We're covering Twenty One Pilots, Doja Cat, Surfaces, and more!

It's our weekly song review where we review five new songs released this past week, April 4 –11. Let us know what you think of our list.

"Shy Away" by Twenty One Pilots

Released: April 9, 2021

Album: Scaled and Icy

Highlights:

  • Consistently strummy guitar clashing with bright, upbeat pops of piano
  • Subtle restraint of emotion during the pre-bridge of the song before it's unleashed 
  • Final chorus with extra background singer to punch that sense of power 
  • Edgier, alternative vibes introduced in the second verse

Standout Lyrics: "When I get home / You better not be there / We're placin' bets you won't / Shed your modesty / And the only thing to leave behind / Is your own skin on the floor"

"In My DNA" by Max and Harvey

Released: April 8, 2021

Album: Unknown - This Is Not a Phase Tour upcoming

Highlights:

  • Soft, purposeful tremble in vocals during first verse before they get stronger
  • Catchy, uplifting rhythm that is both atmospheric and dynamic
  • Powerful lyrics discussing love in family relationships

Standout Lyrics: "Always making the same mistakes / When I found someone that I / Thought would come and fix my life / But everything I touch only breaks / So I don't wanna let you in / When I know it's gonna end"

"Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat ft. SZA

Released: April 9, 2021

Album: Planet Her

Highlights: 

  • Glossy, seductive vocals that pull you in on top of playful piano notes
  • Spurts of rap serving as a foil to Doja Cat's more elongated, breathy range
  • Sense of intimacy enveloping listeners

Standout Lyrics: "We could just kiss and cut the rubbish / Then I might be onto somethin' / I ain't giving you one in public"

"Haunted House" by Holly Humberstone

Released: April 6, 2021

Album: Unknown - new music 

Highlights:

  • First verse slowly sang, haunting lyrics perfect against the ebb and flow of the piano
  • Mesmerizing crescendo showcasing breathy vocals supported by a background chorus 
  • Dramatic, almost tragic-like introduction that gives the sense you're watching the rain

Standout Lyrics: "And one day I'll drive past you / If I recognize you / I'll try not to stay too long / See the soil I grew upon / In a couple years I'll be all right"

"Wave of You" by Surfaces

Released: April 9, 2021

Album: Horizons

Highlights:

  • Bright, soulful vibe permeating musical composition
  • Positive imagery painted through lyrics and music video 
  • Sense of hope and inspiration in the punctuating beat and hints of rock

Standout Lyrics: "I think I'm caught up in the way I feel about you / I don't know how I can be so drawn into you / I think I'm fallin' in deep / I think I'm caught up in a wave of you"

Did you enjoy this week's music review? Let us know in the comments. If you missed last week's review, check it out here

Cassidy Ostergren
Hi! I've lived in the NOVA region most of my life, repping our sports' teams, finding unique and cozy coffee shops to indulge in, and exploring nature hikes I've never visited. I used to live under the mountains in Roanoke, VA as well as a handful of beaches in NC, but good ol' Northern VA had always called me back! I write novels for fun (currently working on a fantasy series that won't have a terrible ending like Game of Thrones, right?), and enjoy reading and diving into new experiences that help me grow.
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