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 (or the most). This week we've got some alternative and progressive metal, some pop, and some hip-hop!
Jesse Heinz - Pomelo
Jesse comes from an island near Vancouver (Canada). He plays all the instruments in his recordings. I suspected this when I heard the drums, and I'm not saying that in a bad way -- nowadays it's rare to hear a drum track that wasn't recorded with a metronome; you can really feel the groove in "Pomelo". Jesse says he's influenced by 90's rock bands. His voice is presented in a tight chorus effect, typical to how Kurt Cobain's vocals were produced back then. I really like the amp and pedals that Jesse used for the guitars - they sound great! The synth during the bridge is also fresh. "Pomelo" is overall an excellent track.
120 Minds - White Light
"120 Minds" are a psychedelic rock band formed in Hanau (Germany). The open hi-hat during the verse of "White Light" sounds a bit odd -- reminds me of the snare drum in Metallica's "St. Anger" -- in a good way! I dislike the oriental motifs during the verse (they are played out IMO). The chorus, on the other hand, surprised me. It's creatively done and comes in very aggressively, breaking off the monotony.
Mayfield - Kerosene
Nothing is known about this band, officially. There are two other groups that go by the same name (a folk one, and a traditional brass band). But anyway, this particular Mayfield sounds nice. Their new single "Kerosene" is like a positive-vibes version of Glassjaw and Deftones. Nice guitar sound and chords, combined with calm singing.
We Are To Blame - Breathe
"We Are To Blame" is an alternative metal band from Sweden. "Breathe" sounds like Dream Theater if they fired James LaBrie and hired Nightwish's singer. The front-woman has a very unconventional, classy look. She says "she can't breathe", but if she couldn't breathe, she wouldn't be singing this song. The guitars have a very clear and heavy sound that I enjoyed.
The Hate Club - Cursed
"The Hate Club" is a Ukrainian metal band from Kyiv. Now based in Los Angeles, California, formed in 2017. "Cursed" has an interesting industrial raw sound. I'm really digging the palm-mute tone of the guitars. They are also somewhat off-beat, as if they were looped on an actual vinyl player by a proper DJ. Enjoying the dissonant break with strings bending. The digital drums are well blended and add a decent punchiness to the whole mix. The vocalist sounds like he can't do proper screaming technique, but doesn't care and embraces his voice, which is great.
Beachside talks - 海辺の話
"Beachside Talks" is a 4 piece dream pop band based in Tokyo. They say they are influenced by 80's UK rock such as "The Cure" and "The Police". Seaside Story (海辺の話) is a soothing new-wave ballad with a tight bassline to carry it to the shoreline. Great production value on that bass guitar. The vocals are clear and relaxed.
Ivy Lab - Dogma
"Ivy Lab" is a project based in London. "Dogma" is a sign spinner bonanza. Great soundtrack for anyone who's unfortunate to have a job like that. Just put on those ear plugs and pretend you are the guy in the music video. This track has deep atmospheric sound with matching chord progression. The only thing I dislike is the pitch-shifted vocals that still seem to be so modern nowadays. They are a plague to new music and hopefully they go extinct soon.
Savagestatus - Problems
Born and raised in south Florida, Savagestatus is telling stories through music. "Problems" is a heartfelt RnB track with a solid beat and a gloomy sampled guitar. The vocal melody is original and authentic, unlike most singing that we hear in this genre.
AO Bubb - Drop The Pin
This kid means business. His voice still ain't drop and he already dropping some fire threats. Tats on neck, rawring like Simba. Bonus points for not having "lil" in his name. Beat is hot, but Bubb's rhymes seem non-existent?
T-Trap - Eggs
Tarek Kamal Hasan, known professionally as T-Trap, is a Syrian-born rapper and songwriter born in Homs city. "Eggs" seems to be designed to be a meme song. Maybe it's a parody of the weird Youtube Kids videos that infants seem to go so crazy about? "Eggs" is obnoxious, nauseous, and somewhat terrifying. It's like the evil twin of Doja Cat's "Mooo!"
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