As Cities Burn – “2020 AD”: This song is just dancey enough that for a few seconds I forgot I wasn’t listening to the new Muse album. In all seriousness, this feels like a proper follow up to some of the “punchier” songs on Hell Or High Water. It’s great to hear the Bonnette brothers’ voices complement each other in a recorded context again. If you’re in the mood for some pensive but loud rock and roll, here you are. I also have a new appreciation for Aaron Lunsford’s drumming after listening.

Weeknight – “Holes In My Head”: The dark-pop/post punk duo is back! But now they’re a quartet. After their LP Post-Everything because our dark horse LP of the year back in 2014, I could hardly wait to hear what they had cooking for a proper follow up. The transition from dark electronic to a full band definitely was a bit of an adjustment for yours truly. However, I’m very intrigued on how their forthcoming LP on Dead Stare will turn out. This song is a dark brand of synthwave that I’m really really digging. The ramp-up of the song into the hook is possibly the band’s most climactic to date.

The Turbos – “Ohio Light”: I’m a few weeks late, but this might be my favorite of the periodic singles The Turbos have released this year. Big chorus? Check. Wailing guitars? Check. Feel good riffs? Check. A song structure that’s familiar yet a little unpredictable? Check, check, check. I enjoy how the instrumentation is layered enough to make you marvel at how organic it is.

Emarosa – “Givin’ Up”: I checked out this song solely because I heard it was a new direction for the band. And, yes it is. I saw Bradley Walden sing with Squid the Whale and his emotive stylings in the indie rock context are somehow both a far cry and right in line with what I’m hearing in this song. Walden might have some of the most versatile vocals in rock. And, we get a smashin’ saxophone solo to carry out the song… just like M83’s “Midnight City.” I love it, I love it.

Troy Petty – “I Am the Dark”: Troy Petty is certainly one of the most underrated artists in the Columbus area, but has recently found success touring Europe—specifically Germany. He’s back in the states for the time being, and has for us his most aggressive offering to date, “I Am the Dark.” This song takes a post-punk and dark dream pop tone and simultaneously makes that notion grittier and more palatable to the masses. This song hits hard. It makes effective use of walls of sound and Troy’s vocals are pointed and sure.

As always, check out these songs and more on our “New and Nifty” playlist on Spotify!