If It's Too Loud...

Hailing from Asbury Park, CUSSING are a pop/rock duo that redefine that genre with their sound. Their latest single, "LUNGS," is unquestionably a pop song. It's catchy as possible, but while most artists that are considered pop are polished, "LUNGS" is raw. The song is an interesting and irresistible mixture of pop and raw, DIY art punk. It's minimalist and edgy, but you're going to want to dance to it. They consider The Kills and Sleigh Bells as influences, and have played shows with If It's Too Loud... favorites like Perennial and TIFFY, all of which help describe CUSSING's sound and vibe. "LUNGS" is one of my favorite musical discoveries of the summer, and I can't wait to hear more from these folks. You can listen to "LUNGS" below. HAVE YOU SEEN CUSSING? is due out August 14. For more on CUSSING, check out the band on Instagram . LUNGS by CUSSING

Photo by Jac Mestel The latest from Boston's Happy Little Clouds is a bit more downtempo than their previous songs, but it's no less impactful. "Lungs" is a soulful post-grunge power ballad that gives vocalist/guitarist Jac Mestel's vocals a place to shine. The vocals are the focus of "Lungs," and Mestel has never sounded so powerful before. Their emotions are on full display here, and the song is better for it. The song also adds in some organ along with the usual guitar/bass/drums combination, which adds a bit of levity to the song. As emotional as it is, Happy Little Clouds keep a sense of optimism throughout.  Jac Mestel says of the band's latest single: “The listener can really make this song their own.  Each verse can be like someone grappling with  a major life-shattering event as they go through a whole hero’s journey arc within the span of a  3-minute song. As the song progresses, they deal with their constantly changing feelings or stages  ...

Photo by Olivia Senior Stella Donnelly is the latest indie/folk musician who has veered into a more pop territory, but with her it doesn't feel as out of left field. "Tricks" off of 2019's Beware of the Dogs almost edged into dance territory, but didn't quite make it. "Lungs" is a dance song, but it's still worlds away from the world of Top 40. This is more of an experimental and indie side of dance with at least one foot still planted firmly in the world of indie rock. It's oddly reminding me of when Radiohead first started playing in the world of electronic music, but if that was meant to be fun and not chin stroking music.  Stella Donnelly says of the new song: “ I do love observing human dynamics.  Dynamics between old best friends, or dynamics between housemates, or a relationship where the two people are broken up and haven’t spoken in years. I like getting into the mind of someone who we’ve all been at some poin t.” You can watch the video...