motel void

Three new single recommendations today — and this time we’re stopping in the USA three times: once in Oregon, once in California, and once in New York.

MIRRORBALL – DEVIL MIRROR

Mirrorball is a dream pop duo from Southern California, formed by singer-songwriter Alexandra Johnstone and composer Scott Watson, both long rooted in the LA music scene before joining forces. This is, I believe, my first encounter with Mirrorball, even though they’ve been active since 2019 – and I’m genuinely captivated!

You can clearly hear the influence of Beach House, but in a very pleasant, organic way. Devil Mirror has a truly beautiful atmosphere, and I have to especially praise the phenomenal vocal performance- from the tone itself to the melodies weaving delicately through the track. It’s a gorgeous song, perfect for the soundtrack of the soon-to-begin summer.

ALELA DIANE – DUSTY ROSES

I had the chance to see Portland singer-songwriter Alela Diane about ten, maybe fifteen years ago on a European tour supporting Fleet Foxes (I think??). I was still a teenager then, and it was a truly lovely concert. Her song The Rifle quickly became one of the finest folk songs I’d heard in this century.

Now Alela Diane returns on May 22 with her new album Who’s Keeping Time? via Fluff & Gravy / Loose Music.

Honestly, I hadn’t followed Alela Diane closely for several years. Yet Dusty Roses feels like reconnecting with an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time – everything is just as it should be, just as it used to be. You pick up right where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. That same comforting familiarity defines this new song. Musically, it’s a beautiful, emotional, and pleasantly raw track that once again highlights the strength of her songwriting. I’m really looking forward to the full album!

OVERNIGHT PARKING – MERCY MIGHT MARTYR ME

Overnight Parking is a five-piece arty emo band from Long Island, New York, blending elements of post-hardcore and noise rock. The first thing that caught my attention was the slightly muddy, lo-fi production, reminiscent of ’90s Modest Mouse records.

I must say that the production is one of the single’s greatest strengths – it feels raw and alive, as if you suddenly found yourself at a house show where Overnight Parking are tearing it up. I also really like the cover artwork, which fits perfectly, especially with the noisier passages of the song.