As a perfect accompaniment to a sunny and sultry bank holiday Monday, The Mic’s team of writers bring you a bumper edition of recommended singles. From the nostalgic swells of Lord Huron to peachy boom-bap goodness from Easy Life, the past few weeks have offered something for everyone. Have a gander and let The Mic be your guide.
Cheer Up Baby – Inhaler
Described by the Dublin based band as a love letter to all of their fans who are feeling isolated, Inhaler released Cheer Up Baby alongside the announcement of their forthcoming debut album, It Won’t Always Be Like This which is set for release on July 16th. The band first wrote the track when they were teenagers, and it has been fast established as a fan favourite during their live shows. However, despite its history, the events that have unfolded in the world throughout the past year have given the track a new lease of life and meaning. It therefore feels like the perfect time for the track to be released. Lyrically, the song tackles the topic of the importance of reaching out to friends during times of difficult mental health. But the song itself is an upbeat, anthemic indie banger; never allowing itself to get dragged down by the emotional nature of its lyrical content and destined to be heard in a crowded music venue, dancing with your friends. Gemma Cockrell
SUPERNORMAL – Everything Everything
The Manchester four-piece are back with their latest single SUPERNORMAL. Front-man Jonathan Higgs details that the track is about “supernormal stimuli; highly exaggerated triggers that create a stronger reaction in us than evolution ever intended.” The message is certainly received loud and clear with the euphoric amalgamation of instruments, vocal technique and general inferno that this track brings. The accompanying video is bizarre to say the least, but showcases Higgs' new found lockdown talent at animation and modelling. Alongside the video, Higgs doesn’t stray from showcasing his virtuosic and unique vocal talents throughout the song, making this a classic Everything Everything track with perhaps more maturing lyricism. Hopefully this philosophically enriched lyricism will continue through to their latest music and into their much awaited tour for 2021-2022. Amber Frost
Back of the Bar – Black Honey
Following the release of a vast collection of impressive and anthemic singles over the past few months, Black Honey’s sophomore album Written and Directed also has some enjoyable deep cuts, with Back of The Bar serving as a highlight of the record. The chorus flaunts the upper end of lead singer Izzy B. Phillips’ range. Her intoxicating, dreamy, and wistful tone of voice perfectly complements the lyrical imagery of dancing on your own whilst lusting after someone in a bar, representative of a currently unattainable fantasy that may become a reality in just a few months as the lockdown restrictions ease. However, despite her dreams hinting towards a touch of vulnerability in her character, Phillips still seems very characteristically comfortable and empowered whilst dancing solo. On a record primarily made up of powerful feminist anthems, Back of the Bar provides evidence that Phillips also has a romantic side. Gemma Cockrell
How Come My Body – Half Moon Run
Canadian indie-rock band Half Moon Run are back with latest single How Come My Body, and bring with them the return of soft vocals, gently picked guitar and heavenly harmonies. The more upbeat lulls 2020 EP Seasons of Change exchanged for the more indie-folk style that is present throughout their 2012 album Dark Eyes. Alongside the track’s release is the beautifully nostalgic music video directed by long-standing Canadian collaborator Sacha Roy: the video captures live performances from the band and offers that not-too distant past of performing in front of a large, live audience. The lyrics are short and focus on the theme of metamorphosis from adolescence to adulthood; lead singer Devon Portielje states “this song treats the body as foreign entity, disassociated from and observed by the mind.” The song provides a calm somewhat thought-provoking space to enable to listener to connect with their current age, body, and mind and to be accepting of leaving adolescence behind. Amber Frost
Once In A Lifetime – All Time Low
All Time Low’s Once In A Lifetime is their first release since the remix of their 2020 single Monsters,
which featured Demi Lovato and Blackbear. An enigma of sorts, it is unknown whether the track is a stand-alone single, or whether an EP or album could be on the way from the band. According to frontman Alex Gaskarth, Once In A Lifetime is a track about “loss and dealing with loss, facing harsh realities and coming out the other side stronger for it.” Despite the titles typical upbeat associations, the track has some deeper undertones of knowing that once something has happened, you may never feel this way ever again – offering a darker and more meaningful twist. However, the song combines these lyrics with the sounds of a summer pop-punk anthem to ensure that things aren’t all doom and gloom. The track continues the path which the band embarked on with their latest full-length album Wake Up, Sunshine. Here they have found the perfect balance between alternative rock and chart-leaning pop, likely influenced by the success of Monsters in the Billboard charts. Gemma Cockrell
Last Day on Earth – Beabadoobee
Last Day on Earth is bedroom-pop royalty Beabadoobee’s latest single, co-written by Matty Healy. The song contemplates how she would have spent her last day before the pandemic more wisely if she had known about it in advance. It’s reflective and airy, absolutely showcasing the skill set of Healy whilst not sounding too much like a 1975 track, and makes me feel like I’m in an early noughties coming-of-age movie during a happy (yet poignant) car ride. Beabadoobee perfectly captures the nostalgia of hazy days gone-by, singing sweet nothings about days spent getting stoned and flying kites with friends. It’s definitely the tune for you if you want some sweet and excruciatingly apt background music. Hattie Kilner
a message to myself – Easy Life
Easy Life have announced the details of their long-anticipated debut record, Life’s A Beach, alongside the release of the opening track a message to myself. The album will be released on June 4th, and recent single daydreams and fan favourite nightmares will also appear on the album alongside a message to myself. The single begins with a flood of piano keys before transitioning into a mellow paced track with a laidback flow. The track is described by frontman Murray Matravers as “a reminder to keep doing you. It’s a celebration of individualism at all costs. Be yourself, nobody can do you better.” The message of the track is an important one: on the hook, Matravers sings “Nobody can do you better / Stay true, stay blessed forever / Keep all your shit together / Cause there is nobody else who can do you / So please just be.” The verses also include further affirmations of positivity and optimism, something that we could all do with right now. The track features some interesting vocal deflections which may not be to everyone’s taste, and it definitely isn’t Easy Life’s catchiest single, but it is definitely a song which grows on you with repeated listens. The beauty of the track lies in its raw, honest, and hopeful message. Gemma Cockrell
Mine Forever – Lord Huron
The indie folk band from Los Angeles have announced their fourth album, Long Lost, with their latest single Mine Forever. The single immediately takes us into that fantasy of an Ennio Morricone meets Clint Eastwood Western film with its sultry violin swells and deep, heavy guitar riffs. This theme is carried through into the songs accompanying music video, directed by Anthony Wilson who encourages the western theme with his own visualization of a western film. The lyrics explore themes of a lost love and the notions of love and death but in that quietly melancholic way beknown to the band. Mine Forever feels like that lost song from a bygone era; when you rediscover it, it brings a perfect balance of nostalgia and bittersweetness. Amber Frost
Edited by: Louise Dugan and Olivia Stock
Featured image courtesy of Easy Life via Facebook. In-article image courtesy of Half Moon Run via Facebook.
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