Happy New Year friends! Dave is ill this week, so Rob has stepped up with two choices. Why not help us out and share this post with your pals?
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#1: Jacob Brodovsky - Likewise
Jacob Brodovsky writes like John K. Samson and sounds like John Darnielle - which is little surprise considering the Winnipeg resident was mentored by the former for his latest record, ‘I Love You and I’m Sorry’. ‘Likewise’ - subconsciously inspired by a conversation with Samson - is a gem of a folk ballad, centred on an awkward dinner conversation as two old acquaintances experiencing contrasting fortunes reconnect. Backed by some stirring strings by Julie Penner and Jason Tait’s ever-elegant and atmospheric drumming, ‘Likewise’ is the heartbeat of an album filled with perfect little moments and wry observations. (RM)
Listen now: Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Spotify | Apple | Amazon | YouTube
#2: Flight Mode - Sixteen
Oslo’s Flight Mode return to the UK this week for a whistle-stop tour, so there’s no better opportunity to share the greatest song of the last few years. In a variation of a theme, Flight Mode also worship at the temple of John K. Samson, and musically this is evident on ‘Sixteen’, which has all the hallmarks of The Weakerthans at their ‘Left and Leaving’ best. ‘Sixteen’ manages to find that sweet spot between indie, emo and punk, but is just so accessible that it sounds like a timeless (albeit twisted) pop song; essentially, it’s songwriting perfection… (RM)
Listen now: Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple | Amazon | YouTube
#3: Daughter - Be On Your Way
It’s seven years since Daughter released their second album, ‘Not To Disappear’, and to be honest I thought they’d packed it in. Finally together again after singer Elena’s solo project as Ex:Re back in 2018, very little has changed: Daughter sound just as epically melancholy as they did before, and frankly I’m here for that. ‘Be On Your Way’s sparse opening builds, layering up isolated guitar notes, ghostly vocals and pulsing strings… but there is no explosion, everything is restrained; this is an exercise in controlled emotion, a lament whispered in your ear. (MH)
Listen now: Spotify | Apple | Amazon | YouTube (official video)
Flight mode is amazing! Thank you for sharing this and keep up the good work.