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

ALBUM REVIEW: Mexico City Blondes – Blush

Blush by Mexico City Blondes album cover

BEST TRACKS: Reasons Why, Addio

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Mexico City Blondes are not actually from Mexico City. They are from Santa Barbara, California. Also, only ½ of the duo is blonde, but we’ll let this false representation slide because their music is so good. Mexico City Blondes met in 2014 on Craigslist when vocalist Allie Thompson replied to an ad posted by instrumentalist Greg Doscher stating that he was searching for someone with similar interest in lo-fi downtempo music to collaborate with. They instantly clicked and began working. Their first single, Fade, with a little bit of luck, became a breakout hit after being spread around by word of mouth and getting picked up by multiple music blogs. Fade even made it to the top spot on Hype Machine more than once. Five years later, the duo has finally released their long-awaited debut album Blush.

Hot out of a studio built in Doscher’s garage, Blush is fresh, mellow, and psychedelic. This album is a harmonious blend of electronic drums kits, dreamy synths, trip-hop vocals, and sprinklings of synthetic sounds. Thompson’s unique voice elevates this album to a level above the rest. Her wispy voice will carry you into an alternate reality where it’s eternally dusk outside and mysterious pink flower petals are carried in the breeze. Thompson’s sleek vocals go hand in hand in hand with the album’s silky texture. Every song on this album is hazy and atmospheric, ideal for going on a solo hike early in the morning or swimming in the pool at night.

My favorite track on this album is Addio. The chills that hit every time the chorus comes in are indescribable. The deliciously slow, jazzy guitar solo on this track at the bridge is the cherry on top.

If you like Glass Animals or WILLOW, I recommend this album to you.

-Safia Rizwan

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: The Pinheads – Is This Real

Is this Real by The Pinheads album cover

BEST TRACKS: Feel it now, Is This Real?, So Alone

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Grab your swimsuit because this album seriously drips.

The Pinheads first gained some traction in the surf punk scene back in 2015 with their single I Wanna Be A Girl, which is still their most popular song to date, though their sound was still very course and scratching. Since then, the pinheads have continuously re-calibrated and tightened up their sound, moving in a more guitar-heavy direction and leaning away from thin, clattery percussion in favor of fuller drums. Is This Real, released in May of this year, is their smoothest album yet.

Is This Real has a very independent feel to it, which makes sense considering that this album was entirely created and recorded in a shed (lovingly called the Pin-shed Laboratory) belonging to the mother of one of the band members.

This album has a lot variation that will keep you on your toes, ranging from bluesy tracks like Is this real? to full out surf punk like track number two Feel it Now. Despite the mosaic of styles, the entire album is drawn together beautifully with familiar drawled vocals and fuzzy guitar. Similar sounding artists are Wax Witches and Shannon and the Clams.

As you listen, you might be wondering, with a guitar sound this drippin, what large body of water were The Pinheads adjacent to when they recorded this album? Answer: the Indian Ocean. Growing up in the suburbs of Wollongong, Australia, on the Leisure Coast, The Pinheads were always surrounded by surf rock, the influence of which shines through on this album in its wet, energetic riffs.

My favorite song on the album is definitely the title track Is This Real?. One of the slower songs on this album, Is This Real? sounds like the end of a perfect summer day. Especially when that harmonica comes in, you’ll remember one of those days where you hung out with your friends all day doing dumb shenanigans and now that the sun is setting you’re tired but happy and satisfied.

Happy and satisfied is also something you’ll feel after listening to this album.

-Safia Rizwan

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New Album Review

Album Highlight // Pit Boss by Cecil Frena

 

Cecil Frena’s 12 track record ‘Pit Boss’ was released last month on August 21, 2019. The newly released album was a must listen for me because Cecil Frena’s first album ‘The Gridlock’ was the first album I ever reviewed for WKNC, and it quickly became a favorite of mine. I was excited when I heard about this release and I absolutely loved the change of pace I felt when I had my first listen. This album definitely sounds like Cecil Frena but it holds its own unique sound at the same time (something I love to see artists do). 

From first listen the track ‘Are You A Cop’ really stood out to me and remains one of my favorites from the album. The guitars are memorable, as they are all throughout this entire album, and the use of screaming vocals (which are also used a good amount on this record) really add to the weight of his words. ‘The Rats are Winning’ also stood out to me that first time. With its fierce vocals and whisper like chorus this track really gets you feeling the intensity behind the artists words. ‘Baby you got this’ is definitely an anthem type track and i’m here for the catchy hook that I know I’ll have stuck in my head for a while now. And I’m alright with that.

I’d definitely have to say though, my favorite thing about Cecil Frena’s music is the experience of pulling up the lyrics on bandcamp and reading along side the track. His lyrical work is usually telling an underlying story that you only catch if you’re paying close attention, and it’s always a story worth hearing. Cecil hasn’t been afraid to talk on personal beliefs and political topics in the past and he doesn’t shy away from them on this record either, and it’s powerful.

– DJ Psyched

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: POW! – Shift

Pow! by Shift album cover

BEST TRACKS: Peter, Free the Floor

FCC VIOLATIONS: Disobey, No World

This is it. We are now in the Cybergoth future that our parents and teachers warned us about. POW! is back – darker, noisier, and giving less of a damn than ever with their new album Shift.

Pow! started out in 2011 with four members but by the time the band released Shift, their numbers had dwindled down to just two: the extraordinary duo Byron Blum and Melissa Blue. With Blum’s cutting guitar, and Blue’s chilling vocals and brain-liquefying keyboard, they don’t really need anyone else.

This album came as a surprise. Based on the two albums that came before this release, it seemed like POW! was moving in a more pop direction. For some reason, they changed their minds and turned a complete 180…and we’re so glad they did! Shift is experimental, unnerving, and abrasive in the most ripping way.

This album is an avant garde explosion of self-expression. Picture oscillating synthesizers, robotic deadpan vocals, strange electronic whirring, and tinny drums being beaten to within an inch of their life. Any song from this album could go on the soundtrack of a post-apocalyptic movie about a motley group of computer hackers and mechanics trying to overthrow the government.

To give you an idea of how noisy this album actually is, I was listening to the fourth track, Free the Floor, in my car and thought the sirens of a firetruck passing by were just part of the song. I almost didn’t stop for it. A minute later, in the same car ride, I was vibing so hard to Peter that I missed my turn. SO yeah what I’m trying to say is this album is really good but bad for when you’re driving.

If you’ve ever worn glittery black nail polish or cosplayed as anyone from Invader Zim, you’ll probably like this album. Even if you’re not a cyberpunk menace, it might still amuse you to give this album a spin.

-Safia Rizwan

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New Album Review

Knocked Loose – A Different Shade of Blue

A Different Shade of Blue is the second full length album that Knocked Loose has put out and god damn, its heavy. This hardcore/metalcore or whatever genre you want to put them in, I don’t care. Either way, it’s dark and heavy, just the way I like it.

When Knocked Loose first hit the scene with their debut album, Laugh Tracks, I knew they would leave their mark on the metal community. Their sound is nothing out of the ordinary: nasty riffs, badass breakdowns, and 2-stepable riffs that will make you move your feet.

Their latest release, A Different Shade of Blue, was a highly anticipated album from the band. After releasing …And Still I Wander South and Mistakes Like Fractures, I was SO ready to see what else Knocked Loose had up their sleeves. When their newest album first came out, and when I heard the opening track Belleville, it made me wanna punch things. The brute force that the opening track came out with set the tone for the rest of the record.

The beatings continue the more you listen to this record. A Serpent’s Touch features Emma Boster (a queen), vocalist for Dying Wish!! When I heard her come on, I started freaking out because I was not expecting a collaboration. There are more riffs, more breakdowns, and groovy parts as each song progresses and I guarantee that you won’t be standing still while listening. Your neck will be hurting from all the headbanging that is in your future.

Guided by the Moon is probably one of my favorite songs just because of the nasty 2-step riff that follows after Bryan Garris yells, “this is a different shade of blue.” This song has a dark, eerie, feel to it. It also has some chants in the song that I can already see people yelling back at Garris live. You should also check out Forget Your Name. The face crushing riff in the beginning is awesome and if they play this song live… let’s just say chaos will consume us.  

Unlike Laugh Tracks, there are no barking noises (like Counting Worms), but this record is a lot darker, heavier, and more metal. When watching an interview with Garris, they didn’t mean for this record to be as dark. It just “turned out” that way. WELL THANK GOD IT DID!!!

A Different Shade of Blue is definitely a big contender for album of the year. The combination of everything on this record is simply amazing and it has been on repeat since it was released. It’s as if you can feel the band’s energy oozing off of this record. Their energy is strong, either just on a record or live. You have this constant feeling that the band is all up in your grill, demanding your attention. That is what I love about this band. They immediately put out this intense energy and we so easily feed off of it. Well done, Knocked Loose.

Overall, this is one of my favorite releases of 2019 and I can’t wait to see them in October. My body is ready.

Favorite song(s): Forget Your Name, A Serpent’s Touch, and Guided by the Moon

Rating: 9/10

What is your favorite song off of A Different Shade of Blue?

Stay Metal,

THE SAW  

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Tacocat – This Mess is a Place

This Mess is a Place by Tacocat

BEST TRACKS: Crystal Ball, Hologram

FCC violation: Grains of Salt

Tacocat is a guitar-based pop punk group out of Seattle. However, Tacocat’s most recent album, This Mess is a Place, leans significantly more towards bubblegum pop than some of their previous albums. Tacocat rose to success as a band in the early 2010’s, at a time where everyone wore rainbow loom bracelets and nyan cat ruled the internet. Though Tacocat sharpened and refined their sound over the decade, the early 2010’s influence is still prevalent in their pastel music videos and peppy songs.

A word of caution to crust punks, metalheads, and people who love to suffer: this album is SWEET- have too much and you might find yourself with a cavity. Songs on this album feature velvety background choruses and saccharine guitar. You could say this album sounds similar to Chris Farren’s Can’t Die, or Remember Sports’ All of Nothing but with way less grit. Overall, This Place is a Mess is light and breezy, easy listening. I enjoyed listening to it in the mornings while I was in the shower to get pumped for the start of a new day.

Despite having underlying existential themes, this album refuses to wallow in misery. This Mess is a Place is about finding hope and light despite the bleak state of the world. The first track, Hologram, reminds you to take a step back and enjoy life’s simple moments, with immersive imagery of beaded curtains in the purple dark. The third and most popular track on the album, Grains of Salt, is about living for yourself and dropping the weight of other peoples’ judgements from your shoulders. Major props to Tacocat – say what you will about them, but their cup is undeniably overflowing with mettle.

If you like sunshine, you’ll probably like this album. Just don’t forget to brush your teeth!

-Safia Rizwan

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New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Jay Som’s “Anak Ko”

Image result for anak ko jay som

Best tracks (in my opinion): Tenderness, Superbike, Devotion

“Anak Ko” is the sophomore album from Melina Duterte who wrote, produced and mixed this piece and her last, “Everybody Works.” (Side note: I found an “Everybody Works” album cover poster at the Scrap Exchange a few weeks ago and now it lives on my hallway wall, what a good find!)

“Anak Ko” means my child in Tagalog. Duterte drew inspiration from the album’s name from a text message her mother sent. The album itself is only 9 sweet tracks that run for about 36 minutes. In it, Jay Som takes us on a soothing, cutesy, though upbeat, ride through the clouds. Colors that come to mind can be found on the album’s cover; sunset oranges, pinks and reds. This album, full of Jay Som’s hushed crooning, features sounds of dream pop, indie rock and, dare I say, a bit of country guitar (listen to Superbike, Devotion or Get Well.) In the song Peace Out I was very much reminded of Mitski’s voice and lyrics (“won’t you try to be anyone else?”) and with this I think Jay Som makes it obvious that she’s reaching into a lot of different bags here.

“Anak Ko” feels like we’re right in Jay Som’s bedroom with her while she sits next to us playing a few songs she just wrote. The sounds and lyrics are very intimate and personal, not to mention the album’s name which offers an introduction into who Melina Duterte really is. Adding more personality, she sings about wanting to change in Devotion and shoplifting from Whole Foods in Nighttime Drive. Sonically, this album is a smooth ride alongside the catchy guitar riffs and Jay Som’s paper thin yet captivating vocals. 

And though it is just Jay Som rocking out with us on this album, she invited a few friends to play instruments and sing some vocals. With this and her constant changes in tempo, soundscape and hooks, she manages to keep the songs diverse and multi-faceted. I know what I’ll be listening to during my next sunset drive home.

by Makayla Mack 

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New Album Review

Album Review: Tobi Lou – Live on Ice

Live on Ice by Tobi Lou album cover

By far, the most creative album I’ve heard in a long time.

I’m not going to lie, I’ve been listening to Tobi Lou for a while now, but how I discovered Tobi Lou is actually quite interesting. A producer that I was extremely fond of named YOG$ had just got done doing a collaboration project with another artist I thoroughly enjoy, and upon finishing that project, did a track with Tobi, and I hated it. It took me about around 3 months and 15 listens to actually come around on the song, and I was still pessimistic listening to the rest Tobi’s music. I finally started coming around to Tobi’s music because of the dichotomy between lighthearted fun and melancholy teenage emotions within his songs. Not to mention his incredible lyrical creativity, singing ability, and downright fantastic production, mixed with actual interesting ad libs. Tobi Lou quickly became one of my favorite artists to follow, and Live on Ice does not disappoint.

Something that makes this album truly interesting and separate from other hip-hop/r&b/pop albums is that many of the songs can be thrown into any of those genres, and possibly others. From the first track on the album, 100 Degrees, it would appear to be a hip-hop album, but as you head down the track list, you find songs like Sometimes I Ignore You Too and That Old Nu-Nu that are so far from hip-hop in a traditional sense, and that argument can be made for just about every song on the album. Tobi even collaborated with K-Pop artist Vernon on the track Looped Up, arguably making for one of the most creative and ambitious songs on the album.

I have been trying to think of a good comparison for Live on Ice, and from a musical perspective, I haven’t been able to find one. It’s just that unique and creative. But, I believe an argument can be made that Acid Rap by Chance the Rapper and Tobi Lou’s Live on Ice have very similar impacts on the audience it reaches, essentially accomplishing the same goal, connectivity. Acid Rap, is arguably one of the most influential factors for the type of music I listen to, and many others my age. Live on Ice accomplishes the same effect, but for a slightly different audience. Acid Rap was influenced by extremely prevalent themes being love, friends, following your dreams, with the biggest theme being heavily based around drugs. All of these elements combine for one of the most successful mixtapes ever made, as well as being responsible for Chance the Rapper’s massive popularity. Live on Ice is similar to Acid Rap in a way, due to how Tobi effectively connects the themes of the album to the listener. While it might not be as successful as Acid Rap, Tobi Lou has created a project that will touch the lives of many people in the same way Acid Rap did. Themes like finding love, dealing with depression, being comfortable with who you are, and heartbreak are expressed throughout the album extremely effectively through fantastic production, Tobi’s ambitious vocal layering/editing, and lyrical creativity. Personally, I love happy music, and when I heard tracks like Favorite Substitute, Like My Mom, and Ice Cream Girl, I immediately fell in love with them because they connected with me in a personal and interesting way. The use of non-traditional hip-hop instruments, catchy choruses, unique vocals, and actually interesting ad libs (seriously no one ever has good ad libs) make songs more lively, and help to set a mood for the album overall.

Live on Ice is genuinely in a league of its own, and I think it should be treated as such. It took me almost a month to fully understand and interpret this album, and I hope others get as much out of this project as I did. I truly haven’t listened to an album this interesting since Healy’s Subluxe in 2017. I highly suggest you give this album a shot, even if you don’t like hip-hop/r&b/pop because it is such a different experience.

Suggested Tracks:

-100 Degrees

-Sometimes I Ignore You Too

-Berlin/Westside

-Cheap Vacations

-Looped Up

-Favorite Substitute

-Ice Cream Girl

-Jaye

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New Album Review

EP REVIEW: Josh Mullen – Lemon’de

Lemon’de by Josh Mullen album cover

EP REVIEW: Josh Mullen – Lemon’de (8/23/19)

BEST TRACKS: Fine, Lemon’de

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Meet Josh Mullen, who is just now dipping his toes into the world of songwriting with his first EP, Lemon’de.

This 18-year-old grasshopper from Youngseville, NC is an unashamedly self-proclaimed indie boy who draws his inspiration from the likes of Mac Demarco and Neutral Milk Hotel, which is evident in this EP by the mellow vocals and dominant use of acoustic guitar. Mullen admits to recording this entire EP in his bedroom using Audacity, but to be fair, who doesn’t record their first EP on either Audacity or Garageband? Despite not having the greatest means of production, for a first EP, it’s pretty good.

The song “Fine” kicks off the EP and immediately blasts you into the 5th dimension of consciousness with high energy strumming and a nicely complimenting bassline. The vocals are easily the most impressive part of this song. Mullen’s voice is soft but not completely mushy, carrying a pleasant amount of grit and intensity while still remaining soothing to the ears. The heavily reverberating vocals will penetrate their way into the center of your brain and settle down there. The reverberating, softly warped vocals make their appearance again on “Brown Recluse” and ‘Punch”.

Another highlight of this EP is the title track “Lemon’de”. For this lighthearted number, Mullen sets aside the guitar and picks up a sweet little ukulele. I feel like I’m in the Curious George universe when I’m listening to this song, dreamily floating down a river in a rowboat on a sunny day. Eating a banana. This song will ‘whistle’ your worries away.

Josh Mullen is a talented guitarist and vocalist with a lot of potential. Josh Mullen, if you’re reading this, keep making music! Everyone starts somewhere. Thank you for being a fan of WKNC and I hope to see you making waves in the future.

You can listen to Lemon’de on soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/skippysgotmail/sets/lemonde-ep

-Safia Rizwan

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New Album Review

Album Review: Froth – Duress

Image result for froth duress

Favorite Songs: Catalog, Dialogue, A2, Xvanos

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As hilarious as it sounds, Froth was conceived from an ironic joke. An idea from two El Segundo, California friends Joo Joo Ashworth and Jeff Fribourg, who would release publicity photos and stories from the road into the ether without ever performing or recording anything tangible. An LP was in the works that would feature 20 minutes of nothing at all…silence, which would be pressed on vinyl with the help of a friend, curious to see how this mockery would pan out. Though there was the concept of a real band, in actuality there wasn’t one. At least not one that transcended into reality from the humorous minds of two buddies.

Fate seemed to intervene in 2012 when Fribourg, a music enthusiast, put together a small festival and one of the acts would have to cancel. Looking to fix the problem, Fribourg and Ashworth stepped in to give the newly dubbed Froth the chance to see some action. Assisted by bassist Jeremy Katz, who had only just bought a bass the previous week, and drummer Cameron Allen, Froth put on a disastrous performance but it was the start of something real and authentic.

Fribourg, who was the initial guitarist, had been replaced before Froth recorded its second record. Then that replacement was replaced by Nick Ventura in 2015 and the band then toured extensively across the US and the UK.

Now with their fourth release and second full-length, Froth’s Duress continues the quest of perfecting a sound that is not quite psychedelic and escapes just outside the realm of garage-rock. Though they have been said to be going more to the route of dream pop, I’m not really so sure. There is a lot to unpack with this band as there are many layers to comprehending the music, though it is still packaged in simplistic containment. 

The opening track Laurel is a great introduction to the sound and feel of the album. Two guitars work in unison to create a montage of the satisfying arrangement, with weird stompbox effects and bends that kill. 

Detail is abundant on the record, with every space and every second accounted for. There are some cool intros by varying electronic devices, whether that be by an omnichord or the keys, which are also used as cool segways into other parts of the songs. 

Dialogue is an intriguing one. It has a more traditional rock vibe, with its elegant cleans and sharp dirty riffs that cut through with single notes and more killer bends. The main melody is echoed by the keys which eventually paves the way to an imaginative bridge that just plain jams with two-guitar harmonies that bring the song to an abrupt stop. 

One thing that really got me into this band was checking out some of their performances on YouTube. Seeing them do their thing in a live setting makes you appreciate them so much more. Rather than having to soak in the music to get past the slight weirdness of it, seeing them play together instantly immerses you in a fascinating experience. These dudes just rock out. That’s it, nothing more and nothing less. Be sure to add this one to your library and give it a listen. 

– Justin Capoccia