Underground Sounds with Chad Miller: November 2024
By Chad Miller - Summit FM Music Director
What's everyone been listening to out there? So much new music coming at us, so little time... However, these songs that might fly under the radar to most are what I've been diggin' these past few weeks!
Like what you hear? Please email me at chad@thesummit.fm and let me know what you think!
Doves "Renegades"
This beloved band from Manchester, UK (that came out of the post-Coldplay Britpop revival of the early '00s also gave us bands like Elbow, Keane, and Gomez), have returned despite some recent challenges. After releasing two of my favorite albums EVER, their debut LP "Lost Souls" in 2000 and the follow-up "The Last Broadcast" in 2002, both of which are HIGHLY recommended by yours truly, Doves released two more records and then went on a hiatus that left their future in doubt.
They emerged from that hibernation with a comeback album in 2020 and will now release their new sixth full-length, "Constellations for the Lonely," on February 14 via EMI North Records. A song that brings to mind the moodier side of Doves, and considering the dystopian state of the world at times in the past few years, including recent headlines, the band went for sort of a "Blade Runner" feel set in their hometown. They've just announced their first British tour in fifteen years, but on a bittersweet note, lead singer and bassist Jimi Goodwin will not be joining them as he's still dealing with mental health issues and substance use disorders. All the best to Jimi and YOU for further digging into this band's stellar discography.
Mk.gee "ROCKMAN"
It's pretty rare when a new musician seemingly comes out of nowhere to blow people's minds with their music, especially so when even music critics aren't quite sure what to make of it. Such is the case with Mk.gee, the musical project of Michael Gordon, originally from Linwood, NJ. After releasing a handful of singles and EPs over the last few years, Mk.gee made a big jump with the release of his debut album "Two Star & the Dream Police" back in February, showcasing a style of guitar instrumentation unlike anything seen today, particularly with his technical ability and unorthodox experimentation. This new song was released as a standalone single and builds upon his great success this year, including a recent stop as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Even guitar greats like Eric Clapton are blown away by his ability, saying, "He has found things to do on the guitar that are like nobody else." Not bad, coming from a legend like that!
Peach Pit "Magpie"
Super catchy songs are what we all need sometimes to lift our spirits and put us in a good mood. That's exactly what you get with this song from the Vancouver-based band Peach Pit; the title track from their fourth album is available now via Columbia Records. A band that describes their sound as "chewed up bubblegum pop," they have top-notch guitar-driven rock melodies for days as well. Finding a balance with a modern indie rock aesthetic and finding much inspiration in the standard melodic approach utilized by The Beatles on their classic records, including the solo projects released individually after their breakup, Peach Pit has captured an irresistible sound on this song. Drawing inspiration from noticing actual magpie birds flying around in flocks while on tour in Australia, lead singer Neil Smith was inspired enough to be drawn to a poem about magpies, which made him realize how those birds can bring good and bad foreshadowing. That and deciding to live a more clean and sober lifestyle manifested itself into this bright, joyful burst of song.
Sea Lemon feat. Benjamin Gibbard "Crystals"
It's funny how certain trends and styles can come back into fashion. But then again, it's usually the case that it's always been there all along. "Dream Pop" has been a style that's had its moments in almost every decade throughout our world of music. Enter Seattle-based musician Sea Lemon, the musical project of young Natalie Lew, who has a pretty good recruit in Benjamin Gibbard, lead singer of indie rock greats Death Cab for Cutie, on this new song of hers. With all kinds of shimmery fuzzed-out guitars pairing up with their excellent harmonies, the jangly shoegaze sound crafted here is pure sonic bliss. Gibbard, also a Seattle native, was already a fan of Lew from performing a duet together at a recent benefit concert, and that connection led to this standout new song. It was all Lew could do to contain her giddiness as she's been a lifelong superfan of Death Cab herself. If that's not heartwarming, I don't know what is!
Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory "Afterlife"
This is an absolute stunner of a song that blew me away upon first hearing it. I listened to it about four times in a row! I couldn't get enough of it! A new era begins here for longtime indie music singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten, who, for the first time, will be releasing an album written and recorded with her band, The Attachment Theory. This sense of full collaboration elevates herself and her sound to new levels. The self-titled album, her seventh overall and first credited to the full band, will be released on February 7 via Jagjaguwar Records. I couldn't be more excited to hear more from this.
It all came from tour rehearsals when she spontaneously asked her band to "jam" a little, which she'd never done before. Feeling inspired by that moment, two songs quickly came out of that. It solidified the decision for this record to be a truly combined effort. With her previous output, she's alternated between sounding delicate and vulnerable and tough and forceful. She's always had such a lovely voice, but I think this might be THE best display of her singing prowess yet to date! Whew!