Max's Music Mondays // 11.9.20

Has it really only been a week?

Dear friends,

What a giant sigh of relief. Hard to put it any other way. A moment that had seemed out of reach for so long finally came, and I’m so grateful it did. There’s so much to be said, so much still to do, but a chance to breathe just feels better than I could’ve imagined. Ok now let’s rock the heck out.

No Nevermind - Freeman Young.

This one washed over me like a wave. Bubbling up, building momentum, and cresting full of beautiful emotion. Young’s vocals are on display here at the jump, the smoothest addition imaginable with such graceful control. Guitar noodling around, a touch rough around the edges. It’s human and it’s a welcomed contrast to these vocals. The background vocals sneak in and out of this first verse, but at 50 seconds we have no choice but to bask in their glow. A brief glow, but the power of such full and immense warmth stopped me in my tracks. Spicing things up with a wandering bass line on this verse, and everything feels a little more free. Then those drums… oh those drums!!! It’s a surprise addition and held until the perfect moment. A friendly reminder that like Young, this song has room to grow. And just a little more patience, it’s about to erupt. The full weight of the band tossed at us as Young tries harder and harder with more and more urgency to get out of his head. A pretty spectacular moment, one that immediately withdraws just to build again. At 2:40 Young reveals that we really hadn’t seen anything yet. An anthemic moment, the band blowing the doors off the place. It feels like Black Hole Sun? Melancholy and introspection at its most visceral. I said let’s rock the heck out and folks, we’re really doing it. The moment doesn’t linger, leaving me wanting more and letting us sway amongst these vocals swirling around Young’s head, around our head as we catch our breath. He’s got such a beautiful voice, and uses it masterfully on this one. Each moment leveling up from where we’d been. Even dealing with his insecurities, it all feels so solid.

Punching Bag - Wallice.

So catchy and breezy, it’s been kicking around my head since it came out and I’m glad to be sharing it today. Punchy drums over fluttering keys, and Wallice front and center. It’s a simple combo, leaving space for Wallice to pull us in with the story. It’s a sound that really works. I can’t help but feel for her with vulnerability seeping through “I still got your number saved in my phone / And I only ever think of it when I'm alone”. A powerful opener and a distillation of the song. Reaching for an old love even when they know it’s not the best idea. The simplicity feels bound to release, a tension just begging to be resolved. But instead, Wallice drags that tension into the chorus, and even then, using the unique coloring of this song to stand apart with its own sound. When that chorus hits, we do get more, but it almost feels like it’s all at a distance. Like this love, it’s just out of reach. Even if it’s not meant to be, Wallice is willing to suffer through it anyways. A relatable message that gives context for all of these specifics, and makes them feel all the more real. I really fall for the song in the chorus and the instrumental break after. It yearns, it sways, and gives us the perfect amount of twang. The only song I can think of that name checks Hydro Flask, verse two kicks off with a marquee moment. Besides that perfect lyric, some subtle layering gives off an endearing eeriness. The harmonies sneak in and the emotional pain feels more communal. That last line hits as a heart-wrenching mirror to the opening lyric. The chorus is a winner, full stop. I adore the way each line stretches out just a bit further than we’d expect. Closing out with more jamming, guitars panned left and right push and pull. The drums cut out and the strumming chords feel so human and so lonely, Wallice still coming to grips with the moment and all it means.

In Case You Missed It…

Ya know, a bit preoccupied this week if I’m honest, but still found a few new favs. This new BENEE single is a cool evolution. Joy Oladokun continues to stun. Brittany Howard too. Over at Dazed, some choice quotes from Mykki Blanco - the idea of visibility acting as factual documentation has been one I’ve treasured.

As always, all the songs here end up on the MMM playlist and my day to day rotation over on the MMATOD playlist.

With love,

Max