motel void

This time, we’re keeping things simple and checking out three great tracks from the USA.

JONNY TEX – MUSTARD SEEDS

At the end of May, Jonny Tex released the EP Mark of Cain, and this title track is an absolute blast. I can hear traces of MJ Lenderman and Pedro the Lion in it, but there’s also a distinctive vocal style and a very memorable sound that feels entirely its own.

I haven’t had the chance to listen to the full EP yet, but that’s something I definitely need to fix soon. In the meantime, I’ve had Mustard Seeds on repeat. At just two and a half minutes long, it captures a mood that feels absolutely perfect for the beginning of summer!

CHARMS – I’M YOUR STAR

I don’t know much about charms beyond a short Spotify bio mentioning that they’re from Brooklyn. What I do know is that their recent single I’m Your Star suggests we’re dealing with a seriously talented band.

The song is stolen by the pair of beautifully complementary vocals, whose wistful, melancholic chemistry occasionally brings Mazzy Star to mind. At the same time, the warm, organic lo-fi production elevates the entire track and gives it a wonderfully intimate feel. Really great stuff. And honestly, I love the cover art almost as much as the song itself!

TAN UNIVERSE – HAUNTED

Tan Universe is a three-piece rock band from Asheville, North Carolina, describing their sound as “Surfedelic Garage-Punk.” What began as a solo project by singer-songwriter Daniel O’Grady quickly evolved into a collaborative effort and has remained that way ever since.

Haunted, taken from their recent EP Behind The Glass, carries the same hazy, nostalgic atmosphere suggested by the artwork. With shoegaze-inspired tracks, I sometimes feel that the song’s progression can be less interesting than its overall texture, but that’s definitely not the case here. The band does a great job of developing the track, and the various breaks, transitions, and shifts in dynamics keep things engaging throughout. The melody is both warm and catchy, making Haunted an easy song to get lost in. A fantastic track.