1955
Glory Days
Makes you want to clap and sing along like a kid at a Wiggles concert or those teengers back in the early ’60s watching The Beatles live for the first time. The track of 1955 – whose name pays homage to the huge cultural and musical shift that took root that year – is really Sasha Papadin, who likely has a greater record collection than you. A rousing dance beat, a huge chorus, if you’re missing Edwyn Collins but can’t get into Fitz and the Tantrums yet, check this out.
At His Feet Ministries
Chains
Spreading the Gospel to a new generation through Christian Hip-Hop. They bring help to the poor, take care of orphans, minister to prisoners and love people of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities, so you can check out the song, and know you’re doing some good in the world, too. But the song stands on its own, and whatever your religion, and you’re going to dig the message. With an impassioned plea and delivery, it rises to the top with sheer power and presence.
Xmark
A Moment Too Late
From Boston, Massachusetts, and featuring some great single covers, this is a pitch above anything happening on rock radio right now. A majestic sound coming out of production, it’s much smoother than most.
Statues
Cranium
Turn it up and start kicking out the jams. Love Husker Du or Sonic Youth, or anyone else on SST? This is your new band for the month. Over the top, but unbeatable in angst, melody and tunes, this is the kind of band that should have 28 songs on their debut album, lasting 50 minutes total. Take a run off the cliff with this as your soundtrack.
M’Lynn
Grounding
Growing up in a family surrounded with music, it’s no surprise M’Lynn has been named one of 10 Dallas artists to watch in 2018. Wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to sing like this? I mean, really. If you were to catch her live, your mouth would be open the entire set, wondering how much talent can one person actually have? She might have more significant work later on in her career, but there’s a lot of grace and charm and sheer beauty right here, right now. Absolutely one to watch, you got it right, Dallas.
Horace Greene
High Tonight
The first single from Horace Greene’s debut album Early American Ice Cream is a neat introduction for those listeners new to the blues genre, but also want to know why The Black Crowes were pretty cool. This three-piece from Oshkosh, WI paints a wider canvas and their desire to stretch the genre boundaries will continue to serve them well.
David Lyn
Mannas
While retailing a contemporary edge in reggae and hip hop, this is an exciting track from Miami’s finest. Easily a song to be considered for crossover and commercial radio potential, once radio comes to grips this is what the people want.
Captain Tuku
Crazy
The Captain is touring the west coast in early 2018 for the debut album Ear Candy, and it’ll be interesting to catch his live show. Catered for both sides of hip hop and electronic music with his oh so relaxed melody and style, he could be having hits throughout the year – and beyond.
Sergio Gaetani
Two Days from Detroit
While Sergio’s sound is somewhere in-between the War on Drugs and Tom Waits, it’s really the lost art of guitar playing that will grab you at the front. He’s a great musician, mixing soul and world music while drifting through the empty streets during a late-night cab ride in New York City. Or Uber, I guess nowadays. His voice is as comfortable in the high ranges and has more in common with Steely Dan he might be willing to admit. Beautifully played, fulled realized.
Intergalactic Peace Jelly
If You’re Given a Mallet
Formed three years ago in Boulder, CO, this is what 1968 feels like. Jagged, shimmering instruments, free-forming vocals, a little bit of echo here, and little bit of reverb there. It’s easy to see it’s appeal – five accomplished players, all locked in the one groove, challenging those neatly-processed pop songs of today. They’re probably amazing live, even if you’d rather mostly stay in this decade. Take a trip with them.
Death Saddle Syndicate
One Man’s Remedy
Written and recorded just prior to singer/drummer Michael Davis-Penta’s deployment to the Middle East. Holy smokes, if that isn’t reason enough to bring this to a quadzillion spin level of Spotify for the surprise of his life when he comes back, I don’t know what is. A highly wrought and deeply thoughtful and grungy single from this trio based in New Haven, Connecticut. An immediate strong impression will be left for those fans of Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and Temple of the Dog.
Tjuv
The River
Formed in 2010, Tjuv craft their cinematic synthesis of 70s dominance of the singer/songwriter era, 90s lo-fi rock and 80s electro from their home base in Österlen, Sweden. I know, that covers, like, the entire breadth of Pitchfork, but if you read that site, this is the band for you. A mix of all these decades doesn’t really do justice to the tightness of the group. Tjuv means ‘thief’ in Swedish, which is what they’ve really done, grabbing and taking and bridging the gap between the best parts of the decades. Absolutely nothing wrong with this, and so many things right with the group.
Dig Exotic
Ghost
Pop Rock/Indie Electronic project Dig Exotic is the creation of Los Angeles native singer, songwriter and record producer Rebecca Rosoff, and points to this pumping rocker of a track. Her experience working for a rather large radio company called iHeartRadio (maybe you’ve heard of it) only enhances her brilliant sounding track, a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly. This deserves, and demands wider attention. She will get it this year.
Watercolours
Feel Tomorrow
Watercolours are an alternative band based in Cheltenham. With nostalgic themes and 80s style tones, the trio draws influence from artists such as Beach House and Klangstof. So smooth, and why tinker with proper formulas as the decade that brought you Johnny Hates Jazz and The Style Council, really? Escape back to the best parts of music, and escape the mundane.
