BSR Beats: New, old and in between

Adrian Leuthauser, Web Staff Writer|March 31, 2015

	“Fairly Local” -Twenty One Pilots At first listen, it’s hard to believe that this is actually Twenty One Pilots as it is definitely not a follow-up song from their last album “Vessel.” With that said, this heavy bass song is one that will have to be played a couple times: One for you to process the fact that this is a different song, and a second time to actually listen and understand the song. All in all, this single is amazing, and the album is going to be different, yet amazing as well. Plus this is a great song to pump in your car speakers.
	“Mantra” – Earl Sweatshirt With no real announcement, Earl Sweatshirt dropped a single “Grief,” then said he was dropping a new album that week without really telling anyone. Overall, the album is pretty dark, yet extremely soothing at the same time. “Mantra” is no exception. With the in-your-face lyrics and Earl’s aggressive voice, he somehow creates the perfect formula for soothing rap that will still scare you in the nighttime. The song then ends with a simple beat accompanied with an electric piano.
	“At The Bottom Of Everything” – Bright Eyes Conor Oberst opens up the album with this song, and the story honestly hits you in the heart. In fewer than two minutes, Oberst tells a story about a woman who is bored on a plane when suddenly one of the engines fail. Scared, the woman asks the man where they are going. What he says really gets you in the heart with emotions and shock. I was working on a paper when I first heard the song, and I remember I had to stop, replay the beginning and listen again. He starts playing the guitar in the middle of the song and begins singing. Oberst’s voice is incredible, and when it comes to singing depressing lyrics, he somehow gives you hope in his voice.
	“Dance All Night” – Dirty Heads feat. Matisyahu With summer right around the corner, it’s hard not to blast Dirty Heads. They are my go-to artist to put me in a feel-good mood, and “Dance All Night” is the perfect song to do that. The simple lyrics, sung with a Reggae-type voice thanks to Jared Watson, makes this a must on any party or bonfire playlist. It’s hard to not be happy when you’re listening to this.
	“Astray” – Let It Happen Let It Happen has slowly been making a name for themselves. Their recent album “Cause + Effect” is fantastic, and my favorite track is easily “Astray.” It has the most meaningful lyrics about letting go of your past and moving forward in life — a lesson that we all can learn from because let’s be honest, it’s hard letting go of the past. Despite the lyrics only being 11 lines long, the song delivers a powerful message. Simple guitar chords and drumbeat paired with soft vocals from Drew Brown make this a must-to listen to on those rainy spring days.