Music Monday (3)

The third installment of Music Monday -- Summer Addition

1. Mumford & Sons

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was devastated when Mumford & Sons announced awhile back that they were going on an indefinite hiatus, and I'm also sure that I wasn't the only one who was ecstatic when I learned that this year they were coming together again to release new music. Their new album, Wilder Mind, is a definite departure from the folk/rock sound of their first two albums, but I love it nonetheless. I'm pretty sure I would love just about anything these guys put out, but if they were going to release new music, I'm glad it was in the form of Wilder Mind. The music on this album is much more rock than folk and sounds a lot edgier and heavy than past music they've put out, but it still feels natural for them. Some of the tracks on the album remind me a bit of Kings of Leon or even The Killers, but they also have a sound that is all there own. The music on this album is prefect for long summer road trips without any real destination in mind, or just when you're driving home late at night with the windows down. So do your ears a favor and have a listen.

Favorite Songs (From Wilder Mind): Believe - Hot Gates - The Wolf - Snake Eyes - Cold Arms

2. Twenty One Pilots

Since I first discovered them a year or two ago, this alt/punk/rock/rap duo have quickly worked their way into my top ten favorite bands, and with the recent release of their newest album, Blurryface, they've now made it into the top five. With their first two albums I became interested in their unique sound and Tyler Joseph's voice and the way he's able to mix alt and rap together so well, but Blurryface has really sealed the deal for me. At a time in my life when everything seems to be changing and I'm being pulled in all different directions, and I have no idea where to go from here, this album has seemingly reached out its metaphorical hand and pulled me in. The track "Stressed Out" has spoken to me especially loudly after graduating from college two months ago, but every other song on the album packs its own punch. Somehow, it seems that this album and this band have come into my life at the exact time that I needed them, and for that I will be forever grateful. And you can be sure that I'll be spending my summer with Blurryface as my soundtrack, and "Stressed Out" on repeat for those extra stressful days.

Favorite Songs (From Blurryface): Stressed Out - Tear In My Heart - Fairly Local - We Don't Believe What's On TV 

3. MisterWives

This indie pop band has only just recently popped up on my radar, but I'm glad they did, and they're just in time for summer. Their sound is hard to explain, but think bubbly pop meets electronic indie and you'd be close. The music on their debut album, Our Own House, which was released earlier this year, is perfect for long summer days and afternoons spent by the pool, with soft lulls and the kinds of choruses and hooks you can't help but dance to. Their music is the perfect complement to any fun summer activity and I know I'll have a few of their songs stuck in my head all summer long. I'm especially excited about this band right now because I'll be able to see them live at a music festival I'll be attending later this year, but for now I'll include them in all my summer playlists and dance around like no one is watching. 

Favorite Songs: Reflections - Coffins - Vagabond - Hurricane - Imagination Infatuation 

4. Cage The Elephant

This band has been around for awhile now, but ever since I discovered them a few years ago I've always been a fan of their music. Anytime one of their songs comes on the radio I always turn up the volume and sing along. I love the grittiness of their sound and the lead singer's voice is so different from a lot of bands these days that it really it helps to set them apart. I've already added a few of their songs to my Poolside playlist, but I'm sure I'll be listening to their music all summer long, no matter where I am.

Favorite Songs: Cigarette Daydreams - Shake Me Down - Back Against The Wall - In One Ear

5. Bleachers

If you've been paying any attention lately then you've hopefully heard of this band by now. If you haven't, listen up. Bleachers lead singer and former member of Fun. Jack Antonoff has been all over the place lately after his collaboration with you know who, but some of his best work is definitely with Bleachers. Their airy indie sound and catchy tunes are perfect for any beautiful summer day where you just want to have fun and dance around. I've been playing a few of their songs on repeat for the past month and I'm still not tired of hearing them. There's just something contagious about this band's sound that makes you want to get up and move and just make the most of these hot summer months. If you haven't included them in your summer playlists yet, then I suggest you get on it before the leaves start changing colors and you miss your chance to dance.

Favorite Songs: I Wanna Get Better - Rollercoaster - Wild Heart - Like A River Runs - You're Still A Mystery

6. Walk The Moon

I've actually known about this band for awhile now, but since this is my summer addition of Music Mondays I figure it's the perfect time to talk about them. You've probably heard their song "Shut Up and Dance" on your local pop radio station for awhile now, but they've still got a lot more to offer. To me, they have the perfect quintessential summer sound. Their music is upbeat and fun and it's a great soundtrack to making memories with friends. You could listen to them at the pool, on the road, while you exercise, at a party, or just in your house while you're dancing around like a goofball and their music would fit the situation exactly. It's music like this that gets me excited for summer in the first place, and though unfortunately it's already July, I know I'll be wearing out their music well into fall and beyond. 

Favorite Songs: Anna Sun - Work This Body - Tightrope - Shiver Shiver - Quesadilla - We Are the Kids - Different Colors

 

Happy listening, friends! And may your summers be long, hot, and bursting with beautiful memories!

Love & Chaos,
Sam