This is The Weekly Spread, a roundup of some of our favorite new music in and around the indie scene. Always on Fridays, always free, it’s the bread and butter of Bread and Butter (lol).
Hope everyone had a restful Thanksgiving break. We didn’t get to do a Weekly Spread because Eddie’s parents flew into town from Nashville, and we had ourselves a lovely but busy Brooklyn weekend (also, we have poor time-management skills). We’ve got some goodies for you this week, though, some from artists you might have heard of and others who are brand-spankin’-new. We hope you enjoy (:
Also, Brooklyn pals: last call for tickets to Eddie’s Dazies show at the Sultan Room on Tuesday. They’re on at 7:30, so get there early!
Have a great weekend,
~Britnee and Eddie
Shirley Hurt - Problem Child
“Problem Child” is lolling and cool, an easy-breezy listen with an introspective underbelly. The debut single from indie folk singer/songwriter Sophie Katz AKA Shirley Hurt imbues 70s folk-rock influences into a more modern, experimental arrangement. Warm percussion paired with dreamy keys and delicate guitar cast a hazy glow, while Katz’s standout, wistful vocals lead you through the song like light through a foggy morning. A little reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, her versatile delivery will have you hanging onto her every word. Bursts of flute lighten the mood like a pleasant surprise, adding even more color and depth to a track that’s already brimming with unexpected subtleties. You won’t be able to resist bobbing your head to the catchy beat. If you like this one, be sure to check out Shirley Hurt’s debut, self-titled album, out today.
strongboi - cold
Sultry and playful, “Cold,” the latest release from Berlin-based indie duo strongboi, is a love song fit for chilly winter nights. A bedroom-pop song that bounces to a groovy beat, the track is lush with vibrant synths and experimental asides, creating a singular sound that’s equal parts funky and romantic. The smooth melody is led by singer Alice’s velvety vocals, which set an intimate tone from the very first verse: “It’s so cold in here / honey would you come in / I just wanna take you for a spin.” The dreamy track builds to a swoon-worthy chorus, and before you know it you’re hypnotized. Like cuddling under the covers while snow falls outside, “Cold” is a song you could live in forever. It’s the third single ahead of strongboi’s debut album, out sometime next year.
Diamond Grinder - Wonder
Like road-tripping down a tree-lined highway towards someplace you’ve never been, “Wonder” taps into the excitement and mystery of the unknown. The debut single from indie folk-rock group Diamond Grinder grips you immediately with its explorative arrangement. Jangling guitar, propulsive percussion, and subtle bass create a sound that’s both urgent and effortless, building towards a hooky chorus reminiscent of the best Big Thief songs. Yearning and evocative vocals further serve the track’s inherent sense of introspection, which goes hand-in-hand with the stream-of-consciousness style lyrics. They tell a story, but the chorus could just as easily describe the act of listening to the song itself: “She tells me we’ve got reason to wonder / and I think I believe her.” With a standout debut like this, we’re certainly wondering what Diamond Grinder will do next.
The Zenmenn and John Moods - Out of My Mind
From the eclectic and surprising outfit The Zenmenn comes a new EP filled with ethereal, haze-lined melodies and songs that refuse to be pinned down by a single genre. The opening track, “Out Of My Mind,” is a clear stand-out amongst the bunch. Tight drums and lightly played guitars help us trot into this mysterious dreamland while beautiful steel guitars and 80s-style electric keys quickly lift us to a higher plane. Once the ghostly vocals come in, you are immediately transported into a timeless void where past, present, and future converge to help erase the troubles of our measly existence. At well over six minutes, this song certainly takes its time, and thank goodness for that. Getting lost in this track is truly a treat for mind, body, and soul.
In a world of perpetual online-ness, not much is out there about The Zenmenn. Ben Anderson and Magnus Bang Olsen are the creative forces behind the band and frequently reach out to their friend, John Moods, for collaboration, all three hailing from Berlin. But it’s clear when listening to their music that who they are personally is not the point. They are simply providing a way for listeners to escape their earthly confines and explore the possibilities within their own minds and dreams. Take a dive into their beautiful EP, Hidden Gem. You won’t regret it.
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All songs from every issue of The Weekly Spread in one playlist: