It’s necessary to arm oneself with some warmer music to get out of the winter freeze. These are my personal picks of what I like to listen to as the sun is just starting to peek out for the year; everything from atmospheric beats to some acoustic indie rock.
Belle Histoire – Spirits EP (2011)
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This four track delight is a perfect culmination of all the emotions of spring — growth, love, apprehension of change and newness. The instrumentation immersive and the vocals melt into the ears with ease. It’s perfect for a short drive with the windows down, it smells like fresh grass, and the roads are surrounded by trees.
FKA twigs – EP1 (2012)
FKA twigs has some of the best transcendent tunes around. Not only are her whispering vocals ethereal enough to take you into the foggy, moderately clouded mornings of spring day break, the ears can’t help but float long after the final beat hits. Listen to the full EP accompanied with music videos here.
Astronautica – Astronautica EP (2013)
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If this EP doesn’t make you feel like you’re drifting on clear water, nothing else will. The luscious bubbling of the beats is enough to calm any spring anxiety, motivate any spring cleaning, or lull you to a nice spring nap in the park. The rhythms are seamless and the melody is breathtaking in its simplicity.
Mal Blum – For Making Art EP (2009)
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For those of us who need a reminder there is some punk still left in us and we never lose track of the most beautiful part of our youth, Mal Blum is here to shove that in our face. This anti-folk style grunge will pull on all the heartstrings with their easily relatable lyrics, as well as make you feel calmed by the comfort of a good friend.
Cinematic Sunrise – A Coloring Storybook and a Long Playing Record EP [Reissue] (2008)
This pop-punk record features Chiodos frontman Craig Owen in a drastically more positive and energetic setting. This track doubles as a lovely dosage of hype for the summer with the track “Crossing Our Fingers for the Summer.” Also, if you go the extra mile and buy the physical copy, the album notes are a literal coloring book, which is always a fun spring activity.
Meg & Dia – If You’re Poor, Find Something to Sue Somebody For… EP (2007)
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Salt Lake City originated, Meg & Dia provide a wonderful indie rock, acoustic amalgamation of light, fun to sing a long tracks you can’t help but belt as you walk alongside the temperate breeze of the river. It covers all the spring feelings, even the days when you sometimes need to toss on a cardigan for the unexpected chilly afternoon.
Owen – (the ep) (2004)
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All Owen needs is his guitar to simulate the emotions of a beautiful spring — the powerful bursts of energy in the crescendos to quiet nights in the coolness with soft strumming accompanied by his soothing vocals. The Seaside EP (2009) of his is also a great choice for the season.
