This edition of ‘Sound Bites’ features an Australian pop songstress, a goth punk band, a Kenyan rock n’roll band and an independent indie pop artist.
Sully - “I Should Know Better”
Sully is a pop singer/songwriter from Australia. While writing everything from rock to folk, Sully found herself gravitating towards the “complex simplicities of the pop writing process.” Her debut single, “I Should Know Better” is a breakup song chronicling her realization that the subject of the song is a waste of her time and that she doesn't love them (or even like them) anymore. The song is upbeat, soaked in synths and brought together with Sully’s smooth vocals throughout. Drums and the beat make this song really catchy and you’re going to want to listen to it a second time.
STREAM “I SHOULD KNOW BETTER” ON SPOTIFY HERE
Rx27 - “Murder Ballad”
Rx27 is a goth punk band from Los Angeles trying to reach an audience who want more out of the world. Their name is two parts, with the Rx representing society’s addiction to a “quick fix” lifestyle and the 27 representing the astrological occurrence known as “Saturn’s Return” which occurs around ages 27 to 30. Starting with powerful guitars and getting right into the heart of the song, “Murder Ballad” is a short, yet intriguing listen. It clocks in at just under 2:30. I can’t say that I’ve listened to a lot of punk music in the past, but I do know this song is pretty tame compared to some of the other music that my punk-loving friends have shown me, making it more accessible to me. I am going to check out the other songs from this band and am excited to see what they’re going to do next.
STREAM “MURDER BALLAD” ON SPOTIFY HERE
REFUGE - Haven to a Heavy Soul
REFUGE is a Kenyan-based rock n’ roll band made up of 6 expat teens ranging in age from 14 to 17. The group is extremely versatile, with all of the members playing multiple instruments, writing music and singing in the band. Their first full-length album was released in March of 2019 and is entitled “Haven to a Heavy Soul.” Despite their ages, the music and composition of the album is very mature and creates a soundscape that you can dive right into. The heavy guitars on “A Brighter Day” lead into the more acoustic track “Only Time” showcasing the range of the group. REFUGE is looking to record their second album sometime this year, so keep your eyes peeled for when that comes out!
STREAM HAVEN TO A HEAVY SOUL ON ALL PLATFORMS HERE
Healy After Dark - “Here’s Another Sad Song”
Healy After Dark is an independent indie pop artist with a dreamy, nostalgic-driven sound. His latest single “Here’s Another Sad Song” was released in August of this year, and follows the aftermath of a relationship. The lyrics are very simple, yet sweet. Healy After Dark recalls dancing, the subject’s smile and their embrace even though his “heart has moved on.” The production is reminiscent of bands like the 1975, with hazy production that transports you right into the singer’s memory. I highly recommend listening to this song and Healy After Dark’s other single, “You.”
STREAM “HERE’S ANOTHER SAD SONG” ON SPOTIFY HERE