02|06|24 [Funky Basslines, #FemaleHeavyPsych and 2018 Throwback]
I saw someone on Reddit the other day saying that we need more good bands, and while I agree in some places, I suggest that there’s good music all around us; you just have to know where to find it.
That is the problem: there’s so much saturation of the market that when tools like Release Radar and Discover Weekly exist the suggestions are expected and stale. I like everyone else that uses Spotify click on those playlists to hear the shit I’ve never even heard before but often get let down. So I did something about it.
Here are FIVE new songs to listen to from artists with under 1,000 monthly listeners to widen the horizons of your musical journey:
Act Casual, “Hillbilly Disco”
If you know anything about me (besides the fact that I’m a major drumhead) you know that I love looking for funky basslines. “Hillbilly Disco” by Act Casual is a perfect example of what I think most bands lack these days that would take them to a whole different level. From the beginning, it feels like the song is constructed around the bassline through varying grooves both slow and fast; keeping the the song alive. The keys offer a refreshingly bright melody that engages with the rest of the instruments in a complimenting manner. Even when the breakdown happens and the groove becomes more swung and deep the bass is the consistent thread that carries the song through the slower B section of the song and right back into the faster A section. This song is incredibly dynamic and uses all eight minutes to its advantage by creating a unique danceable funk-rock jam. If you like anything similar to Pink Floyd, Phish, or Umphrey’s McGee you’ll enjoy this interstellar experience of a song.
Sisteria, “Winter Crow
If modern blues music is your jam I think you should try your luck with Sisteria. “Winter Crow” takes what was soulful from 60s blues and throws a modern twist on it through stylistic choices littered in the song. The first impression of this song is definitely defined by the triphop-sounding kick drum and spiritual spacious organ playing and starts off very reminiscent of bands like Portishead and The Black Keys. As the music keeps thumping the vocals come in with a gritty filter creating an atmosphere around the lyrics like it’s coming out of a payphone. The relaxed vocals add a Lofi vibe to the overall picture of the song. In the end, we get hit with an understated stank face-inducing guitar solo that takes us into the outro of the song where the organ remains consistent as the heartbeat of the song fades out. Self-identifying as #femaleheavypsych, it is awesome to come across a female-led psych-influenced group in a genre that is sparsely populated with women. Check them out.
Purple Funk Metropolis, “Freeze Ray”
Hailing out of Minneapolis with the coolest band name ever, Purple Funk Metropolis is a seven-piece funk group with major grooves, and “Freeze Ray” is a good example of that. Evocative of Curtis Mayfield’s song “Move on Up” with an energetic horns section and percussion/drums worth boogying to. The song is speedy in all the right ways without missing on production. Like with some funk songs the dynamic comes down for a short period of time where the drums become the main character and infuse this interesting combination of jazz in a slightly techno beat. The horns add some height to the song and we enter into the outro of the song at 3:40 which might make you exclaim out loud. The sonic image the band creates through music is impressively physical and the music feels like a place you can go to. This sweet taste we get of modern SoulTrain glam is so catchy it could get stuck in your head…
Brady Lyons, “Underground”
This song is so cool to me because I don’t typically listen to songs of this nature but the second I heard this tune I had to save it. With a summer vibe (but released in November 2023) and an upbeat flow, this song definitely brought some warmth to the winter when it was released. I’ve been racking my brain all day trying to piece together the genre for this song but it’s escaping me so instead let me say this: this song reminds me of how pre-pandemic music sounded. The syncopated feel of the song builds up like a rollercoaster and creates this positive tension between the vocals and music. I’m definitely reminded of artists like UMI when it comes to the lyrics and production. With the acoustic sound prominent, sweet harmonies, and a dreamlike bridge this song is incredibly beautiful and captures Brady Lyons’ vibe naturally.
Gamenight, “SW”
Theres just something about pre-2020 music that just hits differently; whether it be catchier some ways, more laidback and pop oriented (but not in the Taylor Swift kind of way… in the indie pop kinda way.) “SW” released by Gamenight in 2018 as a part of their album “Buddro” is a prime example of how catchy but unique indie pop-rock can be. Listening to the clashing of the cymbals on the drums or the magnetic partnership between the guitar’s cool solos and the steady and chill bass line just reminds me of summers before COVID and how colorful they used to be. It reminds me of my last few teenage years and just how little I had to worry about. I also think indie pop-rock has changed so much since then… its nowhere near as excitable as it was six years ago. This song would be one of my pieces of evidence if I were trying to prove a thesis about how good of a year 2018 was for music.
Alright friends, you know how this goes. If you haven’t checked out last week’s five songs do me a favor and click the three lines on the right at the top of the page and click on “Before the Break.” If you have any suggestions for next week’s five songs shoot me a dm on Instagram and I’ll check it out!
Bandcamp’s are linked for each artist so don’t be afraid to directly support DIY/indie music! And do me one last favor– CHECK OUT THE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (plzzzz!!!!) It lets me know you like what I’m doing and want to hear more, so help me help you and tell me if you’re diggin’ it.
Have a great week & be sure to check out cool music by cool artists.
where do we go from here? 
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