SWANO5IVE. Ep8.

Endeetone- My Brother 

As writers, our true craft lies in listening and absorbing three times more than we write. In understanding that, My Brother wasn't merely about family, we uncover a profound message: unconditional love is the ultimate way to cherish each other. This track brilliantly embodies that sentiment, starting with a snippet of the renowned philosopher Alan Watts from one of his captivating lectures. Over the course of this three-minute jam, the song evolves with a rich, expanding chorus and intricate layers of background vocals that elevate its depth and resonance. Afro-pop has not been this rich in quality for a while.

Wvters- Weak

Eyes up, Gym Rats! This one’s for those of you struggling with discipline. Weak offers a clever twist on the gym scene, featuring a guy and girl with a shared fitness membership. The guy, that clearly has feelings for the girl, is in his "lock in” phase, determined to stay focused. Meanwhile, the girl, without uttering a word, captivates him with her alluring presence, intimate glances, and warm demeanor at the gym. The irony? As he tries to build strength by training, he finds himself increasingly weakened by her magnetic charm. This relatable and all-too-common scenario makes the story behind the song both intriguing and familiar.

sixten- Atlantic

Sixten is back in our top 5 (in no particular order), and this time they've shifted gears. Previously celebrated for their expansive sound and deep lyrical exploration of life and death, Sixten now delves into the emotional turbulence of blind love. Their keen observations are both depressing and relatable.My favorite line that would be the one standout simile compares the shock of hearing about past loves to the light headed feeling of standing up too quickly. If you've ever loved intensely and prematurely, or if you have a low-iron deficiency, this track is a must-hear!

Plant Dad X Art Grad- That’s right

These two musicians bring a singing style that feels effortlessly natural, as if their voices are perfectly in tune with the mood of the song. Their performance weaves dense, lyrical verses without veering into rap territory. But it doesn’t stop there—the production takes the track to another level. From the intriguing whining and buzzing keyboard around the 21-second mark to the muffled snaps and distorted 808s, the instrumentation is both innovative and captivating. The result is a unique blend of alternative/indie vibes with a hip-hop rhythm. That's right.

Mike Rauss- Low Budget Dream

I nearly had to delete half of this because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise for you! Without giving away too much about this irresistible track, let me highlight some standout elements of Low Budget Dream. First up, the percussion—there are over 13 different instruments at play, yet the song maintains a relaxed, laid-back vibe throughout. And yes, there's even a cowbell! Next, the strings. The electric guitar here has a sound so uniquely dynamic it feels like another hand is working the whammy bar while the guitarist plays. It’s either top-notch production or extraordinary talent, but either way, it’s mesmerizing. Finally, the vocals leave a lasting impression. They’re undeniably soft on the ears, but Mike Rauss’s subtle vocal runs are perfectly in sync with their bassist, showcasing their impressive skills from start to finish. It’s a phenomenal display of musicianship that I’d aimlessly swipe my credit card somewhere to experience live.