Welcome to Weekly Round-Up No. 52! This week we feature our favourite songs of 2019, including: Crystal Cities, Pilgrims’ Dream, Ang Low, Derde Verde, CANTER, Low Cut High Tops, Friendly Fires, Thrillhouse and Sail By Summer.
BEST SONG & BEST ALBUM TRACK
Crystal Cities – The Wolves They Will Come
An intimate song about the dangers of showing your vulnerability. The delicate beginning consciously changes into a song with beautiful orchestration and an epic, heartfelt guitar solo, expressing hope and self-reliance. In years’ time this will be that classic album track that everybody treasures.
BEST INDIE FOLK SONG
Pilgrims’ Dream – Ocean (Radio Edit)
The new Pilgrims’ Dream single “Ocean (Radio Edit)” sounds like a mix of The Beach Boys’ sunshine pop and the folk of Mumford And Sons. The artwork portrays the emotions exactly: melancholic, peaceful, and forward-looking. We love it!
BEST FUTURE SOUL SONG
Ang Low – Up
The new Ang Low single “Up” is about moving forward, improving. And that’s also where he also takes his music. “Up” is futuristic (in sound) but rooted in classic soul. Haunting and strangely satisfying at the same time…
BEST SYNTH POP SONG
CANTER – Call It Safe
Darkwave band CANTERs new single “Call It Safe” has a somewhat lighter sound than previous material, by adding the female vocals of Giselle Ghofrani. The production is very ‘eighties’ by sound and reverbs. The effects are so detailed they actually become another instrument in itself. This, with lyrics about the search for a safe haven, makes their new song a beautiful and haunting synthpop jewel.
BEST ACOUSTIC PSYCHEDELIC SONG
Derde Verde – Waking The Dream
A tender, acoustic song about letting go. The warmth & melancholy of vocals and orchestration remind us of those summer nights you wanted to last forever…
BEST SUNSET DRIVING SONG
Sail By Summer – Casual Drive
A deeply emotional song, this “tune for the lonesome guys”. The driving beat, haunting melodies make you wanna get up and chase honesty, truth and meaning.
BEST DEBUT SONG
Thrillhouse – One Of These Days
Debut Discovery! A melodic and dreamy take on 1980s new wave from Talking Heads and Blondie. Great percussion and the driving bass will move you to the dance floor!
BEST SUMMER SONG
Friendly Fires – Silhouettes
Tropical vibes! An infectious popsong celebrating summer love.
BEST “EH, WHATEVER” SONG
Low Cut High Tops – I Aint The Guy For You
The secretive return of Low Cut High Tops this year. “I Aint The Guy For You” is a 60s bubblegum grunge gem (yes, really). Posing as an underdog, but he actually displays confidence with his filthy-mouthed sing-along lyrics! “La la la la la”