'TWIN SIZED BED' / THAVORON: REVIEW

December 15, 2022

by mariah estran

Thavoron’s divine and moving vocals drift through succinct guitar strings as you descend into his childhood solitude on “Twin Sized Bed.” The Seattle-based artist’s latest single to join the collection of vulnerably raw depictions.

The looping simplicity of guitar strums and soul-piercing lyricism hold a hint of nostalgic, emo-tinged balladry. Singing, “Loving you gets harder – when the only thing I know’s alone.” Blunt truthfulness that concludes softly through bright, heavenly-like tones.

Thavoron brings you into the headspace he once felt – the constant battle with understanding his loneliness. He shares, “Ever since I was a kid, my parents made sure I never, ever had to sleep on a twin-sized bed.” Further elaborating, “I was always fed and protected, yet I felt alone for basically my entire childhood.”

“Twin Sized Bed” is a self-reflective journey. The bare production delivers listeners an opportunity to feel each minute as if it’s in their bones.

Loneliness is not exclusive to one person or one specific circumstance. Thavoron allows the time to dissect that feeling through another alluringly unfeigned composition.

'OPEN' / GRACE KAY: REVIEW

August 16, 2022

by mariah estran

Los Angeles singer/songwriter Grace Kay has released another uplifting single. The illuminating tune titled “Open” serves as an empowering ode to accepting life’s opportunities while never forgetting your own power.

Kay was inspired by encouraging a close friend to try new things. She sings over glimmery synths, reminding us to keep our chins up and to follow the light, even when it seems daunting. A consoling array of pop sounds encapsulates that feeling of a much-needed chat with your bestie. The hug and push that’s essential at times. It’s felt through the three minutes of dance-in-your-room vibrations, complete with a grand guitar solo.

Collaborating with producer Austin Foley (Jynjo), the singer shares the experience that started during Twitch livestreams. “We finished the first draft in April of 2021. My producer, Austin Foley, would livestream making beats on Twitch. I’d be writing vocal patches and sending them to him midstream,” the singer says. “I wanted the song to feel as open and free as it could as well, so the song begins with this beautiful pad constructed from my vocals, consisting of open 4ths and 5ths. Austin created them from my vocal stems!”

Even with the track's inspiring nature, there was a time when Kay had lost faith in the song’s creation. But with help from Tre Ulseth on guitar, the track came together.

The singer gifts a reminder: there’s always more the universe can offer.

'18' / THAVORON: REVIEW

May 31, 2022

by mariah estran

After releasing his debut album Ugly, Thavoron returns with a new single, “18.”

At twenty-one, the singer is taking a moment to examine the impact of a turbulent relationship, sharing a song that exposes the aftermath of those scar-leaving connections. Ones that teach you strength even during the tangled times of vulnerable self-reflection.

Written during the quarantine, Thavoron was handed time to digest the past. His raw, open nature is seamlessly carried through the track. Poignant and hauntingly soft guitar chords draw you in while his tender vocals hold every inch of those gripping emotions.

Welcoming the listeners into his lessons, he sings, “I’ll wait for you to come save me. Like you’ve wanted since I was 18. I was so naïve.”

But as the story recalls moments of defeat and second-guessing overall worth — there is still a clear essence of breaking from those restraints. The artist recalls looking back on being 18 and searching for love. “I wanted to highlight the sadness and beauty of intimacy and movement with this song,” he says. “There's something so inspiring about altering your concept of self and reclaiming your power in the same body you once felt so used in.”

It is a passage through the obstacles. That visceral production moving the listeners. Composers Philip Peterson and Spencer Edgers added cello, flute, and saxophone. Those magnetic elements pull at heartstrings and are a testament to Thavoron’s emotive craft that he's perfecting thus far.

'LIKE ME MORE' / ROMAN AROUND: REVIEW

May 16, 2022

by mariah estran

roman around tackles the multi-faceted discussion on sobriety in the latest single, “Like Me More.”

Through their own experiences — personally stepping into sobriety and watching others grapple with the effects of abuse — the song acts as a sounding board, a way to unpack collected thoughts.

A catharsis of moving basslines creates a funky tinge as sharp drum taps keep the momentum. That sturdy progression can carry you into the artist's memories.

Those recounted times hold an impact through succinctly somber words. The artist opens with, ‘5pm, you’re wasted. Self-controlling habits, Sinking like titanic.’ An introspective declaration, a recall of the past, but a cry for others.

“Like Me More” is a song that highlights the struggle of alcoholism and drug use amongst those we hold closest,” the musician says about the track. “The peer pressure of caving-in holds experiences that were never desired. Stories of trips explained to someone after they’ve forgotten what happened makes drug use not always worth the experience.”

roman around continues to build on their unique universe. Sharing authentic stories amongst multi-layered production. That one-of-a-kind sound, a riveting, thought-provoking trance. One which keeps you curious about what will follow.

'FUNERAL GREY' / WATERPARKS: REVIEW

May 13, 2022

by emma schoors

Waterparks is on fire with “FUNERAL GREY.”

Lead singer Awsten Knight shared via social media that “FUNERAL GREY” is the first Waterparks release since he began professional vocal training. In conversation with the frontman in our October 2021 interview, Knight shared his thoughts on the way his voice has evolved over the years. “I'm not naturally a very great singer. I definitely learned through repetition and necessity and I'm not even saying I'm incredible now, just I definitely can do what needs to be done.” Knight has always flaunted a great voice, uniquely fit for the genres he wavers between, but there is a noticeable improvement in vocal control during the chorus of “FUNERAL GREY.”

The single is also the band’s very first release with Fueled By Ramen, which marks yet another new beginning. New single, new album on the way, new record label… what can’t Waterparks do?

“I just want you to be my nеxt mistake that I'm gonna make,” Knight begs, similar to the lighthearted, flirtatious undercurrent of “Telephone,” which recently experienced a surge in popularity due to its feature in the popular Netflix series Heartstopper. Waterparks is definitely still a band you can giddily dance around your room to, and as the group shared via their Instagram account, the upcoming fifth album is an “outdoor day time” album. Considering warmer days are right around the corner, “FUNERAL GREY” is already a summer anthem.

Drummer Otto Wood offers hard-hitting percussion, and guitarist Geoff Wigington shines bright, but allows room for Wood’s beat to lead. The entire band is at their very best, and the fifth studio installment of Waterparks is sure to be spectacular.

The band is hitting the road (and sky) in early June to join Bad Suns and PHEM for their headlining UK tour; dates can be found at waterparksband.com.