Rival Round-Up: Fresh Tracks to Vibe With this weekend
In some parts of the world, Good Friday is an official holiday. People are kicking back, enjoying a long weekend, while you’re grinding away at work. We get it—being in the office while others are out enjoying themselves can feel a bit rough. But hey, we’re all about making the best of it. At Rival, we want to keep your spirits up, so we’ve got some fresh tracks lined up just for you. No corporate fluff here—just good music to help you power through the day. Check them out when you have a moment, and remember: even if you’re working today, you can still vibe out and make it a little less ordinary.
Vendredi sur Mer - “Arrêter le temps” (ft. Sofiane Pamart)
Say hello to Vendredi sur Mer, the Swiss sensation shaking up the scene with her luxurious, sultry, and unorthodox sound. She crafts dreamy synth-pop that feels like floating on a cloud made of cotton candy. Her tunes are a delightful mix of lush beats and poetic musings that explore love and life’s little mysteries. With sultry vocals wrapped in a cinematic vibe, tracks like “Écoute Chérie” have already turned listeners into believers.
Now, she’s back with “Arrêter le temps,” a piano-voiced duet featuring the talented Sofiane Pamart. This track is like a heartfelt open letter set to music, blending poignant lyrics with a melancholic melody that’ll tug at your heartstrings. “Arrêter le temps” is a sneak peek into her upcoming album, “Malabar Princess,” dropping on April 25. Don’t miss her international tour kicking off in May!
Vendredi on Instagram
Evil Twin - "Funky Steve"
Led by the charismatic Peter McGee, Evil Twin is all about blending jangle pop with punk energy. Imagine a band of genre-hopping musicians—jazz, blues, classical, and pop punk—coming together to create something truly unique.
Their latest single, “Funky Steve (Way Back Down),” is a sonic leap into the realm of adolescent nostalgia. Produced by Nathan Salon, this track layers distorted guitars and bass grooves into a vibrant soundscape. Peter describes it as a club experience from 2011, where pulsing beats mingle with introspective thoughts. It’s a wild ride, and with their debut LP on the horizon, Evil Twin is ready to steal your attention!
Tara Beier - “Mourning Doves of Joshua Tree”
Tara Beier is back with a deeply personal album, “Mourning Doves of Joshua Tree,” inspired by her grandmother's passing and the healing power of the desert. This collection of songs blends alternative folk and Americana, creating a soundscape that’s both haunting and beautiful.
Tracks like “Rainbow” and “Desert Soul” take you on a journey through grief and renewal, with the desert serving as a backdrop for introspection. Tara’s raw storytelling resonates universally, making her music a comforting companion for anyone navigating loss.
Tara Beiere’s Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify
Asha Maclean - “Yoga (Back & Forth)”
Asha Maclean blends pop and R&B effortlessly on her latest release, “Yoga (Back & Forth),” a smooth, hypnotic track that captures the push and pull of complicated relationships. Her silky-smooth vocals glide through vibrant beats, channeling the energy of 90s R&B legends while keeping it fresh and modern.
With influences from icons like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé, Asha’s sound is a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation. Growing up in a creative household, she’s been honing her craft since childhood, and now she’s ready to make waves!
VAARIN - “Heading Home”
Norwegian artist VAARIN is back with her third album, “Heading Home,” a heartfelt tribute to childhood and family. This collection features everything from guitars to pedal steel, creating a sound that feels like a warm embrace.
Inspired by her artistic upbringing, VAARIN’s music channels the essence of powerful female voices like Tori Amos and Kate Bush. Each note invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, making “Heading Home” a deeply personal experience that resonates with anyone longing for connection.
Connect with VAARIN: Website | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter
Buick Audra - “Yellow”
Nashville-based Buick Audra is here to shake off the self-doubt with her new single, “Yellow.” This track dives into the struggles of self-worth, capturing the complexities of being an “adult child.”
With a unique recording process that reflects her emotional journey, Buick’s music is raw and real. “Yellow” is a powerful anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of their past while trying to carve out their own identity. Mark your calendars for June 13 when her album “ADULT CHILD” drops!
Neil Soiland ft. Tara Obregon - "Ode to Innocence"
Neil Soiland is back with the fresh-from-the-oven “Ode to Innocence,” a nostalgic gem featuring Tara Obregon. This track takes a step away from the psychedelic sounds of his past, embracing the teen angst and doo-wop vibes of early rock & roll. With heartfelt lyrics about longing and love, Soiland’s arrangement feels like a sweet throwback, transporting you to simpler times. It’s a perfect blend of dreamy nostalgia and modern flair that holds an instant charm.
Peech. - “Don’t Miss Your Moment”
Since hitting the scene in 2018, Peech. has been gaining traction with “Tha Lights Global,” performing at big events like Rolling Loud SXSW, and dropping the EP “These Times Don’t Feel Right,” which scored over 2 million streams. In 2024, he made waves with his single “Snowfall” and the mixtape “L.I.V.E.”, wrapping up the year with over 500,000 monthly listeners and going viral on TikTok.
Peech.’s “Don’t Miss Your Moment” explores the loneliness of self-discovery, highlighting the tension between leaving friends behind and the need for personal growth. The protagonist grapples with identity and societal expectations, yearning for validation while acknowledging the sadly frail nature of relationships.