Welcome to “Cut Through the Noise,” an Entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering new music releases. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role as writer, reviewing recent single releases from a variety of artists.

Maroon 5 – Wait (feat. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie) ★★★/5

Maroon 5 continues to explore a more modern and dance vibe, starting with their latest single, “Wait” off their new album, “Red Pill Blues.” On this remixed single, the band attempts to keep up with the trends by taking production inspiration from the rap genre, overlaying the electronic beat with clicking hi-hats and tight snares to craft a polished vibe, a major shift from their  older and more traditional band-like songs. Although it’s a different stance for Maroon 5, it shows potential for future projects. The track’s earworm chorus repeats “Wait, can you turn around, can we work this out,” giving the song a somewhat desperate message from Adam Levine, begging his girlfriend to stay with him. To my surprise, the track takes a very nice turn with the feature from rap artist “A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.”  My only issue with this song is it felt more like an Adam Levine song then a Maroon 5 song. Initially I didn’t think I would enjoy a track like this, but after a few listens, it finally clicked.

 

George Ezra – Paradise: ★★★★/5

On “Paradise,” the second single off his sophomore album “Staying at Tamara’s,” George Ezra provides an upbeat and grand anthem. Something that always brings me back to Ezra are his bellowing vocals but ability to hit higher notes. You can tell Ezra is growing and evolving as an artist, writing more energetic songs but still showing signs of his singer-songwriter roots. I enjoyed this song for its call-and-repeat backup vocals, funky guitar riffs between verses and build up which all added layers of excitement for me. I personally enjoyed his minimalist guitar-vibe more than this evolved sound, but I am not opposed to a change. This song is new ground for Ezra but I’m excited to see where he goes from here, and I hope he continues to impress and grow as an artist.

 

Hockey Dad – I Wanna Be Everybody: ★★★★/5

This Australian Surf-Rock Band definitely exceeded my expectations with their new track, “I Wanna Be Everybody.” The Nirvana-like opening chords with a surfy tone and groovy riff give the song a great energy. Being a two-man band does not hold them back from making a fun song. The dynamic drum and guitar parts keep the song from sounding empty, along with their layered vocals. Hockey Dad brings a very playful feel despite their somewhat pessimistic lyrics talking about pushing for change but struggling. Although a little saddening, the singer ultimately just gives up to find happiness in other things rather than trying to impress a girl or whatever his hopes might be. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this song and I am thrilled to see what they do on their next album.