motel void

HOW STRANGE IT IS – SLIME

Slime is the first single from How Strange It Is’ upcoming album THERE IS NO EVIL, due out October 20.

I absolutely love the energy of this Portland’s band. The production sounds fantastic, and I can only imagine how much harder this must hit live. Sonically, they move somewhere between indie rock and occasional shoegaze, and I especially love the moments when the song slows down and becomes more restrained – like around 2:35, when it suddenly opens up into a truly captivating section. And then there’s that glorious mess of a finale, which is equally fantastic.

RUNNING EMPTY X I TALK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME – WE DON’T BELONG

Running empty is an ambient/slowcore project by Matthew Messore (Cathedral Bells, Midi Memory). Rooted in cassette-recorded sketches, analog warmth, and minimal arrangements, the project drifts between melody and atmosphere, embracing imperfection and restraint. Emerging as Messore makes a new home in Los Angeles, running empty sounds like half-remembered songs, late-night drives, and the hum left behind when everything else goes quiet.

I had just been listening to Hovvdy’s new album before coming across this collaboration with i talk about you all the time, and it was a surprisingly perfect transition. You can really feel that incredible analog warmth here – the track is deeply atmospheric and beautifully restrained. It might not be the most immediately memorable song, but the atmosphere is everything, and it works incredibly well. This is the kind of music I could happily listen to for hours.

DAMMY – PLANE

Dammy are a band from New York, and Plane comes from their new EP Perfect Day. It’s a little emo, a little twee, with a bedroom-recording feel.

I really love the production here. It’s beautifully lo-fi, and the vocals are incredibly pleasant and warm. The slightly rough, unpolished sound gives the whole track a very distinctive character. It’s the kind of music that feels perfect for summer, while the melodies are catchy enough to stick with you long after the song ends. Definitely check out the entire EP!