July 5, 2024

This week WGSU is adding “Might As Well Know” by Vancouver’s WAASH to our rotation. This track, from their self-titled full-length album released on June 28th through Light Organ Records, exemplifies the project’s dive into electronic experimentation. Singer-songwriter Andrew Bishop, known for his previous work with Twin River and White Ash Falls, delivers a soaring, synth-rich anthem about setting boundaries for self-care. “Might As Well Know” is a testament to Bishop’s growth and collaborative spirit, blending influences from 80s pop, similar to Cut Copy’s output in recent years, with a modern twist recalling Parcel’s Day/Night. The track’s reflective lyrics and shimmering production make it a standout addition to WAASH's evolving sound.

From Baltimore, Maryland, Icarus Phoenix brings us "The Things You Never Told Me," a track off their upcoming album I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said, out August 15. Written by Drew Danburry during a turbulent period following his divorce, this song reflects themes of dehumanization and survival. Recorded with producer Jed Jones and featuring contributions from longtime friends Jake Bellows, Justin Pacheco, and Andrew Young, the track embodies the deeply personal and DIY spirit that defines Icarus Phoenix’s music. The melancholy look at interpersonal relationships shares tones with Death Cab for Cutie’s 2003 breakthrough album Transatlanticism while also sounding similar to that catchy Midwest-rock sound.

This week we’ve also got “Seasons” by Canadian rockers Kojak coming to WGSU. Giving modern guitar rock a refreshing throwback sound, this track is the product of the newfound inspiration the band felt after recording their self-titled album with producer and musician in his own right, David James Allen.  The creative juices did not stop after that album, released on Littleknown Records, dropped in February. Instead, Kojak has found themselves developing their sounds further with the collaboration of Allen, expanding on jam riffs to create tracks like “Seasons”. Here the sounds of blues rock infuse with the mainstay sounds of 21st-Century alternative rock, especially My Morning Jacket, reminiscent of their It Still Moves album from 2003. In fact, singer Donny Tait’s vocals have the same cavernous echo that populates Jim James’ on My Morning Jacket’s early albums.

We are also adding “Midsummer” by Odd Marshall to the WGSU rotation this week. This single from the enigmatic artist takes you on a sonic journey through a bright soundscape, with production by frontman Don Kerr and standout contributions from Mike O’Brien on lead guitar and Jason Haberman on bass. Feeling like a 2024 update on the canon of summer classics like “Take Your Mama” by Scissor Sisters, “Midsummer” is the lead off single for Odd Marshall’s upcoming debut album, Sand & Glue. If this is any indication, the album will offer a captivating blend head-nodding riffs and infectious hooks that make each track feel like a unique adventure. Odd Marshall’s joyous presence and evocative lyrics create a memorable listening experience that will transport you with its strong back beat and compelling melodies.