Posted: 12th July, 2021 by The Editor
The Alternative Weekly Roundup is a column where our staff plugs a variety of new releases in a concise, streamlined format. Albums, singles, videos, and live sets. Check back each Monday to see what we were jamming the week prior.
Cayley Spivey – Bad for Each Other
Cayley Spivey’s transition into pop is complete with the release of her Bad for Each Other EP. Collecting her three singles from the past year or so (“SFU,” “Not Over You Yet,” and “Cross the Line”), the EP also features the brand new title track, which might be the best of the three. Her work as Small Talks demonstrated her ability to write an incredible hook, and that’s ramped up to ten on Bad for Each Other.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Teamonade – “Weighed Down” / “Young”
Teamonade’s latest tracks reflect an ethereal and enticing expansion of the Ohio band’s sound, making the most of the group’s dual vocalists and riff-filled indie-rock vibes. “Weighed Down” features a delicate guitar pattern and airy vocals that seem to float above the instrumentation, punctuated by heavier moments. “Young” picks up the pace a little, building a catchy tune around the intricate acoustic guitarwork that bookends the track. Both songs will be on the group’s upcoming EP Borderline.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
Cherish This – “I’m Not the Same Anymore”
Cherish This’ “I’m Not the Same Anymore” is the band’s most downtempo track yet, a somber ballad that sits in stark contrast to the pop-emo of their debut EP. It’s cool to hear another side of the band, hopefully one they’ll present more in the future.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
DRAMA – “Don’t Hold Back”
DRAMA holds nothing back in their new-ish single “Don’t Hold Back,” a pulsating combination of electronic and R&B. The effortless combination of the two genres is their speciality, and “Don’t Hold Back” is a prime example of that talent.
Jordan Snowden | @snowden_jordan
Care Package – “Pinch”
“Pinch,” the first single from Pittsburgh indie rock group Care Package, draws you in with a distinctively ’80s sounding guitar and keeps you listening with the catchy, dreamy chorus. The group is the new project from Hal McDonough of Baseball Dad, and their vocals sound great with this new backing band. Keep your eyes peeled for Care Package’s excellent debut EP, out July 16th.
Aaron Eisenreich | @slobboyreject
Farseek – “Crying”
Farseek’s newest single “Crying” is a bit of a return to form for the band following the release of “New Short Haircut.” It’s a fast-paced pop-punk track that will no doubt be a perfect opener for their Standstill EP.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Dim Wizard – “Whole Lotta Nothin’”
Dim Wizard is the new project by David Combs (Bad Moves, Max Levine Ensemble) and the first single is a bop of a garage rock anthem to feeling numb and creatively drained. Written during quarantine and featuring vocals performed by Erica Freas (RVIVR) and Patrick Jennings (Hot New Mexicans, Nana Grizol), “Whole Lotta Nothin’” had me hitting my steering wheel to the beat and singing, “I can’t wait to not go out tonight” with wry smile. Because it’s true. I know it may not be the exact meaning, but I really can’t wait to not go out tonight. Or really any night. Sorry, I can’t make it. I’m already in my PJs dancing to Dim Wizard.
Jami Fowler | @audiocurio
American Beauty / Innerlove – Split
The new split EP by American Beauty and Innerlove is a great taste of each band’s style, of two of the brightest young bands on the scene. They work quite well together, American Beauty’s math-pop complimenting Innerlove’s breathier indie rock. There’s shades of the ever underrated American Scene in both bands, even as American Beauty’s “Dinner at Dorsia” veers into post-hardcore territory and Innerlove’s “Walked On” offers comparisons to the bright, vocal-centric post-rock of Overgrow or Gates. It’s a really exciting split, and it’ll be extremely rewarding to see how both bands grow from here.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
The Alternative’s ‘New Music Friday’ playlist
Each week our editor Lindsy Carrasquillo compiles a playlist of songs our staff has been jamming. We’ll post it on Fridays on Twitter and then include it in each edition of the ‘Weekly Roundup’ to make sure you don’t miss all of the great music we’re recommending.
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