8 Tracks – Collection CLIII

Since we’re so close to Halloween, you’d think the latest “8 Tracks” would be a collection of seasonal singles. But no. Not a scary tune to be had within this list – unless you’re looking for scary GOOD songs, because we’ve got that in spades! Check out the mini reviews and words from the artists, then throw these tracks on repeat.

Arih SK – “You Be Good”

If you want to feel something today, here’s a song for you – I fully admit that the call-and-answer vocals Arih SK shares with his daughter in this song immediately pulled at the heartstrings and turned me into an emotional mess. There’s something so pure and lovely about it, I can’t properly describe it. From there, “You Be Good” becomes a catchy earworm in the best way, with a foot-stomping feel and an undeniably memorable chorus that will have you singing it long after the song is over. From The Artist: “This song is inspired by Alex the Parrot, who was part of the avian learning experiment. He could tell between different colours and shapes, could count, and he was the first non-human animal to have ever asked a question (what colour am I?). Sadly, the experiment was abruptly ended by Alex’s untimely death. The chorus of the song borrows Alex’s last words, which were the same words he said at the end of every day’s session: “You be good. I love you. See you tomorrow.” My daughter Olive sings on this track with me.“

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Repeat – “Out of Control”  

This is a driving, raw garage rock track – huge sound, with a nuanced lead riff to balance out the fuzz of the rhythm. The song is from their outstanding new album that is a gem, front-to-back. This is a band to keep on your radar. From The Band:“The idea behind the album is to provide a short and explosive experience of repetitive aggressive songs. We really prefer the short formats and a direct presence. The mix of stoner rock and alternative rock with loud very fuzzy guitars, rumbling bass and aggressive yet stiff drums, gives its own unique progressive style.”

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Free Under Fire – “Nothing For The Soul”   

“Nothing For The Soul” is groovy as hell. It’s a catchy track, mixing a few different genres, including a touch of blues.This is the kind of song that gets you moving and singing along, so give it a listen and do just that! From The Band:“‘Nothing For The Soul,’ as well as most of our music, fits neatly under the umbrella of a singular idea – that human beings flourish under pressure. That we are only free when faced with trials and tribulations that border on the impossible, and we only encounter the best in ourselves when pushed to our absolute limit.”

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DOGDAD – “Hospice”  

Raw and intense vocals, and an energetic beat with an accessible and melodic twist. This track mixes post-punk and post-hardcore with something more audience friendly to create the perfect sonic package. Always love their tunes (and, as a DOGMOM, I also dig their name.). From The Band:Hospice is the second single off of my upcoming EP ‘Swan Dive Pity Party’ that is coming out in December. It is about letting go of things that belong in the past.

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Dead Leg – “Tequila” 

Another track for the list that manages to mix genres in a way that has both edge and accessibility. An earworm chorus and driving riffs make the song a memorable one – you’ll want to turn this all the way up. From PR:Ned Hawkins has seen his share of heartache. After losing both parents at a young age, the 25 year-old Aussie rocker pours his pain into his songs. Producer Dead Leg lays down a raw indie-rock guitar groove for the duo’s latest single “Tequila”. On the mic, Hawkins drops a stream-of-consciousness meditation on risky life choices, and then laments the passing of better days in the song’s infectiously catchy chorus. 

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Hot Garbage – “Snooze You Lose”  

The latest from Hot Garbage is anything but. Insane energy in this track, plus a compelling mix of styles and genres – garage rock, post punk, psychedelic… I could go on. Get into it! From The Band: “Snooze You Lose” packs an explosive punch, flying through two minutes of maniacal laughter, savvy punk riffage and a heavy dose of Graham Walsh’s signature off-the-wall production. Utilizing tritones and other “evil” compositional methods prescribed by past evangelicals, the grungy and sardonic single achieves more than simply melting your face, it literally sets your eardrums into a frenzy, the work of bombastic rhythms, utterly-distorted bass, guitar and organ, as well as reverb-drenched vocals gliding atop an ominous sea of decibels and feedbacks. As the band wrote on their newest single: “It’s about how time passes when you stand still. Sometimes all you can do is laugh.”

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Death Cassette – “Reflector” 

As a huge Distillers/Brody Dalle fan, this track caught my attention right away. Death Cassette channels a similar vibe and sound, but with their own spin on the genre. Gritty, noisy, huge rock sound. I absolutely love it, and think you will too. From The Band:Venting about the smug moral superiority and self serving hypocrisy, “you’re always so quick to point the finger, just take a look in the mirror.” The lyrics reflect on how much energy can be available to overwhelming individuals. Sousa shouting “Your mouth is open, mind is closed” is an example of snappy combative lyrics related to the tone of the subject matter. This song should be played on maximum volume.

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WAASH – “It Goes On”

Shoezagey indie rock with infectious melodies and compelling riffs – another absolutely stellar track from WAASH. From The Band: “It Goes On” is about moving on, learning to let go and not really listening to what others have to say. Sometimes relationships get to a point when both people don’t really care anymore. The writing’s on the wall, and everyone around you knows this is coming. You just have to take a moment, reflect and allow yourself time to breathe.

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