Check Out This Week's Most Exciting Musical Releases
'Malibu Nights' - LANY
Subject Matter: “What do you do with a broken heart?” What do you do, indeed. In their latest single, LANY’s Paul Klein, Jake Goss and Les Priest ask the pressing questions that every person who has experienced heartbreak (so, basically, everyone) has asked.
Feels: It’s no surprise that this is one of LANY’s more low-key tunes. That being said, their beat-heavy synth-pop sound adds a breath of fresh air to the ‘sad piano’ usually featured in love songs.
Appropriate Setting: Plug in your headphones and zone out as you watch the world rush past you on the airport tarmac. Don’t deny it, we’ve all looked out of a departing airplane window and deeply reminisced about the times you’ve had with that special someone. Wherever you’re going and wherever you’re coming from, sometimes a little bit of dramatic plane ride introspection and ‘Malibu Nights’ is all you need.
Okay, tell me more: In honor of the release of their new album by the same name, LANY (in true LANY fashion) took over the Tower Records building on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA. Malibu Nights marks a sophomore project after their self-entitled debut became one of the highest-ranking debut albums on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.
Listen here.
'Again' - Avonlea
Subject Matter: “I let you break my heart again, break my heart again and again. You say what you say and you watch me fall right back in.” Well, need we say more?
Feels: Avonlea’s lo-fi beats, easy pop hooks, and haunting voice are the definition of mellow millennial pop. Try as you might, we promise that you won’t be able to stop yourself from bopping your head and maybe even singing along.
Appropriate Setting: Be you passed out, making out or chilling out on your couch, ‘Again’ is the perfect song to play.
Okay, tell me more: L’Officiel USA had the pleasure of having a tête-à-tête with the incredibly insightful and mature (and talented) 18-year-old, who shared her thoughts on empowerment, body-image and her autobiographical album 10 2 17.
Listen here.
'Sucker Punch' - Sigrid
Subject Matter: Thankfully not everything is doom & gloom in this week’s new releases. ‘Sucker Punch’ is about that feeling of uncertainty and excitement associated with starting a new relationship – knowing full well that this might end badly but, hell, it’s worth it! In Sigrid’s own words: “This might end bad but I’m still coming back for that sucker punch.”
Feels: It’s official. Sigrid is the queen of toe-tapping, sing-it-out, perfect-for-any-mood tunes. The early noughties-style riff adds a familiar yet unique twist to the heavy (or dare we say sucker punch?) rhythm and catchy chorus.
Appropriate Setting: You’ve just returned home after a long day. It’s dark outside. Everyone’s settling in for the night. But, for some strange reason, you still have some energy left. Fear not: turn up ‘Sucker Punch’ and dance/shout/sing to your heart’s content.
Okay, tell me more: Sigrid has an uncanny talent of producing hit after hit (ever heard of ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe,’ ‘Strangers’ and ‘Dynamite’?) and L’Officiel USA, hard-hitting journalists that we are, was determined to find out the key to her success. Check out what the young Norwegian considers to be the secret to a great pop hook right here.
Listen here.
'1999' - Charli XCX featuring Troye Sivan
Subject Matter: As you might’ve guessed, this tune’s all about nostalgia: a time of MTV, air guitar, Nike Airs, CD’s, MJ…Yes, Troye may have been four at the time, but 26 y/o Charli XCX certainly knows what she’s talking about. Moreover, given everything that’s been happening lately, we can’t blame anyone for dreaming of a better time.
Feels: In true 90’s fashion, ‘1999’ boasts a high tempo synth and infuriatingly catchy piano progression. That being said, Charli XCX’s trademark harmonies are still there to add their own energizing spin to the chorus.
Appropriate Setting: It’s almost the weekend, guys, and we suggest that you keep this tune in mind when choosing your ‘getting ready’ playlist tonight. Screw the fatigue, let ‘1999’ pump you up for a much-needed night out.
Okay, tell me more: ICYMI, Charli XCX and Troye Sivan have developed from being music’s most exciting newcomers to being at the forefront of pop’s bright future. In the light of bonafide hits like ‘Boom Clap’ and ‘My My My!’, L’Officiel USA met with both of the artists to hear their thoughts on this sudden catapult to fame. Did we mention that we loved Troye so much that we put him on our cover?
Listen here.
‘Tints’ - Anderson .Paak featuring Kendrick Lamar
Subject Matter: In this social media/mass-media ridden day and age, you don’t have to be Kylie Jenner to crave just a little bit of privacy. This dynamic duo addresses the very millennial problem and, verse-by-verse, fantasize about our metropolitan equivalent to that ‘driving down an open road’-type freedom: car tints.
Feels: Kendrick’s ever eloquent verses are complimented by .Paak’s unique mélange of funk, R&B and neo-funk hip-hop. Despite the somewhat tragic subject-matter, these winsome beats are sure to uplift any mood.
Appropriate Setting: Whether you’re lucky enough to be driving down an open road or, like us, you have to deal with New York’s bumper-to-bumper traffic on the daily, ‘Tints’ is best experienced when blasted through car speakers.
Okay, tell me more: This is the first single off of Anderson .Paak’s new album Oxnard (produced by none other than Dr. Dre).
Listen here.
'Something About Your Love' - Phony Ppl
Subject Matter: Ah, l’amour: that feeling of optimism, energy and lightness. In the words of Phony Ppl: there's just "something about it."
Feels: From the warm voice of lead vocalist Elbee Thrie to the animated hearbeat of Matthew Bays, this song is about happiness. Pure and simple.
Appropriate Setting: In times like these, best to make the most of each and every happy moment. Whether you’re walking home from a productive day at work, a successful date or a lovely night out with friends, ‘Something About Your Love’ is the ideal soundtrack to keep you up-beat and positive through the commute.
Okay, tell me more: This Brooklyn-based collective of gifted musicians is all about liberation – liberation from the constraints of musical genres and the constraints of traditionally-musical upbringings. They’ve received nothing but praise since their arrival to the scene, being credited with pushing the boundaries of jazz, hip-hop and pop. Want to get to know the personalities behind this fearless five-man band? Check out Phony Ppl’s tour diary right here, on L’Officiel USA.
Listen here.
Anderson .Paak and Kendrick Lamar photo courtesy of instagram.
