathing by injecting a delightful dose of humour and empowerment. Ainjo’s soulful vocals effortlessly evoke feelings of vulnerability and defiance, with lyrics that paint a vivid portrait of a woman grappling with the relentless comparison game fueled by social media’s filtered perfection. “That bitch ain’t got sh*t on me, but better clothes,” she sings, refusing to succumb to the pressure of unattainable ideals. Yet, beneath the bravado lies a raw honesty that resonates…

Hazlett’s The First Train Home is a sonic paradox, where the serenity of acoustic guitar and ambient sounds clashes beautifully with the raw ache in Hazlett’s voice. This juxtaposition isn’t just sonic; it’s a reflection of the song’s lyrical duality. Hazlett isn’t just singing about heartbreak; he’s dissecting it. He’s grappling with the bittersweet realisation of being loved for who you are not, while yearning for that idealised reflection. The plea in the chorus isn’t just a musical crescendo; it’s an emotional outburst, a desperate desire to be seen and understood. Yet, there’s a certain acceptance woven into the song’s fabric. Hazlett…

In her hauntingly beautiful track hollywood cemetery, Japanese-Korean-American songstress Tiger La Flor transports us into a world where dreams are both made and mourned. Her sound, a delicate tapestry of ethereal melancholy, is interwoven with a distinctly Western-tinged dreamscape, creating a sonic experience that is as poignant as it is profound. With a voice that exudes the sultry allure of a bygone era, Tiger La Flor weaves a narrative rich in ambition and disillusionment. The lyrics, saturated with a raw hedonism and a defiant renunciation of the quintessential “American dream,” craft a narrative that exudes an epic, nostalgic charm. The…

SACARIAS, the Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer, has gifted us with Sorry Sorry, an indie-pop gem that delves into the depths of self-awareness and the hurdles of owning up to our mistakes. This track isn’t your run-of-the-mill apology anthem; it’s a raw and unfiltered look at the internal battle between pride and vulnerability. With lyrics that read like ripped pages from a personal diary, SACARIAS paints a vivid picture of the discomfort that comes with admitting wrongdoing. The fear of judgement and the longing for acceptance are palpable in every line. Yet, through his heartfelt delivery, he transforms this personal struggle…

Canadian artist Dax, known for his thought-provoking lyrics and emotional depth, delves into the complexities of men’s mental health and societal expectations in his poignant track A Real Man, released on May 27, 2024, as a standalone single. It is a powerful message about vulnerability, societal pressures, and the struggles faced by men in modern society. Dax points out the contradictory demands of being vulnerable and emotionally available, yet stoic and never outwardly upset. This masks men’s internal pain and dismisses their right to have feelings. A Real Man tackles several interconnected themes, making it a resonant and thought-provoking piece. Dax…

Noak Hellsing’s new single Empty the Bags isn’t just another disco revival track; it’s a rhythmic paradox, a dancefloor anthem tinged with an undercurrent of obsession. This isn’t the feel-good, carefree disco of the 70s, as the lyrics tell a story of devotion that borders on the unsettling, a willingness to do anything for love, even rob a bank. Noak Hellsing’s smooth vocals, switching effortlessly from soulful crooning to soaring falsetto, lure you into a false sense of security, while the thumping bassline and shimmering synths drive the track relentlessly forward. The instrumentation is tight—a perfect marriage of retro charm and modern…

Songs, a collaboration between Golden Vessel and Headaches, is a delightful, bittersweet ode to music’s uncanny ability to capture and preserve memories. This indie-pop confection, infused with dreamy elements, dances on a delicate line between airy lightness and understated melancholy. It’s the kind of song you could imagine soundtracking a carefree summer afternoon, yet its emotional depth belies its breezy melody. The vocals, a rhythmic interplay between Golden Vessel and Headaches, evoke a sense of introspection and acceptance. They navigate the listener through a maze of memories, each verse a different snapshot of life set to music. The instrumentation, a delicate balance of…

Zoe Ko’s Touch Therapy is a deliciously audacious anthem for the bold and unabashed. This eclectic track blends glam-rock sonics with energising pop beats and alternative rock sensibilities. From the first pulsating bassline, it grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. Ko’s vocals ooze confidence and passion, and her cadence is unapologetic, resonating with the spirit of a new era while tipping its hat to iconic sounds of the past. The lyrics delve into themes of human need, intimacy, and the quest for connection in a digital-leaning world, with Zoe Ko singing about the life-affirming power of…