Carl Sagan

By: Night Moves

Alternative

Comparable to: The War on Drugs, Foxygen

This song has been my go-to for the past few weeks because of it’s effortless, dream-like quality. It’s the kind of song that becomes what you make of it: you may easily lose yourself in your thoughts while listening, or you may find yourself singing along. The song is completely reliant on its trippy, airy instrumentals which truly make the tracks something to be remembered. It’s what sets the song, and Night Moves as a whole, apart from the redundant indie-alternative scene. The song is comparable to others –  think An Ocean Between the Waves by The War On Drugs, just a little slower, but there is no argument that Carl Sagan holds its own against its counterparts. Check it out next time you’re driving home on a summer night. -Kelly

Hold Me Down

By: Yoke Lore

Alternative

Comparable to: Alt-J, Cosmo Sheldrake

When putting together a playlist to do homework to, it’s hard to find that middle point where a song isn’t too catchy to distract you, or slow enough to the point of putting you to sleep before you’ve gotten anything done. “Hold Me Down” falls perfectly into that central spectrum, with its mellow electronic vibe and lyrics. It’s perfect to take notes or read to, something that is content playing in the background as the sun goes down, and your productivity goes up. Good luck! -Beth

Angela

By: The Lumineers

Indie folk/ Folk rock

Comparable to: Mumford & Sons

In the beginning of April, the Lumineers debuted their second album titled, “Cleopatra.” The song, “Ophelia” from the album has quickly grown in popularity. The album as a whole is much slower and calmer than their first album, but it’s definitely got some gems. My personal favorite from the album is “Angela.” It’s that song I find myself driving to at night with the windows down. The Lumineers’ sound always makes me imagine a quaint, rustic barn lit with retro lights in the middle of nowhere on a beautiful 70 degree night. “Angela” portrays their classic sound perfectly. Soft and slower, it makes you think while still allowing you to enjoy the warm sound. I can’t stop catching myself humming the tune and I hope you find yourself doing the same. -Caroline

Fellow Feeling

By: Porter Robinson

Genre: Electro

Comparable to: No one

This song is a masterpiece. From the grandiose acoustic string introduction to the off-beat hysterical dubstep, this song creates an aura that submerges you into the thoughts of a mysterious woman whose anxiety and deep emotions are expressed outwardly in the form of deep bass and distraught beats. The entire album Worlds, is my favorite album of all time. Robinson’s mix of vocaloid, pop synth, dubstep and deep electro beats creates an ambiance that connects to a wide range of listeners and give an electro experience like no other album I’ve ever heard. -Lucas

Beams

By: Sholohmo

Genre: Tropical Electro Jazz
Beams starts out as very tranquil. The first thing introduced are unorganized bells and chimes with some electronic sounds in the backdrop, with accompanying staple sounds of nature: birds, waves, wind, etc. They’re introduced one by one; it’s kind of like the sounds are warming up. These introductions last about a minute, increasing in intensity, and gradually the sounds become rhythmic. The tension slowly builds for another minute, and then the drums come crashing in. The synthetic sounds all come together behind the intensity of the drum-line, and what you’re left with is a high-energy electronic orchestral masterpiece. It sounds like what an epiphany feels like. -Quin