:::THE MATCHUPS:::
“Slow Down” – Rvkah vs. “Butter” – Bad Flamingo
“Monster Squad (Love So Crazy)” – Sam The Astronaut vs. “Smart Child” – Josh!
“Dandelion” – Hazel Rose vs. “Dark Lines” – Spin Maddox
“Riviera” – Dancing On Tables vs. “American Spirits” – Niki Black
“Strong Enough” – Jude The Obscure vs. “Bando – Remix” – ANNA x Rich The Kid
“Sinful City” – Seatbelts vs. “Keep A Beat” – Midnight Mystery Club
“Honest” – Jenn Nucum x Kritty Uranowski vs. “Ciao Ciao” – Lita
“Cherries & Lemonade” – LO LA vs. “Lonely Ghost-Self” – NKOS
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“Slow Down” – Rvkah vs. “Butter” – Bad Flamingo
American-born, Israeli-raised pop singer/songwriter Rvkah‘s “Slow Down” offers full production, vulnerable lyrics, and a huge chorus, with the hint of complexity you might expect from a graduate of Berklee. Meanwhile, “Butter” is what I imagine the product of a Mac Demarco/HAIM jam session would sound like. Mellow and easy-going, the song features raspy, soft-spoken vocals and chimy, lo-fi guitar riffs.
Vote here.
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“Monster Squad (Love So Crazy)” – Sam The Astronaut vs. “Smart Child” – Josh!
The second song from Sam The Astronaut‘s 2020 EP “High For You,” “Monster Squad (Love So Crazy)” exemplifies the brand of “anthemic, West Coast alt-pop” the Vancouver duo is quickly becoming known for. With “Smart Child,” Bay Area rapper Josh! showcases a flow that calls to mind a cross between Big Sean and DaBaby. The single is his latest release.
Vote here.
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“Dandelion” – Hazel Rose vs. “Dark Lines” – Spin Maddox
This matchup features two California-based artists, as San Francisco’s Hazel Rose faces off against Los Angeles’ Spin Maddox. Rose released “Dandelion” on August 7, a sensual, silky-smooth R&B ballad. “Dark Lines” was Spin Maddox’s first single of the year and showcases the influence he borrows from artists like Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams.
Vote here.
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“Riviera” – Dancing On Tables vs. “American Spirits” – Niki Black
“Riviera” is the second-most recent single from Scottish five-piece Dancing On Tables. The song is ideal indie-rock for people who had a big pop-punk phase growing up. Expert harmonization and well-built transitions are the hallmarks of this song. Meanwhile, “American Spirits” is a stripped-back piano ballad featuring deep, reflective vocals backed by swelling string pads and comes from LA’s Niki Black. The song is her third of four singles so far this year.
Vote here.
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“Strong Enough” – Jude The Obscure vs. “Bando – Remix” – ANNA x Rich The Kid
With “Strong Enough,” Jude The Obscure channels the smooth, groovy-yet-chill jazz-rap coming out of the UK currently being championed by artists like Loyle Carner and Tom Misch. His debut single shows excellent musicianship and an exciting glimpse at what’s to come. On “Bando,” ANNA flips the energy with an absolute club BANGER. I dare you not to dance to this. It has a grimy bass riff and a great verse from Rich The Kid, who provides the perfect stylistic counterbalance to ANNA.
Vote here.
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“Sinful City” – Seatbelts vs. “Keep A Beat” – Midnight Mystery Club
“Sinful City” was the first track from Liverpool-based band Seatbelts‘ “Edwyn” EP, which released on August 23. It features saxes and a decidedly throwback ’60s soul feel, in the mask of a modern indie song. Meanwhile, “Keep A Beat” is the latest single from duo Midnight Mystery Club, and it reminds me of a modern Phil Collins, or a more indie-rock Francis & The Lights.
Vote here.
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“Honest” – Jenn Nucum x Kritty Uranowski vs. “Ciao Ciao” – Lita
“Honest” is the third track from Toronto-based Jenn Nucum‘s album “Revival,” and it’s a slow-burn, guitar-driven 6/8 ballad featuring contributions from Kritty Uranowski. On the other side, “Ciao Ciao” comes from Berklee alum Lita, who was born and raised in Rome but moved to the USA for school. “Ciao Ciao,” her debut single, both honors her musical roots and Italian heritage while sounding current and providing something fresh.
Vote here.
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“Cherries & Lemonade” – LO LA vs. “Lonely Ghost-Self” – NKOS
“Cherries & Lemonade” is the latest single from 20-year-old artist LO LA. A performer and pianist from childhood, her sound already feels confident and well-developed, especially for such a young artist. This song is groovy, upbeat, and bright. “Lonely Ghost-Self” is fairly different. NKOS‘ third single and second of the year, it’s a strangely satisfying blend of Royal Blood, a shot of STS9-esque jamtronica, and a dash of Twenty One Pilots’ production.
Vote here.
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Glasse-tonbury, Vol. 1: First Round, Part 4
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