Monthly Listening: September 2024

By ABQGR

Did I…wake up when September ended?

Maybe the theme of this month’s playlist is gettin-in-the-groove. Jumping back into this column, I’m highlighting three singles and one EP that totally made me think, hmmm, I think I like this whole “music” thing…

Jokin aside, I hope you’ll give these songs a spin. We got some punk, guitar music, shoegaze, and more punk—skate punk! 

1) Onyx in the Sky – “Will You Find Me?”

This artist profile just came up in my Spotify somehow. I pressed play on their latest single, which was released, like, way earlier this year. And What Happened Next Will Shock You. Literally—Onyx’s voice is electrifying and transfixing—like if Britney Spears was grunge. Her vocals sizzle over an attractive mix of fast-paced bass, guitars, and drums. I’d say the song is captivating, the kind that would stop me if I was scanning stations on the radio. And it’s polished off with a squealy guitar solo. Instagram-digging, I noticed Onyx is in a new band based in the Pacific Northwest, Dejalo, and I’m now eagerly waiting their forthcoming EP! (“If Only You Knew,” the artist’s other posted single, is also worth a listen…)

2) Starfish Prime – “62nd Street”

Like a fog rollin in, the story told in “62nd Street” inspires wistfulness—sure. But what’s more remarkable is that its melody inspires desire to belt out, which is a certain kind of undeniable happiness. It’s a seriously catchy song. Starfish Prime have that stripped-down goodness reminiscent of the alternative rock of yore (ok, 25 or 30 years ago), but they also have this effervescent touch of a piano; I think that is the element that makes them singular in their own right and keeps their music fresh. There’s a fun contrast between the immaculate little piano solo and the cool guitar solo that practically stumbles over itself. Looking forward to what else I can get from this band, as this track was an instant replay for me.

3) Overwhelm – Infinite Love

 “Sad but also sad” reads the Spotify bio of Overwhelm. Sad, but also expansive, also hip, smart, a shoegaze avalanche—that would be the direction my edit would take. Standouts on Infinite Love include: “Travel,” the first track on the album that functions as an adhesive to your ear; “A Healing Mend, Interrupted,” for its almost-nine-minutes of doomy splendor; and “Return,” a contemplative instrumental track. This album has a comfort and finesse that makes me feel like I’ve known Overwhelm for my whole life. Outside Chicago, where I’m currently staying, it’s autumn to the fullest. I'm thankful I have Infinite Love as the soundtrack to the changing leaves around me.

4) Left Unsaid – “Wormwood”

Left Unsaid hit the studio for the first time in 20 years to record this song, which is complete with whirring guitars and a vocal refrain that nods to a seminal track off of their 2003 album The Curse. All of this fanfare corresponds with a whole-ass documentary. In June this year, vocalist and guitarist Mario Rivera released the documentary he’d shot, directed, and produced called Never Ending, It's Better This Way. While “Wormwood” feels like a blast from the past, it has a relevancy that makes it timeless and a worthwhile listen. I think any song that gets your heart pumping and knee bouncing to the beat is necessary work. During a hiatus, or after a conclusion, our artistic projects still live with us every day. It’s a justice when they get to see the light again, no matter what form that may take. Lyrics in this song like “Rise from the ashes” mimic the thought process of when you just gotta do something, just gotta get something out.