In the mood for new music to help you stay motivated during lockdown?

Here’s a couple new releases that merit your attention.

Glass Animals “Dreamland”

“Dreamland,” the newest from England’s Glass Animals, is making a solid splash in the music world.

Fans love the album’s shimmering, sunshine-y vibe. And its psych-pop tracks with touches of synth, hip-hop and electronica make for perfect stay-at-home euphoria.

The band’s last “How to be a Human Being” (2016) release was praised by both Billboard and The Guardian.

Two years later, drummer Joe Sewards suffered severe injuries in a bicycle accident. As a result, band members took a hiatus.

This time around the band takes a retrospective direction and “Dreamland” follows a more autobiographical journey. Sound snippets of old home movies add a nostalgic touch.

Highly commendable: the album’s multi-textured arrangements, hypnotic riffs and thought-provoking lyrics. It’s no wonder “Dreamland” entered the UK album chart at number two.

“Your Love (De’ja’ Vu)” and “Tangerine” are both currently on our playlist.

Songs like “Hot Sugar” and “Heat Waves” are dreamy and catchy. “It’s All so Incredibly Loud” is sublime.

In a nutshell, “Dreamland” provides a much-needed escape during a high anxiety year.

The Harriets “Hopefuls”

Also new from England comes “Hopefuls” by high energy power pop band The Harriets.

About the band: The Leeds-based four-pieced pop-rockers were shortlisted for Glastonbury Emerging Talent and Record Store Day Unsigned 2019. The Harriets have been regularly featured on BBC’s “Introducing artist showcase.”

The songs on “Hopefuls” capture the essence of the band’s energetic and uplifting shows.

One track you’re sure to love?

Their upbeat “Cafe Disco,” currently on rotation at PRP. Have a listen:

Cafe Disco

On “Hopefuls” – their debut – you’ll also enjoy great storytelling via the high-spirited “Fall Out of Grace.” UK writer and Glastonbury Emerging Talent judge Tony Hardy recently talked to Ben Schrodel, the band’s bass player, about the song.

The track is “cobbled together from sections of a long poem I wrote in a pub when I was home for Christmas, near the church I used to sing in as a teenager,” says Schrodel. He adds: “The music was deliberately Tom Petty-influenced and an ‘arena’ piece…I wanted to write something ‘big’ that we could close with live.”

The band’s new album is mastered by none other than Pete Maher (Lana Del Rey, Nick Cave) and is available on limited edition blue vinyl.

You can find music by The Harriets here.

The band is planning a tour after current live music restrictions are lifted. Let’s hope they put Portland on the itinerary!

Love our station? Please donate!

We’d like to remind you, our loyal listeners, to support music and especially, local Portland musicians.

Buy music! It’s especially important now, when so many are being affected by current events.

And remember: we here at PRP we play a local artist every 15 minutes. We’re a non-profit community radio station, so show us some love!

Help us stay on the air by making a small donation today.

Cynthia Orlando
Latest posts by Cynthia Orlando (see all)