Addictions and Other Vices 796 – Top 10 Countdown May-June 2021

BombShell Top Ten for May-June 2021 By Bernard Frazer

Notes by Bernard Frazer of Church of Trees, whose current single World’s a Bitch features the legendary Carole Pope and former Spoons/Honeymoon Suite keyboardist Rob Preuss. Their album PAUSE is out now! https://churchoftrees.bandcamp.com/album/pause

1. Wilderado – Head Right

I’m a sucker for a kick-ass power-pop tune, and Tulsa Indie-rock trio Wilderado hits all the right buttons with “Head Right”.

Confident, boisterous, and overflowing with joy, “Head Right” builds on what the band does best – combine soaring melodies with killer harmonies and make you leap to your feet!

I love, love, love this track!!

2. Monowhales – All or Nothing

All I can say is “wow”! All or Nothing is another massive anthem by Monowhales! But this time, it’s all about taking risks and believing in the power of your own will!

A follow-up to Really Wanna Let You Down, which broke the radio record for highest-charting unsigned band, All or Nothing is destined to break even more records!

Monowhales enlisted the support of JUNO-nominated Producer, Ryan Worsley and JUNO Award-winning Mix Engineer, Jason Dufour who have served up an absolutely glorious production!

In my view, this is sizzler is Number One with a bullet!

Bravo!

3. Gengahr – Under The Skin

Written for Amazon Prime series American Gods, Gengahr’s “Under the Skin” is a deftly crafted track that perfectly mirrors the series’ theme in its dynamic builds, intensity, and intrigue.

Gengahr frontman Felix Bushe says: “It was a really interesting opportunity for us, and when we were asked about the project I thought immediately that I had something that would work well for this.”

Bushe’s vocal delivery and lyric perfectly encapsulate the essence of the series. The following line is a perfect example:

“Drag city and the war’s tonight, Archetype, exit light, with anybody, Try kicking it with all your might, Echo we are, echoing under.”

Superb work!

4. Pixey – The Mersey Line

Bubbly, bright, and massively fresh, The Mersey Line by Liverpool’s Pixey is a cool glass of Dom Perignon with an Espresso chaser.

Pixey’s modern and retro inspirations may be what is behind its percolating pop. Pixey says:

 “I particularly like the idea of using samples/making my own riffs sound like samples which was heavily inspired by the [De La Soul] album 3 Feet High and Rising… though (the artist) Grimes was (also) a huge catalyst.”

Her mix of genres from jangle pop to downtempo breakbeats makes for a spicy and compelling musical stew.

The Mersey Line is a ”must listen” track!

5. Steady Holiday- Sunny in the Making

Dre Babinski, aka Steady Holiday, has one of those voices that makes the ears prick up. In the pulsing yet laid back “Sunny in the Making”, her voice swirls about your head like a spectre in the mist, gently enticing you… and by the end of the song, you are smitten.

Babinski says the song is “about embracing uncertainty, relinquishing what can’t be controlled, appreciating moments as they happen. And if we don’t get that far, it’s also about celebrating the attempt.”

I for one, celebrate Sunny in the Making!

6. Walk Off The Earth – How it Is

Walk Off the Earth is a band that is so adept at writing incredibly catchy, hook-laden songs… and How It Is .. is no exception!

From the fabulously quirky vocals, intricate lyrics, and massive production, this is a clever and deftly constructed banger that compels you to hum along and be swept up in its joyous soundscape.

The band had this to say:

“As we look towards the past for comfort and nostalgia, it is always good to remember to be grateful for what you have and that we’re all just a bunch of weirdos floating around on this spinning rock… and that’s just ‘How it is.’

Amen!

7. Middle Kids – Cellophane (Brain)

Haunting and evocative, Cellophane (Brain) by Sydney’s Middle Kids immediately grabbed me. The dry but brilliantly prominent vocal of lead singer Hannah Joy is breathtaking. The song’s sudden dynamic shifts caught me off guard, which only added to my enjoyment. Its peak moments are lush and sweeping, taking the listener on an exhilarating ride that you won’t soon forget.

Fantastic song!

8. Flora Cash – Missing Home

From the shimmering opening vocals, Missing Home is mesmerizing. Performed by indie pop duo Flora Cash, the song brims with longing and melanocholy, but in the most beautiful sense… .

About the song, Flora Cash says:

“We started writing “Missing Home” at some random hotel in Boston over a year ago. Away from our friends and family and all sense of the familiar, we were at a low point… and even though we were lucky enough to have each other, we still felt lonely. Writing this song helped. We really want “Missing Home” to speak to and encourage anyone who feels like they’re out on a limb struggling to pursue a dream.”

9. Billy Nomates – Petrol Fumes

Britain’s Tor Maries, the singer/songwriter behind Billy Nomates, may very well be the 21^st century embodiment of Chrissie Hynde. Oozing equal parts sensuality and sneer, she is part punk, part poet, and a damned fine songwriter. Her latest single, Petrol Fumes, is hypnotic in its simplicity. The combination of Maries’ captivating lyrics, raw bewitching beats, and venomous but steamy vocals are a deadly mix. There is something undeniably beguiling about this artist’s authenticity and delivery.

‘Petrol Fumes’ is definitely on repeat!

10 Lord Huron – Mine Forever

Lord Huron’s “Mine Forever” is a luscious blend of 60’s folk/pop production, glorious vocals and traditional story-telling. There is the sense that Mine Forever is a “newly discovered” gem pulled from the vault of The Kingston Trio or Peter Paul and Mary archives. Gorgeous, lilting, and dripping with nostalgia, Mine Forever is simply stunning.