SONG OF THE DAY

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #24

Today's track is Abnormalize by Japanese indie rock band Ling Tosite Sigure from their 2013 album I’mperfect. Released as a single in 2012, the track was featured in the opening credits for the mature cyber-punk inspired Japanese animated psychological/crime thriller Psycho-Pass. The original Psycho-Pass is one of my favourite animes of all time, and the band has also provided other works for Psycho-Pass’s other shows and films such as 2014’s Enigmatic Feeling. I have adored this song since it first blew my mind as a teenager. It opened me up to how expressive and experimental production, writing, and music composition can truly be. It really was the beginning of the end for me, especially in terms of my foray into darker alt-rock fantasies. The alt-rock/post-hardcore/math-rock track (I don't even know anymore guys) is one of my favourite Japanese alt-rock songs, I also love Japanese math-rock/alt-rock groups Toe and Lite. If you really wanna go down the anime opener spiral however: if you didn't already know the FAMOUS Tokyo Ghoul OP Unravel was performed by Toru Kitajima or TK who is the lead vocalist and Guitarist of Ling Tosite Sigure. This further proves the point that this band's library is worth checking out and Japanese alt-rock, especially math-rock, is worth your time and effort. I'm not gonna even attempt to describe this track, just please give it a go and if it doesn't blow your mind I'll eat my fucking shoe.

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #26

ALL BECAUSE I LIKED A BOYYYYYYYYYYYY

Today's song is Because I Liked a Boy by Sabrina Carpenter from her 2022 album Emails I Can't Send. I have a massive crush on Carpenter and I am a little shy to say that I appreciated her Instagram before listening to her discography properly. I was blown away by how skilled of a lyricist she was and I do love the witty and sexy energy in her other tracks like Please Please Please or Nonsense, but Because I Loved a Boy had me singing the chorus on the first listen. Oh my gosh, this song is a sucker punch and makes me want to hug my younger self. It also makes me want to hug every woman in my life the same way the Girl So Confusing Remix with Lorde did to the internet a little while ago. I think it's a universal experience for every young woman - you will be hurt by someone you love, and you will hurt someone because of love. I think we become so invested in finding villains or victims when witnessing complicated romances that we forget that everyone involved is hurting regardless of who threw the first stone. That's my two cents anyway as someone who has been in Carpenter's seat like in the song's narrative and regretfully the one who caused harm while under the haze of jealousy or for the shallow reasoning of ‘being in the right’. The song brings me back to the toxicity and devastating heartbreak of my first love, but it also fills me with the uplifting comradery of sisterhood: while I was crying because I liked a boy, Carpenter and many other girls were as well, then we became stronger, and the women we are today despite it.

“I’m the hot topic on your tongue

I'm a rebound gettin’ ‘round stealin’ from the young

Tell me who I am, guess I don't have a choice

All because I liked a boy”

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #29

Today's song is Exit Girl by New Zealand artist Sophie Brown, known professionally as Ratbag. Released in 2023 and on her debut EP Why Aren’t You Laughing? the track is eclectic matching her chaotic energy. This song has quickly become one of my favourite tracks since first hearing it (thank you Discover Weekly). I love its manic and anxious energy during its chorus and its angsty vibe during its lows. Ratbag is also a visual artist experimenting in multiple formats from fashion to digital art to gritty sketches. Her surrealist characters and designs are featured in her music videos and promotional artwork, with the cover of her EP being her work as well. Her band of emotion-emulating monsters are a key part of the ‘world of Ratbag’, where music and visuals are combined to create a theatrical experience of her ideas made tangible. I'm super excited to see what Ratbag makes next, and I hope we are continuously invited to experience her enigmatic creations.

“Where is the exit girl?

Where is the exit girl?

Put down your drink and help me get

Home”

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #37

Today's song is ‘Everything’s Beautiful’ by Australian alternative Neo-Soul Jazz/Funk band ‘Hiatus Kaiyote’ from their 2024 album ‘Love Heart Cheat Code’. This four-piece from Melbourne is best described as a dynamic relief from the bland monotony of top forty radio hits, ‘Hiatus Kaiyote’ are an auditory delight. This song is an effervescent celebration of life and sound, with the band's leading lady Nai Palm stating that the song is “a testament to the importance of finding simple joy in your day… not the delusion that we live in a utopia... But rather about actively looking for the beauty, grace and joy in life,” (Clash, 2024). I was so lucky to see them live last weekend at the Fortitude Music Hall and it was a religious experience. To quote my dad while exhausted at the end of the night, with the biggest shit-eating grin on his face: “It was a mess, I can't describe it, they were great.”

“Didn't you notice?

Don't you know, love?

Don't you know everything's beautiful?”

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #32

Today’s song is Hip Hop track ‘Woman’ by ‘Little Simz’ featuring vocals by Cleo Soul from the 2021 album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’. ‘Little Simz’ or Simbiatu Ajikawo is a sensational British Hip Hop artist that is well known for her assured flow with smooth soul, R&B, and jazz-inspired tracks flavoured with orchestral elements in her production. ‘Woman’ is dripping with gentle luxury with its relaxed sound, stunning vocals in the chorus from Cleo Soul, and confident delivery of lyrics celebrating global women by Simz. ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ is a fantastically rich album with dynamic compositions and buttery examinations and reflections. My favourite track from the album is ‘I Love You, I Hate You’ due to this balance between confident restraint and cathartic release.

“I see you glow, you’re the finest gold

When you walk in the room, they feel your soul

Our style it shines, so ahead of time

And you know that you’re fire, you’re so damn fine, girl.”

SONG OF THE DAY POSTS

Hello guys, gals, and binary-defying pals! Welcome to my music blog!

I do have a playlist of the songs I've talked about here, it’s on Spotify and it’s called: ‘Song of the Day Project’.

Thanks for checking me out and I hope you hear something you like,

Bella <3