We're excited to share our latest edition of Mass Mix. Every month we're asking local music luminaries to tell us about what music they've been playing on repeat.
February's mix includes a space-inspired progressive rock tune from The Band Dennis, a killer love ballad from Lizzo, a pick from 2018 NPR Slingshot Artist of the Year Dermot Kennedy and more.
The Band Dennis, “New Mission”
The Band Dennis deals in a spacious blend of multi-layered progressive rock, and the psychedelic space rock of early Pink Floyd, while "New Mission," the second song off their new EP When The Daylight Comes, is an impeccable synopsis of this sound. Against a backdrop of mellow synths, stabbing guitar arpeggios which eventually give way to a ripping, interstellar guitar solo, and samples of NASA transmissions, the Lowell-based quartet invokes a wide array of atmospheres and emotions. "New Mission" conjures up the astonishment that comes with facing the enormity of the universe, the endless capacity for galactic mystery, and an inescapably crushing feeling of loneliness and alienation. It's a gorgeous prog head trip to make Syd Barrett jealous, or to memorialize a Mars rover. -Lilz Martin, Staff Writer, Lowell Spin
Nilüfer Yanya, "In Your Head"
If you were lucky enough to catch the Sharon Van Etten show at Royale earlier this month (and smart enough to get to the venue early for the opening acts), you were treated to a set by London-based singer songwriter Nilüfer Yanya. A classically-trained pianist, Yanya has walked away from the ivories in favor of a guitar on her latest single, taken from her forthcoming debut full-length Miss Universe, out March 22. "In Your Head" puts the guitars to work straightaway, creating a punchy, buzzy backdrop for Yanya's loping, lyrical wordplay. If there's more of this to come on Miss Universe, spring can't come soon enough. -Adam XII, Afternoon Host, indie617
Chris Weisman, “Kind of Something There”
A brand new album filled with 30 songs has been released by Brattleboro, Vermont songwriting master Chris Weisman. Rejoice! He is truly one of the treasures of New England’s musical landscape. His output is prodigious, yet the unique flavor of his songs never fails to satisfy. “Everybody’s Old” is the title of this new cornucopia of slightly off, but eminently hummable pop wonders. The first track dug right into my ear and has stayed. “Kind of Something There” worms its ways through its chord progressions, opening up for the verses, and breaking out the “Doo Doo Doo’s” for its choruses. Another shining example of why I always show up when Chris Weisman is cooking dinner. -Dan Shea, Editor-In-Chief, bostonhassle.com, Instagram: @les_pred
Lizzo, “Cuz I Love You”
Having toured with Haim, Florence + The Machine and St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Lizzo is anything but an opening act. This second single following “Juice,” was timely — released on Valentine’s Day, and showcasing her powerful vocals with big brass and percussion that, to her voice, become an accompaniment. However, it still stays true to her rap style between her big belting choruses. Lizzo wrote this track in 10 minutes about falling in love for the first time with help from the rock band X Ambassadors, and we won’t stop listening to this song until the full album comes out in April. -Audrey Wang, Digital Content Co-op, WGBH
Oh Pep!, “What's the Deal with David?”
Oh Pep! will finally be in town on March 15th, and frankly I'll still be playing this song then, so even though it came out last summer, “What's the Deal with David?” is of the moment. Who IS David, and WHY is he calling? We get no answers. Instead, Olivia Hally and Pepita Emmerichs (oh and pep, get it?!) sing to each other about the dangers of falling blindly for new love, like hanging your head out of a moving train. It's a song about best friends sung by best friends. This Australian duo trades in harmonies so tight you can't quite tell who's singing what when, particularly when you start singing along as loudly as you possibly can. I can't help myself. -Phillip Jones, Afternoon Drive Host, 88.9 WERS
Piroshka, “Everlastingly Yours”
It was only a matter of time before the state of our current affairs would conjure a supergroup of Britpop shoegazers. Piroshka, the alter ego of Miki Berenyi (Lush), KJ ‘Moose’ McKillop (Moose), Mick Conroy (Modern English) and Justin Welch (Elastica), is back at it making bittersweet ethereal pop, but rest assured that this collaboration is much more than the sum of its parts. “Everlastingly Yours,” the first single from their 2019 debut Brickbat, uses dreamy vocals and that signature euphoria sound to create a safe space for exploring the darker side of a deep connection. The result is swelling, and constricting at the same time, mimicking the anxieties and inner workings of a loveless union. The pattern continues throughout the rest of the album, combining a familiar grace with blunt force lyrics that are light years from their former works, effortlessly tapping into the fear and loathing of our relationships, society and politics. It’s a must listen. -Stacy Buchanan, Senior Producer, WGBH Music/Front Row Boston
MARINA, “Handmade Heaven”
MARINA (formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds) released a new dream-pop single this month after a four-year hiatus. She attributes the inspiration of the song to feeling separated from nature, and tweeted that she “wrote the song at a time when I felt very out of sync and lost in the world. One thing that helped me at that time was taking time to look closely at nature everyday.” It’s a reminder that some aspects of life (ie. nature) are real, and to not allow insignificant aspects of society and technology bring you down; Create your own paradise. This uplifting and relatable track shows how MARINA overcame a difficult period — and the music video is beautiful. I can’t wait to see what MARINA’s new album will bring! -Alyssa Spector, Founder of Lysten Agency
Adeline, “Before”
I caught Adeline with Citrvs at the Middle East this month and was totally blown away by her particular brand of funk. She’s got this Donna Summer-meets-Morris Day aesthetic that pairs upbeat vocals with a heavy bass line, giving the album an almost unbearably hip vibe. It’s the perfect record to listen to while you’re working – or gathering with friends for dinner or drinks at your place. But if you only have time for one song, "Before" is definitely the stand out. Probably the most heavily disco feeling track of the album, this song showcases the range of Adeline’s voice and the creativity of her lyrics — and you definitely can’t stop yourself from grooving to it, whether at your desk, or at a venue. Happy Listening! -Andrea Wolanin, Digital Producer, WGBH
Guster, “Hard Times”
Guster has been going strong for over 25 years now, and they continue to evolve and push themselves creatively. Their new album Look Alive is definitely evident of that. As a band that usually doesn’t take themselves very seriously, this new synth-y track is a subtle departure, clearly having been influenced by the current political climate. Ever since I first heard it, I can’t get this timely line out of my head: “We move through fictions / And send our sisters to the sacrifice / A cruel conviction.” Check out their WGBH Live In Studio set, where they performed it acoustic to great effect. -Meghan Smith, Digital Producer, WGBH
Optic Bloom, "Tropical Depression"
"You should get your shit together and enjoy the summer weather," sings Flower Thief of Optic Bloom. Though summer is a distant memory by now, this local electro-soul duo seems to have taken their advice to heart; they've made major strides since their first live performance at Thunder Road last year. This year, they've already opened for major Boston acts like STL GLD and Cliff Notez. The saddest thing about their song, “Tropical Depression,” is that it’s their only recorded release. Dephrase weaves electronic blips, beats, and warm saxophone sounds with Flower Thief’s distinct vocals and lyrical imagery—"with some SPF 40 you can rub in your wounds." It's not even close to 70 degrees out but you can still almost smell the sunscreen. -Knar Bedian, Editor-in-Chief, Sound of Boston
Dermot Kennedy, “Moments Passed”
Back in August, I had the privilege of sitting in on Dermot's in-studio acoustic performance at WGBH. I’ve been hooked ever since. I wasn’t surprised whatsoever when he recently won NPR Slingshot’s “Best New Artist of 2018 award. I know we were supposed to get to 150 words but I don’t need to. Just go listen to Dermot… now. You’re welcome. -Zack Waldman, Digital Social Producer, WGBH
Palehound, "Killer"
Palehound's Ellen Kempner continues to grow on her new song "Killer" released just last week. Kempner has always been lauded for her incredible guitar work, which is present on "Killer," but we also hear her voice taking the forefront here more than her previous releases. Her husky voice fits the vibe of the twangy tune well both sonically and lyrically. Kempner says the song is about "the murderous fantasies I have about all of the people who have abused my friends and how they continue to live their lives unpunished." It's a low-key anthem for the continued "#MeToo" movement and a way for Kempner to stick up against those who have hurt her friends and loved ones. -Christine Varriale, Editor-in-Chief, Allston Pudding
Not Today, "My Dearest Friends"
Listening to "My Dearest Friends" evokes nostalgic vibes of the 1990s, with its smooth, breezy surf rock riffs and lead vocalist Olivia Monarch's ethereal tone. Recalling the likes of bands such as Best Coast, "My Dearest Friends" has a vintage, melancholic rock sound and wistful lyricism that serves as the heart of the track. Through the lyrics, you understand that friends leave, time moves faster than you'd like, and that nothing lasts forever. The track is a devastating epiphany that to achieve the thing you want the most, there must be sacrifices and changes in your life—and they will not be easy. "My dearest friends are now my enemies / Remember us when you get to the top / Ironically, they're the ones who've forgotten me / All I wanted was a place beside my home / Where I didn't constantly feel alone." -Alexis den Boggende, Staff Writer, Sound of Boston, @alexisdenboggende
Adammmmmmmmmmmm, “$lipp"
In college, I ran a weekly radio show from 4:30 to 6:30am on Tuesdays. Its undesirable scheduled time necessitated, in my mind, playing as much left-field music (e.g. early Animal Collective and Dan Deacon) as possible. Having heard adammmmmmmm in concert at the Dorchester Art Project a couple months prior, I already knew a bit of his material. While his song “$lipp” fit the “fringe” trend I was going for with the show, it had more depth than that. A frenzied cacophony, the track begins with a glitchy, schizophrenic beat that comes and goes throughout the course of the song. It buzzes, screeches, and (at points) almost chants to fully encapsulate everything I love about the Boston local music scene. The song may raise more questions than answers, but that’s the whole beauty of it. We ended up playing the song all the time. -Nicole Collins, Staff Writer, Sound of Boston, nicole@soundofboston.com