FEBRUARY’S PLAYLIST

Review by: Sean Kayden

Work Drugs – “Heaven Or Farewell” – Another year, another Work Drugs album. Perhaps the hardest working musicians around, Thomas Crystal and Benjamin Louisiana, the duo from Philadelphia is prepping their new record, “Insurgents” for a March release. “Heaven or Farewell” is a boisterous new jam. In vein of the Work Drugs’ signature sound of synth-pop and smooth-fi, the new track is extremely catchy. If you’re not dancing to this 80s style tune, something is terribly wrong. Once you get a taste of this one, you’ll be coming back for some Work Drugs in no time flat.

Fanfarlo – “Cell Song” – Fanfarlo just released their third LP, “Let’s Go Extinct.” The London indie-pop rockers change up their style a bit for this latest endeavor. “Let’s Go Extinct” is a little slower than previous efforts, but still effective. “Cell Song” is a smooth, really interesting tune that throws in a lot of instruments, including the piano and saxophone. Their unique blend of multiple instruments is quite laudable. It even features female vocals in the background for a nice touch. In fact, this record continues on the path of their previous 2013 EP, “The Sea,” where the band stated their music will be part of a science fiction/Utopian concept project. The lyrical content is consistent of where humanity has evolved from and where it’s heading. This is one of the more innovative tunes of 2014 thus far.

Woods – “Leaves Like Glass” – Folk rockers are back with their seventh studio album,  “With Light And With Love.” For this go around, there is more of a psychedelic element. They’ve definitely expanded their already unique tone. From jam type songs, they’re now displaying a more melodic sound. With this new record hitting shelves this April, I hope to see more tracks like “Leaves Like Glass.” The band’s first several records weren’t always the most accessible listening experience, but the path they’ve found themselves on now hits all the right chords for me, literally and figuratively.

Snowmine – “Plans” – Mellow, deep, and pulling you in as if there’s no tomorrow, Snowmine’s new song “Plans” is absolutely breathtaking. The band’s sophomore release, “Dialects” was self-released earlier this month. It follows the band’s superb debut record, “Laminate Pet Animal.” The band navigates new waters since “Dialects” is more structured than their debut. “Plans” is incredibly dramatic and cinematic. High pitched vocals come around and really lifts the song to new heights. The guitars dazzle and swirl as the euphoric vocals provide a spiritual guide for your mind to wander off to. Get lost in these four minutes and you’ll never want to come back.