Monthly Mix: February 2016

The 1975 wake from their Sleep

     The music world has been off to a fast start so far this year. The trend continues into February with a blizzard-sized heap of fresh new tunes.

     British alt-rockers The 1975 are generating some noise with their latest album i like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it [February 26, via Dirty Hit]. The quirky title is fitting for the record, which bops around in different directions such as pop, funk, and even chillwave. They somehow manage to pull off all those sounds and the result is a surprisingly good listen. On the single "The Sound", frontman Matt Healy summons the help of a gospel-like choir to take part in the singing duties. Look for them as their tour rolls through the UK and the United States, and includes a big slot at Coachella.

     As the last remaining snow banks begin to melt away, it's refreshing to know that the iPod is reloaded and spring is just around the corner.

February 2016 Playlist

1.  Joywave  -  "Destruction"

2.  The Strumbellas  -  "Spirits"

3.  The 1975  -  "The Sound"

4.  The Struts  -  "Kiss This"

5.  The Lumineers  -  "Ophelia"

6.  Animal Collective  -  "Golden Gal"

7.  Yuck  -  "Hold Me Closer"

8.  The Record Company  -  "Off The Ground"

9.  Bear Hands  -  "2AM"

10.  Problems  -  "Pretending"

11.  Frightened Rabbit  -  "Death Dream"

12.  The Arcs  -  "Fools Gold"

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

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Joywave - "Destruction"
The Strumbellas - "Spirits"
The 1975 - "The Sound"
The Struts - "Kiss This"
The Lumineers - "Ophelia"
Animal Collective - "Golden Gal"
Yuck - "Hold Me Closer"
The Record Company - "Off The Ground"
Bear Hands - "2AM"
Problems - "Pretending"
Frightened Rabbit - "Death Dream"
The Arcs - "Fools Gold"

Monthly Mix: June 2015

Muse launches Drones

   
     The summer is officially here, and thankfully for us, a boat-load of fresh new music came down the pipeline just in time for the backyard barbecues.
     English mega-rockers Muse are back in the fold with their latest offering Drones [June 5, via Warner Bros.]. Frontman Matt Bellamy explains the new album as "more politically charged" and "has less synths and computers" than their previous three albums. This can be heard on the loud rocker "Mercy" which features the band's vintage heavy bass and Bellamy's operatic singing style. Check them out as their tour treks through Europe, Japan, and South America.
     It's good to know there is a fresh batch of tunes to refill the mp3 players on these warm summer nights. Whether mowing the lawn, or lounging by the pool, the June Playlist provides the perfect soundtrack.


June 2015 Playlist

1.  COIN  -  "Run"

2.  The Arcs  -  "Stay In Your Corner"

3.  Muse  -  "Mercy"

4.  Phases  -  "I'm In Love With My Life"

5.  The Moth & The Flame  -  "Young & Unafraid"

6.  Beck  -  "Dreams"

7.  Metric  -  "The Shade"

8.  Circa Waves  -  "T-Shirt Weather"

9.  Neon Indian  -  "Annie"

10.  The Struts  -  "Could Have Been Me"

11.  Jamie xx  -  "Loud Places" ft. Romy

12.  Major Lazer  -  "Lean On" ft. DJ Snake and M0

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

Visit iTunes if interested in purchasing any songs featured in Orbit Sound!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7