Single Review: “Me & You Together Song” by The 1975

After delaying their upcoming album, Notes On A Conditional Form, The 1975 have given us a song to chew on while we wait for the big feast. After their latest politically charged singles, this track surprisingly turned out to be a love song…with a twist. Lead singer, Matty describes falling in love with a woman who doesn’t feel the same way about him. He sweetly sings, “I fell in love with her in stages, my whole life.” While the sentiment is somewhat sad, The 1975 manages to keep the beat bouncy and light – like a good pop song should be. Much like their older debut album tracks (“Sex”, “Chocolate”, “The City”), the guitar takes a front seat throughout the entire song –  making it feel more punk and nostalgic.

The thing I love most about this track is how the lyrics are sung and woven throughout. Matty continues sentences for a whole verse making them feel poetic when they really should be choppy; not many artists can do this so cohesively. Incorporating a cheeky conversation into the song adds a fine layer of storytelling we don’t often hear in mainstream music; “She said my references were spot on (Spot on) ‘Can I take you for a drink?’ She said, ‘Oh God, I have to think because we’re mates, it doesn’t feel right'” I could listen to this song all day and not get sick of it.

I’m absolutely thrilled to hear more songs off the upcoming album.

 


 

Q&A with Friends At the Falls!

(Image via instagram.com/friendsatthefalls)

 

1.) Explain the name “Friends At the Falls” and the significance behind it.

“This name shows some of our roots. We’ve all been friends since childhood, and we are all from NY in an area called Croton Falls/Mahopac Falls. In the early stages of the band, Matt and Jake (drummer and singer/guitar) had a rule where they made up 5 names a day, and out of all the suggestions, Friends At The Falls came through as the winner!”

2.) Who are you currently gathering inspiration from and why?

“We are always gathering inspiration from artists like, The Killers, Coldplay, even Bruce Springsteen and when we are writing we usually notice touches of other artists here and there such as Walk the Moon, Two Door Cinema Club, etc.”

3.) What is the meaning behind your new single, “Streetlight Kids?”

“Streetlight Kids at its core is a song about breaking out but beginning that process with realizing who you are and that change is necessary. In addition to that, it really holds strong ties to one of the overall themes of the new record- comradery. ‘Now your lonely days are over’ is a lyric that repeats in the chorus and rightfully so. Essentially it answers the verses of the song, that change has occurred and sometimes you don’t have to be alone for that to happen. It truly embodies what we wanted to come across in the song.”

4.) How would you describe your sound on the upcoming EP? When will fans get to hear it?

“What we tried to create was a mix of organic and electronic sounds that compliment one another. We feel like we are really beginning to find our own sound and it is an awesome feeling to experience. This is the first record we’ve made as a fully realized band and I think a lot of what comes up is the experiences we’ve shared and the music we’ve listened to growing up. Each of the songs on the record have their own unique aspects but the underlying vibe of all of the tracks all fit together on the EP.

What we have been hearing from others is a shocking amount of the word “nostalgic”. It isn’t a word we were expecting to hear when someone listens, but it is one we’ve really come to appreciate and one that feels like it defines this EP for us. The release date is still tentative at the moment but it’s looking like Wild In Our Ways EP will be released early October.”

5.) Any upcoming live shows you’re excited about? Anywhere you want to go specifically?

“Yes! Some our biggest yet, unfortunately, they are currently unannounced so stay tuned for more details coming soon! We’re also in the midst of setting up a tour for late fall. All in all, we are crazy excited to get back on the road. It’s been a busy year for us with recording for the EP, shooting for music videos, and doing our best to make sure the songs get all the attention they deserve. We have only played a select couple of shows this year, mostly around the northeast, and every time we get back in the van it just feels right.

As for where we want to go, we are pumped to get out west. Last summer we toured down to El Paso, Texas and it was absolutely beautiful. We are also all planning to move to southern California early next year as a band. It’s going to be a big step for us in terms of our focus and our ability to write and produce for the band.”

 

Listen to their latest single, here


Kehlani Strips Down On “Honey”

Earlier this year, Kehlani dropped one of the best R&B/pop albums to see the light of day. Unapologetically titled Sweet Sexy Savage, this songstress held NOTHING back, and that’s what made the album so beautiful.

She’s back again, sprinkling a little more honesty in a stripped down acoustic track, titled “Honey.” Kehlani worships women openly and sings, “I like my girls just like I like my honey, sweet, a little selfish.” Her voice stays pretty and honest – as usual. “Honey” is simple, yet says so much. A modern day love song all about women loving women.

The California native said on her Instagram, “A huge thx to everyone listening to Honey, 7-8 months since I dropped anything and I’m happy ya’ll still here ready to jam at any moment. More comin where date came frommmmm.”

BRING IT ON. WE WANT MORE.

 


 

On Repeat: “Diving” – Bridgit Mendler

On this euphoric track, Mendler muddles through a relationship filled with endless love. Her vocals are borderline angelic as a hypnotic beat makes you switch the song onto repeat for the rest of your life. “Now I’m at the elevation from a different view, looking at the haze we once were, I’m diving back into you,” each verse is sung with such control further pushing its genuine meaning.

The former Disney Channel star has proven herself in the pop music scene, not by spewing out radio hits, but instead producing some unique tracks that show off her artistry (and her stellar songwriting which is poetic as ever.) “Diving” is one of her best to date.

 


 

Charli XCX Returns with “Boys”

 

xcx
Image via celebzz.com

A couple months ago Charli XCX shared a photo on Instagram with a caption that sent fans for a bit of a loop. “I spoke about my album and how it was done and coming out in May. I know it’s May now and there still isn’t an album but I just wanted you guys to know it’s not because anything’s wrong or I don’t wanna put it out or anything,” the singer continued, “I just want to make as much music as possible. So that’s what’s happening. I’m in the studio a lot and feeling more creative than ever…”

From then on, Charli lent her voice to other hit makers in the fresh/futuristic genre of music. Artists like Whethan (“Love Gang”) and Mura Musa (“1 Night”) borrowed Charli for some sassy hooks bound to be perfect. But, she didn’t stop there. The pop star released a mixtape titled Number 1 Angel back in March of this year. Charli has made it crystal clear that her album will be flawless, which is why she might not let go of it until 2018. “Boys” is her latest single. Will it be tied to the new album? Does this mean the album release date could be this year? Or is “Boys” just a taste of what we can expect for future tunes?

Charli explains the male-heavy music video to radio host Annie Mac saying, “They’re doing all the sexy things that girls usually do in music videos.” No hot girls bouncing in bikini’s or dancing on guys in the club. Joe Jonas eating pancakes, Diplo playing with puppies, Cameron Dallas modeling with a chainsaw, Charlie Puth washing a car, Flume reading a book; those are just some of the stars in this homage to sexy men. As usual, the pop tune is glowing with futuristic sounds and a bouncy chorus, “I was busy think bout boys, head is spinnin, thinkin bout boys.” 

Listen and watch for yourself: