QUICK HITS: Three New Singles With Themes Of Love, Loss & Legacy
a broad range of experimental, guitar-heavy listening from Eau Claire's own gash, Irie Sol, Home Stretch
"risking heaven," gash
Stereogum’s Margaret Farrell said it best: listeners who yearn for fresh sounds from folk-glitch experimentalists will find that gash’s upcoming album, at least you know what you’re laughing at, offers plenty of surprises – a hallmark for this independent Eau Claire-based band. Short yet sweet (a 56-second song), the group’s newest single from the record, “risking heaven,” fully delivers on that promise.
It features enticing lyrics and melodies from frontman Logan Nyberg, a dash of synth – my personal favorite – plus a nod to the familiar experience of riding your bike late into the night, wondering whether our fates will one day become part of the local echo chamber.
“I relay nothing for you because I don’t mind feeling institutionalized,” the lyrics reveal. “On my bike at night I’m risking heaven for you but I don’t feel the pressure.”
Listen to gash’s “risking heaven,” fron the forthcoming at least you know what you’re laughing at record, out Sept. 25 online via Bandcamp.
"Tongues," Home Stretch
“Stay off the internet and participate in the world like your life depends on it (because it does),” the bandmates of Eau Claire’s Home Stretch shared via social media this month. Though their call to action rings loud and clear, we’d argue the digital landscape remains relevant – otherwise, how would you enjoy the group’s newest single, “Tongues,” from their upcoming LP, Big Problem?
Like the band’s last record, My Issue With Being Neighborly, themes of love and loss are central to this latest single. The track starts off slow before building into the band’s staple head-banging guitar riffs and percussive-driven sound.
It leaves listeners torn between the feeling of watching Home Stretch live at a sweaty, packed house show or, picturing “Tongues” as a cinematic backdrop for an 1980s coming-of-age tale.
Regardless, Simon Butler (guitar, vocals), Jared Standiford (bass) and Ambrose Lucas (drums) have crafted a melody to get lost in when it feels like the universe only speaks in absolutes (you’ll just have to listen to the track, to learn more about that).
Listen to “Tongues” by Home Stretch on the band’s next album Big Problem – out on Aug. 28 – on major streaming platforms.
"The One Season," Irie Sol
Local reggae and roots ensemble, Irie Sol, released a new single earlier this month, “The One Season.” The new track holds a special significance for the group and its fans, as it features recordings with the collective’s late multi-instrumentalist, Chris “Junior” Williams.
The quintessential, soulful energy of Irie Sol is lush and full in “The One Season” – where brass arrangements encase lyrics centered on love and resilience. Accompanying the track, its short music video paints a picture of these themes; it juxtaposes the sterile spaces of hospital rooms against a serene backdrop of birdsong (sampled on the track) and the lush outdoors.
These are the very places our spirits yearn to wander as Irie Sol invites listeners to connect with themselves, while keeping Junior's memory and legacy alive through song – as he would have intended.
Listen to “The One Season” by Irie Sol, online through the band’s Facebook platform (@iriesol).
