It would be very easy to say that the month of May has been manic…and with good reason. Thankfully, that craziness also means some great new music! Below, check out 15 tracks from this month that you have to hear.
1. The Story So Far – “Phantom”
The short, slow track is beautiful…and somewhat soothing to listen to. In fact, the more I listen to it, the prettier the song seems. It definitely has a cinematic effect to it that just paints vivid pictures in my mind, all in shades of blue.
2. Taking Back Sunday – “Better Homes and Gardens”
You can’t go wrong with a Taking Back Sunday track, even when the subject is as melancholy as the disintegration of a relationship. The video is brilliant, but it’s the raw emotion behind the song itself that make it stand out as a great addition to Taking Back Sunday’s extensive discography.
3. Neck Deep – “Can’t Kick Up The Roots”
Neck Deep have mastered pop-punk storytelling, and it’s wonderful. In some ways, this reminds me of All Time Low circa So Wrong It’s Right. It’s definitely worth the listen!
4. Twin Shadow – “I’m Ready”
Twin Shadow’s new single is a striking listen anyway, but the black and white video, directed by Lance Drake, features Twin Shadow stepping up to a superhero role, facing off against his enemies in an attempt to save the city…and it’s AWESOME.
5. Handsome Ghosts – “Steps”
There is something so spectacular about this melodic pop single. I don’t know if it’s the gorgeous lyrics or the entrancing melodics, but I could listen to “Steps” all day long. It’s the kind of song you listen to 10 years from now and say, “Damn, 2015 was a good music year.”
6. A Promise To Burn – “Broken Bones”
Broken bones? More like springs in your legs that make you want to jump around. A Promise To Burn have managed to change up their style and put forth a refreshing single that still rings true to their overall sound.
7. Sterling Fox – “Freak Caroline”
Super-producer Sterling Fox has crafted an edgy/retro sound (might I add with some stellar vocals) that leaves me completely entranced. “Freak Caroline” gets better with every repeat.
8. Up The Chain – “Windows Into Worlds”
The video is a beautiful visual to accompany the stunning track, filled with beautiful harmonies, lyrics that read like poetry, the love song is framed by melodic piano. It is perfect. Every piece of it is cinematic and simple all at once, if that makes any sense. It is quite possibly one of the best tracks I’ve heard so far in 2015.
9. The Color Morale – “Between You & Eye“
The Color Morale have crafted an anthemic sound on “Between You & Eye.” I can almost see this on the soundtrack for a superhero movie, and god knows there’s enough of those going around!
10. Taylor Swift – “Bad Blood”
Taylor Swift just released the star-studded video for her single, “Bad Blood,” from her hit album, 1989. The video isn’t quite as in-depth as I thought, but it’s still full of some cool appearances, and the song is ridiculously catchy!
11. Phases – “I’m In Love With My Life”
The unabashedly upbeat track is sure to bring some life back to your playlist, and the video is so clever, it will leave you wondering, “How the hell did they do that?!”
12. Daniel Johns – “Cool On Fire“
I am so glad that Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns has released new music. In fact, “Cool On Fire,” is the perfect new release just because of how it sounds both modern and reminiscent of the 90’s all at once. It’s brilliant and full of such great beats.
13. Rachel Potter – “Jesus and Jezebel”
This is Rachel Potter’s way of standing up for the people that the Baptist Church (which she grew up in) discriminated against. It’s a quirky song and video, and will not soon be forgotten!
14. Leona Lewis – “Fire Under My Feet”
New music from Leona Lewis, and, believe us, it’s catchy as anything and has this really amped up sound to it. I could play this a million times and not get tired of it.
15. Coliseum – “Dark Light of Seduction”
With an interesting title, you don’t really want to skip out on this track. It’s got a very…strange sound. My opinion on it changes every day. Some days, I really like it. Other days, I’m not so sure. Just give it a try.
Planet Stereo 