Men I Trust: Norton Commander (All We Need)
With a muffled bass line and airy vocals, Men I Trust’s “Norton Commander (All We Need)” is an enveloping, downtempo love song. The Montreal-based trio’s lead Emma Proulx whisper-sings over the slow-burning song—setting an intimate scene. Adding to the laid-back and breezy vibe, the video places Proulx and friend (actor Lawrence Dickerson) driving and dancing through southern California at dusk.
Kaiit: Miss Shiney
Melbourne, Australia-based Kaiit blends R&B, hip-hop, neo-soul and funk for the delightful “Miss Shiney.” The track’s lyrics detail a few of her flaws: overthinking, being her biggest critic, pointless stressing. But the pressure, she assures, produces diamonds—hence the song’s title. Altogether, it’s a smooth and cruise-y tune, anchored by Kaiit’s gleaming aura and jazzy, soulful vocals.
Slow Pulp: Do You Feel It
Roaring and somewhat reminiscent of a staticky space transmission, Slow Pulp’s “Do You Feel It” turns from a minimal soundscape into a classic—almost hair metal—anthem. Guitars slowly creep in as steady drums keep it all together. There’s an almost live quality to the track—which emits incredible energy over its short but sweet two minutes.
Tyler, The Creator: A Boy Is A Gun
Off Tyler, the Creator’s newest album, Igor, “A Boy Is A Gun” is a genre-blending track that highlight’s Tyler’s best qualities: his ability to slip into deep-voiced verses soon spliced with an imperfect falsetto, all to form intricate soundscapes and, most of all, to make his tracks instantly recognizable. Undoubtedly his most anticipated release, Tyler delivers and then some with Igor.
Johnny Utah: Honeypie
Upbeat and playfully awkward, Philadelphia-based Johnny Utah’s “Honeypie” is equal parts disco-pop and indie delight. Though brief (at just over two minutes long) the song is infectious, thanks to a glitzy beat, handclaps, tambourine, and the overlying falsettos.
River Tiber: Taurus
River Tiber’s “Taurus” is a breezy daydream that seems to float along its four-minute existence. Written, produced and recorded by the Toronto-based artist (aka Tommy Paxton-Beesley), the track also features vocals, guitar, bass, synth, Rhodes, piano and violin all by him—with additional hazy vocals and guitar from Justin Nozuka. Despite all the layers, the song is ultimately minimal, delicate and almost meditative.
Listen Up is published every Sunday and rounds up the new music we found throughout the week. Hear the year so far on our Spotify channel.