BY CAITLYN RALPH AND JASMINE RESPESS
A lot happens in the music world between the Tangent’s bi-weekly production schedule. While Caitlyn and Jasmine would love to cover it all, they can’t – so, instead, we had them choose their favorite songs released since our last issue and write up bite-sized blurbs on why they should be added to your Spotify playlists. Check out the results below.
Beartooth – “Aggressive”
Feeling angsty going into finals? Need to blow off some steam during BACC season? Turn on Beartooth’s “Aggressive” – the track begins with Caleb Shomo’s haunting vocals before exploding into a metalcore masterpiece, slated to bring out the headbanger in all of us. — CR
Andy Black – “Ribcage”
Black Veil Brides frontman Andy Biersack has been operating under a new, solo moniker: Andy Black. Palatable for those who are into Black Veil Brides and equally enjoyable for those who aren’t, the newest single, “Ribcage,” displays Black’s unmistakable vocals amid a backdrop of catchy melodies. Warning: you will be singing the chorus for days after your first listen. — CR
Catfish and the Bottlemen – “7”
Armed with an effortless aesthetic and a foul-mouthed, charismatic frontman, Catfish and the Bottlemen are one of the British indie scene’s hottest new acts. Just by listening to Catfish and the Bottlemen, I feel cooler – it’s like the band radiates this desirable aura weaved into carelessly catchy choruses and lazily pristine vocals paired with the perfect instrumentation to back it all up. Their easygoing latest single, “7,” emulates all those qualities, making it the ideal track to add to your post-finals beach playlist. — CR
Moose Blood – “Honey”
The new Moose Blood single, “Honey,” doesn’t mess around. Press play, and you’re instantly welcomed to a bout of controlled – yet heavy – instrumentation. After the exciting intro, the track calms, only to fall into the hands of frontman Eddy Brewerton’s vocals. Those vocals never try too hard: they’re naturally strong and unique without any false effort. The chorus – “This feeling will only get better / I’ll just hold it all together” – will inevitably be sung deep in the depths of summer days. — CR
PVRIS – “Empty”
I don’t say this often, but, when I do, I mean it – if you’re not listening to PVRIS, you’re doing something wrong. Originally a metalcore band, PVRIS have evolved into a beautiful, indie rock trio that intermingle strong vocals and dreamy instrumentation. The epitome of this is “Empty,” the second new song from their debut album White Noise’s deluxe release. “Empty” is an auditory dreamscape anchored by frontwoman Lynn Gunn’s indescribable vocals. While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and listen to the entirety of White Noise. I doubt you’ll be disappointed. — CR
PUP – “Doubts”
If PUP’s “Doubts” was personified, it would be an angsty, 13-year-old teen that skipped math class every day last week to listen to Blink-182 under the bleachers. The track highlights stark, punky vocals paired with distinct, heavy instrumentation, melding a seemingly mish-mashed listening experience sprinkled with angry sing-alongs and emo punk gold dust. — CR
The Maine – “Love Yourself” (Justin Bieber cover)
While I was admittedly skeptical at first, I never fully doubted that The Maine could do something amazing with a Justin Bieber song, and their cover of “Love Yourself” ultimately proves me right. The track finds inspiration in the mellow tempo of the original version – but integrates it with The Maine’s palpable indie sound, marked by frontman John O’Callaghan’s cool vocals and the band’s lovely instrumentation. — CR
Beyoncé –– “Lemonade”
Bey just dropped Lemonade on Saturday, so that is honestly the only thing you should be listening to. The album also featured a visual that was more than an hour long. The video included stars such as Serena Williams, Amanda Sternberg and Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman. The video was mostly comprised of women of color. The album itself features popular artists such as Kendrick Lamar, James Blake and The Weeknd. Lemonade, like “Sasha Fierce,” is a story, and although the content is focused on love, it is also a story of independence. That idea is further solidified, since the album ends with the mega hit “Formation.” Every song is important, but I have most enjoyed “All Night” and “Love Drought.” — JR