Category: Blog

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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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Miscellaneous

Get Psyched Podcast Episode Highlight: DIY Series ft. Pat Danger

 

Pat Danger is an Independent Musician from New Jersey who’s been making music for almost two years now. On describing his sound he says ‘I don’t want to box myself in but it’s definitely hip hop… lofi to houseparty, or anything in between’. A lot of his music can be found on his soundcloud, but he’s also recently been posting his newer tracks on Spotify. He is now on a personal mission of releasing a new track every Friday (a link to his first two tracks can be found below).

When I asked Pat about how he got into creating music he said he’s always been a big fan of music and was known to freestyle at parties around friends. It was just for fun and he never really saw it as anything else, until he decided he wanted to try making an EP. He went out to best buy and got a starter mic, some software and found some beats online to start recording over. This was around the time he moved out of Jersey and had a bit of free time, but when we recorded together he was back in the city and full time in school and work; all his free time still went to music.

We then talked about how he balances all of his commitments with his music making, and he told me that the way he sees it, it’s all about not allowing yourself to make excuses. ‘Anyone can do it, I’m not superman or anything’. He switched all of his classes online so he could be in control of his schedule, and said that making excuses is in the past. ‘There’s a lot of time in the day, the less time you spend on the phone or wasting away…  you do have a tone of time even if you are doing a bunch of things.’

After he started creating, he also started using reddit as a place to share his tracks with others and also find people to collaborate with. This is how he ended up meeting his first producer. He says he does not have any goals of being rich or famous, but just wants to put his words out there.

When we talked about ‘making it’ he said he feels like since he was able to put music out there he’s made it, but something cooler can always happen, and each new milestone feels even better then the last; and he’s always happy to see where things go.

What matters to him most is to just be genuine and get himself out there naturally. He’s not into networking or looking for clout, he just does what works for him. We talked about putting work out there and how scary it can be sometimes, especially being nervous for judgement. He says he wants to make sure he’s never too stubborn, and has been focusing on receiving criticism and feedback well ‘I try to take the mature mindset (with feedback)’.

His charismatic nature and love for freestyling led him to meet his most recent producer at a party. He said it felt kind of like fate since he was looking for some beats and his producer was looking for someone who can rap. The first track they put out together was ‘Tennessee’ and, on his most recent mission to release new tracks every Friday, Pat has put out ‘Dead by The Morning’ feat. downside and ‘Gritty Freestyle’ on Spotify.

On his recent releases he says ‘I’m trying to make something that I think is good’.

Pat’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IV87opycYxofohk94ebaz?si=W_QK0PIQQBW0bdfdRs54Uw

Link to podcast episode: https://getpsyched.transistor.fm/episodes/diy-series-ft-pat-danger

– DJ Psyched

Categories
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

Categories
Weekly Charts

Chainsaw Charts 05/19

Artist Record Label
1 LEFT BEHIND “Waiting for the End” [Single] Pure Noise
2 THE ACACIA STRAIN “Chinnamasta” [Single] Rise
3F LESHGOD APOCALYPSE Veleno Nuclear Blast
4 ASKING ALEXANDRIA Like A House On Fire Sumerian
5 BODYSNATCHER This Heavy Void Stay Sick
6 UPON A BURNING BODY Southern Hostility Seek & Strike
7 AFTER THE BURIAL Evergreen Sumerian
8 SUICIDE SILENCE Become The Hunter Nuclear Blast
9 AS I LAY DYING Shaped By Fire Nuclear Blast
10 KUBLAI KHAN Absolute Rise

Categories
Weekly Charts

Afterhours Charts 05/19

Artist Record Label
1 GNORK Marble [EP] Church
2 KEDR LIVANSKIY Your Need 2MR
3 JESSY LANZA"Lick In Heaven" [Single] Hyperdub
4 JAMES MASSIAH Natural Born Killers (Ride for Me) [EP] Levels
5 SASSY 009KILL SASSY 009 Luft
6 YEULE Serotonin II Bayonet
7 CARIBOU Suddenly Merge
8 BLUE HAWAII Open Reduction Internal Fixation Arbutus
9 CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS La Vita Nuova [EP] Because/Capitol
10 COWGIRL CLUE Icebreaker Vada Vada

Categories
Weekly Charts

Daytime Charts 05/19

Artist Record Label
1 ROOKIE Rookie Bloodshot
2 MY UGLY CLEMENTINE Vitamin CInk
3 EMILY ROCKARTS Little Flower Self-Released
4 GIRL SKIN Shade Is On The Other Side Jullian
5 SIMEN LYNGROTH Morning Light Self-Released
6 WHY BONNIE Voice Box [EP] Fat Possum
7 ONCE AND FUTURE BAND Deleted Scenes Castle Face
8 TONNE Bridey Murphy [EP] Self-Released
9 FRITZ HUTCHINSON Wide Wild Acres Center Cut
10 GOLDEN SEALS, THE Something Isn’t Happening Self-Released
11 PEACH PIT You And Your Friends Columbia
12 PENELOPE ISLES Until The Tide Creeps In Bella Union/PIAS
13 ROSEY DUST keep for life Self-Released
14 BASEMENT REVOLVER Wax And Digital [EP] Sonic Unyon
15 CHASTITY BELT Chastity Belt Hardly Art
16 DARKSOFT Brain Self-Released
17 GREEN BUZZARD Amidst The Clutter And Mess I Oh You
18 DEAD SOFT Big Blue Arts & Crafts
19 FYOHNA Radio Sampler [EP] Self-Released
20 VARSITY The Basement Takes Run For Cover
21 HOVVDY Heavy Lifter Double Double Whammy
22 CRITICALS, THE Mimosa Hygiene [EP] Self-Released
23 FRANKIE COSMOS Close It Quietly Sub Pop
24 CRUMB Jinx Self-Released
25 KOKO NEETZ I.T.T.I.P. Admirable Traits
26 CHRISTELLE BOFALE Swim Team [EP] Father/Daughter
27 SOCCER MOMMY Color Theory Loma Vista/Concord
28 WALRUS Cool To Who Outside
29 CHAI"No More Cake" [Single] Sony International
30 FUTURE CRIB FriendsSelf-Released

TOP ADDS

1 ROSE CITY BAND Summerlong Thrill Jockey
2 TAMBINO Tambino [EP] Self-Released
3 HEY CHELS Everything Goes Self-Released
4 EDITH FROST Nothing Comes Around Drag City
5 LASER BACKGROUND Evergreen Legend Self-Released
6ATOMIC BRONCONightflowersSelf-Released
7 KID FROOPY Silver Silver Deadbeats
8 VARSITY"Reason to run" [Single] Self-Released
9 DIET CIG Do You Wonder About Me? Frenchkiss
10 BUILT TO SPILL Built To Spill Plays The Songs Of Daniel Johnston [Advance Tracks] Ernest Jenning

Categories
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

Categories
Playlists

2k Indie Online

2k indie is the name of the radio show I started two years ago. The premise of the show is playing some of the newest releases in ‘underground’ Indie music. The purpose is to highlight some releases from local and smaller artists, since there is an endless amount of Indie tunes being released all the time. On this online version of the series, I will highlight a few new tracks every week, and a full playlist of these new tracks can be found on WKNC’s Spotify!


‘Language’ by Mindchatter

I’ve been listening to this artist since they released their first single in mid 2019. They’ve been steadily releasing tracks ever since. Although they are not released in the form of an album or ep, they do hold a central theme much like an album would. This artist has stood out to me for their unique use of electronics and synths. The tracks unique blend of indie and ambiance makes for a genre bending experience that makes all the artists tracks feel distinct and recognizable. This track lives up to the style of the artist and the vocals make it the perfect track to relax to.


‘Second Hand’ by STRFKR

STRFKR just released a full length record titled Future Past Life.  The track second hand instantly stood out to me during my first listen. It’s incredibly chill vocals and soft synths make it something that’s easy to listen to in the background, while the catchy chorus and verses also make it a track I can’t resist singing along to. It’s a fun and groovy vibe, and this whole record is worth a spin.


‘Portland’ by Rat Kid Cool

This track has a pretty interesting intro, and its whole sound is rather unique, but that’s what makes this release stand out. Rat Kid Cool has some interesting vocals, often reminding me of the Front Bottoms, which definitely feel like a potential influence on the group. This track features some interesting stringed instruments, distorted vocals, and an insanely catchy hook. The vocals sound incredibly relaxed but the music makes me want to dance, a conflicting, but entertaining, mix.

As I’d say on air, ‘I’m DJ Psyched and 2k Indie is coming to an end this week, thank you for reading and make sure you keep it locked for more content from the WKNC Content team. See you next week.’

– DJ Psyched

Categories
Playlists

Friday Favorites (5/15)

Hey everyone, it’s that time of the week again! Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of old hiphop. I wanted to share some of the best tracks I’ve found to get you through the week, especially because I know that I (and many others) have just started summer classes, internships, and work. There’s nothing like chill, old-style rap artists to give you some inspiration! 

One Beer – MF Doom 

The flow on this song is so smooth, paired with the high-pitched background vocals and beat makes for such a funky and cool song. I really recommend MF Doom as an artist in general but especially their 2004 album MM…FOOD, which has so many instant classics. 

Fancy Clown (ft. Viktor Vaughn) – Madvillain 

This song comes from one of my favorite-ever hiphop albums, Madvillainy. This project is a collaboration between two of my favorite artists, previously mentioned MF Doom and Madlib. This is my absolute favorite song from Madvillainy and I definitely recommend the album as a whole. 

Life is Better (ft. Norah Jones) – Q-Tip 

This duo has created one of my favorite songs in the world. This combination of Q-Tip’s unique flow and Norah Jones’ soft voice creates a beautiful love song with smooth vocals and a catchy beat. The music video is also really cool, check it out.  

Wavey (ft. Spooky Black) – Allan Kingdom 

I really love Allan Kingdom as an artist because his voice is interesting and he plays around so much with his pitch and changes his flows up seamlessly. This song has been a favorite of mine since high school, but I could honestly recommend anything he’s worked on. 

Hope you all enjoyed, let me know your favorite hiphop artists! 

– Miranda 

Categories
New Album Review

how i’m feeling now Album Review

My favorites: forever, 7 years, c2.0

Listen if you like: Grimes, 100 gecs, Allie X

Since Charli XCX’s appearance on 100 gecs’ “ringtone” remix, I’ve been excited to hear this new project of hers. The album, how i’m feeling now, is categorized by “inventive” or “experiential” pop and reflects Charli’s feelings relating to the current pandemic. She created the album and its related media in entirety during self-isolation with the tools she had on hand. Charli has also attempted to involve fans as much as possible, creating interactive Zoom calls, reaching out for advice, and even putting together fan-made clips for the music video of one of the album’s singles, “forever”. 

The album is quite experimental, a transformation from the usual pop melodies associated with the singer. how i’m feeling now opens with “pink diamond,” which perfectly exemplifies the wild, chaotic sound evolution of Charli XCX from her previous discography. However, she continues the alluring pop lyricism and a killer hook in the whole tracklist, which appeals to the ear. She brings the different musical aspects together beautifully, mixing mainstream and experimental sound. This new album also reflects a display of complex emotions reflecting the anxiety which is burdening our world right now. The tracklist includes songs which focus on her current relationship as well as ones highlighting the uncertainty and bizarreness of self-isolation. 

I think this is one of Charli XCX’s best works so far and have really enjoyed listening to it today; definitely would recommend checking it out especially if you like experimental pop.

– Miranda