I’ve always been obsessed with music whether it’s in the form of live concerts or collecting albums. But recently, I’ve been even more into discovering and binging on really good albums and singles. Some are considerably popular while some aren’t very new but all of them are very interesting and distinct from each other. These songs have expanded and added more diversity into my iTunes library while making me more interested and open-minded about music. And I think that’s why I’ve been so fixated on collecting new songs, aside from the fact that they’re all so LSS worthy. Aside from discovering new artists and songs I don’t usually go for, I’m also currently obsessed with making mixtapes for my friends for their birthdays or just because some songs are just too good not to share.
 
    2015 has been such a good year for music, I mean Justin Bieber’s singles alone have been impressive and I won’t even be able to list down all the great albums that were released or are about to be released this year. I do however want to share a few albums and songs that I can’t stop listening to in hopes that you may find your new favorite tune! Enjoy!

     When you put a soulful solo artist and a powerful indie rock frontman together, you get the perfect mixture of musical ingenuity! Last year, Austin Gibbs and Brennan Smiley [of The Technicolors] joined forces to form a brand new duo called The Bambinos and released their first ever single, “The Power” via 8123 Management. Long time fans of Austin Gibbs, The Technicolors, and even the whole of 8123, were pretty excited with this new collaboration of brilliant artists. And so by the summer of this year, The Bambinos finally released a self-titled EP containing five tracks that you won’t get enough of. 
​

     Surely, this isn’t the last of The Bambinos so we’re very excited to hear more from them very soon and hopefully, they grow to become really huge artists in the future! 

 Buy The Bambinos EP on iTunes

- Reign Gonzales
click photo for source

     To follow up their 2013 release, The Maine purposely set out to make an album that sounded more upbeat than anything else they've made so far - a far departure from Forever Halloween’s somber sound. After being M.I.A on social media and isolating themselves in Joshua Tree, they returned from their recording with a fresh and electric (lyric pun not intended) vibe. They released the first single (English Girls), the album artwork, and the title “American Candy” with one message in tow: this was going to be a different and happier era for the band. But what does “American Candy” stand for exactly and what goes along with it? According to lead singer John O’ Callaghan: 

     The concept even follows through with the album cover as you can see the “perfect” headshot- the symmetry, the seemingly flawless face and bubble, and rich colors which are all too good to be true. Aside from addressing the current state of mainstream pop culture through its title and theme, the album’s light and groovy sound also comes with a deeper reasoning. It was written with a “bounce and groove” in mind and it’s definitely obvious when you hear the first track, Miles Away. As John has said in recent interviews, he wrote the album with the aforementioned concept in mind as well as a better psyche. He admits that he’s in better place in his life and he wanted that to be translated into their music so that in return, it may make someone else’s life a little easier.

     Sonically, it's obviously bouncier and more upbeat compared to their previous releases. But the interesting thing is that the bass and drum lines take the spotlight and catch your attention with their more prominent sound. That's not to say that the other factors like guitar should be ignored, especially in songs like Same Suit, Different Tie and Am I Pretty? where the lead guitars really reel you in with their catchiness. Just like in Forever Halloween, they kept the notion of “less is more” by using no more than three guitars in one song and keeping the songs as short and sincere as they could be. If you really listen to it, you can hear how it’s a collection of all the sounds from the past without taking any steps backwards; there’s a feeling of nostalgia and youthfulness without compromising the band’s maturity and progression.

     While lyrically, it showcases John O's best. Songs like Diet Soda Society and 24 Floors are written very poetically as they convey wise thoughts in an organized manner. However, there are some that seem prosaic as heard in (Un)lost and Another Night on Mars. It’s as if there’s something missing in terms of lyrics, which is really disappointing considering the content had great potential. The ten songs are mainly about social commentary, life, and love (for yourself, your friends, and life.) One notable detail is that there isn’t a love song on the album nor does it reference anything about romance.

     As mentioned earlier, Diet Soda Society’s lyrical content is so on point (seriously, Google the lyrics) as it talks about the dichotomy of one’s brain and today’s society. While Am I Pretty? is able to convey this sense of sarcasm along with some quotable quotes (“fuck the spray on tans and beauty magazines, and everything that breeds our superficial needs because we’re all pretty”) and an amazing underlying guitar riff. Another Night On Mars (recognized by avid fans as the We’ll All Be 2015 version) has to grow on you and when it does, it feels like you’re being pulled back to a specific time and place that can only make you smile. The ironic thing is that the title track is the outlier with its very dark sound that resembles early Taking Back Sunday songs. However, that doesn’t make it a bad thing.

     The album is simple and straight to the point, yet complex and powerful all at the same time. A difficult blend that not a lot of bands can achieve. And if this album is any indication of the band’s continuing progression as skilled musicians, then we can be sure that any future endeavors will be fun, soulful and most of all, genuine.

Listen to and download the album:
Spotify | iTunes

     The Neighbourhood is an American alternative rock band hailing from Newbury Park, California. They brought you the hit single “Sweater Weather” from their album I Love You in 2012 and even after about two years, it’s still on the Top 100 Billboards across the world. Since then, they’ve been on numerous solo and big tours with other brilliant artists such as The 1975 and Imagine Dragons.

        After the release of I Love You and their EP The Love Collection, comes #000000 & #FFFFFF the mixtape. Now what’s great about this is that I can’t think of any other band who has released a full-length mixtape with songs they’re part of as well. Plus, it’s beyond different from what they usually sound. Although The Neighbourhood already has a bit of R&B vibe to them, they definitely took a 180 with #000000 & #FFFFFF. Rappers such as G Eazy and French Montana are featured in some of the songs that you’d be surprised The Neighbourhood have created themselves.

     “Jealousy” featuring Caseyveggies & 100’s stands out the most for me. Everything about this song just sounds so perfect, and who could disagree that the saxophone part is heaven to the ears? If you listen to the live version of it, they perform it a little bit different but it’s still equally as good as the original one. This is an all-around feel good song you won’t resist grooving to anywhere you go.

      
     One of their latest singles coming out from the mixtape is “#icanteven” which features French Montana. This song resembles their old sound but with the added grit and rap to it. You can watch the music video here:

     Even though this is completely different from what their songs are usually like, we can’t deny that this new sound of theirs is uniquely amazing. I could also go as far as saying that I like the direction they’re taking in terms of their music and artistry. This just goes to show that it’s not really all black and white for The Neighbourhood. They’ve shown great versatility by releasing this mixtape and it took us all by surprise; in a good way that is. Whether this is the permanent sound they're going to have or this is only a one time thing, I’m pretty sure they’re just going to keep getting better and better.

DOWNLOAD THE MIXTAPE HERE:
livemixtap.es/thenbhd

- Reign Gonzales
click photo for source