By Bronwyn Riseley

Sam Evian: Need You

The New York based songwriter is back after a long year of promising anticipation from his listeners, following his stunning album release in 2016, Premium. It became instantly clear from his solo work that this guy knows exactly what he’s doing, which proves all too accurate as his debut album was certainly not his first appearance onto the music scene. From forming the band Celestial Shore to playing keyboards and guitar for other bands such as Palehound, Sam Evian certainly knows where his skills lie.

‘Need You’ takes a very similar approach to the mechanics used throughout Premium, although perhaps is slightly less iridescent and works on a steadier, more elemental beat. He uses mellow and colourful details which build up particularly throughout the bridge, to deliver a confident depth which leaves the listener in a state of pure nostalgia and ultimate peace of mind. His classic use of soft vocals, layered with even softer harmonisation illustrates a sort of perfect vulnerability, which humanises his raw approach even further. ‘Need You’ circulates a particular atmosphere as though it was supposed to be written. Something about the song echoes a strange familiarity, while also being uniquely beautiful.

It is irrefutable that ‘Need You’ will sound brilliant live, but until any of us are able to experience the coruscating articulations of Sam Evian in person, it is fortunate that his recordings are reassuringly exceptional.

Allah-Las: Fish on the Sand

For a little while now, Allah-Las have been on the scene as an established rock and roll band, particularly after they unleashed the remarkable Allah-Las first album in 2012, which set their tracks for success ever since. Several years and a couple of albums down the line, Allah-Las have revealed their new track ‘Fish on the Sand’ which remains true to their perpetual garage rock sound that remains fresh even though reiterated and recycled throughout all their music.

However, the unique magic of Allah-Las’ first album remains exclusive, as none of their later work has quite replicated the same exotic quality that was so ambiguous yet enticing because of that flavour of mystery. Nonetheless, Allah-Las have continued to lace simple riffs and raw vocals throughout each song and album, and therefore it is admirable that the band have obtained their signature flair that we fell in love with from the very beginning. ‘Fish on the Sand’ dedicates uncomplicated harmonies between the classic Allah-Las riff with overlapping fluctuating guitars, creating a natural and clean effect which resonates well with the band’s undying atmosphere.

Allah-Las remains intact as the 60s revival band it started out to be, and for this we must thoroughly admire them for their durable tendency to shift and shape their music from one song to the next. Bands like Allah-Las do not lose their edge, and we’re willing to stick around for as long as their trademark spirit does.

Ariel Pink: Do Yourself a Favour

At the top of his league in chillwave and hypnagogic pop, Ariel Pink has appeared once again to thrill us with his newest album which was revealed earlier this year, Dedicated to Bobby Jameson. Released as a single in September, the L.A. artist showcases his ability for impeccable simplicity through acoustic accents in ‘Do Yourself a Favour’.

Ariel Pink’s influence from the likes of classic 60s icons such as The Beatles and The Kinks are immediately prevalent in this track. Whilst these influences certainly act as a solid framework for the song’s style, he has yet again demonstrated his endless efficiency at regurgitating the works of retro favourites into his own dreamy, obscure form of genre. ‘Do Yourself a Favour’ collaborates an effortless acoustic chord structure with the subtle addition of synths to create a euphonic harmony that is both tender and irresistible.

Ariel Pink continues to dominate his approach for mode and technique in his music which is impossible to replicate by other artists, which he proceeds to prove through his extraordinary consistency from one album to the next. Do yourself a favour and listen to ‘Do Yourself a Favour’, you won’t regret it.

Ducktails: Map to the Stars

Former guitarist of the band Real Estate, Matt Mondanile is the means to the works behind Ducktails. He first brought attention to his work through limited-run cassette and CD releases which allowed him to emerge onto the music scene as a solo project. His music incorporates the blend of hypnagogic pop and neo-psychedelia, which he evidently illustrates with talent as he made the decision to split with Real Estate in 2016, followed by the release of Jersey Devil on his own New Images label.

Ducktails’ music has evolved since his debut album Ducktails (2009), shifting from more prominent psychedelic and experimental elements to simpler surf pop tendencies as we hear in his new track ‘Map to the Stars’. The artist blends high staccato inflections with dreamy synths and vocals to create silky reverberations that are mellifluous yet meaningful. Whilst more conventional than his previous works, ‘Map to the Stars’ exudes the familiar unique and otherworldly vibe that has developed over the years in a sophisticated and exemplary manner.

All in all, we are sure that Ducktails’ adaptability yet fixed essence of stylish peculiarity will see him through many more years as an established artist. His journey so far has been a pleasure to watch and listen to, and it is undeniable that few would beg to differ.

Yellow Days: Holding On

The rising genius George van den Broek did not take long to satisfy our apprehension for more breathtaking music, and just before the release of his latest album, Yellow Days teased his listeners with yet another remarkable track, ‘Holding On’. Often compared to other contemporary artists such as King Krule and Cosmo Pyke, the emerging musician assists in widening his genre of chilled and breezy soul.

Yellow Days does not know the meaning of the word disappointment, as ‘Holding On’ is a work of splendour from the very get go. His effortless yet sensational vocals capture a landscape of tranquility from start to finish, and allows the listener to embark on a journey with him as he sings of romance from his own young and fresh perspective. In particular, the addition of nonchalant synths only add to the melancholy yet astounding atmosphere of the track which Yellow Days is speedily becoming known for. ‘Holding On’ is yet another example of his compositions that proves that this is what he was born to do.

It has been just a year since the release of his EP Harmless Melodies, and Yellow Days has managed to establish himself as an artist to continue to look out for. His hard work has inevitably paid off and we cannot wait to see where he ends up over the next few years. This one is special.