BEST NEW TRACKS: HEALTH - STONEFIST

Los Angeles-based quartet HEALTH is back with their first album in six years titled Death Magic, which is due out August 7th through Loma Vista. They’ve just released their second single from the album, “Stonefist” and although it’s by no means a pure pop song, it’s definitely not as intensely dark as their previous single, “New Coke.” (Which has an insane music video featuring a quick appearance by Alice Glass that you should totally check out. But be warned—there’s tons of vomit in there. Slow-motion vomit to be more specific.)

HEALTH - STONEFIST

Although they’ve been experimenting live with various versions of the song since 2012, it’s cool to finally have a finished studio version of the song. “Stonefist” grabs you instantly by beginning with awesomely abrasive blasts of energy before backing off once the melodic vocals kick in. You’re then met with melancholy electronic elements and a fuzzy, pulsating beat that carries the track throughout its dark yet dancey three and a half minutes. As angelic vocals repeat the line, “we both know love’s not in our hearts,” I can’t help but pick up on a Nine Inch Nails meets Ladytron vibe that I totally love.

The track manages to blend both its dancey synth moments and glitch-heavy moments together perfectly, which makes for a solid and invigorating track that you’ll want to keep coming back to. Telling by “Stonefist” and “New Coke,” I have a feeling that Death Magic will be well worth the six year wait.

Keep up with the band’s Facebook page to be the first to know about any tour dates or songs they release next.

About Erin Crider

Erin Crider eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture. If you have a question about a one-hit wonder from the ‘90s or need help remembering lines from a SNL skit, she’s your girl. When she isn’t lurking the internet, she's either going to a show or hanging out at Disneyland. Erin lives in Southern California and has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Cal State Long Beach.