Rain walks and rock [single reviews]

By Ryan G

I took a walk in the rain. I listened to some rock. That simple. Here are some songs I feel inspired to write about. [photo above by Alex Zarek]

Wolf Rd – “A Twisted World”: This song mixes carefree feelings, nostalgia, and desperation in one fun track. The music video is straightforward and familiar in aesthetic, but sometimes that’s all you need. Wolf Rd understands this. The feelings expressed culminate in juxtaposed lyrics like “My true colors are fading and I’m so far beyond jaded” and “A twisted world won’t hold me back.” The song seems to be about a toxic relationship, but I get the impression it doesn’t have to be. Listening to this takes me back, even though the song is new to me.

Weathers – “C’est La Vie”: Weathers, one of many in the latest wave of bombastic pop-rock bands, have blasted this single onto the scene. They are managing to stay ahead of the curve by releasing songs like these, which take a familiar sound and add a bit of twist. In the case of “C’est La Vie” the song adds a bit of distortion and makes it a bit rough around the edges, without compromising on the catchy elements that helped Weathers emerge to begin with.

Fontaines DC – “Televised Mind”: Fontaines DC have mastered the art of taking post punk and deadpan vocals and welding the two together into a pump-em-up vibe that people can’t help but flock to. The structure of this song is a little eerie, and gets under my skin in a good way. The Partisan Records signed act have an LP coming this fall, with shows already selling out in the midst of the uncertainty of whether they’ll be able to happen or not. “Televised Mind” certainly reflects the uncertain mood floating everywhere – perhaps why that’s people are so drawn to this band.

Hadees Market – “Hesistate”: It’s not often you hear a shoegaze track that’s under 2 minutes long, but here we are. If you’d like a snapshot of what is feels like to live in the greyness of the Pacific NW, outside of the bustle and craftiness of the Portland and Seattle metropolises, here you are. This artist has been gigging since 1980 – it’s a surprise I haven’t heard this name before. However, this sound would fit right in with what’s currently making rounds – it would be right at home on a playlist with HUM or Idles, for different but equally valid reasons.

Everyone Dies in Utah – “Planetary”: I can’t think of this band without remembering a show at the defunct KoboLive in Columbus, OH. They were headlining, with support from The Overseer and Bleach Blonde (see our review here) and they give it their all in spite of the small crowd. This song is made for rooms much bigger than the dingy Kobo of 6-7 years ago. While I’m not one to default to desperate heavy songs, I have to believe that there’s a certain timelessness to this sound at this point. Lately, I’ve been binging Black Mirror and this song feels ripe for inclusion in one of those episodes. Listen and get lost in your feels. The Temple, TX based band wants you to explore the dystopian layers here.

Sail – “Mannequin”: I remember sitting in the living room of an old, somewhat dirty house I used to rent from (no shade to my old roommates, I promise) and discovering the band Torche for the first time. Nearby venues regular played host to sludge bands great at creating that wall of sound effect. While I’m not a superfan, it awakened within me a mood that I still seek out from time to time. And Sail gets it done with “Mannequin.” The dirty dark environments, whether at home or out at a club, reflect and make me crave this sound. Sail doesn’t go for high production – it seems that their main goal is to be loud. And that’s okay.

Lacey Sturm – “The Decree”: I’m a bit late in responding to this song, but as a Flyleaf fan I must. Lacey delivers a song tailor-made for her longtime fans. Anthemic, relatable, adrenaline inducing, and chock-full of her trademark screams, which give “I’m So Sick” a run for its money. Is there an album coming? I’m not sure. But for now I’ll be listening to this track loudly and pretending I’m 15 years old at Alive Festival again.

Find all of the above and more on our New and Nifty playlist:

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