So Fine by Divine Interface
Few things make me miss going out dancing more than Divine Interface’s “So Fine.” The lyrics are more like a distant fantasy now: you’re at the function, feeling yourself, unbothered by how late it’s getting. You’re just there to dance, and maybe leave with somebody. “So Fine” musically plays out the way you’d want someone to flirt with you in the club. It doesn’t rely on being overly showy or raunchy. Instead, it rides on being smooth and subtle, but still playfully tells you to “stop being so goddamn cute.”
Frankly, “So Fine\’\’ is hot, and worthy of your sex playlist. I’d put it on mine, but I’ve learned I can’t put local artists on the sex mix. Whenever a song by an Atlanta musician comes on, I cannot refrain myself from interrupting any lewd activities to give all of my thoughts about local music. Apparently, some people consider this a turn off. Whatever. — Autumn James
In a Good Way by Faye Webster
Faye Webster delivers a dewy-eyed anthem for doting lovers in the covid-era with the single “In a Good Way.” On her 2019 album Atlanta Millionaires Club, tracks like “Right Side of My Neck” describes the giddiness of new infatuation. “In a Good Way” is the logical next step, as Webster marvels at the beauty of an established, comfortable love. The young singer boasts mature, genre-bending sounds akin to the groove-inflused 70s soft rock of Todd Rundgren and Linda Ronstadt. Webster’s dainty vocals glide atop robust, soulful strings and keys. In the chorus, she cleverly breaks up the lyrical phrasing. She begins the sentimental line “You make we wanna cry,” then takes one beat for a tension-filled pause to cloyingly reveal that it is “…in a good way.” — Autumn James
Punks Unavailable by Fit of Body
Ryan Parks, AKA Fit of Body, has had a busy year running his label Harsh Riddims, contributing songs to multiple compilations, doing features on other artists’ tracks, writing about local music, and releasing the fourth Harsh Riddims compilation. Fortunately, Parks closed out the year by taking the time to release some of his own work in early December with his latest EP Punks Unavailable. The title track exemplifies the calm, cool, and collected songwriting we’ve come to know from Fit of Body.
Layer by layer, “Punks Unavailable” builds methodically and thoughtfully; allowing each instrument its own moment to shine. It\’s not until almost halfway through “Punks Unavailable” that each sound has been carefully placed; resulting in a combination of 808s, swirling and sparkling synths, and a bassline that would feel right at home in a song by The Clash. The illusion of effortlessness is finally broken by Parks’ anxiety-ridden lyrics, repeating “hold me down / I’m flipping out.” — Autumn James
How to Make You Boil by Karaoke
Not to be confused with Karaoke’s 2018 debut EP of the same name, “How to Make You Boil” is the dynamic and dramatic pinnacle of their latest album Blood, Piss, Religion, Pain. Karaoke’s intentions are becoming clearer and more tangible, as the album ushers in a new, commanding era for the five-piece. Karaoke is finally defining themselves and showing the world they aren’t another dime-a-dozen dream-pop band. In preparation for Blood, Piss, Religion, Pain, Karaoke spent this year releasing a series of five music videos, each starring a different band member. The videos speak to Karaoke being a larger, well-rounded body of work. Every music video maintains a cohesion through dark, eerie humor, further proving the band’s ability to translate their aesthetic outside the realm of music. — Autumn James
From Dust to Man and Back Again by Pinkest
On Christmas Day, Pinkest gifted us their second LP From Dust to Man and Back Again covered in garish wrapping paper and topped with an oversized, glittery bow. The theatrical four-piece displays a wisdom beyond their years on the album’s title track. A glitzy, retro romp, “From Dust to Man and Back Again” shows Pinkest making every creative choice with the conviction of songwriting veterans.
The most remarkable aspect of Pinkest is their ability to blend their bizarre palette of campy inspirations with sophistication. From Dust to Man and Back Again sounds like Pinkest is from a gaudy alternate universe where Donna Summer was a member of Buzzcocks, and Cabaret starred Kate Bush instead of Liza Minnelli. Confidently ostentatious, From Dust to Man and Back Again is an extravagant opus. — Autumn James
