This is weekly JAK, where I have to sit through hours of mediocre newly-released music and pick the 10 tracks that suck the least. This week we've got some progressive rock, hyperpop, hip-hop, and some afrobeats!
Somehow Jo - RUSH
A Finnish progressive-alternative metal newcomer founded in 2009. They call themselves "an alternative version of Spice Girls, harvesting it’s own way in genre-free music". To those who don't know, the Spice Girls were a shitty over-produced girl band with some hits in the late 90s. This song "Rush" is pretty good, though. The guitar riffs are original and they sound great. The mid-range vocals are a breath of fresh air. The only thing that sort of threw me off initially was the accent of the singer. But don't let that stop you from enjoying good music!
The Pounds - Blue Dark Sea
The Pounds is a Prog Rock duo based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They say "they produce all their music, themselves" -- as opposed to what? Do most prog rock bands in Argentina have a third-party producer? Anyway, this track "Blue Dark Sea" is thoroughly pleasing. The vocal harmonies in the intro, the 5/16 groove, the piano chords during the breakdown -- everything about the piece is brilliantly put together.
lastdxwn - Dark
A young "hyperpop" artist trying to get heard. "Dark" reminds me too much of pop punk from the early 2000s, but the chorus shakes things up with a choppy guitar riff and a playful synth. Still, not enough to classify this song as "hyperpop". Needs a faster pace and more autotune!
sunny court - FRIENDS
Independent artist based in Ottawa, Canada. A songwriter/producer creating aggressive, but delicate modern pop songs. This track sounds too much like 100 Gecs, but at this point I'd rather have people ripping Dylan Brady off, than listening to the same tired shit over and over again. The breakdown of "Friends" is pretty badass.
Yonder - Therapy
A rap group from Richmond. Sounds like "Death Grips" combined with some punk-rock riffs (that are barely audible). The production quality is piss poor, but I kinda like it - the way the drum machine overpowers the rest of the instruments. Also, not gonna lie, the sexy bizarre music video caught my attention.
IN$AN x DOSM - Tranqui Mejor
Don't know who these guys are, but this song is a banger! The bass hits hard, the vocals are aggressive and energetic, and there's an underlying creepy mood carried by the synths. The flow in the verses is also pretty decent. Don't like Spanish, well then you're missing out on some hot fire.
Xuper Heru - Get Iller
Xuper Heru is a Hip Hop group that formed during the pandemic. They are: High Sunday, Bison, and Genesis Da God. "Get Iller" is a dope track, and these guys spit ill flows, for sure.
Subblock Jdogg - Fa Tonight
There's nothing interesting about this song, but the way these grown ass rappers pronounce words like infants was entertaining to me.
Josh Levi - ALL OVER AGAIN
Josh Levi is an American singer, actor, and dancer from Houston, Texas. He first gained attention for his role in the NBC television series Friday Night Lights. He then gained further prominence as a finalist on the third season of The X Factor. Afterwards he made guest appearances on the Nickelodeon television shows The Thundermans and Game Shakers. "All Over Again" is an excellent neo soul track with some melancholic undertones. The vocals remind me of Frank Ocean.
Snura Ft. Kinata MC - Kuchi Kuchi
Performers from East Africa, Tanzania. This song is mindlessly fun and hyper! The melody keeps changing like a mashup, but there's actually a hook in-between. The chorus is freaky and peculiar. Come on, give "Kuchi Kuchi" a chance!
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