Category: New Album Review

The newest albums, EPs and singles on the air at WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2

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New Album Review

Alfedo Album Review

My favorites:  Scottie Beam, Something to Rap About, Skinny Suge 

Listen if you like: Danny Brown, Vince Staples, Earl Sweatshirt

The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs’ album, Alfredo, was released at the end of May. On Alfredo, the duo combines the proven production talent of The Alchemist and the gruff voice of underground rapper Gibbs. Daniel Alan Maman, stage name The Alchemist, is a producer and songwriter famous for creating soulful and rhythmic beats for rappers and his own instrumental albums. He’s created many collaborative projects, and Alfredo is his most recent success. Gibbs is most well-known for his 2000’s mixtapes and recent highly-rated albums; his rough voice and smooth lyricism makes him an iconic musician. 

The album mainly reflects on the dealings of the Mafia and criminal activity. It features artists Tyler, the Creator, Benny the Butcher, and Rick Ross. The rhythms laid down by The Alchemist and paired with Gibbs’ fearless lyrics create a perfect complement. The album opens with 1985, a track full of references to pop culture including nods to Italian crime movies and the famous “Tiger King,” Joe Exotic. The song sets the stage for the rest of the album, filled with intricate beats and gritty rhyming. The album progresses, following a narrative of drug deals, guns, and women. Scottie Beam is a song that has so much relevance especially within the Black Lives Matter movement. He raps about the continuous violence faced by black Americans at the hands of police. “Yeah, the revolution is the genocide/Look, your execution will be televised.” This iconic line made it onto Gibbs’ merchandise, he sells shirts asserting “my execution might be televised,” with 100% of proceeds benefiting protest-related causes. Much of the album continues to hit on the experience of black Americans, the oppression at the hands of cops, Freddie’s childhood, drugs, and religion. Hw masters the art of romanticizing his own experiences, making them appeal to any listener. The album is one of Gibbs’ most successful yet, hitting the fourth on Billboard Charts’ top-selling albums of the week and the tracks from it becoming favorites among fans instantly. 

– Miranda

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: CLIFFFS – Panic Attack

ALBUM REVIEW: CLIFFFS – Panic Attack

BEST TRACKS: You Are Freaking Out, Panic Attack, Tilt

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CLIFFFS is a lively three-piece band from Dallas, Texas that brings an unparalleled sense of purity to the scene, taking garage punk back to its roots. I love three-piece bands for their simplicity. A guitar, a bass, and drums are all anyone really needs to make an astounding punk album. Four years ago, CLIFFFS released Bill, You’re Only Human, an album about which there is very little to complain about, to say the least, except that it lacked the element of passion and fury I seek in a punk album. What CLIFFFS’ debut album lacked, their sophomore album, Panic Attack, has in abundance. Panic attack shows the immense growth of the band over 4 years and leaves me eagerly awaiting to see what CLIFFFS has in store next.

Panic Attack exhibits fast, slightly surf rock-esque guitar riffs and solid, grounding baselines. The fourth track, ‘You Are Freaking Out’ is my favorite, sounding dark and urgent. The rises and falls of intensity in this song are masterful, starting out with a nervous, anticipatory riff that then gets propelled into a cathartic climax by thrashing drums and elevated vocals. Other tracks, such as ‘Tilt’ and ‘Life’ are less dark, having brighter melodies, and are truer to the legacies of the OG garage punk gods like Descendants and All. Punk albums have a bad habit of sounding messy and unpolished. Panic Attack is a punk album that is very cleanly put together and puts a focus on melody, making the music sound passionate, powerful, and beautiful- not just loud and noisy.

A common theme throughout this album is anxiety, as the album title might suggest. True to this theme, Panic Attack fills me up with nervous energy (in only the best way). This short, 13 track, 24 minute album makes me want to get out of the house and shred some asphalt- the sign of a truly excellent punk album.

I recommend CLIFFFS if you like bands like Descendants, All, the Frights, and the Orwells.

-Safia

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Distant Minds by Prismo

ALBUM: Distant Minds by Prismo

BEST TRACKS: Coexist, Shame, Dreams (Eliminate Remix)

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Zach Burgett, aka Prismo, is a music producer, DJ and songwriter from Houston, TX who decided to produce his own music after he was unsuccessful in creating his own band. After reading a short biography about Prismo, I have to say I admire his tenacity to create his own career after being unable to find a group to produce with. At 19, he has already made a name for himself and earned the reputation as a versatile artist with tracks ranging from EDM bangers to more melodic, slower songs.

Distant Minds is Prismo’s second album release from November 2016 and contains seven tracks, four of which are remixes of the first three tracks in the collection. Prismo’s style is very unique because he delivers a big, glitchy sound with added hip-hop elements which adds variety. The distorted vocal effect that Prismo uses also adds a unique element to Distant Minds. It sounds like the quality of a phone call almost, but also much higher quality so the vocals still sound crisp. Tracks such as Coexist and Dreams (Eliminate Remix) have a good mix between higher energy EDM and melodic breakdowns which contrast nicely. My personal favorite track in this album is Shame because it is one of the first electronic songs I listened to that I really enjoyed. What is even crazier to think is that Prismo released this track at a young age, only three years older than me at the time I listened. Now, at the same age, I still appreciate his music.

I recommend Prismo for anyone who is a fan of San Holo, Monstercat, and Taska Black.

-Tegan

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Jeff Rosenstock – No Dream

ALBUM REVIEW: Jeff Rosenstock – No Dream

BEST TRACKS: State Line, ***BNB, Ohio Tpke

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Jeff Rosenstock is the punk icon that can do it all. Most notably, he is the past lead singer of Bomb the Music Industry! and a solo artist, but he is also a producer, founder of independent record label Quote Unquote records, and has been a part of many other bands and collaborations. No Dream is Jeff’s fourth full-length album as a solo artist, which he dropped last week with absolutely no promotional buildup. This Summer-y, cathartic album came just in time for June. In accordance with Jeff Rosenstock’s strict DIY ethics, the album has been released for free online via Quote Unquote Records, with all donations going to vegan anti-hunger organization Food Not Bombs.

Jeff Rosenstock is a household name amongst fans of catchy basement punk. Each song on No Dream has potent DIY energy, due to the fact that the album was taped with analog outboard equipment rather than being mixed completely with a digital audio workstation. This album feeds nostalgia with its boisterous, scratchy, half-yelling, half-singing vocals and frantic drums that are starkly reminiscent of late 80s skate punk. In classic early Jeff Rosenstock style, the riffs are hard and fast and the lyrics are even faster.

Jeff’s previous two albums, WORRY and POST, were characterized by bleak sadness and anxiety. In NO DREAM, the anxiety hasn’t vanished, but exists in a more rambunctious, self-assured, let loose light that has been missing since the days of Bomb The Music Industry!. As a result, NO DREAM is heart-wrenching, yet still somewhat optimistic. NO DREAM is about embracing helplessness. Jeff Rosenstock’s songs have always expressed the rawest human emotions of anger, love, and heartbreak in the simplest, most straightforward, most hard hitting way. No Dream is another album for the DIY punk wall of fame. One thing’s for sure, Jeff never misses.

I recommend this album if you’re into bands like Joyce Manor, Deafheaven, PUP, or Antarctigo Vespucci.

-Safia

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New Album Review

Arrested Youth & the Quarentiners

 

‘Arrested Youth & the Quarantiners’ is the second EP from the artist Arrested Youth. This collection of tracks is incredibly unique since the artist let his fans help with the writing process, even providing some of the backing vocals. He also stated that this was his first time producing his own music. The five track collection will also be followed with music videos for each track and will also feature fans that helped with its creative process. Arrested Youth will also be donating the money from the album’s streams to a charity, and once again the choice of which will be up to his fans.

In an Instagram post the musician talks about how being an artist can sometimes be too centered on who’s the most relevant and ‘who’s got more hype’. He actively speaks against this ‘fame’ mindset in all of his music, and this creative way of making the album was his way of getting his fans more involved in the process, allowing them to feel an even more personal connection to the message. ‘as i continue this project, my mindset continues to shift away from all that. i enjoy building this creative community that cares about quality over quantity.’ he says. He also gave credit to each and every person who helped create the album. 

He ends his message by adding’ i’m proud to be an artist today, and i’m proud of our fan base for coming together to write this great album. congratulations my friends.’I’ve been a fan of the artist for a while because of his ‘nonconformity’ mindset and his views on valuing art over clout, and this EP lives up to that message fully.

The EP has a very upbeat and sing-a-long type sound. As always the artist hooks us in with incredibly catchy and chant-able choruses, while also dropping relatable and thought provoking versus along the way.

The first track ‘Castaway’ focuses on the uncertainty in life right, a common theme in the EP, and not letting those feelings stop your dreams and living the way you want (even if it’s not the life we were taught to live). ‘Jumping Ship’ is a track that uses a metaphor to symbolize changing your mind a lot, and again, being uncertain. He also talks about the highs and lows of life, how one day we can be doing amazing and the next not so well. ‘Corone’ is all about the state of the world right now, making direct references to toilet paper hoarding and staying home. It expresses how faith is important right now and explains how people are coping. He also spins things to a bright side saying ‘if a change could ever happen, this is perfect timing’. The track becomes a power anthem, telling us that through all the hard and weird times we can still spin this around to make us better after the fact. 

On another note, ‘Hanging Posters’ is about losing friends, and how indifferent it feels to move on from those who are insincere. ‘Coraline’ serves as a summary of all of this, leaving the collection in a state that keeps us thinking and curious.

When he announced the release of this EP he almost mentioned that Sobville Part II will be out later this summer, and I couldn’t be more excited for it. Oh, and there’s also a full length album coming in the fall.

Until next time,

Let’s Stay Psyched about Music

– DJ Psyched

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New Album Review

New Releases by Glass Animals

Glass Animals Dreamland New Album July 10, 2020 on Apple Music, Spotify and other platforms

It’s been four years since the release of How To Be A Human Being, Glass Animals’ second album, and the band has announced the release of the third album titled Dreamland coming on July 10, 2020. Glass Animals is a British alternative rock band, which are heavily influenced by R&B and electronic music. They are known for their energetic and immersive live performances and their unique music style unlike any other artist out there.

The band has released multiple tracks this year in anticipation of the upcoming album, including a single from the upcoming album, “Dreamland.” The track is kind of a table of contents to the album, and the track’s lyrics describe why the album was created and the theme of it; it’s also very beautiful instrumentally. The album was created following an accident in 2018 where drummer Joe Seaward was struck by a truck while biking. Frontman Dave Bayley began then reflecting heavily on his life with Joe, his best friend and all the memories they’d shared. Dreamland goes into depth about the unknowns and uncertainty we all face while amidst the pandemic and highlights the memories of the band and the band members themselves. The album is available for pre-order now and will be available on streaming platforms July 10th.

Dave Bayley also released two singles in the EP Quarantine Covers in which he covered Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” and Lana Del Rey’s “Young And Beautiful.” Both tracks are definitely great homages to the originals and I’d recommend checking them out; “Heart-Shaped Box” specifically has lovely, soft vocals and light instrumentals. The covers are well done and definitely reflect the band’s style.

Dreamland’s release is sure to be emotional especially following Seaward’s miraculous recovery and a focus on the uncertainty in the air that all of us share based on the current situation. With a shared love of musical expression, Glass Animals will focus these issues into what will hopefully be another amazing album.

– Miranda

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New Album Review

IDDTFM EP Review

Allan Kingdom is a Canadian-born rapper and record producer most known for his forays into hiphop music, membership in Thestand4rd music group, and his feature on Kanye West’s hit, “All Day.” His last album, LINES, came out in 2017; and his newest project, the EP IDDTFM was released less than a week ago. With only four tracks, it’s one of his shorter works, but it packs a strong punch. The acronym IDDTFM stands for I Don’t Do This For Money, reflective of Allan Kingdom’s continued commitment to explore different sounds and follow his personal musical passions. 

The EP opens with the song “BLESSED,” initially released ahead of the EP as a single with a music video. The song is simple lyrically with a melody and vocals similar to his classic sound. The song reflects a little about Kingdom’s recent trip to Africa, which he reportedly took to strengthen his spirituality and reconnect himself with his musical passions. The song reminds me of the message of “Blessings” by Chance the Rapper – being grateful for what you have. The next song on the EP is “YERRRRR” which is really unique sonically and is more upbeat than the previous track. Kingdom’s vocal talents really come through on this track, in which he plays around with different pitches and flows. With references to pop culture, materialism, and family, this track is possibly the most impactful of the EP and is definitely the most catchy, personally. “GLOSSY – Gloss Gang” has a sound much more comparable to most top-100s hip-hop. The vocals on this song sound slightly autotuned but still esoteric, like an indie Travis Scott. The EP finishes with “BART” in which Kingdom opens by singing out I don’t do this for money…. This song is classic Peanut Butter Prince, reminiscent of past hits like “Wavey” and “Achilles”. One thing special about this track is the focus on Kingdom’s rap verses, paired with harmony-like vocals layered in between them. 

Overall, the EP is definitely one in a million. I have really appreciated Kingdom’s work since being introduced to him through his verse on Kanye’s “All Day,” and have loved his collaborations with some artists I like within Thestand4rd. I recommend these projects, as well as his album Northern Lights (2016). The new EP is worth mentioning as a great new addition to his discography. Let me know what you think! 

– Miranda 

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Down Under EP – Moglii & Novaa

ALBUM: Down Under – EP

BEST TRACKS: Mother, Same, Her and High

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Moglii and Novaa’s EP, Down Under, has a chill, downtempo style that still carries energy throughout its six tracks. Most of that energy comes from the fact that it was Moglii and Novaa’s debut in the music industry. Down Under was released in 2016 and has a total track time of around 22 minutes, which makes it great to listen in a casual sitting. As young producers, Moglii and Novaa wanted to focus on creating dimension in their tracks with the use of organic electronic sounds. Many of the tracks such as Same use an acoustic guitar and nature sounds to create this organic feeling. I was listening to Same and the intro to the track has a washboard-esque sound that was both bubbly and grainy and really capsulated the overall sound of the track and I think the nature of the EP.

Other elements in Down Under include saxophones (Her), “wooden” sounding snares, synths that give the track its electronic roots and amazing vocal edits on Novaa, Antonia Rug’s, vocals. She blends her own lyrics with vocal chops to layer the vocal sound and add extra depth to each track. I particularly love Her because of the chorus-y saxophone solo in the middle to make you feel chill while the percussion adds energy. It’s like the yin and yang of a song which I think is pretty neat. Even though the songs make me feel relaxed, the lyrics are somber and talk about the loss of self, identity and possibly a loved one. Songs like Mother, Her, and Golden Lights have sad lyrics about loss. I recommend this EP for fans of artists such as Phantogram, Whethan and pluko. Headphones recommended for full transporting effect.

-Tegan 

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: STRFKR – Future Past Life

BEST TRACKS: Second Hand, Pink Noise, Cold Comfort

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This neo-psychedelia synth-pop band is back on the scene with another smooth, colorful, and transcendental album. STRFKR has always been known for releasing whimsical albums, and I think this one might be their most magical album to date. The band was formed as the solo project of vocalist Joshua Hodges in 2007 in Portland, Oregon, and since then has grown into  a full four-piece unit most famous for their insanely energetic, unruly live performances.

This album is characterized by its minimal arrangement and psychedelic funk sound. Future Past Life, is the most futuristic-sounding of any of the STRFKR albums, featuring ample echos, warbles, twinkles, and kazoo-like laser sound effects. I most notably see these elements on the 10th track, ‘Cold Comfort’, and the 3rd track, ‘Deep Dream’. The vocals are very processed, making them smooth, and blend seamlessly with the music as if they were just another synth in the instrumental. Normally, I like vocals to have a level of grit to them, but for this album, I think the soft vocals add to the intended daze-like ambience of the music.

This album feels like a sweet, comforting dream. In addition to the psychedelic themes in the music, the trippy album art helps create an image of an imaginative child’s bedroom.

The focus is largely on the instrumental in this album. The lyrics could be more developed, but if one considers that this album was meant to be easy listening, the vague, slightly generic lyrics do not detract too much from the album’s good qualities.

I recommend this album if you love bands like Electric Light Orchestra, MGMT, and BØRNS.

-Safia

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New Album Review

Hayley Williams Petals For Armor Review

 

Petals for Armor is the highly anticipated debut full length record of artist Hayley Williams. The artist has put off doing solo work for many years, but this album feels so authentic and perfectly timed that I couldn’t be more glad that she waited until now to work on and release the project. This record feels incredibly personal and shows the growth Hayley has experienced as both an artist and a person. 

The way Hayley went about creating and releasing this album really added to how personal and authentic the record feels. Having close friends and family help in the production and recording of this record really shows what drove the artist into this project and why the timing couldn’t have been better. Another unique aspect of this record was the roll-out process. The release of separate EPs and the split of the record in three CDs really made the 15 tracks feel cohesive, less overwhelming (then it would’ve been in one full release), and let the unique themes of the record stand out and shine in their own time. 

The debut solo ‘Simmer’ was the first taste of this record we got, along with it’s video. Lyrically and conceptually it seemed to pick up where after laughter left off as far as a slightly pessimistic and reflective theme. It was a refreshingly new sound from the artist, being darker and more blunt then we’re used to hearing from the artist in past Paramore records; especially since we got our first explicit tag from the artist. The bass was strong, a theme we see a lot in this record, and the one liner ‘give in’ just makes it something that sticks long after the first listen. As I’ve said before this album feels very honest and transparent; I feel as if the artist is very open to sharing her recent life experiences and really opens up about what she’s learned about love and friendships. This is especially prevalent in tracks like ‘Taken’, ‘Pure Love’ and ‘My Friend’. We really get a taste of the artists values and reflection process.

This album is also full of variety: featuring shifts in tone, lyrics and even genre bending. Though it still feels like a strong and solid unit. The album has a bit of a minimal feel, but it has a wide variety of instrumentation with keys, guitars and a standout bass. Of course, it’s impossible to bring up this artist without mentioning her incredibly strong vocals. Hayley’s voice is outstanding and she really knows how to balance her talents on this record. There are moments, in tracks like ‘Sudden Desire’, where she really lets her strength power through, but these moments are never overdone.

Some stand-out tracks from this record are: the power anthem I mentioned above ‘Sudden Desire’, the catchy hooked ‘Dead Horse’, the very personal and adorable ‘My Friend’, the perfect ending ‘Crystal Clear’, and my favorite at the moment ‘Pure Love’.

I could go on about this album for a very long time… Actually, I am going to. On an upcoming episode of the Get Psyched podcast, our general manager Laura (aka DJ Beowvlf) and I, will be discussing the record, so be sure to keep it locked.

Until Next Time, Let’s Stay Psyched about Music

– DJ Psyched