What's the Howl Listening to? (2)
Sounds | The Howl Team
Graphic by Catherina Jiang
Tune into our latest team mixtape as we March forward!
Searows - “In Violet”
A new addition to Searows’ immaculate discography, “In Violet” is a modern shanty that feels like waves beating against brackish cliffs. The song doesn’t just remind me of the sea because of my salty tears, but because of its full, repetitive, but organic-sounding, production. In a world with incessant car metaphors, this song’s use of nautical images is a refreshing splash of cold water.
- Megan
Backxwash - “History of Violence”
I don’t usually listen to rap music, but Backxwash scratches an itch that tends to only be aggravated by consuming popular hype-beast rap. “History of Violence” is explicitly political and poetic, and its quality is undeniable. I have sat with the lyrics for this song for at least a couple of hours, extracting meaning and understanding the images and cultural references from which it pulls. Backxwash’s flow feels ethical and addictive, all at once.
- Megan
Annabelle Dinda - “The Hand”
I have this song on loop! It’s catchy. It’s well-destilled commentary. It’s poetic. That’s why I like it :) I only wonder if the bridge is meant to be Dinda’s actual reflections on the thoughts she expresses in her song or a representation of potential criticism she expects to hear in response to it (I’ve heard articles praising her using either of these interpretations). It could even be both! After all, artists are often their own worst critics. Self-doubt and nuance - perfect things to put in a bridge.
- JL
Vampire Weekend - “Ice Cream Piano”
I want to learn every possible Vampire Weekend melody on piano and violin because they often use those instruments in those songs. I’ve always said Vampire Weekend is the ginger ale of music. It’s light and bubbly and I listen to it when I’m flying. Sometimes VW’s metaphorical and “important” lyrics PISSES ME OFF. But only on the 64th listen. I haven’t listened to this song as much, so I’m still chill with it.
- JL
Black Country, New Road - “The Place Where He Inserted The Blade”
This song is so emotional. You can’t even tell it’s seven minutes long. The domesticity in the language really emphasizes how it’s an intimate conversation. And I love me some raspy singing.
- JL
Lizzy McAlpine - “Orange Show Speedway”
Second semester of fourth year means school is wrapping up a little too soon :’’). Something about this song transports me back to how I felt entering my first year of uni but with a new lens, or as Lizzy puts it, “...it didn’t look this way three years ago.” Thinking about our past selves and what we did can seem so silly, like the idea of falling in love at an orange show speedway…
- Elysia
JJ Project - “Tomorrow, Today”
I ride on nostalgic songs, and I am shameless and proud of it. This song’s lyrics depict honest, relatable struggles of courage, anxiety, and uncertainty, while its warm, uplifting melody, coupled with the vocals of JJ Project, encourages you to persevere. I truly love everything about this song. It got me through tough times, and they continue to do so today. I am also just a sucker for GOT7’s vocal line and desperately need a JJ Project comeback.
- Catherina
No Rome, The 1975 - “Narcissist”
It is 2026, and we are long overdue for a new 1975 album. I NEEEEEED THEM TO COME BACK. Fight me all you want—I know Matty’s an idiot, but god, they can make bangers.
- Catherina
Sepultura - “Roots Bloody Roots”
A Brazilian metal band that incorporates traditional instruments and music made in Brazil. I find the mix to create a unique sound that stands out compared to other metal bands.
- Nicole
BaishaJAWS (Link Click) - “Dive Back In Time”
I just finished Link Click last month and STILL have not recovered, so I’m coping by looping this song on repeat. I’m very close to making it my ringtone…
- Chendafei
Men I Trust - “Sugar'“
Somehow I only discovered this band in 2026, but I’m getting into indie-pop so I suppose the timing was perfect? Yay Canadian band :D
- Chendafei
ILLIT - “Not Cute Anymore”
Late to the trend, as always, but this song grew on me and is now stuck in my head. I genuinely think the background track for this sounds like the theme song from Thomas the Train. I’m not crazy, I swear.
- Chendafei