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). Week 43 was not a good week for fresh music, but we still feel obligated to report to you some amusing finds.
SHEARS - Carbon Copy
SHEARS (does she hear?) is a humble artist who writes and produces electronic music at her home in Leith (Scotland). "Carbon Copy" is a catchy electro-pop number with a message that we at FAK YER Reviews absolutely stand by -- fuck the cookie-cutter bullshit, do your own thing and rock out with your tits out! And definitely do not follow SHEARS on social media (just kidding).
Brambles - Demon
Melbourne-based British electronic artist Brambles releasing an exciting track with a hypersonic liquid tone that we've missed since the death of Sophie Xeon. "Demon" is packed with neurotic "futuristic" sounds contrasted with soothing tunes and a pleasing semi-synthesized voice.
BVT - LALAKI
Bernie Van Tiel (BVT) is a Sydney based rapper / singer-songwriter / beatboxer / actor / producer. Representing queer people of colour everywhere, BVT sets to bring Queer experiences to the mainstream in the hip hop/R&B genre. "Lalaki" has an enjoyable primitive vibe. BVT's low-pitched voice is kinda sexy and bizarre and her rap flow is fast and impressive. Maybe there's some Peaches influence hidden in there.
Frankie Zulferino - Die for You
Frankie Zulferino is a singer, dancer, and choreographer from New York City. "Die for You" is a crazy dance song that sounds like it was written by Corey Feldman. But it sounds good, it's less creepy, and a hell lot more gay. Frankie's fierce looks are so powerful that even straight men must catch their breath after making eye contact with her!
LUEGO - THE VORTEX
LUEGO is the vehicle for artist Patrick Phelan’s songs. He blends genres ranging from pop, folk, hip-hop and rock. After a "spiritual awakening" brought on by the pandemic, Phelan left Los Angeles for Austin (Texas) to begin his healing journey, and to write his "masterpiece", leveraging alchemy to get there (does he cook meth?). Musical influences include Post Malone, The Strokes, Bon Iver & Bob Dylan, among others. Patrick kinda reminds me of Tommy Wiseau and looks like someone who I'll be uncomfortable around. He looks like a mediocre artist who believes he has a great mission and a unique and very important vision with which he's going to change the world. But hey, "The Vortex" is something that stands out and that's why we had to present it here.
Radioprojecteur - Andersch und in Blau
Radioprojecteur is a trio that formed in 2018 in Zurich (Switzerland). They sing in Swiss German, which has little in common with traditional German pronunciation. Swiss is rich in intonation and prolonged vowels which makes it perfect for music. Radioprojecteur's songs range from new folk to jazzy interludes to rock ballads. "Andersch und in Blau" is a melodic folk song that combines raspy male vocals with melodic feminine singing. The guitar minor arpeggios and chords are perfectly accompanied with a cello and a bass clarinet. A perfect "pirate" singalong!
Phoneboy - Runaway
In an age of hyper-stimulated doom-scrolling and over-polished social media stars, Hoboken (NJ) three piece Phoneboy are all about living in the moment. While you may find a tinge of that teen angst that comes with youth, Phoneboy are ready to turn up. Put your phones down and listen to "Runaway" (unless you're reading this on your phone). This song has such an optimistic positive vibe that I rarely hear in new music. It's well written and the hook is good enough to be an anthem. Yeah, it's cheesy and derivative, but there's something else about it that's just the right amount and pops.
Second String - Peanut Butter in the Jelly Jar
Second String present themselves as "sounds for the losers & lovers & punks & outcasts". Not sure what they mean by "lovers" and how it relates categorically to the other groups of people, but whatever. Second String is an experiment in DIY music & fun based in Omaha (Nebraska). Crafted with an awkward mix of Sprite, Reese's Cups, and videogames, this project is the brain child of a bunch of friends that like to have fun and make music. "Peanut Butter in the Jelly Jar" is emo as hell -- it's the opposite of fun! But we don't care about fun here at FAK YER Reviews. Great sounding melancholic guitars and angsty vocals is all we need, and it is successfully delivered by the band.
Soul Crusher - Stuck In Between
Soul Crusher is an even bigger buzzkill coming from Toronto (Ontario). They present their music as "Radiohead infused vibes". Never bothered giving Radiohead a chance, but "Stuck In Between" impressed me with unusual chords and energetic drums that disperse the otherwise boring pace of the song. Have some patience and enjoy the chorus.
Mamphibian - Zombies
Mamphibian is a band from Pennsylvania. They are really bad at promoting their music, but we somehow stumbled on their track "Zombies". It's an amazing song that sounds like it was recorded in the 70's, featuring cleverly syncopated rhythm in 12/16, funky guitars, playful bass, and chord progression that is interesting and captivating -- "Zombies" sounds like The Beatles, The Doors, and whatever else was on acid at that time. Bonus for having keys and a flute. The way the chorus is repeated a million times at the end of the track is really annoying, though. It's like a nightmarish vinyl record that you can't stop from skipping.
And there you have it, 10 more tracks to occupy your brain and drain it of powerful resources that could have been employed in an otherwise useful way!
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