Fresh Music Friday: The Avalanches, Maya Hawke, Thundercat

In this week’s Fresh Music Friday, Jess Negus, Jacob Shteyman and Rory McHugh share their thoughts on three new tracks from international acts!

“Run Red Lights” – The Avalanches feat. Rivers Cuomo, Pink Siifu

Jess: This song manages to convey both hope and bittersweet sadness through a whole lot of outdoor dancing in socks – I’ll be emulating the video clip once I complete 14 days locked in my bedroom.

Jacob: A melancholic lament for lost connections with a catchy and deceptively uplifting chorus that leaves slightly ajar a door called hope. 

Rory: The hook’s stuck in my head and it won’t get out!

“By Myself” – Maya Hawke

Jess: A contemporary country fever dream combined with Stranger Things – what’s not to love?

Jacob: She may be starring in Stranger Things but this neon-lit hymn by the actor daughter of Ethan and Uma would be better suited in the soundtrack for a Midnight Cowboy reboot. Pining and introspective, straddling pop and country like a rhinestone-studded stallion, its sweet but never saccharine.

Rory: Vibes of Jack Johnson mixed with Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist

“Fair Chance” – Thundercat feat. Ty Dolla $ign, Lil B

Jess: THIS IS GORGEOUS – gentle guitar, soothing vocal harmonies, all wrapped up in a touching tribute to Mac Miller? This is going straight in my sad girl hours playlist.

Jacob: As great as the meme potential of a Thundercat x Lil B collaboration seems on paper, their vocal styles don’t mesh for me, but the production is still on point as always.

Rory: More of the same rich texture from Thundercat, with a tried and true Ty Dolla $ign feature and a surprisingly juicy Lil B interlude