MUSIC

EXNATIONS Keeps Us Dancing with Latest EP "Pink Haze"

Indie alt-pop trio dive further into the dark and melancholic side of synth pop in latest EP.

Brooklyn indie alt-pop band EXNATIONS, comprised of Sal Mastrocola, Taylor Hughes, and John O'Neill, continue to go against the grain of the genre's typical upbeat style in their latest EP Pink Haze.

The group combines two obviously opposite emotions in their music and mesh them together to create a relatable and energetic sound. Although self-describedd as a "sad pop" band, their tonal color palette remains bright and iridescent, correlating with the splashes of pink and purple hues that are present throughout their graphics, representing the dance-able side to their music, drenching it with juxtaposition.

Dream-like, hazy & synthy, Pink Haze is a solid sophomore release, laced with sparkling anticipation and heart-wrenching lyrics. The elements of pop music are clear, but what's even more fascinating about EXNATIONS is the anthemic sense of empowerment the trio produces.

Pink Haze deals with the warm, reminiscent embrace of nostalgia. Beautiful and all-enveloping, it's easy to get lost in the EP's six powerful yet vulnerable tracks. A prime example of this is in the EP's lead single, "Tether." The track's transcendental synths maintain a consistent tempo throughout the song, lending their support to the soulful lyrics. The song then breaks into a guitar-laden climax, as our senses are ignited with sentiments ranging from wistful to euphoric.

Over the course of the record, the band arrives at the conclusion that it's best to find a way through the haze of nostalgia. When we can look at the past honestly and critically, we've got our best shot at true growth and progression. "Driving aimless down a dark highway on a breezy summer night / The long walk back from your first love's apartment after a crushing fight," they sing.

The band says, "Pink Haze is inspired by the moments where we find ourselves looking backwards through the blushing rose-colored fog of nostalgia to figure out how to move forward."

Hazy and dreamy, yet bursting with passion and high energy, EXNATIONS says, "It's sad, but we're still dancing."

Check out EXNATIONS' tour dates below and listen to their EP Pink Haze today!


If you put early 2000's Britney Spears in heavy eye makeup, sent her to a grungy underground Brooklyn venue, and handed her a pack of American Spirits, you'd get an artist pretty close to Nola Wren. The New York based singer-songwriter and producer just released a new five song album called Scream into the Void Pt. 1. The record is pure synth-pop, featuring Wren's edgy lyrics and distinctive voice. The production, which Wren does herself, is tight and dark, perfectly contrasting Wren's pure, ethereal voice, creating attention grabbing songs that wouldn't sound out of place among the likes of Billie Eilish or Lorde.
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New Releases

CYN Releases Aquilo Remix of 'I'll Still Have Me'

A welter of emotions riding music of piquant beauty.

I’ll Still Have Me (Aquilo Remix)

CYN just dropped the music video for "I'll Still Have Me," an exquisite pop song about emotional vulnerability after a breakup.

Now CYN releases the Aquilo remix of the tune.

According to CYN, "After realizing a break up was imminent, I wrote this song to convince myself that everything would be fine. Focusing on who I am and where I'm headed made me feel less empty and more like I would make it through this heartbreak— finding sanctuary in myself was my safest bet and sturdiest lean upon."

I'll Still Have Me (Aquilo Remix)youtu.be

The Aquilo Remix opens with soft, flowing strings, followed by sparking piano accents and CYN and Aquilo's quiet harmonizations. A buff yet gentle rhythm propels the music, as the sylph-like vocals stream overhead backed by almost transparent surfacing colors from the synths.

Tumescent with poignant melancholy and aching sensitivity, the music glows with the soft colors of intimacy. The lyrics exude an irrational optimism, one that triggers a sadness so deep that tears won't come.

"I never thought twice / 'Cause you were my number one / I put you first 'cause / You were my only thought / If I don't have you / At least I'll still have me."

Put simply, "I'll Still Have Me" is gorgeous, tender, and affecting.

Follow CYN WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM


Randy Radic is a Left Coast author and writer. Author of numerous true crime books written under the pen-name of John Lee Brook. Former music contributor at Huff Post.


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MUSIC

RELEASE RADAR | Premiere from Church Girls

PLUS | Features for ASHRR and Daniella Mason

Marissa Carroll

It is all about the stand alone tracks and videos this week.

RELEASE RADAR is here to give you the breakdown of your top singles, albums, and videos to check out as you head into your weekend. Get ready to jam out with some of our favorite up-and-coming artists, plus celebrate new stuff from those you already know and love.

SINGLES...

⭐️ PREMIERE ⭐️ | Church Girls | "Just Like You"

Courtesy of Clarion Call Media

An upcoming track from the band's soon-to-be-released EP is sweet and simple, the way summer should be for everyone. The band's founder Mariel Beaumont had the following to say about the single:

"Just Like You" is about falling for someone who over-indulges in all your bad habits -- you want to get swept away, but you know it could lead you down a dark path. I wrote it with my friend Molly Martin in Nashville - it was my first and only co-writing session and it was a blast. The rest of the band was psyched about the initial demo and helped turn it into a super fun song that we all love playing live.

You Might Also Like:Palehound, Angel Olsen, Superchunk

Follow Church Girls on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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MUSIC

PREMIERE | Kyle Motsinger Romps Around NYC In 'Getting Closer' Music Video

The Theatrical-Pop Powerhouse Seeks Redemption and Renewal with a New Song

Kyle Motsinger

Motsinger bursts at the seams.

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