A breezily melodic rocker from Thomas Aren, “Michael” enamors in its debonair vocal drive and twangy guitars escalations. The artist — originally from Rhode Island and based in Los Angeles — caught our attention in March with the single “Xerox,” and continues to showcase a hooky, spirited glow with “Michael,” which features Drew Tachine (Vagabon, Jon Robert, Rostam) on drums.
“He just kept on spinning ’til the whole world around him stood still,” the vocals escalate, referencing the titular individual and a seemingly apparent personal struggle. The “like a ghost down the hall,” furthering into the “nothing at all,” hook is especially melodic, maintaining a harmonious appeal in the soul-searching lyrical introspection. A delectably raucous guitar solo closes it out, cementing another firm success from Thomas Aren.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
