Welcome to hell, y’all. We’re less than a month into the coronavirus crisis and we’re all witnessing in horror as our governing institutions collapse in real-time. I wish I had the words to capture the anxiety and fear we’re collectively feeling in this moment in history, but my guess is you’ve had your fill of darkness and despair. So let me at least offer a glimpse of light as we share our first TRIPLE THREAT since the world went to shit.
You’d think that without direct access to recording studios or rehearsal spaces there’d be a tremendous lag in music output. But truth is, the quarantine has offered further evidence of the resiliency and resourcefulness of the local scene. Sure, much of what has been hitting our inbox was recorded prior to the pandemic, but a lot of the material we’re receiving was conceived within the past few weeks. So now that you’re trapped at home, maybe take a few minutes to listen to some of our favorite songs from the past week. I promise you it’s some of the best music being made in this city and beyond. Enjoy. – Guillermo Castro
Thousandaire – “Fine”
From the forthcoming self-titled EP
I’ve been wracking my brain to come up with the right word to describe Thousandaire’s new single “Fine,” but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I keep turning to things like “tasteful” and “balanced”—words better suited for describing fine food or wine than the dynamic ’90s rock the band trades in. But holy shit if everything here isn’t perfectly in proportion; from Andrew Wiggins’ massive guitar tones and soft-spoken vocals to Chad LeBlanc’s thundering bass and Adam Weisberg’s measured drumming, the band maintains a mesmerizing, no-frills sound that is equally melodic, spacey, and heavy. All in all, it’s a stellar opening salvo from one of our most anticipated records of 2020. – Avery Shepherd
Thousandaire is out June 12 via Colonel Records. Pre-orders are available here.
More Info
Bandcamp: thousandaire.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @thousandaire.atl
Erica Strout – “Two Devils”
From the standalone single
Since sharing her solo debut back in February, Erica Strout (Motherfucker) has been on tear, unleashing a string of beguiling singles, including a stirring rendition of the Righteous Brothers’ seminal classic “Unchained Melody.” Her latest cut, the dreamy “Two Devils,” highlights Strout’s ability to marry arresting pop melodies with atmospheric songcraft. To call it a welcome surprise would be to shortchange the catchier elements of Motherfucker’s formidable attack, but there’s no denying this is an impressive turn for the Athens songwriter. If there are any positives to be found within the current crisis, it’s that it has provided artists with plenty of time and opportunity to focus on their art. It’s clear Strout is taking full advantage. – GC
More Info
Bandcamp: ericastrout.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @stroutocaster
Bathe Alone – “Champagne”
From the forthcoming LP, Last Looks
Meet Atlanta newcomer Bathe Alone. Masterminded by Bailey Crone, the project (fka Bathe) blends confessional lyrics with ethereal backdrops. With a combination of rock-solid songwriting and home studio magic, Crone’s dreamy bedroom pop can transform from hushed calm to an enveloping swell flush with warm textures and torrents of synths. Her latest DIY creation “Champagne” is another fresh gem that occupies a similar musical landscape as artists like Echosmith or Christine and the Queens. Led by Crone’s breathy and urgent vocals, the track is intimate, yet kinetic enough to make you want to hit the club. It’s a spectacular example of what can be crafted in solitude with a whole lot of talent and time alone. – Ethan Fogus
More Info
Facebook: @bathealone
Bandcamp: bathealone.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @bathealone
Twitter: @bathemusic
SoundCloud: @bathealone