LIGHTNING ROUND (May 1, 2020)

Hallo folks! It’s May Day! Its May Day right? I thought I heard from somebody that today was May Day. Ah well. Here’s some cool music no particular order, except it seems like there’s a particular order because they’re numbered. Anyway.

1. Hurry Up, Snufkin – “your friends care about you, even when they’re very far away”

The first released music from Jordan Brawner’s new chiptune project, this double release lives entirely up to expectations. Blessedly, it’s quarantine-based music that doesn’t feel rushed out; these two pieces feel worked over, each detail thought out. “your friends care about you,” with its cyclone combination of Game Boy blips and prog guitar, makes for an early climax. But its the second piece that captures the most magic on record, moving from one unconventional melody to another like a mini-epic. A joy to listen to.

2. Khruangbin – “Time (You and I)”

At this point, we can depend on Texas-based Khruangbin to deliver the funk. It’s a done deal. This new single, a preview of their upcoming release Mordechai, puts the talents of Laura Lee front and center, keeping her vocals clean and mostly free of the washed reverb it’s known for. As such, “Time (You and I)” paints the band as a more flesh-and-blood band than a vaporous, vaguely spiritual force. While that makes this track a little more quotidian than we’re used to from Khruangbin, it’s just as intensely absorbing as usual.

3. Big Thief – “Love In Mine”

Presumably an outtake from Two Hands, this track from indie-folk stalwarts Big Thief reminds us why this band is leading the pack in their field. It’s warm, heartfelt, but dignified. I imagine it would have worked just as well if it were included on the album. You already know what you’re getting into with this band, so give this one a listen.

4. Ganser – “Lucky”

In the spirit of noise-riddled post-punk bands like Bad Porridge, Chicago-based Ganser adds to the fracas with the newest single from their soon-to-be-released Just Look At That Sky. “Lucky” espouses the apocalypse like it’s already here, which is true in a sense. It’s wild but not chaotic, instead following a rigid structure that then throws itself against its own boundaries. Vocally, Nadia Garofalo channels Kim Gordon more than anyone.

5. Best Baby – “Faking To Pretend”

Something about this track sticks with me. I’m not sure what it is. It’s altogether a little unpolished, and the mix is a little rough, but maybe that’s what lends it a specific charm. After all, its anchored by a coming-of-age narrative. It’s also got a solid vocal hook via Claire Lorenzo, the kind of hook that gets stuck in your head for a little while. We wish Best Baby the best of luck in putting together their debut.

6. Quiet Takes – “Wanted”

Never underestimate the power of a good recording. “Wanted” is just guitar, bass, keys, vocals, and a thick silence between the gaps. The track, especially in Sarah McGill’s occasional harmonies, bears a likeness to Cat Power, but sunnier and less tortured. Utterly absorbing.

7. Pure X – “Middle America”

Austin band Pure X have a new record out today, their first after over five years. This song, its opener, is also its strongest advertisement. It’s not only a great representation of the band’s night-blurred take on indie rock; it seems to give off heat lines as if borne from the Texan deserts themselves.

That’s all for the LIGHTNING ROUND! If you’re reading this today, Bandcamp is waiving their revenue again to make sure artists get paid in full for purchases on their site, so do your part and buy buy buy!