SOMOH / DeadWax / Patrik Jansson / Jamie Beale
“Anything” by SOMOH is an alluring tune about falling deeply in love. It’s got a straightforward, singer-songwriter vibe, but there’s a nice freshness of phrasing created by the subtle time signature changes as each verse begins. SOMOH’s delicate vocal creates a comforting vibe and the lyrics match the mood perfectly. Her delivery of “Into your arms. I wanna fall into your arms” makes for a great pre-chorus hook and really stands out in a beautifully memorable way.
Look, I’m old. I don’t know what “alternative grime rock” is, but I also don’t think it matters what you call music… if it’s good, it’s good. “Disconnect” from DeadWax is a frickin’ jam. Inventive riffing, sick drums, great bass playing and some wickedly engaging vocals make this a killer track. Lyrically, it’s a thought provoking exploration of the effects of social media on its users. I can relate. I know my brain has been turned to mush by doomscrolling the wasteland. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright as long as there is music like this to surprise and satisfy me. Oh yeah, the guitar solo made me look up from my keyboard. There was nothing to “see,” but it was so cool that my brain was searching for more info to understand what just happened! I was just listening (Hed) P.E.’s first album last week & this gives me those vibes, which, in my book, is the highest compliment I can bestow upon a band.
Patrik Jansson is grooving it up with “Feel Bad Boogie (Feat. Jesper Larsson).” If my truck gets stuck in the mud in Texas, I’m playing this tune. I’m also trading it in for a 4x4, because this city slicker was a fool to get the 2WD model. This jam’s got plenty of ZZ Top flavor (to my ear), but spices things up with slide guitar going toe to toe with some tasty harmonica. Grab your self a shot of whiskey and push play.
Jamie Beale’s single “Champagne People” has great melodies. What more do I need to say? Tapping into a bit of an ‘80s vibe with the production quality, this dreamy little number is dripping with vibe. Palm muted guitars give way to synth pads and little percussion flourishes as the vocal takes you on a ride of reverb-rich melodic joy. Yep, I liked this one! I feel like celebrating. Does this make me one of those ‘Champagne People?’ Perhaps… Cheers!
