Best New Tracks Of The Week: 3/19/23
5. Fatal Attraction - 6LACK
After I was split on the first two singles from this new album more of my hopes than I'd like to admit rested on this song and I kind of came down in the middle. 6LACK is still a very compelling performer and I like the wavy spaced-out production on this song quite a bit. The problem is almost everything here from the lyrical content, to the piano refrain, and even the hook itself feels really standard and arguably overdone. It's a track that fails to excite me like a single should but would make a fine deep cut.
4. Lean Beef Patty - Danny Brown & Jpegmafia
The first offering from one of the most highly anticipated rap crossovers in years is a short offering that feels MUCH more like Peggy than Danny with it's blown out bass and chaotic changes in style. Even if it feels more like a 2-minute bar fest than an actual song these two are still undeniably compelling performers and it shows in the intensity they can put behind every moment.
3. Blossom - Pupil Slicer
Technically savvy metal band Pupil Slicer are back with what might be their favorite track of mine to date. It pairs together the meandering darkness of 90s garage rock with the emotional rage and musical virtuosity that are much more familiar to modern experimental metal genres. The genres actually manage to fit together perfectly and have me all of a sudden very excited for the bands upcoming sophomore album.
2. Death - Melanie Martinez
I'll admit that even as a part-time Melanie Martinez defender I was a little suspicious about a 5-minute lead single called DEATH. While the song does have a moment or two that dip into some classic Melanie cringe there's also a lot I like here. The instrumental switch-up worked on me better than I'd even like to admit and from there I was mostly hooked on her catchy refrains, the distorted version of a fairy tale instrumental, and the confidence and swagger she delivers returning to her throne.
1. The Grants - Lana Del Rey
The third taste of Lana's upcoming 9th album doesn't exactly start out how you'd anticipate but it gets into form very quickly. It's a ballad that feels straight out of the second half of Norman Fucking Rockwell with gentle languid singing which climbs to a sweet emotional chorus all in service of some wonderful songwriting. On the track Lana explores her relationship and the legacy of some of her family and those who are close enough to feel like family. It's beautiful and yet another indication that we could be in for a treat with Ocean Blvd.
