Sorry to be so lax about copying my music posts over to this blog! If you’re so inclined, please feel free to follow the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentaljukebox/
Hembree “Culture”
Hembree is an indie rock band from Kansas City, MO that has built a strong word-of-mouth buzz via their live performances. Their new single “Culture” is a pulsing, atmospheric electro-rock tune with ethereal lead melodies and a side of social awareness. The lyrics address our “penchant for putting emphasis on things that lack actual significance” and encourages the questioning of priorities and values. The band drew rave reviews at SxSW, and has toured extensively with artists such as Elvis Costello, Phoenix, Cold War Kids, Vance Joy, Joywave and more. An earlier single “Holy Water” was featured in an Apple commercial that aired during during NFL/Superbowl games and the Grammy Awards. Their debut album “House on Fire” was released in April. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9EWsmaIwTs
Big Wild “Maker”
Heard this on AltNation’s Discovery (new music) channel a few weeks back and was waiting to see if there would be a video released to complement it (’cause you know this early MTV-era gal likes to share music videos!) Alas, no. But this one is *much* too good to pass by regardless. “Maker” is a gorgeously lush, euphorically funky electro-pop tune by DJ/producer Jackson Stell aka Big Wild. His debut album was released earlier this year, following a 2015 breakout track “Aftergold” and the EP “Invincible” in 2017. Don’t miss out on hearing this excellent tune. I’m SO loving the sound of this one!!
Keane “The Way I Feel”
Ahh…so good to see these guys back again and sounding so great! Unfathomable that it’s been *fifteen years* since I first heard “Somewhere Only We Know” and the fantastic debut album “Hopes and Fears”. I still think Keane creates some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. The video for “The Way I Feel” was directed by Kevin Godley (of 10cc/Godley & Creme). The new album “Cause and Effect” is due out on September 20th. Definitely something to look forward to!
Joywave “Like A Kennedy”
Wow Joywave….just…wow. Wasn’t expecting such a darkly iconic socio-political statement from this band. I wasn’t quite sure how to react to this video at first…but “Like A Kennedy” is a subtle yet chilling statement that captures the combined horror and numbness being spawned by our daily news cycle, from politics to gun violence to our failure to learn from history. Somber, yet highly relatable to anyone who’s actually paying attention.
Mental Jukebox 