With 2024 continuing to fade further into Fall and soon into Winter, members of our club reflected on the music that sound-tracked our eventful Summers. Whether it was spent in nature, at live shows, or on the road, we all have songs familiar to each of our adventures over the past few months.
Summer Replay is our group’s curated playlist of song’s that were in heavy rotation, that might make you miss Summer just as much as we do.
Click the button below for the Summer Replay Playlist (Apple Music Only).
Emily
I Know How You Get – Mk.gee
If I could pick Mk.gee’s entire discography, I would. Mk.gee’s albums “Two Star & The Dream Police” and “Pronounced McGee” completely dominated my Summer as I fell more and more in love with his signature wizard-like style on the guitar, and his use of background tones to create a specific atmosphere. “I Know How You Get” took the top spot during the Summer with its Prince-esque guitar and infectious melody. Perfect for sunset drives with the windows down.
Talk Talk – charli xcx
brat Summer was no joke, and completely sucked me in. “Talk Talk” specifically had me turning up the volume immediately with its hip-swaying chorus and bumpin beat.
Cinnamon Bread – Ryan Beatty
A much more subdued track compared to my first two picks but “Cinnamon Bread” is just as sweet as its namesake. I am a sucker for hard hitting lyrics with a pretty melody, and this track checks those boxes. The raw acoustic guitar accompanied by the twinkly piano and strings compliment Beatty’s voice beautifully, and create some breath catching swells.
Pinky Boy – ratbag
ratbag continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with “Pinky Boy”. Her cheeky and raunchy lyrics mixed with amazing production make every listen just so much fun. Can’t wait for the continuation “Pinky Girl” set to release on October 4th!
Derian
Method Actor – Nilüfer Yanya
Kyle, esteemed President of our club, showed me this somg and it’s been in constant rotation since. Definitely the standout from ‘My Method Actor’. Haunting vocals, killer drums, and the section with the distortion guitar is chef’s kiss. I’m obsessed with Nilüfer’s baritone as well, and I think it’s channeled beautifully in the track.
Running – Fat Dog
I haven’t been this excited for a new band since Tapir! (The exclamation was to reflect their name AND show excitement). This song makes me want to explode in the best way possible. Fat Dog seamlessly blends punk and EDM, creating a truly original and wholly complete sound; I think it’s perfectly executed on this track. A perfect climax to a fantastic record.
Zero Sum – The Smile
I was curious what direction the band would go since ‘Cutouts’ recordings took place during the ones for ‘Wall of Eyes’. After a disappointing kickoff with ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ (weirdest choice for a first single ever), this track restored all confidence in Thom and the boys. This track features some of their most interesting Krautrock sounds, showcased predominantly by Jonny’s anxiety-inducing guitar riffs. Tom Skinner’s killing it as usual. Windows 95!
Liv
Étouffée – Vince Staples
This song has slowly turned into an obsession for me. I first heard it when Kyle & I were driving to the Rockies in early August, and it became a key part of what is now one of my favourite road trips. With absolutely phenomenal production and one of the catchiest choruses I’ve heard in a while, I can’t believe this song isn’t bigger in mainstream media. For me, the song hasn’t lost any steam, constantly in my rotation, sometimes multiple times in a row.
Take What’s Given – BADBADNOTGOOD & Reggie
In the early spring I decided to make a playlist specifically for road trips, and that playlist was entirely inspired by this song. In my opinion, this song captures all the best qualities of country/soul and creates such warm, dynamic, and endearing sound. Every aspect of the song feels so intentional in it’s decisions, the vocals carry so much passion, and there’s something just so satisfying and comforting about when the group background vocals join in. Truly a perfect song.
Sunny Came Home – Shawn Colvin
Despite it’s age, this is a song I’ve only discovered earlier this year. There is something so incredibly infectious about the chorus, specifically in the vocal delivery. The combination of the twangy guitar and transcendent vocals creates a truly unique and addicting listening experience.
Kyle
Horse’s Mouth – ladylike
I was introduced to ladylike earlier this year from fellow Soundwave member, Liv, following the release of their debut single, “Southbound.” While I really enjoyed their first single, the follow up hasn’t left my rotation since Liv shared it with me at its release. Though this song comes at you in waves, it strikes a unique balance between delicacy and assertiveness, featuring elegant vocals and instrumentation, yet an attention grabbing presence. Can’t wait for more from this band.
the giver – MAVI
An aspect that always leaves me inspired by MAVI’s music is the feeling that each track is written out of necessity, the need to get it off his chest. I’m not sure this has ever been more evident than on “the giver,” a standout track from his stellar 2024 LP3. Everything goes into MAVI’s music, a feeling transmitted fully through each listen.
Star Witness – Neko Case
This one was a classic case of rediscovering a song you haven’t heard in years, just for it to feel like the first time again. There is a stunning momentum this chorus taps into that is so inspiring and infectious—the song feels like the first nice day of Spring, but that’s fine, it meets the criteria for the playlist.
She Looked Like Me! – Magdalena Bay
My favourite song from their acclaimed sophomore album, the opening track of Magdalena Bay’s Imaginal Disk has everything. It’s truly a pop epic with its catchy lyrics, almost glitchy-touchy production, booming industrial drums, twinkling keys, prolific horns—again, it has everything. There is an undeniable depth and bite to this tone setting introduction that I can’t get enough of.
Cloudy – Blue Bendy
A song called “Cloudy” making a Summer Replay playlist seems criminal, but I assure you that Bendy frontman, Arthur Nolan’s bold and booming personality-filled performance belies the title with his colourful command. This track climbs to stifling summits, with surging and swelling instrumentation. Youthful, vibrant, and memorable, this song couldn’t get out of my ears this Summer.
Soundwave Society Music Club 
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