It seems that this week has been full of big releases - artists are trying their best to put their music out before Mariah Carey takes over for Christmas, I assume. Read The Mic's thoughts on new tracks from 5 Seconds of Summer, Kim Petras, SPINN and flor.
2011 - 5 Seconds of Summer
On December 3rd, 5 Seconds of Summer celebrated 10 years of being a band, releasing 2011 in addition to a live stream and a podcast. Even though lyrically the song is not an obvious autobiography of their career (with the song subject being missing the time before things were 'complicated'), eagle-eared listeners will notice that “Nothing lasts forever and nothing stays the same” is a lyrical parallel to their 2013 lesser-known hit Wherever You Are - the music video for this track also happens to be their last fan-dedicated milestone memory. Furthermore, Calum and Michael take the vocal leads, as opposed to Luke, who has been the band’s front man for the past two albums. Perhaps this is a hint of what’s to come in their next album; however, the vocal element combined with their classic instrument style (a combination of live instruments and synths) feels like 2011 is also a tribute to their music up to now and what they’ve achieved so far. All in all, 2011 is completely an ode to the band’s fans, and with its clever writing that will feel new yet satisfyingly similar, this song will undoubtedly become a fan favourite. Cat Jordan
Coconuts - Kim Petras
After going viral on TikTok following her performance at the EMAs, Kim Petras’ new single Coconuts has finally been released. While the weather getting colder as we delve deeper into winter, this bubble-gum-pop saturated track will have you nostalgic for the warm breeze of those summer months. While it might seem crazy for an artist to release such a summery song when we’re only a month away from Christmas, Coconuts has already gained a huge following online after going viral on Tik Tok for its campy meme-worthy lyrics, which lead Petras to release the song a whole month early. Infused with pop-culture references a plenty and a touch of body confidence to the background of a campy, retro 80s-inspired instrumental, Coconuts is charged with all the elements of a true Kim Petras bop. Reminiscent of earlier tracks such as Malibu and I Don’t Want It All, this newest track, which is the second single from Petras’ upcoming major-label debut album, is sure to catapult Kim Petras into international stardom. Rose Hitchens
People Should Know Better - SPINN
Liverpool based band SPINN have shared their sixth single of the year People Should Know Better, a teaser of their forthcoming album Outside Of The Blue set to be released in February 2022. The band took to Instagram to explain that the song “is all about how truly terrible the UK government is”, as it follows a dialogue of frustration and anger towards the current state of the Government and those who support it. Whilst the song is not going to single-handedly take down the British Government, the four-piece have proven that their indie-pop, feel-good song style is merely just what is on the surface, as they combat the moral disposition of today’s politics. The song is a prime example of a festival-ready tune with the dreamy guitar riffs and an amplified chorus, where it is also relatable to a large audience who share the same disappointment and annoyance towards current politics, making People Should Know Better a track that you can dance and sing along to despite its darker lyrical meaning. Kira O'Boyle
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - flor
Following their electrifying, meticulously composed 2019 album, Ley Lines, I had my reservations when I heard that flor would be releasing a version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, but these proved to be unfounded. The LA-based band’s unique style of indie rock draws upon the dreamy wanderlust and expansiveness of the best modern pop music, whilst still retaining a DIY-band-ethos and authenticity that leaves you feeling directly spoken to and assured that future will be alright. The band obviously had their strengths in mind when they chose this song, for as you listen to the fragile, sincere vocals of lead singer Zach Grace, "From now on our troubles will be out of sight", you really believe that they will be. Zach is backed up by a hushed acoustic guitar, gentle bass and drums, and a guitar solo, cosily mixed as if we are listening into a private band rehearsal. The production of bassist Dylan Bauld typically leaves flor sounding bombastic and highly polished; certainly, the band could have easily gone full Mariah-Carey here. However, it’s best that they didn’t, as they’ve maintained a Christmassy authenticity and heightened my anticipation for whatever brilliance they’ll unveil on their third record. Caradoc Gayer
Edited by: Gemma Cockrell
Featured image courtesy of 5 Seconds of Summer via Facebook.
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