‘Online, all the time’ seems like the most appropriate caption of the month to date, as another four weeks in lockdown meant for lots of time to scroll aimlessly. The 1975 provide this month’s lyrical gem, taken from If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know), as the rapid single releases come to a head in preparation for the release of their fourth studio album which is finally dropping at the end of this month. This track harkens back to quintessential The 1975 sound, and is a perfect one for a roadtrip… if we were allowed, of course!
To find out what else I've been listening to in the month of May, keep scrolling! Also check out the full playlist above!
Jack Garratt – Better
After winning the Critic’s Choice at the BRITs back in 2016, Jack Garratt managed to go Top 5 in the UK with his debut album Phase. Four years later he is prepping for the release of his new album, and Better is the second song from that to drop. Garratt blends his alternative style and gritty voice along with an element of pop to result in this BOP! Towards the end he really showcases his range and talented voice, making this (hopefully) the beginning of a great comeback for him after his hiatus.
MCVEIGH – Is That What You Wanted?
It’s time to shine a spotlight on a new upcoming artist, this time Irish producer and songwriter MCVEIGH with a track released last year, Is That What You Wanted? Coincidentally, the intro sounds not dissimilar to the aforementioned The 1975 track, but MCVEIGH delivers some silky tones and impressive riffs throughout this indie pop anthem. His available discography online is limited so far, but expect more from this guy coming soon!
MUNA – It’s Gonna Be Okay, Baby
One of my favourite alternative female power groups in recent years is without a doubt, MUNA, an American trio comprising of Katie, Josette and Naomi. They have featured heavily on my monthly playlists over the months and years, and this month I was enjoying It’s Gonna Be Okay, Baby from their second LP Saves The World, released last year. This is the five minute closing track of the album, and feels very much like a reflection of times gone by, a sentimental reminder that no matter what gets in your way, it’s gonna be okay! I would thoroughly recommend checking out MUNA if you haven’t already, and expect more of me talking about how great they are in the coming months.
Call Me Loop – Downhill From Here
2020 has been quite an exciting year for English singer-songwriter Call Me Loop (alright for some), as she not only co-wrote the comeback of the Pussycat Dolls React (which can be found in my March 2020 playlist!) but now is back with a song of her own, Downhill From Here. She’s been gradually dropping bop after bop since 2017, and is slowly becoming one of my ‘go to’s for dreamy pop gems. She describes her own sound as ‘sassy, emotive, electronic pop’ which ticks all my boxes! Here’s hoping we’re finally treated to a full album from her soon!
Sea Girls – Timeless
I’ve been a fan of English indie band Sea Girls since their debut Call Me Out back in 2015, and they’ve been slowly unleashing new material on the world ever since. Back in March they dropped their Under Exit Lights EP, featuring Timeless, a more raw stripped back song than you may be used to from Sea Girls, but it seems fitting for the sweet message of the song, all about young love. With their debut LP coming in a few months, now is the perfect time to reflect on their back catalogue and get ready for the album.
*Special Mention – Avril Lavigne*
Last month I talked about my Avril Lavigne obsession, so following up from that she’s featuring in May’s rundown too. This month, as we all continue to battle the realities of COVID-19, she has re-released her track Warrior, now titled We Are Warriors. The new version is dedicated to Project HOPE and proceeds go to help support the cause. There’s a cute music video to go alongside this, showing how we should all be coming together around the world in these uncertain times, rather than falling apart. Check it out, it’s my most streamed song of the month for sure!
