MEGA-Roundup! RGV Songs and Videos 4/26/21
After a month off, we’re back with a massive list of Rio Grande Valley music that was released during the break. There’s a spooky goth-cumbia remix, a pop EP that corresponds with esoteric soap, and plenty of young artists blossoming into the RGV’s favorite sons and daughters. If you appreciate what you hear, give them some streams, a follow on social media, and a share. Thanks for reading and listening.
Upon Your Dead Body - Panic Punch
Throughout the pandemic, Upon Your Dead Body has been one of the few carrying the emo torch for revivalists and old-heads alike. With an engaging online presence through amusing TikTok vidoes, impassioned cover performances, and even a Christmas special, the output of memorable singles remains the emphasis of the project. In their latest single, an introvert goes to a party and drinks punch that was spiked with drugs, which leads to panic attacks while his sociable friend tries to convince him to enjoy the trip. The themes of introversion/extroversion, social pressure, and unfamiliarity are in the ups and downs of the music — tensely syncopated palm-mutes, frantic transitions, and scratchy screams that would make Mike Patton proud. The catchy riffage and honeyed singing make the sonic punch go down more pleasantly for the listener as well.
Also available on Apple Music and Spotify.
Yruama - FRESco.
Inspired by “jabones esotericos” of Mexican superstition, Yruama’s line of soaps are said to bring passion, love, and an antidote to loneliness for the user, but the real magic is in the corresponding music. Upbeat disco grooves and pop charm glisten through cozy layers of synths to wash away negativity. It’s another win in Yruama’s ever-changing, but always soulful discography.
Click here to listen on Apple Music
I Killed Techno! - Mean (Nicole Dollanganger cover)
IKT recreates Nicole Dollanganger’s psychological horror of an abusive relationship in his signature morbidness, replacing her angelic vocals with his own broken voice and rustier atmosphere.
Milagros - Pendejos & Loca Por Ti
Milagros’s third single “Pendejos” further reveals her gift of gracing traditional Mexican elements into Urbano beats, and transcending all of it into pure pop bliss. We’ve spoken about her last single “Loca Por Ti” before, but now it has a music video we would like to share.
Click here to listen on Apple Music
That Guy Montag - MERCY
In a syrupy wave of funky sampledelia, Pharr rapper Montag delivers his own street hymn to weather the dystopia of today. His sense of flow, tune, and spirituality come in as strong as ever.
Click here to listen on Apple Music
Edwin Voyager - dont go back
There’s a beautiful ugliness throughout Edwin Voyager’s SoundCloud output, with his new single being no exception. What could have easily been a pleasant hyperpop ditty, is corrupted into a blown-out noise trance.
Giftd - self titled EP
Swag and angst from a young voice that’s ready to take on the world, armed with thundering eerie trap beats and chemistry from his loyal costars, AG1U3ST and Summrs.
Click here to listen on Apple Music
Paolo Honey - Candy Crush
It’s amazing how a daydreamy song could sound so epic. There’s colorful magic in Paolo’s sugar-themed indie pop and serene bossa nova, yet fiery passion in his charming vocals and guitar finale.
Click here to listen on Apple Music
Roll$ - My Brain
Deep in both soul and pitch, Roll$‘s crooning and speed raps express romantic regret in a haze of faded atmosphere and downcast acoustic guitar.
Click here to listen on Apple Music
Lucid Den - Know My Love (feat. Pillowsnake)
An escapist dance to get lost in and some of the most tender hyperpop to come out of the current wave. Monterrey trio Lucid Den delivers brash synths, dazzling electronics, and quirky appeal that complement Pillowsnake’s earnest vocal performance.
Julio. - Strelizia
Julio’s uplifting new single could be the anthem of the year. As he reflects on the past one last time before moving on to better things, he ignites emo, pop, and hip-hop into a soaring sing-along for the ages.
Click here to listen on Apple Music
Twin Tribes - Fantasmas (@fronterawave Cumbia Remix)
The Fronterawave catalog is full of hauntilogical remixes of classic songs from various border genres, and now that homegrown love extends to a movement that can seem hidden, yet has a dedicated fandom around this region: goth. The cumbia remix of Twin Tribes’ brooding single casts a different kind of dance and darkness that’s perfect for those who were the alternative introvert at their Hispanic family’s parties.
Housebound Ska Collective - Through The Fire And Flames
Ska is a fitting treatment for the geeky metal classic by DragonForce. The video shenanigans include fantasy-themed costumes, backdrops, and even a tribute to Guitar Hero. The band starts with fun and games before displaying some serious technical ability to skank to.
