Artist: Faster Than Light Single: Props Genre: Psychedelic, Math Rock, Art Rock Release Date: March 22nd, 2024
“[Prop] is… a song about groove, the groove takes you on a journey. Go with it and see where it takes you, hopefully expectations are subverted,” says Faster Than Light.
Drums hit from deep in the pocket and creative bass lines lock in with the drums like old friends while funky guitars and electric pianos decorate with harmony in the high end. Time moves a little different while listening to the song. The groove is just sloppy enough to have some personality but still tight enough to keep your head bobbing. Faster Than Light delivers on that promise, this is a song about groove.
Just as you settle into the infectious rhythm, “Prop” ventures into unexpected territory with shifts in time signatures and playful interruptions to the melody. However, these deviations never detract from the groove; instead, they inject the song with newfound energy and style. An ethereal guitar solo leads the listener into a mysterious and ambient realm before seamlessly returning to the familiar groove, albeit with subtle chord variations. As the singer croons, “Fine, have it your way,” the track effortlessly merges back into its funky essence.
What sets “Prop” apart is its unique and creative approach. It defies categorization and offers a refreshing sonic experience unlike anything else. The sprawling outro, dominated by massive guitars and repetitive lines, adds a grand finale to the journey. As the singer repeats, “You’ve given up the fight,” the song reaches its climax with a burst of newfound resolve, underscored by a final chord progression.
Clocking in at around 8 minutes, “Prop” is not a hurried sprint but rather a deliberate exploration of groove and storytelling. Its dynamic arrangement takes listeners on a captivating journey, traversing various emotional landscapes without ever losing their attention. In essence, “Prop” is a masterfully crafted composition that showcases Faster Than Light’s skillful musicianship and their ability to captivate audiences with their sonic wizardry.
From its introspective lyrics to its infectious groove, “Prop” stands as a testament to the band’s artistic vision and prowess. It’s not just a song; it’s an immersive experience—a meditation on groove and the complexities of human relationships.
—
Check them out on socials:
https://fasterthanlightmusic.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hJCsucO3TEYmbEQmjvzWt?si=Gt0xKT1zSCK4QtohCW8-Rw
https://fasterthanlight.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@fasterthanlightmusic
—
“Prop” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New Music
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
Reviews
Kylie Rothfield’s “The Barrel” is a gentle gut-punch of a song—a slow-burner that takes its time to cut through the noise and land somewhere deep. It’s indie pop with a soul, borrowing from R&B’s emotional playbook and infusing it with something both timeless and incredibly of-the-moment. Co-written with a team that has their fingerprints on everything from Chapell Roan to Kelly Clarkson, the song is an exploration of exhaustion—the kind that comes from being stuck in the same cycles, in life, in love, in feeling like you’ve settled for less than you deserve.
KARMA’s “SIS (She’s Something)” isn’t the type of track we typically review, but its engaging musicality and unapologetic message make it impossible to ignore. This Memphis-based trio delivers a fresh, club-ready anthem that celebrates the unselfish roles women play in everyday life, with a mix of sass, soul, and swagger. It’s a song designed to uplift, and it does so with infectious energy and smooth production.
Andi Fins’ “You Need A Friend” is a warm, introspective hug in musical form—a celebration of companionship that feels refreshingly sincere without tipping into saccharine territory. Set against a backdrop of shimmering DX7 chords and playful guitar lines, the song channels a relaxed, almost effortless vibe that invites listeners into a world of quiet nights, cozy conversations, and the simple joy of shared moments.
“Mile Wide” by Trickshooter Social Club taps into the restless, rebellious spirit of Americana, delivering a track that celebrates breaking free from self-imposed constraints. It’s a song about blowing open the cages we build for ourselves and embracing the chaos that comes with defying expectations. The band, rooted in Chicago’s rich tradition of roots-rock, layers this message over a foundation of stomping rhythms and unapologetically gritty guitar work, inviting listeners to escape alongside them.
BOYFRN’s single “GoGo,” released on July 26, 2024, brings a dynamic fusion of emotional depth and rhythmic drive. Produced by Bobby Love, Young Clancy, and Dave Plowman, and supported by Jahmal Padmore’s drumming, “GoGo” navigates the stages of grief through an explosive, rhythmic canvas. The track’s themes of anger and resilience resonate as BOYFRN delivers a raw, poetic reflection on pushing through hardship.
Grace McLean’s “My Lovely Enemy” is an eerie, entrancing track that defies easy classification. It weaves together a mix of avant-garde pop, blending synths, strings, funky bass lines, and even New Orleans-style horns. The result is a song that constantly shifts and evolves, offering a fresh piece of ear candy every few seconds as it moves between sparse moments and full orchestral swells. This unpredictable soundscape keeps listeners on edge, never settling into one mood or feeling for too long.
Maggie Rogers has treated fans to her first new material since the release of her album Don’t Forget Me earlier this year. The single, titled “In The Living Room,” is a nostalgic nod packed with 90s-inspired guitars and LeAnn Rimes-esque vocal hooks. Co-written and co-produced with Ian Fitchuk, the track was born out of a March 2023 studio session, just a few months after finishing her latest album.
Seattle-based artist Annie J’s latest single, “Gotta Give It Up,” from her upcoming EP “Been Loving You,” is a disco-infused gem that blends funky rhythms with modern pop sensibility. Bursting with energy, this track is designed to make you move, with a groove that’s infectious from the first note.
“A Letter From A Friend” feels like an intimate conversation, woven with a warmth that only comes from experience. Across the album, Beck shares his personal reflections, offering a glimpse into nearly a decade of his life. The album isn’t overly dramatic; instead, it’s grounded in the quiet moments of everyday existence. The acoustic-driven sound, organic and unpretentious, creates an atmosphere where each song feels like a slow, deliberate exchange of thoughts—familiar, yet meaningful.
News
Here’s what we know so far about Tyler, the Creator’s upcoming album Chromakopia
Taylor Swift has officially become the world’s richest female musician, surpassing Rihanna after the extraordinary success of her Eras Tour, according to Forbes. With a net worth now estimated at $1.6 billion, Swift has firmly secured her place at the top of the music industry’s financial ladder.
In a recent article titled The Musician’s Census 2024: “It’s Becoming Harder To Be An Independent Artist”, Mark Knight of Right Chord Music, in collaboration with Musosoup, reveals the difficulties faced by independent musicians. The survey, which gathered insights from 300 artists across 64 countries, highlights concerns around payment, visibility, and the evolving landscape of the music industry.
Seattle’s music scene is no stranger to innovation, and Waltzerr is adding its own distinct voice to the mix. With their recent EP, the band isn’t just following indie rock traditions—they’re reshaping them. In this interview, we explore how they’ve crafted their sound, the intricacies of their recording process, and how Seattle’s vibrant music landscape shapes their work.
Mk.Gee’s ongoing tour has taken a unique turn, with his song “DNM” becoming an unexpected centerpiece of his shows. Fans across multiple cities have noticed a trend—Mk.Gee is playing “DNM” not just once or twice, but sometimes five, six, or even more times per performance! On Reddit, users from Nashville, Dallas, and other cities have shared their excitement, with some even saying Mk.Gee played the track 9 or 10 times in a single night. One fan from Nashville commented, “I swear I think he played it like 5 times,” while another from DC mentioned, “5 times in DC last night :)”.
In an emotional farewell to a Seattle institution, The Trading Musician, a beloved music store in the University District, closed its doors after 33 years, marking a significant loss for the local music community.
Natalie Clark’s “Nothing Left to Lose” marks a return to her acoustic roots, yet it never feels small. Instead, it’s a track that swells with emotion and urgency, capturing the very essence of confronting fear and anxiety. Co-produced with Todd Spadafore, the song strips back the production layers that defined her recent work, letting Clark’s agile vocals take center stage. And it’s in that vocal delivery—raw, vulnerable, yet undeniably powerful—that the song finds its true heart.
Read More →