Culture Corner

The Arts Desk’s weekly picks for music, movies and more

The California Aggie’s quarterly Couch Concert is slated for Friday, April 24, from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. If you’re hoping to attend, it’s worthwhile to brush up on the catalogues of those who will be performing, and, if you can’t figure out where to begin, these songs are a good starting point.

Song: “chasin’ tails” by Dogpatch

From its very first note, “chasin’ tails” throws the listener headfirst into a dark, infectious soundscape that surges forward with an electric energy. While the album to which the song belongs, “LOVE COLLECTOR,” is filled with similarly addictive pieces, “chasin’ tails” is a particularly intoxicating standout. Occasionally, listeners can catch the warm melody of trombone between the verses, adding depth and warmth to the coursing, rhythmic thrill of the song. It strikes a delicate balance between edge and melody, making it the perfect accompaniment to a drive with windows down or a late-night gathering with friends.

Song: “Waiting Game” by Lovejane

With its warm yet eerie melody — which floats softly before sharpening into something with more bite — the Davis-based band Lovejane’s “Waiting Game” is a transcendent listening experience. Lyrically, the song muses upon the push-and-pull of a relationship in which one holds onto someone they know they ought to let go of, sonically reflected in the song’s stirring, cinematic instrumentals. Its narrative desperation shines through; each achingly-sung lyric catches onto the listener’s heart and speaks directly to whatever melancholic fantasies they may harbor.

Song: “pieces” by Brendon B

An enchantingly enjoyable track, “pieces” is the creation of Sacramento-based singer-songwriter Brendon B. Beginning with a whimsical and captivating set of chimes that remind the listener of an antique clock, the song quickly dips into a warm yet troubled melody laced with yearning and forsaken wishes. The song’s title is in reference to its central metaphor: the idea of someone taking pieces of you and leaving you a fragment of who you once were. It’s vulnerable enough to be emotionally resonant but infectious enough to befit your daily listening habits. If “pieces” strikes your fancy, it’s worth noting that Brendon B has an EP set to release this April 24.

Song: “arcane” by Brendon B

There’s a warmer feeling to the song “arcane,” and, with the vibrant guitar melody that bursts out between verses, it feels specifically made for sunny beaches and summer evenings. Its liveliness is propelled forward by a loud, energized chorus that synthesizes wonderfully with the melody. The end of the song drops into pure guitar before the instrumental becomes quieter and more refrained, in defined contrast to everything preceding it. It’s a fun, exceptionally catchy track that seems very well suited to the warmer days of spring and summer.

Written by Natalie Salter — arts@theaggie.org