Emol’s Music Picks of March

Howdy! It’s Emol (also known as Emily McCormack) Lots of amazing music has been released in the past few weeks, and I’m so excited to highlight some of my favorite picks! 

 

Say Something – MISSIO

MISSIO is an alternative-rock duo from Austin, Texas. I’ve been listening to Matt and David since 2017, immediately being hooked by their single “Bottom Of The Deep Blue Sea” from their album Loner. Their latest album Can You Feel The Sun released in October 2020, and though the album is amazing, I am always staying up to date with the band, awaiting their next release. Their first single since their album “Say Something” released earlier this month, and I haven’t been able to go a day without listening. It hits much harder than the majority of their songs on the latest album, but reminds me more of their singles “Wolves” and “Vagabond.” Regardless of if it’s a chill beat or aggressive bop, I have yet to listen to anything MISSIO that I haven’t absolutely loved. I can’t wait to see what else they have in store! (Also… hoping for a tour announcement sometime soon…? Fingers crossed!) Fun Update: MISSIO has released two new singles this week! “Demons” and “We Are Who We Are” are out now!

 

The Funeral – YUNGBLUD

I was fortunate enough to see Yungblud perform in NYC a couple of weeks ago… how dare he not tell me about this new single! (Just kidding). This song definitely veers in a different direction compared to the songs off his latest album, Weird!. Since it isn’t Yungblud’s typical sound, I was almost convinced that Remington Leith, the lead singer of Palaye Royale (currently touring with Yungblud) was on this track! Despite its uniqueness, it could be one of the most authentically Yungblud songs I’ve heard. While listening to this song with my family, they pointed out the “throwback” feel, giving them Billy Idol “Dancing With Myself” vibes… now I can’t unhear it! We also got a kick out of the cameos by Ozzy and Sharon Osborne in the music video, which was the icing on the cake. Yungblud has certainly grown since I first saw him perform on a small stage at Warped Tour in 2018 and the fact that he’s getting to work with such big names as of late is a testament to his incredible talent. 

 

Wild Child – The Black Keys

The Black Keys are one of my favorite alternative rock bands and probably always will be… El Camino is one of my go-to responses to the question of what album I can listen to from start to finish without skipping a song. Naturally, I was so excited to see that they’re releasing more music! (Their latest album Delta Kreme was technically a blues cover album). The music video features the duo working as high school custodians, and the whole thing makes me laugh. Ever since watching their music video for Tighten Up, I look forward to seeing what else the band has to offer (that one begins with Dan Auerbach’s child complaining about Patrick Carney’s son smelling like Ranch dressing… I think about this constantly). “Wild Child” is the first single from the band’s upcoming album, Dropout Boogie, which releases May 13, 2022!

 

CHASING SHADOWS – Animal Sun

Animal Sun has done it again! I first discovered the LA band a couple years ago with their single “girl in blue,” and have been closely following them ever since. After their latest single “SAFE NOT SOUND” blew me away, I was so excited to see that they had another one lined up! “CHASING SHADOWS” and its music video just released and I can already tell it’s going to be on my daily playlists for months to come. It reminds me mostly of their song “more than a friend” off of their debut album, echoes of a dream. I can’t wait to see what they do next- especially since I just realized while writing this that their whole first album is in lowercase letters but the two latest singles are capitalized and screaming… What does this mean? I’m waiting patiently. Animal Sun just announced that their next album Generation Waiting will debut this summer!

 

Changes – The Happy Fits

This band just loves their fruits. The Happy Fits are an epic alternative band from New Jersey, and all their album artwork features different fruit (Bananas, grapefruit, oranges, and now: a pineapple!) I love their authentically indie sound and how they incorporate their two outstanding vocalists in their music. I really appreciate the chill vibes of this single. Something that makes The Happy Fits stand out is their use of cello… I must admit that it’s not an instrument I hear every day, so this change is much appreciated! “Changes” also reminds me of “Bottle Rocket” by Briston Maroney, which is one of my top songs of 2021! (Fun fact: The Happy Fits were actually interviewed by WMSC’s Music Director Charles Falotico for Tunes On Tuesday last semester!)*

 

Bad Habits – Ed Sheeran & Bring Me The Horizon

This one… is something else. Months ago, when the music video for Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran came out, my mom recommended that I watch it. She thought it was “edgy” which isn’t usually a word used to describe Sheeran…and she was right. It was really cool! I went to an Ed Sheeran concert a couple of  years ago, and while I loved the show, he isn’t an artist I typically listen to. This is why I was floored the day I saw Sheeran share his stage with Bring Me The Horizon’s frontman Oliver Sykes to perform Bad Habits. I was so confused. And amazed. And excited. THEN- I saw that Ed Sheeran released an official collaboration with BMTH on Bad Habits, and it’s been one of my favorites ever since. “Can You Feel My Heart” and “Sleepwalking” by BMTH (both from the album Sempiternal) have been a part of the soundtrack of my life since middle school, so I immediately jump to whatever new music they release or are featured on. Bring Me The Horizon will always hold a special place in my heart and I look forward to seeing what other fun collaborations this group might create in the future!

 

Cyberhex – Motionless In White

When finding out that MIW was coming out with another single, I screamed. They have been one of my favorite bands since 2015, definitely a top-contender for one of my favorite all time “heavier” bands of my music taste. While I wouldn’t say I was particularly surprised by this song, I do have to say it’s clear MIW has come a long way in altering their sound. As a huge fan of some of their earlier work, this song certainly doesn’t belong on their first albums Creatures or Infamous… however, after their 2019 album Disguise, you can tell that they’re going in a more electronic/alternative direction. A fan of similar sounding music already, I have no complaints- but if you’re expecting 2010 MIW, please prepare for a different sound that is still epic and unique. And of course you can appreciate Chris Motionless’ vocals because they’re incredible as they always are. The band recently announced their next album Scoring The End Of The World will be released on June 10, 2022! (Fun Fact: Motionless In White is frequently played on WMSC’s show Heavy Is The Crown, Saturday’s at 7-10 pm EST)

 

KULT – Steve Aoki & grandson (feat. Jasiah)

The moment I hear grandson’s voice I buckle up for an incredible ride… his new song, “KULT” is no exception. This time around, my favorite politically charged artist has teamed up with record producer Steve Aoki, who’s worked with numerous bands such as Linkin Park, Blink-182 and Fall Out Boy. With the added sound of hip-hop/rap artist Jasiah, what would seem like a very unlikely combination of artists somehow works! I have yet to be disappointed with a grandson collaboration, but I am glad to see that this one is a bit more fast paced than some of his singles from 2020. Absolutely love the energy of this song (and the music video), definitely a top favorite in my playlist of songs to drive down the parkway to. Grandson will be performing in PA and NYC this weekend- I can’t wait to see this new song performed live!

 

*You can listen to The Happy Fits interview here! (Listen here!)