“Denial Is a River” – Doechii

Undoubtedly the most unique and authentic track from Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal is “Denial Is A River”, in which she gives a performance as both herself and her therapist. This candid conversation between her two selves reveals her relatability, her softness, and her strength. Doechii gets real about living in the public eye, and all that comes along with it. From depression, to drugs, to record deals, to explosive relationships, it is evident that since her last EP, Doechii has been trying to keep up with the punches. She says “I need a cleanse, need a detox, but we ain’t got time to stop, the charts need us (And they do).” In the final bars of the song, the therapist version of herself recommends a breathing exercise and Doechii begins to hyperventilate to the beat, sending herself spiraling somewhere between a panic attack and flow state. But let’s make it clear, Doechii is not out of breath just yet.

-Kea

‘Short n’ Sweet’ – Sabrina Carpenter

The pint-sized pop princess ends summer off with her highly anticipated album Short n’ Sweet. It’s the kind of record that makes you want to dance with the windows down and savor every last bit of summer before the seasons change. With Sabrina Carpenter’s witty wordplay and addictive melodies, it creates a match made in pop heaven. After over a decade in the music industry, this album feels like her most authentic work yet. Each track is a burst of energy and fun, it’s been almost impossible for me to listen to anything else. With this album on repeat, maybe we can stretch out that summer feeling a little longer!

-Tricia

“Wristwatch” – MJ Lenderman

I’m pretty sure this is the saddest song ever written about an Apple Watch. The centerpiece of Lenderman’s dazzling Manning Fireworks, “Wristwatch” ranks among the young-singer songwriter’s most compelling grotesques to date. There are other, more complex protagonists across Lenderman’s parade of horribles, but none that revel so freely in their own toxic contradictions. It’d be funny if it didn’t cut so close to the bone. Ok granted, it’s still funny hearing Lenderman’s sad sack narrator sneer “I’ve got a houseboat docked at the Himbo Dome” over the song’s sour Crazy Horse stomp. Whatever that means, he’d make a terrible roommate.

-Eric

“Lucky Ones”- Lana Del Rey

This month has been about throwbacks and songs I can reflect on. This particular song sends me to heaven every time I play it. As a long-time Lana Del Rey fan, I know this song isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I am urging you to give it another listen when you find someone you love dearly… It will hit different. “Lucky Ones” is a song from her second studio album, Born to Die, and appears as the third bonus track on the deluxe edition.

-Sophie

“Let’s Go Back” – Jungle

After a monumental year, Jungle is back with new music—and a new band member! Their first single as an official trio, “Let’s Go Back,” dropped on September 3rd and has quickly secured a spot on my go-to easy listening playlist. This soulful, groovy track not only highlights the consistency of Jungle’s sound, but the accompanying music video is stellar as well. They’ve truly found their niche with their intricately choreographed, beautifully styled, one-shot visuals. Plus, I’m always happy to see more of Will West.

Despite their rise into mainstream fame, Jungle stays true to their roots, delivering the same genuine and infectious vibe that made us fall in love with them in the first place. Groovy, consistent, and endlessly cool. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just know them from their Gap or TikTok fame, “Let’s Go Back” is definitely worth the listen.

-Danielle

‘ten days’ – Fred again..

UK producer Fred Again.. has become known for massive, last minute pop up shows. From selling out a Madison Square Garden rave in minutes with the help of Skrillex and Four Tet, to filling up the 77,500 person capacity L.A. Coliseum with six days notice – his meteoric rise over the past few years has been cataloged by grand scale events. 

In contrast, for Fred’s latest album “ten days”, small fan-organized listening parties took place in cities around the world at sunset. Taking in the new album for the first time while sitting in grass at Toronto’s waterfront Music Garden was a decidedly intimate, low key experience that matched the new record’s approach perfectly. 

As Fred explains “these are ten songs about ten days. theres been a lot of BIG mad crazy moments in the last year but i realised that the almost all the ones that i was most shaped by were the really very small quiet intimate moments.”

Highlights: adore u ft. Obongjayar, fear less ft. Sampha, just stand there ft. SOAK

-Ryan