Hatchet reporter Hannah Spector shares her latest musical obsessions.
“Polish Girl”
Neon Indian
Whenever I listen to Neon Indian, I feel like I’m in a dream. The band’s soothing rhythms put listeners in a trance with each listen. “Polish Girl” is the single off their new album, “Era Extrana,” which was released Sept. 13. I saw them a week ago at Rock N Roll Hotel and happened to be walking into the venue as this song came on. Alan Palomo’s voice was soft but full of strong emotion. This song is incredibly romantic and I feel a deep sense of yearning when he muses, “Do I still cross your mind? Your face still distorts the time.” I only wish I were the girl Palomo is doting on.
“Piano Man”
Ghostland Observatory
Three weeks ago I had no idea who Ghostland Observatory was. Now I am completely in love with the funky, synthesized beats they pump out. My two friends are big fans and happened to be going to their concert at the 9:30 Club. As any respectable music lover would, I tagged along. I don’t know whether it was the truly unparalleled laser show, lead singer Aaron Behrens smooth dance moves or producer and drummer Thomas Turner donning his signature cape, but the show was perfection. This song in particular stuck out because of its infectious beat and killer vocals. Ghostland’s sound is so distinct and unlike anything I’ve heard before. Every time I hear the first few beats of “Piano Man,” my body involuntarily begins to dance, and I don’t blame it.
“Love in Motion (Skrillex’s Funkt-Out Mix)”
Sebastion ft. Mayer Hawthorne
Every time I talk about Skrillex, I get a little too excited. I follow his releases like most students follow politics. When he dropped this song, I was incredibly surprised at the new sound. Instead of his typical dubstep, Skrillex is now infusing some Moombahton into his tracks. Moombahton is a new genre that producer Dave Nada started right here in D.C. By slowing down an Afrojack remix, Nada stumbled upon a new sound with which a lot of electronic artists are now experimenting. Moombahton hits the ears with a little more funk and a more relaxed vibe than dubstep. But Skrillex did something great with this song; he combined the best sounds of dubstep and Moombahton. I’ll say it once and I’ll say it a million times – Skrillex is a genius.
