The Playlist: London Grammar, Lorde, & NONONO October 30, 2013 By Kim Conway

This week is all about the ladies. Let me explain. There are a lot of talented female vocalists out there who make me hate the family curse I’m under (that’s right—this lady right here couldn’t carry a melody if her life depended on it) and make me wish I could sing the way they do. Lately, I’ve been all about lady vocalists, so here are three of my current favorites:

1. London Grammar - Strong

I came across London Grammar almost a month ago and I’m still completely blown away by their debut album, If You Wait. It’s a little ethereal, a little dramatic, and a little ambient. Vocalist Hannah Reid has a powerful sound that is completely her own (but if it helps: imagine if Adele and Florence Welch had a love child). “Strong” was an instant favorite because of it’s hypnotic nature. It’s pretty simple instrumentally, but it flows effortlessly as Reid’s voice takes that simplicity and twists it. Check out the rest of If You Wait—it’s one of those albums you need to experience as a whole.

2. Lorde – Ribs

The New Zealand musical goddess known as Lorde has taken over the radio waves in the last couple of months. When I picked up her new album, Pure Heroine, back at the end of September, there was no doubt that it’d be full of noteworthy tracks. “Ribs” has everything Lorde is known for: an undeniably catchy beat, beautifully insightful lyrics (“This dream isn't feeling sweet/ We're reeling through the midnight streets/ And I've never felt more alone/ It feels so scary, getting old”), and an echoing trance- like melody. The rest of Pure Heroine is just as mature and captivating as the singles Lorde has released thus far (i.e. “Tennis Court” & “Team”).

3. NONONO – Pumpin’ Blood

There’s no way I’m the first person to react this way, but all I have to say about NONONO is YESYESYES. This Swedish trio is one of my new favorite indie-pop discoveries. Stina Wappling is responsible for the fascinating vocals that are raspy, cheery, and guaranteed to get stuck in your head. It’s really quite simple: “Pumpin’ Blood” is damn catchy and if I could whistle, this would be the only song I’d listen to for days. “Pumpin’ Blood” is going to be a hit here in the States in no time. ’Cause it’s your heart, it’s alive, it’s pumpin’ blood.

So let’s take a moment to applaud all the badass ladies who are making a name for themselves (and in some cases, their bands) in the music industry right now. I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishes I had voices like yours. Til next time!