Knotts – “One Thing”

Knotts is tough to define. In one project, sometimes even in one minute of one song, you have a myriad of styles rising to the surface of the proverbial cauldron of stew. As the kids would say, “Let her cook.” Letting Knotts cook is one of the best things you can do, especially if the result is a track like “One Thing.” Funk bedrock with psychedelic and dream pop flourishes is the name of the game here. Watch the music video, which doubles as a tribute to Knotts’ hometown of Cincinnati, below.

Weakened Friends – “NPC (feat. Buckethead)”

There’s something weirdly nostalgic and familiar about this track. This song takes a tongue in cheek approach to a rather dystopian, bleak topic. What if we’re just living in a simulation? The song explores the implications of such a hypothesis, honing in on the futility of live. It’s all buttoned up sarcastically with an 8-bit solo courtesy of prog-phenom Buckethead. The band’s new album Feels Like Hell is out October 10th via Don Giovanni.

Ashley Monroe – “Moth”

Noir country. Did Ashley invent a new genre? There’s something forlorn about this song, which seems to be reminiscing on an unhealthy old flame. Though it’s the morning on a sunny day in Ohio where I’m currently siting, the mood of this song is lingering.

Swimming Bell – “The Golden Age”

On the late summer’s afternoon, I’ve realized that I want more dreamy Americana in my life. Each time I think I’ve scoured every corner of every genre – that notion is challenged. Swimming Bell fulfills this niche in such a nonchalant way. This is for those late summer afternoons when you’re dealing with the weight of the day and fighting off the urge to take a nap. You know you’ll get a second wind once you’ve had some dinner, but for now you’re content to sit in the discomfort.

Modeling – “at Variance”

The dreamy synth-led project from Northern Arkansas is back with a lush, higher tempo track inspired by a ballet – specifically the piece Justin Peck’s Decalogue as performed by the NYC Ballet. It does indeed feel like a ballet – the way there seems to be a flurry of activity, albeit organized, elegant, and with clear purpose. The band penned this song after being intrigued by the parallels between feelings invoked by the piece and changing relationship dynamics in their private lives. Deep feeling people everywhere ought to relate to this.

The Telephone Numbers – “Ebb Tide”

Imagine you took a wholesome 60s surf rock song and added a whole bunch of reverb. The Telephone Numbers have a strong indie pedigree, sharing members with The Umbrellas (one of our favorite finds of 2024) and The Reds, the Pinks the Purples. The San Francisco act have crafted a compelling track with hooky, feel good melody. The song feels massive but not overpowering. Their new album Scarecrow II is out October 10th via Slumberland.