New on 94.3 The X, Print June 6, 2016

NEW ON 94.3 THE X: SONGS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS MONTH

by Mollie Pearson

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Mollie Kendrick | On air Mon.-Fri. 6am – 10am

888 “Critical Mistakes”

After 12 years, 3 albums, and a 2013 project gone dormant, members of the late hybrid metalcore band Drop Dead, Gorgeous have a brand new sound and EP under the new name, 888 – plus a single pleasantly suited for radio called “Critical Mistakes.” The MySpace/wannabe scene kid in me that listened to other Colorado bands Single File and Tickle Me Pink growing up wishes 888 was around back then; while I hate to be cliche and automatically compare them to other Colorado bands, 888 is up there with the best of them and “Critical Mistakes” is proof that they’re the real deal.

New Beat Fund “No Type”

Usually I hate when new bands release a cover as a single, but this fresh take on a Rae Sremmurd song works. New Beat Fund takes a song that would obviously never make sense to put on an alternative radio station, and effortlessly morphs it into a tune that not only fits the format perfectly, but is catchy as hell. Finally, I hate to go there but I have to (so I will): if bad bitches is the only thing that you like, you’re gonna love this song.

Fitz and the Tantrums “HandClap”

Fitz and the Tantrums is one of those bands that has no problem following up catchy songs from previous albums with tunes that are equally as catchy. This song proves that, and it’s totally worthy of being played during an Ellen Degeneres Show dance party.

Young the Giant “Something to Believe In”

The first radio single off their new album, “Home of the Strange,” Young the Giant’s “Something to Believe In” may or may not give you something to believe in, but it will give you a lot to think about. Serving as a follow-up to the online release of their Franz Kafka-inspired track “Amerika,” the song represents one piece of the puzzle to what we know as the American Dream – just part of the baggage and symbolizing one of many emotions that comes with it.

Band of Horses “Casual Party”

The leading single off their first album in 4 years, “Casual Party” very honestly explains how many of us feel at family get-togethers: anxious, awkward, and leaving us murmuring to ourselves, “get me the Hell out of here.” Consequence of Sound says frontman Ben Bridwell wrote most of the album around family rather than secluding himself in a cabin or beach house as usual; however, it wasn’t until he received some encouraging words from Rick Rubin that Bridwell was able to bring the record inspired by family baggage to fruition (Rubin is credited as Executive Producer on the LP, Why Are You OK).

Wild Belle “Throw Down Your Guns”

Running away, “crazy” producers, and a rough breakup during one long Chicago winter, along with experimental Jamaican musical textures on saxophone, keyboards, and kalimba led to one Hell of a record that I can’t get enough of from brother-sister duo, Wild Belle. “I ran away for a while, then we started making some dope s—,” Natalie Bergman told the Chicago Tribune of her tumultuous-yet-empowering relationship with producer Doc McKinney, who told her that her song wasn’t a hit soon after they first met. This reality check certainly worked, because the track is simply kickass.

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