January is treating us to a bunch of new music so far.
This week gave us a couple new songs from two very different artists. That’s essentially why I wanted to write about them together. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and The 1975 are such good examples of artists who have managed to maintain the same flavor throughout every single one of their releases. And yet, I still wouldn’t argue that all their music sounds the same. That is something that links these two artists– when their songs come on in the car, you never mistake them for someone else.
The 1975: “Me & You Together Song”
The 1975 slingshots you back to the years when Tumblr flourished. Their popular, mainstream rock sound captures the essence of a fog machine in a room full of string lights (that might not resonate with everyone, but it makes total sense to me). This holds true throughout the years and into their new single, “Me & You Together Song” (released on January 16) which is no exception to their sonic pattern. If you were looking for or expecting something different from The 1975, this latest release is certainly not that. It truly does sound like one of their classics, and I think there is something to be said for such consistency. Check it out if you’re in the mood to kick back and chill for about three minutes of some calming, breathy 1975.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong: “High as Five”
Listening to Pigeons Playing Ping Pong always feels, to me, like being inside an arcade in slow motion — iridescent lights washing over the patterned carpet and people jumping in celebration. Except, I guess, instead of people jumping it would probably be ping pong balls flying around the room. This essence indicative of the trademark Pigeons Playing Ping Pong sound jumps out in their new single, “High as Five” (released on January 17), giving us funky goodness for a full five minutes and fifty two seconds. The short and sweet instrumental intro sets it apart from some of their other jams (“Kiwi” I’m talking about you). That aside, this latest release is yet another song upholding the up-beat funky magic that this band never ceases to serve us.
