Staff Pix 2/28
The Milk Crate staff’s favorite tracks of the week, presented with blurbs worthy of a promotional sticker on a jewelcase. Tune in Mondays from 7-9 EST to the Staff Pix radio show.
Lily Hartenstein
Missing Out- Syd
Her first solo release since 2017, Syd is in full-force on her self-described “anti-Valentine’s Day ode”, singing her classic fuckboy-esque lyrics with her gentle, euphonious voice. “She’s fasho single”, my friend texted me as soon as it dropped, proved wrong the next day as Syd posed with her girlfriend for Valentine’s day. It’s not the first time her art misaligned with her public persona: about a year ago, she said she was done with singing entirely. She certainly has many projects to fill her time: producing, filmmaking, collaborating on a fashion line, and fixing up old cars in the pandemic. No matter what she touches, there is a raw beauty in her work, but the vulnerability of her solo music is something I’m glad we will continue to get more of. Her music thrives within the tension between steeled independence and soft emotionality, an honest reflection of how Syd navigates this world.
Sarah Fournell
Just a Lover- Hayley Williams
The closing track on her sophomore album, Flowers for Vases/descansos, “Just a Lover” perfectly sums up the energy of Hayley Williams’ new sound. It starts off with a muted piano melody, and slowly crescendos into an energetic release of emotions. Though the rest of the album is relatively somber in tone, she uses this song to break back into her old pop-punk sound.
Nia tucker
80/20- Chloe x Halle
In their “Chrome Edition” of their GRAMMY-nominated album Ungodly Hour, Chloe and Halle take on a dark track suitable for their underwritten theme of women using their power, desirability and wit to cast spells on men. It’s reminiscent of Aaliyah (note: pronounced AH-lee-yah) in her prime in the slick nature that they sing-rap over the beat heavy with looming basslines and futuristic percussion. The song reads in acts with the third act being the most interesting. Halle starts off close to the 2 minute mark in a gravelly, eerily beautiful tone singing “I’m a good girl but you make me bad” and it repeats into this reinvented reprise of the chorus with the vocals isolated until it all flourishes back with the sisters’ iconic melodic, siren-esque harmonies.
Natalia Szczepanski
Play Cool - Future Teens
Coming off their last LP, Breakup Season (2019), Future Teens’ latest single “Play Cool” is a continuation of their uniquely catchy brand of bummer pop. The song’s opening, with lone vocals from Daniel Radin, is marked with a simplistic down strum: a change from their other work which usually features complex guitar patterns. But soon this gives way to a chorus that has an all too familiar indie-pop sound—something the quartet is especially known for. No doubt that this dreamy chorus is carried by fellow vocalist/guitarist Amy Hoffman and their unique combination of jazz-inspired chord progressions. The drums and bass in this song, while subtler compared to the previously released single “Guest Room,” do well to uplift the vocals and form a steady foundation. “Play Cool” is just the song to put on in the background during a good cry or sway to while acting out severely missed basement shows. And just to be safe, grab a box of tissues before you become obsessed with this Boston band.
Kyle Woolery
Clouds - Slayyyter
“Clouds,” the latest offering from rising popstar and queen of the internet Slayyyter’s forthcoming debut album, Troubled Paradise, is a slice of ethereal, club-ready dance-pop and a solid entry into the ever-growing “crying on the dance floor” canon. Thematically, “Clouds” is an anomaly in Slayyyter’s discography, featuring deceptively darker and more personal lyrics than what has come to be expected from the singer known for fun, glittery pop tracks like “BFF” and “Mine.” The song finds Slayyyter grappling with her intrusive, self-deprecating thoughts that prevent her from fully relishing in her newfound success as a musician. ; think “Lucky” by Britney Spears with a modern, more danceable edge.“I’m unhappier than I’ve ever been,” she sings, contradicting the common belief that money, fame, and success equates to happiness. She continues, “I never thought I’d know what it’s like to win.” This song is a glimpse behind the curtain; we are seeing Slayyyter not as the confident popstar but as Catherine Slater, an ordinary girl from Missouri who struck it big simply by doing what she loves most: singing.
Annie Wojnarowski
bundle of hyacinths (feat. Samia) - Field Medic
Coming off of his 2020 album release, “Floral Prince”, Field Medic’s newest single release is a re-recording of track 4 from the critically acclaimed LP. With heavenly melodies from Samia, the 24 year old indie newcomer,, the harmonies between the two creates new life for an already swoon worthy love song. Carefully placed piano keys sneak up on you as the simple yet effective lyrics are picked up by waves of louder piano chords, strings, until it crescendos with calming vocal echoes that repeat the title with assurance and reprieve.