ListenUp
A bonkers motivational tune by Dan Deacon, new songs by Psychic Twin, Sylvan Esso and more in our weekly musical round-up
Innanet James feat. The Kount: Frequency
Rapper Innanet James has just released his funky, breezy Quebec Place and it’s just in time for the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. While the entire mixtape is all kinds of fun, one standout is the bouncy, dynamic “Frequency” featuring The Kount (aka instrumentalist Koal Harrison). At just 21 years old, James has already honed his lyricism and delivery, seamlessly altering his cadence over the playful tune.
Lo Moon: Loveless
Melodic, spacious and emotional: these attributes pinpoint the allure of LA-based Lo Moon’s single “Loveless.” It’s a debut track from the brand new band, and there’s something very uncommon here. Their first offering happens to be seven minutes long. And yet, those seven minutes pass in what feels like three, guided by at times soaring vocals and well-placed crescendos.
Dan Deacon: Change Your Life (You Can Do It)
When it comes to Dan Deacon it’s best to expect the unexpected—or perhaps expect berserk euphoria. With his latest track “Change Your Life (You Can Do It)” Deacon—who has been performing the song live for a little while—has gone above and beyond. It’s not only super-motivational and inspirational, it’s also bonkers and feverish. The accompanying video uses footage from his “Gliss Riffer” tour last year and matches the song beautifully—all flashing lights, frenzied dancing and smiles. Deacon has a few US shows over the next couple months.
Psychic Twin: Hopeless
From the album Strange Diary, Psychic Twin’s “Hopeless” is an upbeat and melodic—but slightly maudlin—track that was apparently written as “a personal lullaby.” The artist (aka Erin Fein) offers gentle vocals on the tune, which contrastingly features a powerful ’80s-tinged avant pop vibe. Strange Diary is officially released 9 September, and Psychic Twin will perform all over the country come October.
Sylvan Esso: Radio
Sylvan Esso singer Amelia Meath’s vocals dance with remarkable precision atop the upbeat electronic instrumentation of new single “Radio.” From the highly danceable “slave to the radio” chorus to the warbling over an extended digital finish, it’s a lovable track on the surface but digs deep into the state of the music industry with its lyricism. And for lovers of vinyl, “Radio” will get a physical 12″ single release come November.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
