Songs To Brush Your Teeth To (2nd February)
So as I head back to work this week I’m reveling in the return to a proper morning routine. Don’t get me wrong, I’d thrive as a thirty-something retiree, but I really do enjoy a more regular morning music routine. It all got a bit fast and loose over the holidays and while I was still listening while I brushed my teeth, sometimes that was at 11am after a lazy morning and three albums worth of music. I’m not sure if that makes me more or less discerning at that point, but there’s something about fresh music with fresh ears that I enjoy. I also went out and bought a really nice toothbrush this week, I’m not sure what that’s saying, but it’s definitely saying something…
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Mia Wray – When We Were Young
Sometimes I really get in my own head about the artists I recommend on this list, like I either actively avoid my favourites because I think you’re sick of me going on about them, or I just kind of forget about them because I listen to them so much. Mia Wray definitely falls into this second category. I love her new single When We Were Young, I knew it came out this week, but putting those things together to get to the conclusion that it might be a Song To Brush Your Teeth To took an embarrassingly long time.
It’s her first new release since debut album hi, it’s nice to meet me last year. When We Were Young reflects on the story of changing friends and friendships, and I guess, someone knowing the ‘real you’. I love how confident it is, and even though the track has a sad nostalgia about it, there’s a lightness in there too. Like she’s taken a step away and is more of an observer of the song than as deeply centered as she was on the album. It’s nice to see her exploring with songwriting in this way and it’s a fab follow up to an incredibly excellent debut album.
Find out more about Mia Wray here.
Asha Ryder West – She’s No Angel
Asha Ryder West’s electro/alt pop track She’s No Angel is a bass-led hypnotic track. I love the way the track experiments with a wide variety of elements, and twists the idea of a traditional pop song, pulling in loops and industrialised elements to create something that’s not quite a dance song but is sitting somewhere in the in-between.
Thematically, West explains that: “She’s No Angel” is about the challenge of overcoming your Shadow Self in order to embody and become the Highest version of you. I was inspired by the darker parts of myself. Sometimes it feels like there is a fight between different versions of you. There is a higher, confident, and more loving version of you inside, but also a darker version that you almost feel at war with. I believe our purpose is to try to align and connect with this higher self, that’s always a part of us, but can be buried by our shadow; our limiting beliefs, our fears and insecurities”.
Find out more about Asha Ryder West here.
Oreaganomics – Work Not Heart
I added this one to the list before I saw Ocean Alley, although both bands definitely have a similar vibe I’ve now realised. Oreaganomics also swing to a funky, soul and jazz inspired sound. Oreaganomics are known for their anonymous nature, and complete detachment from the social media norms (actually, they’re so anonymous it’s taken some convincing me that they’re not AI).
Work not Heart is the recent single and in my opinion, catchiest number from their latest album Locked Out on Valentines Day. I was drawn to how different it is from everything else I’ve been hearing lately, and honestly, the vocals are flawless. Oreaganomics reveal a little more on the theme sharing: “It’s about somebody who does well at work but cannot get somebody to love them. It is a constant theme through the album, and it houses this song.”
It’s almost impossible to find out anything about them but here’s their Soundcloud.
Real Farmer – Run by Animals
Another Suzie Scribbles favourite, Real Farmer are also on this week’s list. Run By Animals has that signature driving drums and rhythm Real Farmer are known for, but to my ears, it felt a little softer than previous releases. It may be bassist Marrit Meinema taking on all vocal duties this time around that gives the track a more ethereal vibe, although I definitely felt elements of more of a shoegaze style in the song’s construct, with the guitars feeling more skeletal and stripped back.
Of the track’s lyrics, Real Farmer‘s Marrit Meinema says: “Run By Animals is about society not listening to victims of violence, oppression, femicide. Comfort is only afforded to those who are distanced far from these things, who keep themselves distanced. It’s hard to get people to listen, because it involves unlearning many wrong ‘truths’ that are deeply ingrained in the western world.”
An added bonus on this one is that it was mastered by Melbourne’s own Mikey Young (Amyl and the Sniffers, Preoccupations, The Chats).
Find out more about Real Farmer here.
FRIDAY* – skins
This one took me a few listens to get into, as you don’t hear the full benefit of the high octane skittering synth-drums mix until it contrasts with the smooth vocals (which don’t kick in until 30 seconds through the song). But I promise, it’s worth sticking with and relistening to and you’ll appreciate the chaotic energy FRIDAY* is trying to share on skins by the time you hit the second or third listen. His first release since his debut EP, skins mashes together electro and indie elements in an inventive way to try and sonically embody a dopamine rush.
Find out more about Friday here.
All our Songs To Brush Your Teeth to can be found on our playlist for new music:
Apple Music and Spotify versions of the playlist here.
Let us know in the comments which track is your fave!