Deep Cuts. An idea spurred by those countless playlist drifters, jumping from single to single, without investigating albums further. Here you'll find the five best 2021 songs discovered by Dozens Of Donuts in the previous month, not given exposure via the duty of lead single. The only condition I've imposed upon myself is that no artist can have more than one song.
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Though preference lies on 'Styrofoam,' I've talked enough about its enigmatic nature. Besides, there's a litany of incredible deep cuts on Volcanic Bird Enemy to discuss. Enough to fill this list if I hadn't imposed an arbitrary, one song per artist limitation. 'Benadryl Submarine' doesn't exactly reach the heights of 'Headboard' or 'Porcelain Slightly,' but the weighty tone, loopy drug-trance vibe, and tastefully placed New Romantic synthesizers make for a profound experience that's both gritty and surreal. Like those immaculate singles, Lil Ugly Mane sprinkles evocative lyrics into the hook of 'Benadryl Submarine;' "run away like I'm 17" he says, conflicted over a relationship that's led to narcotic overdoses. Like much of Volcanic Bird Enemy, the astonishment comes through its simplicity.
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There's an eternal quality to Blu & Exile's pairing. The latter's scattered Soul samples, offsetting bouts of whimsy with crestfallen recollections, brings out the best of Blu's earnest, sentimental lyrics. On 'Mr. Blu(e)' the pair display this symbiosis, as Exile samples The Fleetwoods' somber Doo-Wop 'Mr. Blue,' while Blu runs laps around concepts of race, equality, and upbringing. It's honest-to-goodness Boom Bap, tore straight from the pages of their unforgettable classic Below The Heavens. The opening line of each verse repeats itself, much like Kendrick Lamar's 'Blacker The Berry,' though the tone is more gentle and sanguine. It's Blu's way, seeing the perils of humanity through the goodness of their heart.
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Sufjan Stevens - Lady Macbeth In Chains
A Beginner's Mind | Indie Folk
There's an understated gentility to 'Lady Macbeth In Chains.' Well, to the whole of A Beginner's Mind if we're being honest. It's what makes this pairing so wholesome, Stevens and De Augustine, nature-bound Folk purists escaping to a cabin in upstate New York, watching films as quarantine passes by. The airy space, nonchalant patience, hugging warmth. Though the verses malinger too long, 'Lady Macbeth's' swooning chorus is always within sight. A rising storm, muted by mounds of snow. Stevens' evolving vocals, mated with harmonized acoustics, make for a comforting experience whilst cuddled up watching black-and-white plays.
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The World Is A Beautiful Place - Infinite Josh
Illusory Walls | Post-Rock
Though never far removed from Post-Rock, The World Is A Beautiful Place has never been as ambitious as they were on Illusory Walls. Namely 'Infinite Josh' and 'Fewer Afraid,' where dejected tales of nostalgia trail rather than wither, reflecting life's downward spiral. Movements both tired and engrossed unfold on 'Infinite Josh,' dashing away from morose choirs ("everyone says, you can't go home again") to stirring, space-bound Progressive Rock riffs of ascension. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "Life is a journey, not a destination." 'Infinite Josh' reflects that.
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As I stated in my review, Ducks Ltd.'s music is cheap. Simple, foolproof, and addicting. Yet, it's filled with rich splendor, like finding passion in the pure. Fast food to satiate that craving, made not by machine but by heart. It's the premise of Jangle Pop distilled, rolling guitars that imitate every 90's teenage montage of pool parties, shopping mall skips, and sunroof karaoke contests. 'Under The Rolling Moon' magnetizes to those experiences with a huge chorus and rousing flair. Like Alvvays in the vein of Polaris. Amicable but longing, existing yet ephemeral. It's the sound of life's fullest moments, married to the dull solitarily only those who've had the privilege of experiencing the former can appreciate.
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