Cover Photo:
Jason McDonald.

Welcome to our Weekly Music Round-Up. Every Monday, I’ll recommend five songs–everything from new releases to hidden gems.

This week, I’ve brought you some of my absolute favorite tunes right now, with tracks from Vundabar, The Strokes and more.

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Vundabar—Never Call.

Vundabar is a quintessential Boston band, but they’re so much more than that. They’ve been touring and making records for years. Usually their sound hangs out somewhere between grunge and indie rock, but this record completely changed that. They embraced 80’s style melodies and guitar riffs. This song feels like it belongs in a scene from The Breakfast Club. It’s elevated teen angst with a style all its own.

Listen to this while walking anywhere and you will feel so cool.

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Samia—Is There Something In The Movies?

If you don’t already know Samia, you should. In my opinion, she has, quite possibly, one of the most incredible voices in the indie pop scene right now. This song is slow, painful, crushing. She is so vulnerable, lyrically and musically. The track incites a visceral, emotional experience. It is as present as it is reflective. If you like sad songs, you’ll love this one.

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LOUD HOUND—Melancholy Boy

If there is anything LOUD HOUND knows how to do it’s writing songs that you can’t get out of your head. Melancholy Boy has the perfect juxtaposition of dark lyrics about a toxic relationship against a catchy melody that will hit home for everyone. It’s a windows-down, driving too fast, sing-so-loud-you-lose-your-voice, summertime anthem. This song has all the makings of a pop classic. 

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Sorry—Starstruck

I have had this song on repeat for quite a while. It’s not necessarily a new release, so every time someone hears it for the first time, they say, “how did I not discover them earlier?” Sorry is a London-based alternative duo that isn’t getting nearly enough attention. From the intentionally out of tune guitars, to the smooth vocals, to the perfect snare drums, to the lyrics, this song has attitude with a capital A and I just can’t get enough of it.

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The Strokes—Eternal Summer

The new Strokes album is absolutely amazing. This song is definitely a stand out and atypical for the band. It is almost more reminiscent of The Voidz, Julian Casablancas’s other, more experimental project. It’s weirder, darker, and more lyrically elusive than their music usually is. The rasp in his voice in the verses is worth listening to for hours. If you haven’t checked out this album yet, it’s time. Get started with Eternal Summer. 

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