This week, we are back with another round of OpenEars Monomania, the tracks we can’t get out of our head, songs that are constantly on repeat. In addition to regular OpenEars contributors, we’ve invited musicians, industry folks, and friends alike with a passion for discovering new music and sharing with others to contribute their own monomania songs to the list each week. These are the tracks that have etched themselves into our minds currently 12/14/15. We hope you will find something new you dig:
Austin Manuel – “I Just Want You To Love Me”
Nashville Singer-songwriter Austin Manuel delivers a perfect swoon-worthy song with “I Just Want You To Love Me” from his EP Love That’ll Last Forever. Austin’s powerful voice accompanies the keyboard and synth so perfectly; no one thing overpowers another providing the perfect balance of instruments to vocal. His recently released songs seem to have steered him in a newer direction than his previous 2013 release Through the Night, ditching the classic piano sound for an electric guitar, drums and synth with the help from Kopeky‘s Steven Holmes and Markus Midkiff. If this is a preview of a new sound from Austin Manuel he has certainly caught our attention for his upcoming album. – LP
All Dogs – “Your Mistakes”
Conner Youngblood is a multi-instrumental Nashville resident artist that quietly releases music that strikes a cord every time he delivers something for our listening ears. “Diamonds” is no exception, off of his self-produced and released EP The Generation Of Lift that was released back in October. “Diamonds” captivates you from the minute the drum machine begins; the synth guides you in, and Conner starts to cradle you through the song and wraps you up with his smooth, and warm vocal. You can’t help but get slightly lost within it all. We always look forward to Youngblood’s quietly released songs. – LP
Emily Wells – “You Dream Of China”
“You Dream Of China” is the first single off of Emily Wells upcoming 8th LP, Promise; she self-described the album “a soul record in baroque clothing… a pauper’s opera.” The Multi-instrumental composer and songwriter create this twisted path of an ambient dreamscape of alt-experimental rock while the orchestral strings provide a ghostly addition to the track. The builds within the song give you a comforting chill that coaxes you to get completely lost within its sound. Promise is out January 29, 2016, on her own label Thesis & Instinct. – LP
Jeff Rosenstock – “Hey Allison!”
Is it Fest yet? – MS
I recently attended a Secret Santa Vinyl Swap. More than one person received or recommended White Reaper. Those people should’ve been listening to Meat Wave instead. – MS
Nada Surf – “Clear Eye Clouded Mind”
Yes, this song is by Nada Surf. Yes, this came out in 2012. But, I’m gonna bet: You didn’t know Nada Surf released anything in 2012 and you haven’t heard this surprisingly catchy song. Well, you should. Go listen now; It’s been waiting for you for three years. – MS
Newark Wilder – “Stephen Loves My Eyes”
My first brush with Newark Wilder was when Benjamin Kinzer and his band opened for Sydney Eloise & the Palms Record Release Show at Mass Collective in Atlanta back in September. I was immediately drawn to their infectious grooves and intense energy the band was putting out on stage. When I found out this was a high schooler creating this advanced music at such a young age, I was even more blown away. With Newark Wilder’s debut LP, Vanessa Atalanta, set to be released March 4, 2016 via the Cottage Recording Co., the first single “Stephen Loves My Eyes” shows that the 17 year old Kinzer has not only studied the Atlanta post punk scene, but also national names like Joy Division, Interpol and Can, using those influences not to rehash, but they have succeeded to create something uniquely Newark Wilder. The future is real bright for this young band, just take a listen and there is no doubt you will agree. – MG
Porches – “Hour”
“Hour”, from Porches’ upcoming album Pool hits your ears with a Depeche Mode sounding beat and some lovely boy/girl harmonies that lilt between your ears lie walking though the woods in a sunny haze. The boy in this case is Aaron Maine, and the girl is Greta Kline (aka Frankie Cosmos). While previous Porches release have had a bit more guitar and grit to them, “Hour” is truly blissful music for a blissful day. – JM
S – “Vampires”
Atlanta’s Spines just released their new 2 song 7″ Hands High and the title track is one of those catchy indie rock ‘n’ roll songs powered by Morgan Mornet’s vocals that still lend a post punk, harder edge to strong drum beats and swirling guitars that will make you want to dance all night long, jumping up and down, rocking out, hands in the air with friends new and old. You know this song has to be killer live. – MG
TW Walsh – “Young Rebels”
Since leaving Pedro the Lion, TW Walsh has stayed involved in the music industry mastering David Bazan and Sufjan Stevens records, amongst others, and also releasing solo albums under his name and The Soft Drugs. After battling a mysterious illness for 18 months, TW Walsh is back with Fruitless Research (out Feb. 12th on Graveface Records), which was produced in collaboration with Yuuki Matthews (The Shins, David Bazan, Crystal Skulls), and the first single is a mesmerizing new track, a fuzzy retro futuristic vibe that takes you on a journey, figuring shit out as you float along through life. – MG
Wolf Alice – “Moaning Lisa Smile”
Off the London newcomers, first full length My Love Is Cool (Dirty Hit, 2015). “Moaning Lisa Smile” leaves you with a taste of 90’s ALT while tying it up with Ellie Rowsell’s rather sweet child like voice against the brash guitar and abrasive drum. It doesn’t seem like the perfect accompaniment, but after first listen you can’t help but hear something that resembles a little Metric. Wolf Alice fuels our ever obsessive love for 90’s grungy Alt-Rock with a slightly pop hook with “Moaning Lisa Smile”. – LP
Tracks currently on Spotify all added together into one playlist:
This week’s contributors: Mike Gerry (MG); John McNicholas (JM); Lisa Parish (LP); Maria Sotnikova, (MS) JORTSFEST;
