THIS WEEK'S KEY RELEASES
Mystery Skulls _ "One Of Us"
Randy Newman _ "Dark Matter"
Dan Wilson _ "Re-Covered"
NOW HEAR THIS (new tracks from up and coming artists)
Elliot Root _ "Lost Man Running"
Fast emerging Nashville band Elliot Root is releasing their debut album "Conjure" on Aug. 25, and their polished, anthemic sound is bound to win them a huge fan base. Echoing the piano driven pop of Coldplay and the moodiness of Travis, Elliot Root's music is built for stadiums and headphones. Elliot Root possesses a charismatic frontman in Scott Krueger with a powerful, soulful rock voice that can carry the group's songs to dramatic crescendos. "Lost Man Running" is the group's brand-new memorable single that highlights Elliot Root's mastery of dynamics as the song goes from quiet, introspective moments to soaring, harmony-driven heights. _ Sarah Zupko
(https://youtu.be/pIBVVnNolP0)
Hayley Thompson-King _ "Dopesick"
Hayley Thompson-King recognized around her Boston community for her gritty, operatic belt and the intellectual curiosity that culminates both musically and lyrically in her gospel-tinged rock tunes. This very clearly comes about time and time again in her upcoming record, "Psychotic Melancholia," which has much to do with her criticisms of women's roles in the Old Testament and reimagining them in captivating, often dark new ways. The song "Dopesick" takes a turn further down a personal path for Thompson-King across its five-minute build-up into an explosive display of vocal prowess. _ Jonathan Frahm
(http://popm.at/2hkcoNm)
WATCH THIS
OMD _ "The Punishment of Luxury"
A shining example of synthpop in 2017, "The Punishment of Luxury" is an impossibly cynical song in a glittery, fluorescent shell. Reminiscent not only of OMD's '80s output but also of classic Information Society and New Order, the latest track from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is a straightforward indictment of consumer culture and those who would champion it. Also, you can dance to it. It is expertly produced and performed, showcasing a band finding yet another peak in a long career full of them. _ Mike Schiller
(https://youtu.be/2cU53wWb6UI)
Sudan Archives _ "Come Meh Way"
The way singer-songwriter/violinist Sudan Archives puts together a song is nothing short of extraordinary. From the ethereal dissonance of her opening words to Sudanese-style fiddling to menacing electronic beats, each element of "Come Meh Way" is carefully timed and layered to build up into something complex and breathtaking. There's a magic to the way Sudan Archives' voice travels down unfamiliar paths, to the way her strings wail and shimmer. She brings a completely unique style to the table, something as yet untapped that has the potential to rock the musical world. _ Adriane Pontecorvo
(https://youtu.be/KLPGMb35ubk)
