Ought's knotted, wiry epics pulse with a neurotic sort of charm. Not neurotic as in crazy, but a variety of neuroticism that's acutely aware of its imbalances, wirings, and misfirings. Frontman Tim Darcy plays with an interest for the way certain thoughts are patched into others or the way your brain can chew over words like "tear to your eye" until they've become stuffed with so many meanings that they're basically devoid of any real shape. I have finally found the voice in my head — how did this band get in there? - Chris Hampton
Instead of popping bottles to celebrate the announcement of signing to ANTI- (well, maybe they did, we weren’t there), Beat Connection decide to take your ears on a trip into your friend’s brand new pool. You dive in, feel the water surround your fingertips, reach for the bottom to push off and get some air, but the ground opens up. The water funnels you through the other side and you’re now standing on the top of a palm tree that’s being driven on a yacht through Instagram-worthy blue waters. This is crazy, you need more adrenaline! You jump off the top of the cozy palm tree that’s 30 feet off the water, yell “so good!” and find yourself back in the pool. Pina colada in hand, floatie around your body. Thanks, Beat Connection! - Ryan Parker
Teen Daze's "Along" renders a distinctly West Coast vibe: squishy synthesizers, Jamison's folkie voice, a downtempo groove. The Vancouver producer's song slowly falls apart, like a party letting out into the night person by person. I know comedown music when I hear it. "Along" still feels warms, even as highs, moments, feelings slowly slip from you. - Chris Hampton
NOW HEAR THIS: Ought is the voice in your head; Teen Daze make melancholy sexy by Chart Attack | Chart Attack.
