Faronheit | A Chicago Centric Music Blog

Hope your Memorial Day was great! Happy to be back in action with another slice of Pick Your Poison for your ears. It’s tempting to compare Freedom Fry to bands like The Lumineers or Of Monsters and Men, but this duo has an alt-folk style all their own, and there’s certainly enough room for it in today’s music landscape. Their latest single “Die Tryin'” is one of their catchiest to date, so give it a shot if you’re so inclined. jade Bird has been making a name for herself so far in 2018, as her single “The Lottery” has been getting plenty of radio airplay as it climbs up the charts. She’s following it up with the sparse acoustic ballad “Furious”, which may not sound like a big hit, but the focus on her vocals and lyrics is powerful and beautiful. Reminds me a bit of Neko Case. Soulful singer Nikki Jean has been making great music for the last decade, much of it in collaboration with Lupe Fiasco. She’s got her own solo thing too, which is more a collection of singles into EPs released a few years back. Thankfully she signed with Rhymesayers Entertainment at the end of last year, with an eye on a new album for 2018. Enjoy “Mr Clean”, which naturally features a guest appearance from…you guessed it, Lupe Fiasco. Sail past the jump if you’re interested in hearing other new songs from great artists like 3LAU + ZAXX (ft. Olivera), Balako, Fabian Mazur & Party Thieves, Jamison Isaak, LH4L (ft. KG Man), Loote (ft. Joe Jonas), Masayoshi Fujita, MUTO (ft. Oliver Dibley), and Plage 84 (ft. Femi Jaye).

Freedom Fry – Die Tryin’

Jade Bird – Furious

Nikki Jean – Mr Clean (ft. Lupe Fiasco)

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What’s amazing to me is that there are two entirely different artists making music under the name Belly these days. The “original” Belly, as I like to call them, is an alt-rock band that was started in the early ’90s by Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses. They had a hit song “Feed the Tree” in 1993 that earned them fame and popularity. They subsequently broke up in 1996. Nearly 10 years later, Canadian (Drake-esque) rapper Belly arrived on the scene, and managed to gain popularity through a couple of mixtapes. He signed to Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation in 2015, and his star continues to rise. One year after that, Belly the band reunited, and earlier this month released their first album since 1995. Are you confused yet? Because I am. Typically in situations like these, one of the artists would be forced to change their name. I guess it’s less of an issue because they sound so different. Still, it makes Pick Your Poison a little challenging when you feature both of them (thankfully never at the same time). Today’s Belly track features The Weeknd, so you can hopefully guess which artist is responsible (hint: not the band). Belly aside, other highlights include a new stunner from James Blake, as well as Lucy Mason’s rather straightforward yet beautiful piano cover of Radiohead’s “High & Dry”. Move on past the jump for more songs from Bluestaeb, Campdogzz, Ella Grace, Farao, G-Eazy (ft. Global Dan), Omar Apollo, PENPALS, viben, and ViVii.

Belly – What You Want (ft. The Weeknd)

James Blake – Don’t Miss It

Lucy Mason – High and Dry (Radiohead cover)

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Today’s Pick Your Poison is overflowing with exceptional songs, which is always a good problem to have. In terms of new artists to discover, Pllush is certainly high on that list, and this track “Big Train” explodes out of the gate while managing to contain some strong advice about loving yourself. We just got a surprise new album from stoner rock legends Sleep last month, but it seems like they held back one epic, 16+ minute track to include as part of Adult Swim’s Singles series. Smoke up and take it all in. Speaking of Adult Swim Singles, there’s also something brand new from Tim Hecker as part of that series. It’s the first thing we’ve heard from him in two years, and the ambient instrumental piles on horns and organs in some sort of wizardly sound collage. Get on it. Keep going past the jump for more music from the likes of A Boogie wit da Hoodie (ft. Davido), Cam Maclean, Coleman Hell, The Cool Kids (ft. Boldy James), Femdot, Highasakite, Kailee Morgue (ft. Whethan), Michael Christmas, and Walton (ft. Riko Dan).

Pllush – Big Train

Sleep – Leagues Beneath

Tim Hecker – Rose Light

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In my opinion, Aesop Rock is one of the more underrated rappers in music today. He’s had a similar career trajectory to El-P, only without an explosive team-up like Run the Jewels to boost his profile. Give his new single “Klutz” a shot and show him some love. Jenn Champion, who has previously made music with Carissa’s Wierd as well as under the names of Jenn Ghetto and S, has a new solo album coming out in mid-July. The synth-infused pulse of “Time to Regulate” is a great preview of what to expect. And because there’s a little something for everybody in Pick Your Poison, let the heavy waves of guitar wash over you with Ovlov’s latest “Spright”. Plenty more great music to absorb beyond the jump, including songs from American Authors, Deanna Devore, Emilie Levienaaise-Farrouch, Jessie Reyez, Protoje (ft. Chronixx), QUIX & Matroda, Summer Walker, Tiesto & Dzeko (ft. Preme and Post Malone), and Yem Gel.

Aesop Rock – Klutz

Jenn Champion – Time to Regulate

Ovlov – Spright

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There’s a little something for everybody in today’s Pick Your Poison, but if you’re a fan of female voices you may want to pay particular attention. Case in point, the three songs right at the very top being highlighted in this set. If you’re not familiar with gobbinjr, their off-kilter take on indie pop is a delight you’ll want to explore deeper. If the singer-songwriter style is more your speed, Juliana Daugherty’s latest places her truly powerful voice and lyrics front and center in the best way. Then there’s a new one from icy cool synth pop duo SALES, whose melodies will slink into your brain without you noticing, and stick around far longer than you would otherwise imagine. Climb over the jump, and you’ll also discover tracks from Aisha Burns, An Horse, Aurora Shields, Batu, Big Shaq, New Chance, Penny Mob, Taleen Kali, and VHS Collection.

gobbinjr – november 163

Juliana Daugherty – Baby Teeth

SALES – White Jeans

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An offshoot of local Chicago heroes NE-HI, Earring crafts post-punk that sparkles and shimmers underneath squalls of noise. Their new single “Flower Every” hits pretty hard, and is absolutely worth a listen. Then there’s the Australian sensation G Flip, who’s poised to break out in a big way this year. “Killing My Time” is her second single, and it’s so crazy good and addictive, helping to prove the first thing we heard from her wasn’t simply a fluke. We’re also being treated to something new from Kllo, though it’s a bit more downtempo and somber than normal for them. Still, the song has plenty of potential, and is pretty gorgeous to boot. Traverse the jump, and you’ll find even more tracks from the likes of Cautious Clay, Josh Pan & X&G, Liminal Drifter, Miss Red, Plage 84 (ft. Khadijah Lopez), Resina, Sons of An Illustrious Father, Sophie Meiers, and Them Are Us Too.

Earring – Flower Every

G Flip – Killing My Time

Kllo – Potential

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Cut Copy’s Ben Browning takes the lead in today’s Pick Your Poison, bringing plenty of sunshine to a funky, disco-infused new song. Taking a darker, yet still magical tone with their synth-rock, Foreign Air’s latest is certainly lively enough to motivate you through another tough Monday. Then keeping with the generally sunnier theme, the latest pop gem from TALA is a gentle reminder to try and stay upbeat when facing tough situations. Other artists you can discover in this collection after the jump include fresh ones from Cajsa Siik, Cuban Doll (ft. Lil Yachty & Lil Baby), DJ Healer, FOXTROTT, MAUII, Max Styler (ft. Ella Boh), Menachem 26, STANAJ (ft. Ty Dolla $ign), and more!

Ben Browning – Sunshine Baby

Foreign Air – Loud Magic

TALA – Stay Here In The Sun (ft. Naughty Boy)

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Sometimes you just need a great instrumental ambient electronica track in your life, and today feels like one of those days. Arp has you covered, with the first track from their upcoming record ZEBRA, which will be out in late June. One of my favorite albums so far this year arrived courtesy of the punk band Camp Cope, as How to Socialise & Make Friends ripped through a collection of songs aimed at dismantling the patriarchy. Now Camp Cope have guested on fellow Aussie Dan Sultan’s new collaboration-packed EP, and the results are nothing short of…killer. You can also dig into another beautiful and moving folk song from Rosie Carney. Keep it going past the jump and indulge in more songs from Basement Revolver, Blackaby, Bone Nest, La Force, Chicago’s own Ric Wilson (ft. Kweku Collins, Nick Kosma & Rane Raps), Sara Diamond, Super8 & Tab (ft. Hero Baldwin), Westerman, and The Yada Yada Yadas.

Arp – Fluorescences

Dan Sultan – Killer (ft. Camp Cope)

Rosie Carney – Bare

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A new solo tune from Big Thief’s Buck Meek kicks off today’s edition of Pick Your Poison. His self-titled debut album comes out in 10 days, and you can hear the opening track below. It’s about auto mechanics and the bond between men and machines. Despite calling the track “Bad Decisions”, it would be a good decision for you to check out the latest single from Chromeo. You can also get another taste of the upcoming album from Chicago’s own Deeper, who have really been making some waves both locally and internationally these last couple months. Stroll beyond the jump for more music from artists including Dear Nora, East & Atlas, The Hunna, Jack Larsen, Paris Youth Foundation, Thyla, Value Void, and more!

Buck Meek – Joe By the Book

Chromeo – Bad Decision

Deeper – Feels

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In preparation for the upcoming Cinco de Derby (Cinco de Mayo x Kentucky Derby) weekend, here’s another strong collection of tracks that’ll hopefully inspire and ignite your celebrations. Get psychedelic with another taste of Black Moth Super Rainbow’s upcoming album. Pisces is the solo project of Happy Hollows’ Sarah Negahdari, and her new song “Heavy the Weight” was inspired by her recent appearance as a contestant on The Price Is Right. The Adult Swim Singles series is the gift that keeps on giving, which is why you can enjoy something fresh from Thundercat today. Stay in the saddle after the jump for more music from notables such as Big Ups, Eliza Shaddad, Erin Rae, Freedom Fry, Marc E. Bassy, Oddnesse, Set Mo, Valley Queen, and Vilde.

Black Moth Super Rainbow – Bottomless Face

Pisces – Heavy the Weight

Thundercat – Final Fight

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If you’re not already familiar with Cuco, now is a good time to start, because he’s quickly on the way to becoming an underground superstar. Realistically speaking, he probably already is. You can hear his latest single below, with special guest J-Kwe$t. We’re getting another preview of the final Frog Eyes album today as well, with the dynamic “Your Boss’s Shirt”. And Now, Now return with another song off their first album in six years. Proceed past the jump for more music from such talents like DENA (ft. Eyedress & Rhxanders), Elke, The fin., Helix, Leon Vynehall, Oliver Hazard, Reese LAFLARE (ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Vory), Wild Pink, and WILLIAM.

Cuco – Lucy (ft. J-Kwe$t)

Frog Eyes – Your Boss’s Shirt

Now, Now – MJ

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The new illuminati hotties record is out in a couple weeks, and if you’re not already aware of this up-and-coming band, now’s as good of a time as any to familiarize yourself with their particular brand of indie rock. Same goes for Peach Kelli Pop, who have been around for awhile and make delightfully lo-fi garage rock that sticks in your head for days. Part of me believes that River Whyless are about to become the next Lumineers or Dawes, so if you’re a fan of well-crafted folk with strong vocal harmonies, definitely give their latest song a spin. After the jump, you’ll find more tracks from artists, including Gladius James (ft. Wiz Khalifa), Gui Boratto, Juliana Daugherty, Kagoule, Katie Von Schleicher, Pile, San Mei, Welshly Arms, and White China.

illuminati hotties – Patience

Peach Kelli Pop – Black Cat 13

River Whyless – Motel 6

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Something new from Chvches kicks off today’s edition of Pick Your Poison, and honestly it’s just a small part of some of the greatness contained within. The latest from Jon Hopkins is an electronica delight, and enough to ignite dance floors around the world. Those that enjoy folk and folk-adjacent music might discover something wonderful from Sam Evian below as well. Cruise past the jump for more songs from artists like Aisha Burns, ANNA, Buck Meek (of Big Thief), Coleman Hell, Gabriella Cohen, gobbinjr, Jennifer Castle, Michael Christmas, and QUIX.

Chvrches – Miracle

Jon Hopkins – Everything Connected (Edit)

Sam Evian – IDGAF

Aisha Burns – We Were Worn

ANNA – Razor

Buck Meek – Maybe

Coleman Hell – Killer

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