It's hot as hell and maybe you feel like you’re melting. Luckily, we always have some cool tunes to throw at you. Let's not waste anymore time and jump right into this week's Tune-Up.
Local Natives have been teasing us for months with singles off their new Sunlit Youth LP, due out September 9. Each track has been different enough to stand on its own merits, but still manages to capture their signature sound. "Fountain of Youth" is the latest offering and it's got heavy hooks, soaring melodies and a plethora of hi-hat hiss. I can't wait to hear Sunlit Youth in its entirety. Be sure to check them out on their current tour if possible – they're fantastic live.
Tampa's own Merchandise has returned with a new single called "Flower of Sex" and I'm happy to report it’s superb. I hear bits of the Cocteau Twins, The Cure, The Smiths and The Chameleons among other shoegaze influences, and it works well. Frontman Carson Cox's monotone vocal quality cuts over thumping bass and disorienting guitars, and grabbing you through the ‘gaze. They released a video for the track, too – Cox shot it – and it's trippy as hell. Can't wait for the full album, fellas.
Du Tonc is a groovy duo from the UK and Australia, and their new single "Slow Down" should inspire you to do exactly that. It's disco-styled, reminiscent of the legendary Daft Punk, and the bassline and simple lyrics add to the extremely infectious tune. I've had this one on repeat.
Schoolboy Q dropped his Blank Face LP on Friday and I dig it. It's more subdued and eclectic than previous efforts, but also a little quirky, which is a positive thing for me. "Kno Ya Wrong" is a cool ass song that opens with a lovely piano loop and some subtle scratching that vaguely evokes '90s hip-hop. Q's delivery is mellow and directs the abundance of horns throughout the track, which drops some serious synths midway through and turns into a funky R&B jam before it settles back in with some psychedelic guitar work. Q is toying with different sounds this time out, and his creativity has paid off.
1. Local Natives, "Fountain Of Youth"
2. James Vincent McMorrow, "Rising Water"
3. Atmosphere, "Ringo"
4. Teenage Fanclub, "I'm in Love"
5. Blood Orange, "I Know"
6. Will Joseph Cook, "Take Me Dancing"
7. Merchandise, "Flowers of Sex'
8. Coast Modern, "Guru"
9. Formation, "Pleasure"
10. Schoolboy Q, "Kno Ya Wrong"
11. Preoccupations, "Anxiety"
12. Du Tonc, "Slow Person"
13. Jessy Lanza, "Could Be U"
14. Angel Olsen, "Shut Up Kiss Me"
15. Black Atlass, "Island Love'
