The Matinee October 23rd

The Matinee October 23rd includes six new tracks for your listening pleasure. We have a nice mix of pretty awesome rock and some killer synth pop. We hope you find your new favorite song or band and that your weekday is kicked off right. Artists today are representing Canada, Norway, the US and the UK today.

Denny – “Girls Like You” (Los Angeles via Minneapolis, USA)

RIYL: Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, White Lies

It’s been over 16 months since we have heard anything new from DENNY. After taking a hiatus and teaming up with producer Eric Palmquist, the trio are back.

“Girls Like You” has a bit of nostalgia going on with a clear 80s vibe mixed in with a current synth pop flair. The band shares a bit about the meaning behind the track: “Girls Like You is an ode to a dream and a nightmare, a duality with DNA. A retrospective on a Rollins’ younger self through the lens of the group’s longing to mix the bombast of groups like Queen and INXS with the mood of modern R&B. It’s a song as much about a girl as it is about looking back on reckless youth just a few years removed.”

DENNY does have a bit of a refined sound with their newest release. It will be interesting to seehear what other sonic changes might be presented with future releases.

DENNY is comprised of Alexander Rollins (vocals/guitar/synth), Randon Nelson (guitar), and Sully (drums).

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The Extons – “Who Am I” (King’s Lynn, England)

RIYL: The Strokes, Cloud Nothings, Catfish & The Bottlemen

The Extons have just released their newest track “Who Am I”. The chorus is completely addicting as the lyrical content brings up deep questions that many of us one day wake up and ask ourselves like who we are and what exactly are we living for.

The track is a complete banger as the cadence heats up when the chorus kicks in. The guitar riffs are quite electric and the variance in tempo definitely takes the listener on a really great ride. So far just a few singles have been released by the quartet so it’s possible a full length album could be coming in the near future.

The Extons are Will Barnes, Adam Garwood, Ciarán Liam, Peter Catlin

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Hanne Hukkelberg – “Fall” (Oslo, Norway)

RIYL: Björk, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone

Hanne Hukkelberg has just released her album Trust. “Fall” is one of the tracks from the newest album and it’s a great testament of overcoming self-doubt or perceived failures.

Ms Hukkelberg shares a bit about the track “Fall”: “This song came to me when I was sleeping. Quite literally, it was the alarm tone on my iPhone,” she jokes. “I was slowly waking up, and had the whole song and lyric in my head, ready to record it. It starts with a kiss from Albert, my youngest son, and the lyric is simply about getting up again and again, and to keep hanging on.”

“Fall” has a simple electronic construction which allows Hanne’s vocals to shine. The lyrics are also uplifting as we can all relate to life’s ups and downs and inspires the listener to get back up each time after being knocked down. The album Trust is released after a 5 year hiatus from Ms. Hukkelberg.

The single and album are out now via Propeller Recordings.

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Kat Meoz – “Here I Wait” (Los Angeles, CA)

RIYL: Joan Jett mixed with Sleater Kinney

We were first introduced to Kat Meoz after sharing her previous material under the band name, Grit. Now Kat is releasing music under her own name. “Here I Wait” is a killer rock track that must be put on repeat. It’s pulsating garage rock complete with screaming guitar, pounding percussion and Ms. Meoz’s soulful yet strong vocals piercing deep into your soul.

The track chronicles a relationship that is still stuck in the friend zone. As the song is ending we hear Ms. Meoz desperately plea for her could be lover to “Ooohh—don’t make me beg!”

After listening to “Here I Wait” multiple times, we could only imagine how this track would/could be translated live. It’s probably one live show not to miss.

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Satica – “You Are Here” (Long Beach, CA, USA)

RIYL: Annabel Jones, Elohim, Ofelia K

“You are Here” is the latest from Long Beach native Satica. “You Are Here” was released just before her EP Drippin’ came out last week.

Satica has a knack for producing moving synth-pop with an R&B slant. Her vocals are unique and memorable and “You Are Here” is a great track that chronicles the beginnings of a somewhat addictive relationship. Many times in the beginning, it’s easy to be consumed with the relationship.

Satica explains a bit about the track: “In real life, the feeling is simple, you miss them and you love being around them, but sometimes it hurts.”

The single is out on Moving Castle.

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Wylen – “Montreal” (Somewhere in Canada via East Longmeadow, MA)

RIYL: Junior Prom, MAINLAND, Smallpools

Wylen is 21-year old Will Smith. He writes, records and produces music in his home studio where he has developed a unique sound over the past 7 years. “Montreal” is a super laid back and feel good track. It’s also an ode to the feeling that the city of Montreal brings for Wylen.

“Montreal” not only describes his affinity and love for the city, but also the experiences there with his lover. There is a nostalgic tone to the song which might be written with past memories in mind. For the small information to be found online about Mr. Smith, he is also an accomplished hockey player. His SounCloud states he will be releasing a song a month so we will be keeping an eye out for more material from Wylen.