Category: New Album Review

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

Categories
New Album Review

New Daytime Music

Andrew St. James // “Doldrums”

Something about Andrew’s unique voice being paired with soothing acoustics and echoing vocals makes many of the tracks on this album simply stunning. His sound may not be for everyone, but definitely take the time and check out this album.

Priscilla Ahn // “This is Where We Are”

The soft and dreamy vocals of Priscilla Ahn being paired with even more dreamy beats and synths makes this album pretty irresistible. Simply put, Priscilla is amazing. 

Dom La Nena // “Golondrina”

Consisting of only four tracks, it is not hard to find that the best song on this EP is Dom La Nena’s cover of The National’s “Start a War.” Dom’s voice is soothing and nearly perfect.

Boy & Bear // “Harlequin Dream”

I guess I’m just a sucker for dream pop music, but I absolutely loved this album. From the softly blended in acoustics to the impressive lyrics/vocals this is just all around outstanding.

Cibo Matto // “Hotel Valentine”

This album definitely has its high points, but throughout most of it I felt like I was in the middle of some strange Japanese club experience. These girls are quirky and are not ashamed to show it through their music. 

Categories
New Album Review

New Daytime Music

The Rebel Set // How to Make a Monster!

Those 60s surf/garage rock sounds that are oh-so-popular these days, plus some campy special effects stuff, like screams and “haunted house” organs (think Wampire). Super upbeat, impossible not to tap your foot/bob your head to this while daydreaming about how you’re totally gonna chat up that girl/guy you like at that hip surf party next weekend. 

 

image

Surf City // We Knew It Was Not Going to Be Like This

Don’t be fooled by the name – this is actually not surfy at all. It’s also probably not named after Surf City, NC, since these guys are from New Zealand. Presumably in a field, amidst a flock of sheep, they make relaxed, “slacker” psych rock. Dreamy and wistful, you know how it is.

 

image

Bhavana Reddy // Tangled in Emotions

I don’t even know what to call this. Like, the Indian Fiona Apple. She is the daughter of a famous Indian dancing couple and is a dancer herself. Consequently, the theatricality of Indian dance comes across in these 4 tracks, which are dominated by Reddy’s alluring voice and backed by a jazzy, psychedelic, east-meets-west sound.

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks // Wig Out At Jagbags

A guy as old as your dad but way cooler (no offense). This is nothing radically different from other Stephen Malkmus solo albums (characteristic wordplay that alternates between clever and nonsensical; sprawling, relaxed beats), but it’s still a really good listen.

Native America // Bad Weed / But Still Weed EP

Yeah, I rolled my eyes at the album title, too, but then I listened to it cause that’s my job. Energetic, wide-eyed, poppy, and sunny. Described as “flower punk,” which I think is a pretty apt description. This one was actually released last summer but somehow slipped through the cracks…anyway if you’re dreaming of sunnier days, then you should play this!

Categories
New Album Review

New Local Music

Doc Aquatic // Tombs
An INCREDIBLE band based out of Asheville that produces some wonderful psych-pop music. There’s a bit of that ol’ mountain folk sound in there, but it’s mostly reverb washed blasts of excellence.
RIYL: Real Estate, The Flaming Lips

image

The Beast //Gardens EP
This is a short EP from one of the areas finest hip-hop acts and holy god it’s awesome. This is their first “big band” recording, which means this already jazz influenced hip-hop crew is joined by some of the areas finest string and brass players. Seriously check this if you’re into hip-hop.
RIYL: The Roots

Wowolfol//Demos
While the sound quality isn’t top notch, these songs are slow brooding, somber pieces of acoustic glory. While some of the tracks suffer from being a bit too static, the ones that have some musical direction are pretty incredible.
RIYL: Bill Callahan, Tom Waits

image

Vannevar// Vannevar
Just some good fun indie rock from these Chapel Hill folks. Sounds a bit like the quirky college rock acts in the area that have picked up a bit of steam. Some of these songs are terribly catchy and definitely worth a spin or two.
RIYL: Hammer No More The Fingers, Archers of Loaf

image

Texoma// EP
Another brief collection of songs from a very fresh roots rock band. Texoma is comprised of former members of Magnolia Collective and some other local Americana-based acts. Self described as dust-rock, which is far more accurate than it should be!
RIYL: Drive-By Truckers

image

Napoleon Wright II //The Napoleon Complex
Some seriously smooth hip-hop from this producer/rapper. A lot of R&B influence tossed in and the tracks tow the line between melody based and swiftly spat hip-hop. Spin these tunes if you’re looking for some easily accessible rap.
RIYL: Kooley High, Frank Ocean

image

The Arcane Heart // EP
A great collection of folky Americana songs that play off of some excellent melodies and simplistic instrumentation. Easily palatable tunes that make for a nice way to slow things down.
RIYL: Birds & Arrows

The Genuine // Blooms
Such harmonies, many beautiful, very music. For real though, this is some fantastic folk rock out of Winston-Salem that plays wonderfully off of the male/female vocal counterpoint. Some really fantastic music here.
RIYL: The Head and the Heart, Matrimony

Categories
New Album Review

New Daytime Music

Linnea Olsson: “Ah!”
This album consists solely of Olsson’s beautiful soft voice, and all the impressive sounds that she can produce with her cello. Linnea is certainly full of a lot of talent and she shows it in this album. 

Milosh: “Jetlag”
Straight out of Canada, Milosh produces minimal electronic beats combined with soft mysterious vocals. Don’t be fooled though, there are other subtle dimensions that make it give the feel of what ‘jetlag’ may be like if put into sound.

Kramies: “The Wooden Heart”
Although the cover of this album looks like a picture from the Pirates of the Caribbean, it is actually full of many soothing soft rock components, soft vocals, and nice synths. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a slower listen. 

Categories
New Album Review

New Daytime Music

The Moth & The Flame // “&”
((electro pop))
Just a fantastic balance between the dark and languid and the aggressive and driving. Intelligent rhythms and great vocals set this release apart.
 
The Ian Fays // "The Most Spectacular Party"
((indie pop))
I don’t usually go for the quaint cutesy stuff, but The Ian Fays’ whimsy is rooted in a strong sense of sincerity. Their twin harmonies and minimal accompaniment make their sound completely original.

Males // “Males Males Males”
((garage pop))
Top notch hooks with that oh so beloved bratty garage aesthetic all the kids are clamoring for these days.

Sebastian Grainger // "Yours to Discover"
((electro pop))
Ex-member of Death From Above 1979 does not sound much at all like his old band. Some decent hooks in here, but it ultimately sounds like he’s trying too hard.

Static Jacks // “In Blue”
((power pop))
For anyone who just can’t get enough of Weezer.

Cut Copy // “Free Your Mind”
((indie electronic))
Not too many groups are brave enough to tackle the rhythms of acid house like Cut Copy. 
Categories
New Album Review

New Daytime Music

Upstairs Downstairs: “Upstairs Downstairs”
This album consists of numerous dark melodies and soft female vocals. This band is making a slow crawl to success in the music world, and will definitely be more recognized in the future.

No Joy: “Pastel and Pass Out”
Although there is not a wide variety of tracks to choose from, the ones available are quite impressive. Consisting of catchy female vocals and upbeat rhythms, No Joy is definitely making their name and sound known. 

The Paper Kites: “States” 
“States” is full of soft and slow acoustic melodies that are very calming. Paired with echoing vocals, The Paper Kites put forth quite an magnificent album. 

Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside: “Summer EP”
This EP seems to bring you back in time to an old beachside boardwalk. Sallie Ford blends her dynamic angsty vocals with beachy rock feels to create a short, but very wonderful EP.


Los Campesinos: “No Blues”
Well just like the album title suggests, this is a CD full of catchy upbeat rock tracks, and certainly “No Blues.” The album can be a little generic at times, but overall is worth a listen. 
Categories
New Album Review

New Daytime Music

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – The Speed of Things
image
This is another great release from the electro-indie-pop outfit. They’ve got that whole indie-nostalgia-feely-thingy down really well, all with some pretty engaging beats.
——————————————————

Cults – Static

This is a high profile release. Psychedelic, shimmery, female vocals, etc. pop, you know the drill by now. Very heavy Kevin Parker vibes here.
——————————————————


I absolutely love this album. It’s exactly what indie rock is supposed to be: cool, unpretentious, easy, sincere. 
——————————————————

Yip Deceiver – Medallius
Two guys from Of Montreal’s analog synth pop side project. Great vibe, without a hint of irony.
——————————————————

image
This girl is really popular in Brazil. She blends French pop, Americana, and Brazilian rhythms into an extremely unique style. Very exceptional.
——————————————————
Categories
New Album Review

New Daytime Music

Wooden Shjips – Back to Land

Minimalist psych rock like before, only this release isn’t nearly as good as their earlier stuff. 
——————————————————

Audacity – Butter Knife

image
Garage rock with a stiff pop-punk bend. Good hooks, great energy. Very solid album, if not all that distinct.
——————————————————

The Dirtbombs – Ooey Gooey Chewy Ka-Blooey!



Silly name for a silly album. Garage band plays bubblegum pop. It’s certainly unique, I’ll give it that. 
——————————————————

Dresses – Sun Shy

Impeccably produced, upbeat pop a la Jason Mraz. If you’re the type to exhort things as “adorable,” you’re probably going to love this.
——————————————————

Ezra Furman – Day of the Dog

This guy uses classic rock & roll tropes spiced up with Lennon-esque screamy stuff and a super badass sax squealing solos Ornette Coleman style. Cool stuff.
Categories
New Album Review

New Daytime Music

DeadCat “Transientualism”

With a rocky beginning to the album, I was quite impressed to find such addicting/good tracks at the end. Full of good beats and ambient sounds, DeadCat definitely has a promising future. 

Cobalt Cranes “Head in the Clouds”

Creating their own dreamy sound, Cobalt Cranes new album definitely sounds like their heads were in the clouds when they put together all of these songs. Overall, the band is a really good duo with soothing vocals.

Cass McCombs “Big Wheel and Others”

Not gonna lie, this album is straight up WEIRD, but in a really good way. Cass intertwines soft melodies with wonderful lyrics to create a great album. This album is a really good choice to slow things down a bit. 

Diane Coffee “My Friend Fish”

This is an amazingly beautiful solo album put together by Shaun Flemming (Foxygen’s drummer)! Overall, the album is very impressive and similar (if not better) to the likes of Foxygen’s sound. 

Besides Daniel “This Marvelous Grief”

Consisting of soft acoustics and vocals, Besides Daniel’s new album is very heartfelt and personal. Overall, the album is full of potential and pretty impressive.
 

Categories
New Album Review

New Local Music

Eston Dickinson – Knave of the Heart

Some solid indie-pop tunes from this Raleigh-based band. There’s a bit of a doo-wop feel to some of the vocal melodies and they’ve got a nice swing to them. A few catchy as hell tracks hidden within this album!

Peter Lamb & The Wolves – Humble Pie

An incredible jazz album from this Raleigh band. Recorded live at Humble Pie, this recording perfectly captures the whimsical energy abound at this band’s shows. Some wonderful swing oriented jazz songs with some powerful, soulful vocals to round out the mix. Incredible stuff regardless of your affinity for jazz music.

This EP comes from one of the state’s most widely acclaimed bands in recent years. While they’ve not made too many waves in the Triangle, this family band of sorts (husband/wife vocal combo with brothers/brother in-laws on rhythm) was signed to Columbia last year but still puts out some wonderful folk-rock music.

 

Toon & The Real Laww – You Know The Name/End The Beginning

A double EP from this Durham-based hip-hop duo that showcases their varying styles. Toon boasts a playful punchline-rap approach that occasionally delves deeper into his personal life in an unapologetic manner. The Real Laww on the other hand delivers a booming demeanor that exudes confidence atop party ready beats.

The new solo project from Annuals bassist Mike Robinson, this is an awesome display of some sincere indie rock music. Relatively straight-forward in its approach, FPP’s music speaks for itself with deep vocals and lush instrumentation.

Like a wine drunk Ghostt Bllonde, Bridges gets into some deeply personal territory while creating some fantastic shoegaze leaning indie rock. The songs are raw and visceral, they feel like knee jerk emotional reactions that display a sense of urgency that simply can’t be faked. Great stuff. 

 

Schooner’s newest LP is filled with catchy melody driven indie rock that you’ll constantly try to get out of your head. But give it up, it’s probably not going to happen. There’s a bit of a folk croon that guides these songs along, but there’s a guttural sort of intensity in the instrumentation that creates a perfect dichotomy between the two musical realms.

LOCAL ARTIST OF THE MONTH

 

Mipso – Dark Holler Pop

A fantastic new album from this bluegrass/folk group. Dark Holler Pop finds Mipso with a far more defined and mature sound, one that’s likely resulted from their recording the album with Andrew Marlin of Mandolin Orange. It stands in the center of the intersection of contemporary poppy folk music and traditional bluegrass roots music.