It’s time for a mid-summer check-in. How’s your music playlist looking? If you’ve been stuck listening to the same songs on repeat all season, now is the perfect opportunity to mix it up and discover some exciting new tunes. Fortunately, the local music scene has been buzzing with a fantastic array of releases that will add a fresh flavor to your playlist.
From singles to EPs and full-length albums, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite projects from the 518 area that have dropped over the past couple of months.
“Suburban Mayhem” by E.R.I.E.
E.R.I.E., an Albany-based band, delivers an exhilarating burst of energy in their second LP. Combining pop-punk with heartland rock, frontman TJ Foster’s impassioned vocals shine on tracks like “Bad Man’s World.” “World on Fire” confronts the current state of affairs with angst and serves as a fitting theme song for the sociopolitical climate. The title track, “Suburban Mayhem,” reflects on finding meaning amidst the chaos of today’s culture. Personally, “Little Heartbreak” stands out as a standout pop-rock anthem reminiscent of ’80s Mellencamp or Springsteen. While the entire LP is strong, “Little Heartbreak” is a must-listen and one of the best songs to come out of the area this year.
“Suburban Mayhem” is available for streaming on all major platforms and can be purchased at https://abandcallederie.bandcamp.com/.
“Irrational Anthems” by Merci Van
Saratoga’s Merci Van establishes themselves as one of the Capital Region’s most promising indie bands with their new EP. “Irrational Anthems,” consisting of six tracks, showcases the band’s unique blend of folk and synth-pop. Songs like “Oppenheimer” capture the current cinematic zeitgeist with Joseph Beaty’s driving riffs and Alicia Macier’s captivating vocals. “Awkward Conversation” balances darker lyrical content with whimsical vocal and instrumental arrangements. The EP concludes with the nine-minute epic “The Artist,” taking listeners on a sonic journey through spacey alt-rock, folk, and synth-based abstractions. The ambition displayed in this song, combined with the overall strength of the EP, promises an exciting creative future for Merci Van.
“Irrational Anthems” is available for streaming on all major platforms and can be purchased at https://mercivan.bandcamp.com/album/irrational-anthems.
“Glad U Are Here,” “Crack Kills,” and “Treasure Fleet” by Soo Do Koo
Soo Do Koo, a dynamic beatmaker and rapper from Albany, has been honing his craft for several years. In the past few months, he has released three projects that showcase his versatility. “Crack Kills” features polished and dynamic beats, with standout tracks like “Satriale’s” and “They Hate Hate and I Love It.” If you prefer grittier, lo-fi beats, “Glad U Are Here” delivers, with tracks like “Cut N Paste” and “Get Eager, Get Ethered.” “Treasure Fleet” finds a middle ground between the other two projects, offering jazz-inflected beats in songs like “Shaun Livingston (Bouncing Back).” Physical copies of “Glad U Are Here” are available as limited-run cassettes through local imprint Bee Side Cassettes.
Soo Do Koo’s music is available for streaming on all major platforms and can be purchased at https://soodokoo.bandcamp.com/.
“BLEED” by Small Ghosts
Small Ghosts, a full-band project led by singer-songwriter Asa Morris, delivers a high-octane blend of punk, garage, and noise rock. Featuring members of Flavour, Merci Van, and William Hale, Small Ghosts’ EP is a raucous listening experience. The streaming version of “BLEED” includes four tracks, but the physical release contains seven, offering a fuller experience. Tracks like “I Don’t Need Yr Goddamned Love Songs” and “I Might Disappear” capture the essence of straightforward ’80s punk anthems. However, it’s the seven-song version of “BLEED” that truly showcases the depth of Small Ghosts’ sound, particularly with the brooding, heavy rockers “Away We Go” and “I’m in Love with the Death.” For the complete experience, I recommend getting the physical release.
“BLEED” is available for streaming on all major platforms and can be purchased at https://smallghosts.bandcamp.com/.
“Ready For Your Love” by Josh Morris
Josh Morris, a highly regarded multi-instrumentalist in the local music scene, steps into the spotlight with his new single, “Ready For Your Love.” This bouncy pop-rock tune is the perfect summer jam, featuring a catchy chorus and Morris’s strong vocals. As a sideman for various bands, Morris showcases his talent as a lead singer with a knack for creating memorable melodies. If this is just the beginning of his solo career, we can expect great things from him.
“Ready For Your Love” is available for streaming on all major platforms.
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