The new music that’s got us dancing in our rooms, singing in our cars, and daydreaming to a beat.
Rose Corps
“Not Just An Angel”
“Not Just An Angel” is the new track from D.C. area DJ and performer, Rose Corps. Vintage 80’s synth and pulse lend fun to the track akin to the nostalgic energetic work of Chromeo or Dua Lipa. But what makes this track sparkle is the stand-out vocal performance that sheds any of the lazy coolness that’s become popular in modern vocal delivery in favor of earnest, heartfelt bright vocals that instill an urgency more easily equated to early Madonna. “Not Just An Angel” isn’t tongue and cheek, self-conscious, or too cool for school. This is the kind of track that you can imagine enticing even the biggest wallflower to the dancefloor with its infectious swing. The powerful self-affirming lyrics declare “I am more than a two-dimensional character. I have facets, a private life. I can surprise you.” Those are the kinds of sentiments that can really compel a listener to dance their heart out, live life to the fullest, embrace all of their weirdness, and let go of the constructs of others. That combination of fierce beats and no holds barred, read your diary out loud lyrics are what makes an anthem. Assuming that there will be a time we can all gather on the dancefloor again, we’re sure that “Not Just An Angel” will make a welcome addition to any DJ set.
Listen and support here:
https://rosecorps.bandcamp.com/album/not-just-an-angel
Solitary Vice
L.A.-based Solitary Vice is offering limited run cassettes of their new Atmospheric Black Metal EP, “No One Asks For Anyone”, out March 5th. Many artists have taken the quarantine year to become introspective, explore soft sounds, and turn towards comforts to sort out the myriad feelings this time has unlocked. Solitary Vice has taken a different approach, turning toward deep guttural sounds, visceral evocative vocals reverberating in the stratosphere above the instruments, and piercing beautiful guitar lines that seem to state something that we all know but can’t quite put into words. The pop of the snare and the presence of the drum performance punctuating otherwise otherworldly melodies will have you missing basement shows. Frontperson, Solitary Vice, is well versed in plaintive indie singer songwriter stylings as well as intricate math rock instrumentals as demonstrated by her time in Washington D.C. It’s therefore no surprise that the real twist of the knife in these excellently executed metal songs is the unexpected warmth and melodic presence that somehow allows the whole piece to get under your skin and make you confront pain, exhaustion, isolation, and anger.
https://solitaryvice.bandcamp.com/album/no-one-asks-for-anyone
https://solitaryvice.bigcartel.com/ – Art zines by the same name
Sunstoney
Newcomer, Sunstoney describes herself as, “Just a cynical brown girl making experimental R&B”. She released “In Your Apartment” on February 12th. It’s an intimate, heady, sometimes trance- inducing trip that flows nonstop from beginning to end inviting the listener to relax and to get real.
The lush orchestration certainly hails back to 90’s chill electronic albums. Sure some of the vocal delivery choices evoke memories of Erykah Badu, but there’s something so new, breathy and young about the bedroom vibe that feels more like you’re talking to your best friend rather than listening to an untouchable diva. This intimacy is intentional as reflected on the artist’s choice of title, “On one level, it’s meant as a coy reference to the unsuspecting subjects of Sunstoney’s songs—“if I was in their apartment, what would I say?” she explains—while on another, it evokes the domestic entrapments of quarantine life.” The artist cites references like – Nai Palm, the maximalist jazz-funk maelstrom of Flying Lotus, and the soft-focus chillwave of Washed Out and Toro y Moi.
Overall, this collection of songs sets a time and space and holds that feeling without becoming repetitive or stale. It feels spontaneous with backing vocals sliding in to accentuate stream of consciousness fluid lines. Grab some headphones and get ready to sink into a hazy musical dream.
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/0u7tZanhwaBXldOxJQ74oT