September ‘24 Monthly Music Recap
Like many Northeastern U.S. natives, I adore fall. It’s a season of change: the air turns from humid to crisp, we ditch tank tops for cozy sweaters and — if your Spotify friend activity is anything like mine — defrost our autumnal playlists studded with the likes of Mazzy Star, Phoebe Bridgers and The Lumineers.
As we head into the final quarter of the year, September gifted us an array of new releases to update our fall playlists with. Whether you fully embrace the softer sounds of autumn or prefer a livelier vibe to get through the changing of the seasons, OTR’s September soundtrack has something for everyone.
Twice the vocalists, twice the fun: Hinds in “On My Own”
Usually by the time September rolls around, I’m ready to immerse myself in the acoustic, darker soundscape of fall. And while the unseasonably warm weather on the east coast has played a part in delaying this shift in my Spotify aesthetic, the infectious energy of Spanish duo Hind’s new album, VIVA HINDS, has saved me from prematurely diving into the sometimes dreary mood that comes with autumn’s intrinsic soundtrack.
VIVA HINDS is the band’s first record since Ade Martín and Amber Grimbergen departed the group in 2022, leading remaining members Carlotta Cosials and Ana García Perrote to return to their roots as a two-piece. The resulting 10-track record is 31 minutes of indie rock euphoria. Though it’s one of the shorter songs, the contagious fun of “On My Own” has made it a particular ear worm for me. Laden with laughs and candid quips, listening to “On My Own” feels like being let in on girls night. The fast-paced drum beat and guitar lines back Cosials and García’s carefree delivery of blunt lyrics like “You just f***cked it up and now you can’t take it ba-ack.”
Complete with a Beck collaboration on “Boom Boom Back” and catchy melodies throughout, VIVA HINDS is a refreshingly lively album from a duo who knows how to pull listeners in.
‘68 satisfyingly reworks a Beastie Boys classic in their version of “Intergalactic”
The art of recording a cover is tricky. As a listener, I don’t want a cover of a song I love to be an exact replica of the original, but I also don’t want it to be taken in a completely different direction to the point where I can’t even tell it’s a cover. As part of the third volume of “Dead Formats,” a series of compilations from Pure Noise Records’ roster, rock duo ‘68 put their own, tasteful spin on Beastie Boy’s iconic “Intergalactic.”
While ‘68 takes the track through multiple soundscapes — opening with a psychedelic, echoing synth before transitioning to a rock-oriented melody — there is never any doubt while listening that it is an homage to Beastie Boys. The way ‘68 adheres to the diverse sections of the original while putting their own spin on it scratches a certain sonic itch in my brain. For example, where the underlying beat change is marked by a smoother production in Mike D’s “Mario C” verse, ‘68 marks the change with a groovy bass line. The duo even replicates Biz Markie’s unaccompanied verse in the outro.
Despite the fact that I may be biased by the nostalgia “Intergalactic” invokes in me, there is no doubt that ‘68’s rock version of the iconic Beastie Boys track is well done.
Watch the "Cleats" music video on YouTube.
FINNEAS takes the metaphorical field in “Cleats”
Producer, singer and songwriter Finneas O’Connell is once again proving to be the jack of all musical trades. In preparation for his upcoming album For Cryin’ Out Loud!, O’Connell released “Cleats,” the second single from the record, this month.
From the surf rock-like guitar melody to the tambourine-accented verses, the instrumentals of “Cleats” lay a catchy foundation for O‘Connell’s symbolic storytelling. Through the teenage-esque metaphors of soccer and high school, he sings of holding on to someone who has moved on. As if the narrator’s heart is getting trampled, he sings “Your heart’s still in the weeds / Straight off the soccer field / She’s still wearing her cleats.”
The Oct. 4 release of his third studio album is the latest factor in a big year for O’Connell. After riding the wave of his sister’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, which he produced, I’m excited to see what he has in store for the rest of his solo album.
Nilüfer Yanya invites the touch of emotion in “Ready for Sun (touch)”
Known for her genre-blending indie yearning, British singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya returned to the music scene this month with the release of My Method Actor. With soft vocals and smooth production, the album is 45 minutes of sonic serenity.
Track six, “Ready for Sun (touch),” mixes Yanya’s poetic songwriting abilities with slightly experimental production. “Ready for Sun (touch)” opens with a clicky and hollow rhythm that underlies the whole five minutes of the song as more elements are added. Swelling strings in the choruses help carry Yanya’s melody, creating the sense of openness she sings of. Besides this satisfyingly elegant production, it’s Yanya’s symbolically beautiful storytelling that keeps me coming back to this track in particular. Lyrics like “You’re free then not free / twin gods in your head” are so hauntingly moving. In the Apple Music song description, Yanya said “Ready for Sun (touch)” is “raw feeling, raw emotion.” Indeed it is, Nilüfer, indeed it is.
My Method Actor creates the perfect soundscape for fall. Whether you’re daydreaming amidst the foliage, cozying up with pumpkin treats or locking in to study, Yanya shapes the perfect ambiance for any autumnal activity.
Check out some of OTR’s September coverage:
New Music Reviews:
“The Graffiti mix is a bold, uncompromising statement - the sound of an artist refusing to be pigeonholed or contained, embracing the full scope of his artistry to craft an emotionally resonant masterpiece.” - Reegan-Tate Johnson on Roy Blair’s Graffiti
“I highly recommend listening to this album while staring out at the water, lost in your thoughts. Dramatic, I know, but Emita Ox encourages dramatics. Don’t just say (or sing) how you feel—scream it.” - Seay Howell on Hello Mary’s Emita Ox
“The diverse exploration of genres in Pointy Heights is highly commendable. While each song brings something entirely unique to the table, they are only strengthened when in dialogue with one another, inviting listeners in to share the experience of a harmonized home with Fousheé.” - Logan Goettemoeller on Fousheé’s Pointy Heights
“Bright Eyes maintains their indie rock legacy while continuing to push boundaries, cementing their place as both pioneers and torchbearers of the genre.” - Arna Churiwala on Bright Eyes’s Five Dice, All Threes
“There’s an endearing, whimsical charm that seems to mystify everything Ades touches.” - Tabita Bernardus on Carol Ades’s Late Start
Live Shows:
“With soft lights, a studio-like setup, and a bottle of wine, Clairo welcomes the sold-out venue to an intimate performance, turning Webster Hall into her living room, and the crowd into her guests.” - Mia Barić on Clairo in New York
“There was an overall impressive talent showcased that night—from smooth vocals to energetic drums to soulful saxophone lines–which encouraged everyone to focus every bit of their attention on the stage.” - Sophia Bianco on The Buttertones in St. Louis
“Despite initially expressing concerns about her ability to continue to make music, K.Flay looks like she was born to be on stage, completely enrapturing the audience throughout her setlist.” - Alex Stefan on K.Flay in Toronto
Interviews:
“I'm really proud of what we've done and I'm excited for what we have yet to do, because it’s just the beginning and good things take time.” - Pagona Kytzidis of partygirl in an interview with Emma Hug Rosenstein
Staff Picks:
Grace Moioli - “Rag” by Porches
Chloe Kapoor - “Midnight Shining” by Lykke Li
Cece Faulkner - “7 Horses” by The Voidz
Madison Avery - “Soft Spine” by Spiritbox
Logan Goettemoeller - “do you have a soul?” by Fousheé
Tabita Bernardus - “Sublime” by Sarah Kinsley
Cassidy LaPointe - “Pushing it Down and Praying” by Lizzy McAlpine
Dany Mireles - “Jocelyn” by The Beaches
Suma Sesay - “Let’s Go Back” by Jungle
Jaymee Gallagher - “indiana” by Noah Sties
Seay Howell - “Bomb Through the Breeze (Live at the Troubadour)” by Hannah Wicklund
October releases to look forward to:
10/4 - Moon Music by Coldplay
10/4 - For Cryin’ Out Loud! by FINNEAS
10/4 - Older (and Wiser) by Lizzy McAlpine
10/4 - Clipped Wings EP by Maya Hawke
10/4 - Leon by Leon Bridges
10/4 - Everybody Needs a Hero by Orla Gartland
10/11 - Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat by Charli XCX
10/17 - Watch It Ache And Bleed EP by Nieve Ella
10/18 - Shawn by Shawn Mendes
10/18 - SABLE, EP by Bon Iver
10/25 - What A Relief by Katie Gavin
10/25 - Evergreen by Soccer Mommy
10/25 - Melt by Beach Weather
10/25 - The Great Impersonator by Halsey
10/25 - The Night the Zombies Came by Pixies