Its been a tough time to stay tuned into pop culture. There are more pressing matters right now, so its understandable that entertainment has taken a back seat. But, over the past week, I went searching for local songs that have been released since I made my last playlist in mid-April. What I found was not only an array of great songs by talented artists, but that the current social moment is starting to seep into music. At its best, art has always been an honest reflection of humanity. Here are eight recently-released songs from Louisville artists.
Jordan Jetson Feel Like Finn April 24 Jordan Jetson does a lot with a little amount of time on Feel Like Finn, a minute and a half song that showcases the rappers speed and prowess as he weaves through a thick verse before settling into a breezy chorus. Jetsons flow is the stuff of technical wizardry a razor-sharp wit paired with the ability to shift speeds and rhythms with agility. At this point, everything he releases is a must listen.
Joan Shelley Bed In The River May 1 Joan Shelley has an incredible ability to juxtapose nature with stories, perspectives and issues. The lyrics for her latest song were written by Max Porter, but that reoccurring theme is still present, as the outdoors and existentialism runs through Bed In The River. It vividly brings you into a scene, but the deeper meaning is more hidden. Its both evocative and a puzzle. Its perfectly-balanced folk music.
Jaye Jayle Guntime May 21 The post-punk band Jaye Jayle has always excelled at creating sweeping, ominous atmospheres that translate tension in subtle and sharp ways. And, of course, Guntime is no different theres no abject aggression from the instruments or vocals, but theres darkness and pain deeply embedded in this track, making it reminiscent of Nick Caves latest albums.
Rmllw2llz C.T.T.C. (Come to the Car) May 22 Rmllw2llzs C.T.T.C. (Come to the Car) is a nuanced love letter, creating a portrait of a couple whove been through a lot together and maintain a solid relationship through the simple things. Rmllw2llz has the ability to make songs that are both poetic and focused, crafting stories with vivid points, but bars that have serious depth. C.T.T.C. (Come to the Car) highlights what Rmllw2llz has been doing well for years.
Black Cross Let Me Sink (Instrumental Demo) May 27 Matt Jaha, drummer of Black Cross, passed away on April 15 at the age of 37. On the bands recent Unreleased Demos album, there are a few instrumental tracks that are Jaha and his cousins Ryan and Evan Patterson (on guitar and bass) building the bones of songs that were then in their infancy. The version of Let Me Sink is a reminder of Jahas dynamic drumming. It was recorded in 2004, during the writing sessions for Sink Knives, & Chrome, and it exudes the heart and talent that Black Cross was known for.
Church Friends Arms May 28 Church Friends blends psych-rock, soul and jazz into a smooth, powerful hybrid that picks and pulls elements from the various genres but easily connects them together with a pop backbone. Arms is a feel-good summertime song about falling in love, with that easy-going feeling that recalls the 60s.
Dead Letterman When The World Burns June 5 In the coming months, were probably going to see a lot more art that reflects the current social and political climate, but were already seeing the first wave of it. The Dead Lettermans When The World Burns is a jangly, acoustic, pro-activism reflection on the protests and the injustices that sparked them.
Dronestore Cowboys Tired Fog Streaming; physical copies July 3 Dronestore Cowboys is the instrumental, post-rock project of Ben Traughber and Blake Edward Conley, who use guitars, keys, synths and vocal drones to build a cinematic sound that is magnetic and emotional. Tired Fog seems like a score to the sadness and frustration thats currently deeply embedded to the world the numbness brought on by a downward spiral. On a brighter observation, this might be the best pop culture pun band name out there.
This article appears in June 17, 2020.
