Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Chloë Wilson
I Just Work Here by Cassia Dawn
I bet you never expected a punk-rock ballad about a coffee order to be on your radar, but here it is, begging the question: “Should music and coffee culture be its own genre?” With a vocal tone similar to that of Sara Bareilles as seen in the Broadway show Waitress, this song has more to offer than just your daily caffeine jolt. With heart, lots of dreams for the future, and the idea that life has more to offer than just your part-time job, this song grants you permission to daydream. I’m not a huge coffee-drinker myself, but I still love all the sonic dynamics and the bright vocals that create a theatrical experience for your ears and heart to dive into.
Heat of the Summer Night by Jesse Creatchman
This alt-rock track is sultry, warm, and full of youthful mischief. Syncopated guitar riffs bounce off the raspy vocals, creating an immersive dreamscape taking you back to your teen years. I was especially impressed by the lead guitars taking command of the soundscape, exhibiting strong stylistic dynamics and an overall head-bop-worthy beat. If you’re at all familiar with the band Pierce the Veil, the vocalist’s voice reminded me a bit of Vic Fuentes’ vocal tone. It also brought to mind the Boston-based local alt rock band The House on Cliff, which is sadly no longer performing together. For a jolt of energy and a renewed excitement for life, listen to this song on repeat.
Switching gears into this melancholy breakup song with a lot of heart, there’s still a good dose of hope embedded in the lyrics. Sometimes in life, it’s better to walk away and plot a new course instead of staying in a toxic relationship just because it’s convenient — which is exactly what this song is about. Gorgeous vocal melodies and visceral lyrics of love and loss bring this all-too-familiar story to life for the listener. I especially liked the way the bridge switches gears sonically while still feeling relevant to the rest of the song. If you like artists like Phoebe Bridgers or Lizzy McAlpine, this song is just the thing to meet you where you’re at when you need a hug.
Piece of a Lover by Chloë Wilson
This piano-driven tune is super evocative of complicated emotions. Whether you’ve got a broken heart or just want to prevent the downfall if it happens later, this song has all the multifaceted angst you’ve been looking for. Later in the song, the music really picks up, launching it staunchly into the alt-rock genre with a gritty half-time beat. It reminded me a lot of music by Florence and the Machine, as well as Lana Del Ray. If you’re familiar with either of those artists, this song will resonate with you deeply.
Mr. and Mrs. Wonderful by Dylan Maggio
A romantic R&B vibe meets a sultry love song with a heart split in half. This song is a beautiful light electric guitar-driven track all about being scared to mess up your perfect relationship once you finally find it. I really appreciate the way this song addresses very real fears in dating that not everyone is comfortable talking about. Hopefully, more music like this will start to bridge the divide between feeling alone in your experiences and finding companionship in the very social experience that we all go through one way or another.