The week is finally over and it’s time to indulge in some new music by some incredible artists.
"KARMA" - JOHO
Joho returns with a memorable break up anthem titled “Karma”. The song starts off with a groovy baseline reminiscent of The Turtles classic hit, “Happy Together”. Produced by Pacific, Joho crafts one hell of a chorus as he sings: “all it takes is karma / and I don’t want revenge don’t want to harm ya / I used to have you wrapped around my arm / but I’m moving on.” It’s the perfect pop-fueled song for when you’re over a toxic person; but instead of seeking revenge, you choose to move on knowing that some day karma will catch up with that person.
The music video is split between ‘50s sitcom style and modern day. The retro scenes perfectly reflect the nostalgic sound of this track. Karma follows Joho’s recent album, Discoteque Funeral, a disco-funk-filled body of work. Now with “Karma” as part of his discography, Joho is proving that it is in fact “The Joho Show” and it’s time for everyone to tune in.
"MESSY LOVE" - NAO
NAO puts herself first in this classic 90s-00s inspired RnB track. On first listen, “Messy Love” sounds like an instant classic as she sings about leaving a toxic relationship: “So I’m saying goodbye, I’m saying goodbye / I won’t even change my mind / Not even this time (time, time)”
Nao’s soothing vocals pair well over D’Mile’s production. This is the third single from her upcoming album, Messy Love. This track is an important reminder to protect our energy.
DEATH OF A CHEERLEADER - POM POM SQUAD
Pom Pom Squad’s debut album is here and it’s a theatrical masterpiece. The album covers the spectrum when it comes to sonic influences: 50s doo-wap, Motown, 90s grunge, riot grrl, and indie rock just to name a few. But don’t be confused, the album is quite cohesive.
Death Of A Cheerleader is an exploration of frontwoman and songwriter Mia Berrin’s identity as a queer, multi-racial woman navigating young adulthood. The album is as radical and punk as it gets.
“Head Cheerleader” is a fun track where Berrin embraces her sexuality and starts to feel comfortable in her own skin. Renouncing male attention and taking full ownership of your body and sexuality are prevalent themes in Death of A Cheerleader. Berrin states “I had this realization that the life I was living was designed around receiving attention and validation from men – something I never truly wanted. The result of that realization was like stepping out of an old skin. It changed the way I behaved in every aspect of my life. I was finally making decisions toward my own self-actualization instead of for other people’s perception. It was terrifying and exciting and necessary. This song feels like a celebration of the discomfort that comes with stepping into your new skin—your own power.”
The next track, “Crying”, takes us into a cinematic soundscape. Berrin pokes fun at herself in the lyrics as she reflects on drowning in self pity and never learning from her mistakes.
An album highlight is definitely “Lux”. It’s a high-energy punk tribute to Lux Lisbon and The Virgin Suicides, a movie that deeply resonated with Berrin growing up. Again, this track captures the negative effects of male attention, especially at a young age.
Revamped versions of “Red with Love” and their cover of Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Crimson + Clover” are welcomed additions on this album. The following track, “Forever” is another highlight. The strings paired with Berrin’s heavenly vocals truly elevate this song. It feels as if this song should be playing during an iconic scene in a ’50s movie.
“Drunk Voicemail” skillfully captures teenage angst and being in love with someone you wish you could hate because it’s easier than being friends: “You’re what I think about when I’m in bed / Wanna tell you everything that makes my cheeks turn red / Wanna tell you that I hate you, but it don’t make sense / ‘Cause I think I really love you more than anyone can”.
“This Couldn’t Happen” interpolates Doris Day’s Again but it could also be a call back to “Again” from their EP, Ow. “Be Good” is a jaw-dropping finale. It interpolates “Mr. Sandman” and feels as dreamy as the original version. It’s the perfect final bow.
Death Of A Cheerleader encapsulates everything that Pom Pom Squad represents. This is their mission statement in audio form. Pom Pom Squad reclaims the cheerleader trope and dismantles it in a theatrical fashion.