New Music From The Inbox – Monday Edition! (May 09, 2022): Belle and Sebastian, Kaapstaad, Celestial Skies, and more!
Every week, we’re sent dozens if not hundreds of promotional emails from agents, PR firms, and hopeful artists containing the latest releases from around the world. From the biggest superstars to the ambitious self-starters we comb through it all to highlight to you what we’ve been digging, the tunes that caught our eye, and the recommended selections that make the notifications worth it. This is New Music From The Inbox!
Artist: Belle and Sebastian
Song: ‘Unnecessary Drama’
Album/EP: A Bit of Previous
Scottish veterans Belle and Sebastian are at it again with power pop anthem ‘Unnecessary Drama’, off freshly released A Bit of Previous. Huge glitzy chorus duets reminiscent of The New Pornographers, melodic harmonica solos that absolutely will not quit, and a collection of shiny and grooving backing instrumentals turn into an accessible and authentic uptempo tune.
Watch/Listen:
Artist: Kaapstaad
Song: ‘Aula’
Album/EP: Single
A chill piano-forward composition with a bit of an ambient and electronic spin, ‘Aula’ comes from Stockholm-based doctor-turned-musician Kaapstaad. Self-described as Nordic ambient-chill, the crackling vinyl pops and softly pulsing beat of this single creates a calm and warm listening experience. Clocking in at a deceptive three minutes in length, this one is rife for repeats.
Watch/Listen:
Artist: Celestial Skies
Song: ‘Forget Me Not’
Album/EP: Songs For Blue Romantics
The debut single from queer pop artist Celestial Skies (aka singer-songwriter Chris Selman), ‘Forget Me Not’ breathes whimsy and youthful innocence amongst its burbling keys and aching-heart vocals. Selman’s bright-eyed delivery, pulsing chords, and tinkling melody are joined by sweeping strings as the tune develops to impart some maturity and yearning into this hopeful single.
Watch/Listen:
Artist: Alas The Sun
Song: ‘Wild Honey Inn’
Album/EP: Wild Honey Inn
Swiss indie pop group Alas The Sun lean into their indie side with the folksy and lamenting ‘Wild Honey Inn’. Pacing rhythm guitar, laconically shuffling drums and bass, and reflectively drawling singing from new bandmate Nuria Thie culminate in a searing guitar solo comedown in this moody release.
Watch/Listen:
