New Music Monday: Songs to Close Out Summer

Monday, 25 August 2025 08:57

From the urgency of Rise Against to the reflective folkpop of The Strumbellas, this week’s picks are the perfect soundtrack for saying goodbye to August and easing into what comes next.

As August winds down, there’s a shift in the air. The long, hot days filled with road trips and summer anthems are starting to feel numbered. It’s the time of year when playlists lean less on high-energy hits and more on songs with a bit of grit and depth. This is the music for late nights on the dock, watching the last of the summer sunsets, or soaking in the cooler evening breeze. It’s the perfect soundtrack for wrapping up summer and easing into what comes next. Here’s a new set of tracks to close out August on New Music Monday.

1. Rise Against - "Ricochet"

The Chicago punk rockers are back with a powerful new track that feels both urgent and timeless. "Ricochet" has a punchy, driving rhythm, with lead singer Tim McIlrath's signature impassioned vocals. The song is a blast of raw energy, but its lyrics are steeped in social commentary, reflecting on the unintended consequences of our actions. It's a reminder that what we put out into the world, for better or worse, always comes back around. It's a track that demands to be heard, not just as background noise, but as a call to action—a perfect song to kick things into gear as we leave the hazy days of summer behind.

2. Yellowcard - "Bedroom Posters"

This one is a total shot of nostalgia. Yellowcard's new song is a melodic and catchy pop-punk anthem that takes you right back to your youth. It’s about returning to your hometown and feeling all those memories rushing back, a feeling that resonates deeply as we approach the end of a season. The track captures the bittersweet feeling of holding on to dreams while also being sentimental about the past. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dig out old photos and remember the person you were, and the dreams you had.

3. Heartrunner - "World is Over"

This is a band feature we're particularly excited about, highlighting a local artist we love. Heartrunner's new song, "World is Over," is an indie-folk gem. The track has a beautiful, soaring quality to it, blending heartfelt lyrics with a sweeping, cinematic sound. The song is a gentle and melancholic look at change and endings, but it's not without hope. It's a reminder that even when things feel like they're falling apart, there's always a new beginning just around the corner. The local touch with Jack Gaughan makes this one extra special.

4. Florence + The Machine - "Everybody Scream"

Leave it to Florence Welch to give us a song that is both a cathartic release and a deep dive into personal struggle. "Everybody Scream" is the title track from her upcoming album, and it's a raw and powerful piece that explores the relationship between ecstasy and agony. The song has a mystical, almost haunting quality, with Welch’s vocals taking center stage as she grapples with the physical and emotional cost of her performance. It’s a song for letting go, for embracing the chaos, and for screaming into the void—a perfect way to release any pent-up energy before the quiet of autumn truly sets in.

5. The Strumbellas - "Hard Lines"

The Strumbellas bring their signature blend of folk and rock to this track, with a sound that's both intimate and ready for a stadium. "Hard Lines" has a comforting, communal feel. It's a song that acknowledges the difficulties in life but finds solace in shared experience. The lyrics are honest and direct, but the melody is uplifting and full of that classic Strumbellas sing-along charm. It’s a great song to listen to when you need a little dose of hope and a reminder that even in tough times, there's joy to be found.

And there you have it—five incredible new tracks to add to your playlist as the summer season gracefully bows out. This music isn't just about listening; it's about feeling and reflecting. It's a journey from the high-energy punk of Rise Against to the poignant folk of The Strumbellas, each song offering a different perspective on change and reflection. So, take a moment, put on your headphones, and let these artists guide you from the warmth of summer into the thoughtful, beautiful peace of autumn. We'll be back with more new music next week.

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