Fresh Music Friday: The Strokes, Marti, Julian Lamadrid

For this week’s Fresh Music Friday, Luke Norton, Alex Chetverikov, and Thomas Lawes speak from the heart on a groovy cut from The Strokes’ new album, a moody track from Marti, and a saccharine synthy tune from Julian Lamadrid.

“Eternal Sunshine” – The Strokes

Luke: The song shifts from upbeat anthem to dissonant scream into the void; a swirling fusion of falsettos, riffs and seething distortion.

Alex: Sweet and shiny Strokes beat to stroll to that gets better as it slowly falls apart.

Thomas: A well-meaning track which is a bit too cheesy and discordant to be memorable.

“Lust” – Marti

Luke: The dark side of desire is on full display; Marti’s aching vocals are aided by haunting instrumentation, and the schizophrenic whispers of the chorus add to the song’s mystique.

Alex: Low-slung R&B vibe where 1st-Base wordplay meets Home-Run intentions

Thomas: Marti’s expressive vocals are backed up with solid production on this passionate downtempo song.

“My Time” – Julian Lamadrid

Luke: This track can’t decide if it wants to be fun or intelligent, achieving neither; however, the lyrics do manage to capture the listening experience – “all I did was suffer…you wasted my time”

Alex: Slow pan to dramatic exit scene in Gossip Girl fanfic remake

Thomas: The choruses feel a little out of place, but overall this song is a sweet pop jam.