Angelina’s Corner: Roundup

Words by Angelina Singer

Sleepy Haunts

Waterslides by New Constellations

This hazy and sultry delectable ode is all about what it feels like to slip and fall in love when you least expect it. It beautifully depicts the sensory feelings of a summer night at golden hour, with bright articulations and desperate, full-bodied almost-yelling vocals that reminded me of Hayley Williams from Paramore. It’s the perfect track for your next date night, or the next time you throw an outdoor mixer where you’re hoping something will bloom out of the blue. I definitely recommend this song, whether you’re in love or hope to be soon. 

Fairweather Friends by Isabel Maria

This poetic look at what the aftermath of romance can sometimes be will resonate with you long after the last note. Tonally, it reminded me of the softer side of Olivia Rodrigo, and I really liked how marketable this one is. “Young and so bitter about things we hadn’t even tasted” are just some of the lyrics that articulately depict the turbulent intersection of coming-of-age and falling in love. Light piano chords punctuate the space between the polished lyrics, creating an ambience that you’ll have to hear for yourself. 

Becoming by Lora Mouna

Keeping up with the coming-of-age theme this week is this track that continues to show that struggle, but perhaps from a slightly-angstier place. That being said, it’s still really sweet and relaxed, with an alt-pop vibe with just a pinch of 90s-grunge to keep even the millennials happy. I really like how real this song is, and the way there’s enough instrumental space throughout for self-reflection. Bonus points for the swampy electric guitar in the second verse that really seals in that grunge style with a flourish.

7am by The Sleepy Haunts

Continuing with the 90s, but the more ethereal side of it, is this song that’s all about keeping healthy boundaries in place so that you don’t lose too much of yourself. It sounds like something that would fit seamlessly on shows like Dawson’s Creek or Gilmore Girls — two classics with a strong following that love the melodramatic moments punctuated with ambient songs like this one. If you’ve been looking for something to make your life sound like one of those shows, this song is just the thing. And even better — now you have the know-how to not epically mess up a good thing (like some of your favorite characters often do for the sake of the plot).

Runaway by Molly Baker

I instantly loved this 2000s-era pop rock style, with bonus points for having pink-glittery converse emblazoned on the album art. This artist somehow figured out how to blend the styles of two of my favorite artists — Paramore and earlier Taylor Swift vibes. Lead guitar amidst group vocals and breathy articulation makes this song something I wish I knew about back when I was in high school. The bridge drops out in this delectable self-reflective fashion with only acoustic guitar creating the vibes. It’s edgy, enthusiastic, and unapologetically real — so this one may be my favorite of this week. Bonus points for the effective use of the half-time feel at the end.

Undone by Brett Ryder

This one brought to mind music by The Goo Goo Dolls, and once the verse hits, I think you’ll know exactly what I mean. While the vocals are raw and imperfect at times, I think it really works for this genre — after all, the above-mentioned band is known for absolutely wacky guitar tunings, so I feel this song really fits. Light piano notes bring some clarity alongside the emotional lyrics about never being totally sure if a relationship is meant to last and how to relate to the larger social scene around it. Enjoy this one any time you want a pick-me-up that will take you back a few decades to a simpler time with fantastic music. 

Hold On, Children by Afterlight Voices

I really love the charitable initiative of this group, in addition to having a really slick production style. There’s so much to love about this song, with lots of different genre moments without it feeling cluttered, a bit like the band The Cab. The message is all about being aware of who might need your help in your community and neighborhood, and fostering this sense of community. In the bridge section, there’s a lower moment that feels like a launching point to the rest of the song, with a beautiful string section building the strength of the song. Enjoy this one any time you’d like a pick-me-up and a reminder that you’re part of a bigger picture.