Local Music Roundup: December 2020

In the last month of 2020, Oklahoma artists didn’t hold back. From fuzzy shoegaze to synthy psychedelia, local music had a lot to offer. Take a listen to everything you’ve been missin’ below.

cursetheknife — Thank You For Being Here Pt. II

In November, OKC band cursetheknife released the emphatic Thank You For Being Here Pt. I. Now the band is back with a continuation of the melodic EP. Pt. II is a worthy successor with the band leaning into heavy, arena-rock guitar riffs and sludgy basslines. From the larger-than-life opener “Too Solid Too Flesh” to the episodic closer “cursetheknife”, these shoegaze wizards help make the local music scene that much richer, one fuzzy riff at a time.

Hotel Nights — Pains of the Weekenders

OKC band Hotel Nights released a new EP, Pain of the Weekenders. The collection of songs includes a brand new single, two more songs, along with a demo recording of the first single released under Hotel Nights, “Forget The 80s.” Each track is laid-back, spacey, and blanketed in a warm nostalgia that is sure to keep you cozy in the winter months.

COMBSY — Bodysnatchers (Radiohead Cover)

Back in December of 2019, COMBSY played a show at Fassler Hall that consisted of each track from In Rainbows by Radiohead. One of the crown jewels of this video is the drum section with dual drummers smiling ear to ear. If you’re missing live shows as much as I am, this video is a great substitute. Even better, “Bodysnatchers” is just the first of many videos of this performance to come.

The Ivy — The Way

The Ivy released another indie pop banger early last month. With lush production and enough synth to satisfy any 80s addict, “The Way” is another great local track to start the new year with.

Sports — Never Know

Beloved Norman act Sports are leaning even deeper into psych-pop grooves on their latest track “Never Know.” The song marks the band’s third single of 2020, and it proceeds new record Get A Good Look Pt. I out on February 12th. The groovy, shimmering synth-pop single is a sure sign of even more great things to come from Sports.

Swim Fan — Tell Me What U Want

If you’re still itching for more psychedelic synthy goodness, Swim Fan released “Tell Me What Want” early last month. The sultry single easily draws a comparison to chillwave prodigy Toro Y Moi. The kaleidoscopic soundscape and vibrant vocal melodies are a perfect backdrop for your transition into the new year.