Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Not What I Want by The Break Plans
This sassy-yet-sparkling example of snark that sizzles has the head-banging cadence of an All Time Low B-side with an added dose of poetic justice. If that sounds like your vibe, then you’re in the right place. This new band I found recently has lots of similar songs, but this one talks about all the struggles of getting attached to someone that either ghosts you or makes you wish they did. More relaxed verses collide with electric guitar-laced choruses that are much stronger than anything life throws at you. If you’re caught in the crosshairs of a relationship that never really gets off the ground, this song is just the alt-pop mood boost you’ve been looking for.
Mildenhall
I enjoyed the pleasant guitar instrumentation of this track that’s a bit on the blues-side without being too gritty. It’s sultry, romantic, and could easily be something that Jason Mraz might write. The chorus opens up into a much bigger sonic space that will resonate with anyone who’s been feeling stuck in their social circles or work situation. Obviously, it’s not literally about getting stoned, but is a great song about mindfulness and getting the most out of life. The bridge, especially, sonically plays into this tension in a really artistic way. Definitely give it a listen (or five) if you’ve been looking for a sonic escape that will help you dream up your next adventure while learning how to reassert emotional agency in your situation.
This song reminded me so much of the band Of Monsters and Men, I nearly did a double take. The vocals are so resonant and haunting, and I really loved the grunge-rock vibes with just enough brightness to be universally relevant. “I don’t want to weigh you down” is at the center of the message, as the speaker wonders if their issues are too much for the other person in their relationship. A psychedelic electric guitar solo joins the sonic landscape towards the end of the song which really launches this tune into the stratosphere. Listen to this one loud and often if you’ve ever felt like the weaker link and experienced guilt because of it.
This is a multifaceted poem in musical form — the chords and rhythms are unique, and feels like something out-of-pocket and unsettling as the vocalist sings about the “looking glass”. This reference to Alice in Wonderland fits so perfectly, and I can honestly say this song is like nothing I’d ever heard before. The guitar solo is so articulate in its fuzzed-out complexity, and yet it also adds so much to the musical landscape and overall message of both sonic and literal uncertainty. For something a little off the beaten path, this tune is a glittering path into the 90s grunge era that will make you feel right at home.
Campfire Symphony by Chris Trapper
I enjoyed this indie tune about getting the most out of life. The chorus really opens up to a bright experience about staying present and remembering that whatever has you feeling down isn’t that big of a deal after all. The subtle vibe of a campfire is present in the percussive rhythms without being too cheesy, and I liked the strong vocal performance that’s both well-produced and marketable for the genre. It’s perfect for a summer roadtrip, or even a walk in the woods in the fall season, best enjoyed with a cup of hot apple cider in hand.