Welcome to our weekly roundup of some of the best new music we have been listening to over the past week. If you want to share any future recommendations with us feel free to drop us an email at apocalypsemusicsite@gmail.com.
The Aces “Don’t Freak”
For fans of “Girls” by The 1975 this track is a real trip. Poppy guitar riffs, nifty harmonies and generally great, upbeat vibe this is a perfect summer playlist addition. “Don’t Freak” tackles personal subject matter examining the frenetic feeling of struggling with anxiety in a society where mental health issues are often met with a lack of understanding.
“I’ve struggled with severe anxiety for my entire life, and this year started having intense panic attacks,” says Ramirez. “When you struggle with your mental health, you start to realize very quickly just how little space is held for you in society. You quickly feel like a burden to those around you and end up thinking, ‘why can’t I just get my shit together,’ constantly. In a time where all you need is patience and understanding, you’re made to feel alienated and inadequate, which in turn makes your mental state so much worse. That’s how ‘Don’t Freak’ came to life. We wanted to put this very real story into our music. Mental health issues are something everyone goes through, and not only do we need to be talking more about it, but we need to be holding space for it.”
Jack Symes “Tompkins Park”
This is just a really lovely acoustic track to chill out to. Super laid back vocals with the vibe of a mildly stoned late 90’s high school flick like Freaks and Geeks. With a really distinctive tone to his voice, Symes is brilliantly individual in this track and the addition of brass in the mix helps to give it a really naturally uplifting vibe.
Cariss Auburn “Float”
Totally love the unique sound of this track, you can definitely hear the influence of artists such as FKA Twigs and classic R&B artists but it’s artfully done in a way that doesn’t feel derivative at all. Rather, Auburn is drawing from a range of influences and applying her own experiences in a totally fresh aesthetic manner.
Check out her EP “Refraction” which she describes as following, “‘Refraction’ is four different angles on how I’m feeling right now. The isolation of the past year, insecurities about where I am in life, it’s a lot. Writing these songs was very much an exercise in catharsis in allowing myself to just exist for a bit in the comfort of my friendships and memories. It’s not every day self-betterment and that’s ok.”
Swim School “Outside”
Gah this track made me so hyped for heading back to live venues this summer (touch wood!). To me, this track is just designed to be played on a festival stage in the sun. There are perfect drops for moshing, jangly guitars and deliciously raspy indie vocals to chant along to. Can’t wait to hear more from these great Scottish newcomers!
“Outside is based on the negative impact the toxic people have on your mental health and the moment you realise how toxic they are.” explains Alice. “It’s not until you step back from the situation, that you realise their use of manipulation such as gas lighting and dishonestly was actually destroying your mental health. It made you question everything you did and slowly ate away at your confidence leading to you being unhappy. It’s about the challenge of finding the strength to cut toxic people out of your life and putting yourself, your happiness and your mental state first. It’s also about realising that toxic people will never change and that is not your responsibility to change them.”
For more new music recommendations check out co-founder Hermione’s monthly playlist picks below!
Words by Hermione Kellow
Photo © Apocalypse Music
