A superb playlist of thoughtful, meaningful pop-punk and rock tracks. Merit Maker bring something clearly original, creative and purposeful to the scene, and the tracks are not only a pleasure to escape into at volume, but help shine light on a sense of warmth and belief in better, particularly during such trying and conflicted times as these.
Music
Bringing together a smooth country songwriting style and a touch of Americana or bigger-band warmth in the set-up, Ron Hamrick’s latest single Whatcha Gonna Do On Saturday Night is a timeless and catchy indie hit, and an easy song to enjoy this summer season.
Standing tall on the strength of a simple but satisfying bass line, rising higher still as a soulful vocal thread and funky indie-rock aura gathers clear momentum – Lui Fazo rides the pulse of an implication, with the slick and unmistakable Energy.
Creative producer and keys expert Pisces Senpai fuses genres and cultural quirks with passion and precision. Juna is a fine example of the uniquely playful, colourful and multi-layered sound of the music, and within the confines of a single track, Pisces Senpai seamlessly incorporates subtle aspects of funk, electro, pop, dance and kawaii-driven artistic prowess.
The music is divinely delicate, but also quietly commandeering, and this strength is piercingly notable throughout the likes of highlights Plaza and Misterioso. There’s also a profoundly all-consuming depth of sound to the healing frequency and power of Cavern – an intoxicating closing track, confirming the essential power of music in temporarily freeing us from the jagged edges of modern life.
Metaphors and moments musically intertwined – a folk-pop softness that transcends the walls of expectation – Swiss songwriter Andrea Schmider offers unique song structuring, mighty choruses, and a striking balance between delicacy and power, for the Potpourri EP.
Jag, Griffin, Luke and Parker make up Chelekis, a four-piece with a shared passion for the process, and that inherent connection that shines brilliantly through the rhythmic unity and celebratory scorn of Problematic.
Retro electro-pop and synth-wave join forces, for a smooth and gamer-esque array of tones, melodies and vocoder-style effects. Odd Cadet blends the robotic and heartfelt, with This Is Goodbye.
Blending the nostalgic indie rock sway of easy guitars, riffs, bass and live drums, with a softly striking vocal, and a conceptual weight and sadness that’s almost unbearable, the mighty MYQO returns this season, with the broken and beautiful before me.
UK band The Hanging Bandits – a great name and a worthy level of intrigue for the inventive music that follows. Their single, Shipwrecks & Forgetful Skies, is a sensational lyrical and melodic outpouring.
Already an impressive and consistently likable band, this latest offering injects a twist of something like soul and ska modestly woven into the band’s classic tapestry. The songwriting is catchy, the vocals sublime, and the faultless unity between musicians lets this spacious and genuine arrangement create a completely intoxicating groove.
Beautifully intricate sound-design and uplifting world-music rhythms and warmth – Boris Metraux captures a supremely authentic original style, with the rising euphoria of Nena.