Songs that make us feel less alone

This week’s new releases are all about togetherness. Whether it’s a collaborative music video or a song that reminds us of the people we love, this rainy-day melancholy brings us comfort.

Local

Junior, Goddamnit

“Goddamnit” is like being wrapped up in a group hug. Between the insightful lyrics, acoustics and accompanying music video filled with Missoulians during social distancing, Junior has made a song that that sounds dreamy and wistful. This feels like community.

Fantasy Suite, One on One

This is what the band that played your prom would sound like if they were really really good. It’s got that hazy feeling of familiarity and comfort while being an entirely new experience every time you listen. Plus, it’s full of Bachelor references. What’s not to love?

s_yna, blossom.

This is like the “low-fi study” playlist that you listen to for hours, but way better. s_nya keeps his tracks innovative and fresh, lulling us into a mellow, happy music stupor. Check out his full album, released the 16th.

Malcolm Contreras, Pity Lies

“Pity Lies” is the first solo attempt from Malcolm Contreras, and it really works. It combines sweet and exposed lyrics with horns, percussion and simple vocals. We can hear this playing in that indie movie scene where the guy realizes he loves the girl while looking at her underneath the glow of the streetlights.

New Albums

Annie Hamilton, Annie Hamilton EP

When we heard the EP from Annie Hamilton for the first time, we expected another folksy lovey-dovey release (not like we would mind). But once we moved along, we found intensity, driven through vocals reminiscent of feminist rockers and heavy guitar, indicative of a star that isn’t afraid to tell people how she feels.

Perfume Genius, Set My Heart On Fire Immediately

Perfume Genius’s new record is a revelation. It’s a forceful work of a queer artist coming back into their own power. It rollercoasters through softness and vulnerability but kicks up with an unexpected energy. Perfume Genius’s voice wavers, but with a purpose.

Jess Williamson, Sorceress

“Sorceress” is the kind of release that immediately knocks us off our feet. Honesty shines through from the first lyric, sparkling through the sparse, but impressive, production. Sincerity floats up and over harmonies, drum kicks, and a mix of guitar.

Moses Sumney, grae

Moses Sumney brings encompassing and dynamic vocals that prove that the artist’s voice is so much more than smooth. Grae commands attention, drawing listeners in with electric guitar and ingenious production and keeping them with potent storytelling.

Logan Ledger, Logan Ledger

This slightly honky-tonk record sounds like Hank Williams Jr. mixed with Dolly Parton mixed with someone old enough to remember the greats but young enough to do something new. This is what we’d listen to while talking to an old-timer at a dive bar while drinking a red beer.

New Singles

natalita, no more words

“No more words” is an incredible example of the type of storytelling that leaves us breathless, like the world has stopped spinning and now we’re the ones moving. Natalita lets empowering vocals and lyrics soar over minimalistic, but intuitive, production.

Little Kid, Losing

This is one of those songs that’s super mellow but is also able to be danced to for hours. It feels soft and golden, guitar riffs meshing with vocals that dominate while also sounding like they’re barely there. It’s so laid-back it’s catchy.

The Colonies, Lady Heart Attack

This song about meeting a girl at a bar sounds anything but simple. The chorus is straining and the vocals rise into an explosion. This is the rock song that would be playing in the scene where the boy sees the girl (who is way out of his league) across the dance floor.

Assembled by music director Meghan Jonas.