Proglodytes Playlist is a curated list of songs that I’ll add to each week. Most of them will feature new(er) bands, because the most important mission at Proglodytes is to share currently active, progressive leaning groups with the world, but occasionally I will include older songs as a tribute or a commemoration of an anniversary.
On this week’s Proglodytes Playlist:
Covet: “parachute”
I really liked Covet’s album effloresce– the music was mesmerizing and gorgeous and hypnotic. Their latest album, technicolor, is out June 5. In these troubled, uncertain times, I’ve vacillated between music that plays into my anxieties and music that calms them, and this song definitely fits the latter category. Also, Covet’s music has typically been instrumental, but this song is the first to feature vocals. Yvette Young’s lovely voice is a great melodic compliment to the kaleidoscopic, deceptively complex riffs and instrumentation.
Haken: “Canary Yellow”
Haken’s second single from their forthcoming album, Virus, is the more somber “Canary Yellow”. This song was pleasant on my first listen, but it’s grown on me quite a bit, with each listen revealing another layer, and the amazing, destruction-themed video just adds to its brilliance. Without giving too much away, Virus (set to be released on June 5th, 2020 through InsideOut Music) is shaping up to be an Album of the Year contender, and I very much look forward to sharing my thoughts about it in Proglodytes’ forthcoming review. Stay tuned!
Dirty Loops: “Rock You”
Swedish band Dirty Loops has been making waves for the last few years, partially due to their highly complex, clever arrangements of popular music. I remember when their cover of Justin Beiber’s song “Baby” came out, 9-10 people shared the video with me. This track, however, is an original composition. As a person who, as a child, wore out his Michael Jackson cassette tapes, this music is the equivalent of some decadent 90s sugary cereal- it’s delicious and overwhelming. Also, stick around for the hilarious end credits. It should surprise no one that their management is listed as Quincy Jones Productions. This year, Dirty Loops was set to headline the RADAR Festival, along with Plini, Toska, The Physics House Band, and other bands that are known for their tremendous technical abilities.
Mutoid Man + Royal Thunder: “Ace of Spades” (Motorhead cover)
I love all styles of music, but metal is often my healing balm. So, if you’re a metal fan, Two Minutes to Late Night is a great metal themed talk show. They feature really great bands and musicians with a lot of humor and metacommentary on metal’s silly tropes, and their house band, Mutoid Man, often plays awesome jams and covers with their guests. This particular song really captures the spirit and energy of the original track, in a way that is both driving and hilarious, and Royal Thunder vocalist Mlny Parsonz slays. Their channel is a great rabbit hole for metal fans- other great covers include “Purple Rain” (which starts out with some strong language from Ice T, in case you’re sensitive to that) with members of Baroness , Royal Thunder+Intronaut doing Cher’s “Believe”, and more. Do yourself a favor and check ’em out.
What are you listening to these days? Share in the comments.
Proglodytes 
Hmm. You ask what we’re listening to. Well, I can tell you what I definitely won’t be listening to: Two Minutes to Late Night, Mutoid Man and Royal Thunder. That video was absolutely ghastly.
I enjoyed the other three, though. Does that make up for it?
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Of course. Glad you liked the others! My hope is that the lists have something for everyone.
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