Theatrical vocal rises and hazy keys enamor on “Make Good Decisions,” a creative pop showing from Dog Mayor, a Columbus, Ohio-based solo project. Plucky guitars and gentle pulses of keys adorn an enthused vocal presence, conveying a retrospective allure with vampiric references — after all, the track was “penned about his mother quelling a fear of vampires by convincing him he is one.”
“Once as a small child I had a nightmare about vampires and cried to my mother,” Dog Mayor explains. “She comforted me and said I had nothing to fear, for we were vampires ourselves.” The memory results in this psych-friendly pop delight. Glimmering synths and warming bass expands into frolicking acoustics, with fervent vocal exultations appearing throughout with compelling effect. Lines like “in time blood will align, compartmentalize,” captures the realization of one’s potential vampiric roots, playing with memorable impact.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.