Loving may be characterized as a “folk-pop” band, but the genre title does not do their new LP’s idyllic nature justice. To be clear though, this album is for particular types of listeners. For those listeners, however, Loving is sure to be a mainstay in the artists they can’t get out of their head.
Loving nails the “nostalgic” feeling, an effect that is embellished by the fact that the band recorded straight to tape. Flowing guitar leads, pastel piano chords, and silky-smooth vocals bring the listener into the band’s personal wonderland. Anyone who’s the type for daydreaming will certainly be right at home in this headspace.
The vocalist in particular deserves praise. While he does not show off a large range, his silken tone is precisely what brings the album together. The music is designed for his voice to premier directly in the center. The lackadaisical nature of his lyrics portrays something of the way in which you may stare out the window in contemplation on an overcast day.
Favorites: “If I Am Only My Thoughts”, “Nihilist Kite Flyer”, “Write A River”
My favorite songs: Still Sun, Carry Come Carry Go, Frens
Listen if you like: British rap, Danny Brown, King Krule, Fela Kuti
Obongjayar: a Nigerian, UK-based artist who weaves together mixtures of soulful rap and spoken word with Afrobeat and electronic influences. He completely defies genre while maintaining a relatable sound nostalgic of other British rappers and electronic artists. Obongjayar’s talent is discernible, he puts together a majority of his music by himself.
The release of Which Way is Forward? comes after the release of multiple singles from the album. Although the album is short, it’s a beautifully constructed narrative of what black identity means in a modern society. These themes can be heard directly in the lyricism of Soldier Ant and 10K, which reflect on the intersection of the black experience with omnipresent issues of racism and discrimination.
Still Sun starts the album off with an upbeat electronic track reminiscent to me of Santigold’s L.E.S. Artistes. This song is simple, inspiring. Obongjayar repeats “I know who I am/This is not the end/I’m not afraid of anything.” This track persuades the listener to have strength even in the most difficult times.
In Dreaming of Transit, he sings, “Hoping one day I’d fly away / Nobody told me I had wings.” He reflects on his upbringing and how far he’s come with deep vocals complemented by sporadic falsetto layered onto a drum-heavy melody.
Carry Come Carry Go spins a distinctly electronically-influenced, Afrobeat melody. The song illustrates the loneliness of being away from a lover, there is a palpable longing in his singing, and the spoken word elements dispersed throughout the track. It is probably my favorite from the album, it is emotionally charged and a beautiful cumulation of the different styles that Obongjayar is known for.
Frens is one of my favorite tracks because of the mix of drum beats, harmoniously layered vocals, and energetic rhythm. It reminds me of some of Kanye’s older, gospel-influenced music.
Obongjayar has great potential as an artist and I foresee him gaining prosperity and increased influence as an artist. Definitely check the album out.
BEST TRACKS: Don’t Say You Love Me, Sunshine, Freak Like Me,
FCC Violations: Freak Like Me
I am completely fangirling over this San Diego based alternative pop band. They are shameless, they are fearless, and they are unapologetic! Transviolet’s revolution really kicked off after they received high praise from pop heavyweights Harry Styles and Katy Perry for their track ‘Girls Your Age’. The staring gem of this band is lead vocalist Sarah McTaggart. Her normal singing voice shimmers but her lower, mumbling singing voice sends a jolt of electricity through my bones. This band did everything independantly for the release of this album. When I say everything, I mean everything. Born to Ruleis self-written, self-mixed, self-mastered, and self-released. Who said pop couldn’t be DIY?
Above all, I would describe Born to Rule as Lush. This album featurs modern pop-synth and hooks galore to make for an easy listening experience. The lush southern Calofornia really shines through in the third track ‘Easy on Me’ with its tropical flourishes and downbeat percussion. My favorite song on this album is by far ‘Don’t Say You Love Me.’ I think I’m just obsessed with the sassy way bit McTaggart mumbles “I scare the hell out of your neighbours from the South, I’m not your girlfriend but I’m always at your house.” Though the lyrics on certain tracks can get a little repetitive, I’ve come to learn that repetitiveness is usually a sacrifice to endure when listening to pop.
Born to Rule is the perfect album for a girls night out. When I listen to this album, it makes me want to risk it all and have the best night of my life. Not to mention, this album is empowering to women. Though energetic, there is nothing stressful about this album; In fact, I think it cleared my mind. It’s obvious that the band is aiming to make a splash, and they intend to do it all on their own. If you enjoy listening to Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, or Zara Larsson, then this album is right up your alley.
Sobville is the first EP released by artist Arrested Youth following his 2018 full length album, Fear. The tracks focus on the theme of taking personal responsibility for your thoughts and feelings. Arrested Youth has drawn me in with his intensely relatable and mindful lyrics. On his last release he said the lyrics are about ‘thinking of the things that are big in our heads but so small on the radar of life’.
The EP Features five tracks that all seem to focus on different aspects of the overall theme. ‘Dig’, the first track, is a powerful anthem that sets the tone by highlighting the idea of not being who he once was and how he is starting to see things differently. The hook includes the lines ‘Dig me up, from underneath, and you’ll see, I’m not who I used to be, I’m not who I used to be.’ giving insight into what inspired the work and making the listener feel powerful by the reminder.
The next track, titled ‘Expectations’, keeps up the anthem theme that holds strong throughout this album; all of the choruses are incredibly powerful and really draw in the listener. This particular track focuses on how expectations set by the world may not align with out true callings and leave us feeling like we’re not living our truth. He highlights this with the hook ‘…All the years I’ve spent, All the lives I’ve faked, Just to keep myself protected’.
The third track, titled ‘What You’re Made Of’, was the first track I heard from the album, it’s an empowering and blunt anthem. The song focuses on bouncing back from life’s troubles. Even when ‘I’ve been up, I’ve been down, I’ve been kicked down on the ground… I stand tall, where I’m at, Been to hell but now I’m back’. I put this track on to hype myself up because there’s something really inspiring about hearing him say ‘Show me what you’re made of’.
The second to last track ‘The Kid I Used to Know’ is almost a reflection of ‘Dig’ since he’s saying goodbye to his old self and his old habits. This flows perfectly into what is my current favorite track, a powerful ending to the EP, ‘Sob Story’.
This track pulls together the point he’s been building throughout the works, ‘I’ve been broke like a toy machine, I’ve been spit back out like some listerine, But I get up on my own two feet, ‘Cause I’m not some sob story’.
This track is another anthem and this repeating and developing chorus isn’t even the best of it. The bridge features a complete change in music, with its eerie and lighter tone. Its lyrics ‘You might be asking: “How can I be happy, When the whole universe keeps laughing at me?”, It’s pretty simple: let go of your hang ups, Life doesn’t owe me a thing’ always makes me feel powerful and calm, it’s a great reminder that we shouldn’t let the things that happen to us define us. This whole album serves as an eye-opening reminder that our thoughts are powerful and we have to be careful how we let them frame our lives.
Mac Miller (RIP) is an artist who will always be significant to me. I still remember discovering The Divine Feminine as a 16-year-old and realizing that our world was changing. The jazz rap, intricate drum beats, and soulful lyrics Mac used to weave stories of the strong women in his life, tales of love and devotion, still has an indescribable impact on my life. My younger self blossomed with the realization of my own value as a woman; I can still feel the shock to my system upon realizing that a male musician could align himself with feminism in a way that I identified with.
On January 8, more than a year after his death, Mac Miller’s family announced on Instagram that Circles would be released later in the month. Mac had been working to publish Circles as a companion to Swimming (2018), and this posthumous release was a complement to his past discography. Much of the album was strung together using recordings Mac made before his death, and I believe he would’ve been proud of how it turned out. Jon Brion, the producer, worked for years to put together the album while closely following the vision he was originally presented with.
There are so many themes within the album that tie together lose ends from Swimming and paint a picture of Mac’s battle with addiction and his periods of recovery, along with the pressure he felt as an artist. There is heartbreak, healing, and moving forward. This album gave closure to many Mac Miller fans like myself. If you haven’t heard it yet, give it a try.
I would like to introduce one of my favorite metal bands, Infected Rain. I was a bit skeptical before listening to this nu-metal album, but much to my surprise, I completely fell in love with the album and the band. Their incorporation of metalcore, melodic death metal, electronic samples, touching lyrics, and female screams gives them a unique, gripping sound. 86 perfectly showcases the talent of each individual member. The first song of the album, Mold, gives a good introduction of their eclectic sound by combining heavy guitar, explosive vocals, and electronics. Elena Cataraga, also known as Lena Scissorhands, has a wildly impressive vocal range, spanning from clean singing, intense vocal fry, to deep gutturals Everything she delivers is packed with so much raw emotion it gives me chills to this day. This emotion shines through in Orphan Soul, where Lena writes a letter to her parents reflecting on her painful childhood while celebrating the new freedom and life she’s found despite her past. My favorite song from this album, Peculiar Kind of Sanity, focuses on how we allow our ego to corrupt our perception, overcoming deeply instilled fear, and taking control of our life. The primary theme throughout the album seems to be awakening from confusion and pain, corruption of humanity, self-acceptance, and overcoming your past or current pain. I find myself going back to their music over and over again for escape and solace. As is the beauty of music, but I find this vulnerability is somewhat rare in a lot of metal, so Infected Rain’s take is refreshing. Who said being in touch with your emotions isn’t metal?
Infected Rain formed in 2008 in Moldova, and first appeared playing at a concert dedicated to Slayer. Later that year they released their first demo CD with three songs – With Me, Parasite, and No Idols. They’ve shared the stage with bands such Obituary, Behemoth, Katatonia, Mötley Crüe, and The Agonist. After ten years of being an independent band, they finally signed with Napalm records in February 2019. Lena states on their website, “I want to touch people somewhere deep inside, try to end their fears and give them that escape that they always search for. Music saved my life, but when I started to sing is when my life acquired color. I want to share that with you.” It’s apparent listening to their work that every moment comes from the heart, and I think that’s what makes this band so special.
While I absolutely love this band, I have a few reservations about their techniques regarding electronic sounds. From conversations I’ve had and reviews I’ve seen, it’s a common thought. Songs like Mold and Freaky Carnival are a prime example. The electronic sounds are sometimes unexpected and take the songs in a different direction that I would like. Maybe this is a misled presumption I’ve developed from listening to so much traditional sounding black and death metal. I respect that Infected Rain is pushing boundaries of metal and incorporating various sounds to create their art. If you can’t get past the electronic sounds, this band still has loads to offer. Electronic sounds are incorporated in only a few songs, and the rest is pure metal. Overall, I think this band is extremely underrated and I can’t wait to see where their unique sound takes them.
BEST TRACKS: Wandering Son, The Static Age, Against the Day
FCC Violations: Julia Take Your Man Home
Thin Minds, released earlier this month, is Wolf Parade’s sixth album. You might have heard of Wolf Parade in the context of their genre-shattering 2005 album Apologies to the Queen Mary, which paved the way for many more odd, jittery indie rock bands to come such as King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and King Crimson. After taking slightly different paths with their later albums over the years, Wolf Parade again embraces their roots with Thin Mind, an album that evokes the same feelings and energy as their debut album Apologies to the Queen Mary. Original fans of Wolf Parade will be relieved to know that the band has returned to their early style. Wolf Parade took the sound of Apologies to the Queen Mary and refined and finely aged it to produce yet another stunning rock album.
Songs on this album feature unique melodies slightly twinged with electronic style, but surely grounded in pure rock. The shining feature of this album is definitely its tendency for catchy, melodic riffs. Flourishing keyboard work by Spencer Krug keeps the energy surging from song to song as Dan Boeckner’s guitar work holds you captive with it’s immense grit. Some of the charm of this album is due to the subtle 80’s pop-synth influence and Krug’s frazzled vocal style.
Even though it was released in the peak of winter, Thin Mind is a very summery-sounding album to me. It reminds me of swimming in the lake, climbing pine trees, and going camping, possibly because of the nostalgic, coming-of-age energy this music exudes. This album will make you want to set your inner child free, to leap and bound over the hills. Themes on this album are very inspirational. The very first track, Under Glass, is about freeing yourself by embracing uncertainty.
If you’re a fan of Arcade Fire circa 2004, then this punchy album is sure to win your heart.
Pinegrove is the best thing to come out of New Jersey since the invention of the lightbulb. They are seemingly always lovelorn, and exist so in a most vulnerable, straightforward, poetic way.
Strangely enough, this album reminds me of Ed Sheeran’s album Divide. There are similarities in the simple guitar and complementary percussion. The music sounds slightly bleak but mostly nostalgic and sweet. Marigold does not encapsulate the full range of lead singer Evan Hall’s astonishing range. I think it’s safe to say that I was blown to the ground the first time I heard Hall scream the word ‘underground’ in the song “Aphasia” from the album Cardinal. There barely a trickle of strain or intensity in Hall’s singing on this album. I am disappointed that we don’t see any raspy, twangy yawps or chilling screams and growls on this album.
On the surface, this album contains all the signature warmth and beauty of a Pinegrove album, but the lyrics this time are less hard-hitting and heart-wrenching. I feel less of a deep personal connection, as the lyrics are vague, and less vulnerable than Pinegrove’s last few albums.
I feel that Marigold is lacking the powerful, raw emotions, with touches regret and mortality that I have grown to expect from Pinegrove. Musically, this album is on par with the high standards I set for Pinegrove, but when I try to dive deeper into this album, I find that my skull cracks against the concrete at the bottom of the shallow pool that is Marigold. All in all, this album is good. The only reason that I was so harsh in this review is because I know that Pinegrove can do better. I haven’t given up on Pinegrove yet. I will be eagerly awaiting their next album and in the meantime, I will stick to listening to Pinegrove’s best album, Cardinal.
BEST TRACKS: Neon Skyline, Living Room, Try Again, Changer
FCC violations: Where Are You Judy, Thirteen Hours, Living Room, Fire Truck
Listen if you like: Jens Lekman, Bedouine, Faye Webster
“Essentially it’s an album about nothing”.
On January 24th, Andy Shauf released his highly anticipated follow up to his 2016 album, The Party. Just as The Party was, The Neon Skyline is another concept album in which all of the songs take place in the span of one night. The basic gist of the story is one many of us are probably familiar with: The narrator heads off to a bar with his friend, where he soon learns that his ex is in town. After that shocking news, he’s forced to revisit the and wade through the memories of their failed relationship. If you’re wondering if our narrator eventually sees his ex…I guess you’ll just have to listen to the whole story!
The album opens with the title track, (my favorite off the record) Neon Skyline. The gentle guitar and Shauf’s melodic voice – perfect for storytelling, do a wonderful job of setting the mood for the rest of the album. Sprinkled throughout the rest of the songs you’ll hear dashes of country, indie, and jazz intermingling with his usual folk / soft-rock sound.
Make sure you have ample time to listen to this album the whole way through. You’ll be so caught up in the fictional story that Shauf has brilliantly created that you won’t want to stop it for anything. If you need a quiet, peaceful album to listen to and enjoy during some much needed R&R, look no further. Put in your ear buds, close your eyes, listen and enjoy.
I hope you’ll add this wonderfully refreshing and endearing album to your “must listen to” lists soon – you won’t regret it!
BEST TRACKS: Agitate Resuscitate, We Are The Ones Who Make It So, We Pretend, Tight Rope
FCC violations: Agitate Resuscitate, The Saint, We Are. We Are. We Aren’t., This Reign is Ours, Hands Out
This classic alt-rock album, released on January 17th, has been a long time in the works (it’s Criteria’s first new album in 15 years)! To give you an idea of the kind of music Criteria makes, they toured with the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Minus the Bear following the release of their sophomore album En Garde in 2005. Their sound has stayed pretty consistent throughout the years (not that it needs to change). Years is sweetly reminiscient of simpler times AKA the early 2000s punk rock revival headed by Green Day’s American Idiot and the Offspring’s Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace.
The album opens with my favorite track of the record, lead single Agitate Resuscitate. This song’s monster riffs, toe-tapping hooks, and melody-forward vocals set very high expectations for the rest of the album. Strong bass lines will keep you grounded amidst the explosive drums and intense riffage. The album maintains it’s post-hardcore punk momentum all the way through to the end where it closes on a high note with Peace, ‘through our pain we still celebrate life today,’ and with a final call for world peace, the album fades into silence.
Criteria reminds me of Fall Out Boy, in that you’ll want to not just sing, but shout along to these passionate and anthemic lyrics. Songs on this album encompas the many ways in which we go through life, be it struggling and fighting for the revolution, or struggling with ourselves alone. Listen to this album if you want to feed your rebellious and angry, yet carefree highschool soul. Even though growth and change in music is great and encouraged, there’s something reassuring about knowing that some things in music never change. For every genre, there will always be a core, classic sound that we can revert to for comfort when we are tired of the new. For the genre of post-punk, Criteria encompasses this core perfectly.
In closing, welcome back, Criteria. It’s great to have you back.
