Category: Blog

Categories
Music News and Interviews

Releases of April 2020

 

I  might be a bit biased when I say that April is the best month of the year, since it’s the month in which I was born, but I also have another reason to appreciate this April. I’ve already made two other blog posts about my favorite songs and music videos from the month, but now that the month is officially over I have even more exciting music news to share. 

It’s truly has been a crazy good month for new music, at least in my taste/ from some of my favorite artists, but I’m sure there’s plenty of good music and news I will miss in this, so make sure to let me know if I missed something you really loved or were excited for this month!

As far as artists, like I said a lot of my favorites released new material this month, including but not limited to: Twenty One Pilots, Hayley Williams, Rina Sawayama, Declan McKenna, and The Front Bottoms. I name these artists because I already covered their new material in my previous blog posts so I won’t go into any more detail here, but I am still super excited about these releases and think they’ve held up really well over the month.

As far as music I haven’t talked about yet, there’s new material from: Smallpools, Mindchatter, Gorillaz, J.P. Plains, Still Woozy, Bad Suns, Arson Daily, youngbuk, Beachtape, and chloe moriondo. There’s even more than that, but I won’t be able to cover them all in this one post without making it ridiculously long, so instead I put them all in a playlist which is linked below.

Local Band Arson Daily released their first full length LP on April 3rd titled Late Reflections. Pipe Dream is my favorite track at the moment, but the whole album is impressive and worth a listen. Their rock and indie infused sound is unique and soothing. Refreshing and original, this one of my favorite plays of the month. The band has done a few live stream concerts for the record already, so if you’re interested you should check them out online, they seem to be staying very active during this time.

‘Window’ by Still Woozy is a soothing pop track with an R&B vibe. It also fits in perfectly with a lot of the indie music on my playlist, since the artist’s sound is a very unique blend of genres, which has made it really stick with me through this month. This artist definitely stands out with his unique choice of instrumentation and hypnotizingly soothing vocals. Making this track short, sweet and kept on repeat.

Last, but as I said before not really the last, is Smallpools. They released the track ‘Play Pretend’ earlier in the month, and the track ‘slowdown’ about a week ago. The first song was used for ‘The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show’, a netflix original. The song is incredibly upbeat, fun, and with it’s catchy chorus and playful guitar riff, it definitely screams Smallpools. I find the chorus gets stuck in my head pretty fast and makes me want to dance. It contrasts nicely with the track ‘slowdown’, a lighter sounding track, though not completely mellow. It has a soothing midline beat that picks up in the chorus. The track was made as a collaboration with morgxn, and considering the netflix partnership they also had this month, it all makes me wonder what the band has in store for us next.

Those were just some of my favorite Music Moments from April. Like I said the month was overwhelmingly full of great new releases and news. You can check out more of my recommendations from the playlist below. 

As always I have a question for you, what have been some of your favorite tracks and music news from this year?

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6CHgt25jDtqy9eyIHKKP3n?si=vA8QIJBkTmaBUaPfcM_HpQ 

– DJ Psyched

Categories
New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Lila Blue – Leave Me Be

ALBUM REVIEW: Lila Blue – Leave Me Be

BEST TRACKS: Grown Bones, Somber Silence, Indigo

FCC clean

Recommended if you like: Angel Olsen, Fiona Apple, Mitski

Lila Blue is not your average hippy dippy folk singer. Leave Me Be is by far the darkest, eeriest, most macabre folk album that I’ve ever heard. Music is Lila Blue’s entire life, and she has even traded her childhood for this, writing music since the age of 8. Now, at the young age of 20, she has released her third album, containing a power and intensity that would have made you think it was written by someone much older.

Blue’s voice changes styles astonishingly quickly, multiple times within the same song. In the first track, Grown Bones, Blue sings the line “hurricanes and lukewarm soup” with a sweet and beautiful intonation, but the way she growls the lyrics two lines down, “mama pushed you down the river in her favorite basket” sounds downright insidious. Adding to the frightening mood of this album are the suspenseful, discordant strings and deep, booming, rhythmic drums. This music makes me think of acres of burning cornfields and demonic symbols written in blood on the walls.

In this album, I feel the sweetness of youth and the pains that come with growing up and having to take on different roles in life. I especially felt this in the 5th track, Somber Silence, in which you’ll hear Lila Blue helplessly wailing “I can’t stop and I can’t go, I can’t go on, I can’t go on…” over and over again in the chorus. I appreciate that this song ends on a strong note: in the last chorus, the lyrics are changed to “I will go on”. The 8th track, Indigo, is about the apprehensions of growing old with someone, and then falling out of love and losing touch with your children, and forgetting what it was like to be young.

This album will bring out your deepest anger and fear.

-Safia 

Categories
Band/Artist Profile

Band of the Week: Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy is just one of those bands that never get old; you never get tired of hearing any songs from the nearly 30-year catalog. Hailing from Ludvika, Sweeden, Hypocrisy formed in 1991 and is an important figure in the awesome metal (death and black) that has been pouring out of the Old Norse countries. They have spent their entire career on Nuclear Blast Records (which is saying a lot) – 12 studio albums, 4 EPs, one compilation album, and 2 live albums.

For the first two records (Penetralia in 1992 and Osculum Oscenum in 1993) Magnus Broberg handled writing lyrics and spewing gutturals and growls. These two records were simply and purely death metal. Broberg left in 93’ because of a ruptured eardrum, and later took part in forming Dark Funeral. Thus, in 93’ Peter Tagtgren (guitars) took over both the lyrical content and the vocal duties. At this point, Hypocrisy shifted toward melodic Death Metal and hit their stride.

With Tagtgren at the helm, the band’s discography is impressive: The Fourth Demension (1994) – featuring the first Death Metal ballad I have ever heard! Abducted (1996), The Final Chapter (1997), Hypocrisy (1999), Into the Abyss (2000), Catch 22 (2002), The Arrival (2004), Virus (2005), A Taste of Extreme Divinity (2009) and, End of Disclosure (2013).

Presently, Hypocrisy is Tagtgren (guitar, vocals), Mikael Hedlund (bass), Reidar “Horgh” Horghagen (drums) and live guitarist Tomas Elofsson. Tagtgren is also a producer, as owner of The Abyss studios, where he has worked with the likes of Sabaton, Dimmu Borgir, Immortal, Amon Amarth, Skyfire, Children of Bodom, Amorphis, and Celtic Frost, etc.

Favorite songs spanning the hypocrisy catalog: The Fourth Dimension, Valley of the Damned, Adjusting the Sun, Eraser, Let the Knife Do the Talking, Weed Out the Weak, Roswell 47, End of Disclosure, 44 Double Zero, Hell is Where I Stay, When Death Calls.

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
DJ Highlights

TV Soundtracks

WKNC 88.1 blog

Though I am not an avid TV person, I can really get into shows that have great soundtracks. I’ll share some of my favorites below.

Atlanta

If you weren’t aware, the show Atlanta is created by and starring Donald Glover, aka popular musician Childish Gambino. The show mainly features songs by hit hip-hop artists, but also contains a lot of lesser-known gems, and there is a blend of genres within the tracklist. I especially love the songs they chose for the soundtrack by The Pharcyde, King Krule, and Death Grips. Really an interesting mix!

Insecure

I’ll be honest, I have actually not seen this show. Spotify recommended the playlist and it is basically all I listen to besides new releases. It includes artists I love like Blood Orange, Sampha, The Internet, and so many more. Again, a lot of it is top-200 music, but there are definitely some hidden gems.

Euphoria

This show by far has the best soundtrack. Watching it and listening to the playlist for it has introduced me to SO much new music, by artists I had never before heard of. It’s actually how I got first introduced to the icon, Megan Thee Stallion. The music on the show is really varied and enjoyable to listen to.

Twin Peaks 

The epitome of weird, ambient soundtracks comes from Twin Peaks. I adore the show itself and like to listen to its soundtrack while working or studying. Listening to it always takes me right back to the mysteries of the show.

The Stand 

Stephen King’s The Stand has a place in my heart because it’s one of the only King adaptations I feel is genuine to the story. The soundtrack to this show has a mix of music including truly beautiful piano melodies, bluegrass-style songs, and of course the iconic (Don’t Fear) The Reaper. All emotional and inspiring, and a perfect fit for the show.

– Miranda

Categories
Playlists

Final Exam Hype Songs

Happy finals season everyone! I totally believe in you all, but, as I suspect most people feel, I just can’t wait for this time to be over. I’ve tried countless methods in an attempt to make this time better: study breaks at the bistro, going to those end of year events, and procrastinating with people who are also procrastinating so I feel less bad about it… Anyhow, I know finals are a bit different this year, but there is one tradition I have that I’ve been able to continue. I’s pretty reliable and always makes me feel good so I figured I’d share: hype music.

We all have those songs that make us feel like total hype beasts, so I made a short, but sweet, playlist of my favorite hype songs. I always listen to at least two or three of them before I go into an exam. I believe we’re self-fulfilling prophecies, so I think if we go into an exam feeling confident and strong we’re setting ourselves up for success. 

I’m going to share my hype tracks with you, but I’m curious, what are your hype songs? What would you listen to to get yourself in the ‘I’m totally going to pass this thing’ mood?

  • Freaking Out by The Wrecks – Don’t let the title fool you, this track is definitely more uplifting to me then nerve wrecking. It makes me feel way better when I am freaking out, like the chorus says ‘I’m freaking out, but I feel fineeeee’.

  • What You’re Made Of by Arrested Youth – ‘Show me what you’re made of’ being shouted at me before an exam always makes me feel oddly empowered, makes me want to point out that mama ain’t raise no… coward. If you think that would work for you too, I highly recommend this track.

  • Ballin by Logic – This song is where this tradition came from. One year during finals the track came on and I just felt my mood go up about 100% and well after that, for like two weeks straight, it was all I listened too. Favorite line ‘I made a promise to my mama Ima turn these zeros into tens and commas’. If you can’t tell I’m very motivated to make my mother proud.

  • Baby You Got This  by Cecil Frena – My absolute favorite hype song right now. The title says it all really, it’s a big part of the chorus, and hearing Cecil yell it at me, sounding like my hype man in the corner, really lifts my mood up every time.

  • Nothing Personal by Night Riots – This one’s kind of aggressive, but sometimes I find getting a little angry and arrogant before an exam is nice, it really forces all the nervous energy away. How can someone be nervous while also claiming their the best thing? It’s not energy I carry all the time, but we must do what we need to get through these exams.

  • You’re The Best by Joe ‘Bean’ Espositio – This track doesn’t need an introduction, if you’ve ever seen a Rocky movie you know that this is like the most hype song of all time, and a total must for any hype playlist (in my opinion of course).

I call this playlist ‘Exam time bb (Let’s get this A). Do you have a hype song playlist? If so, what’s it called and what’s on it? If not you should definitely give it a try and let me know!

– DJ Psyched

Categories
Classic Album Review

Album of the Week: AC/DC – Back in Black

On July 25, 1980, one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) Hard Rock records was released onto the world; Back In Black (Atlantic Records). It Mark’s the 7th studio album (6th international album) by Australia’s AC/DC. It was recorded in April and May of that year at Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas. The record was produced by the legendary John “Mutt" Lange, and is the band’s first album to feature Brian Johnson (Geordie) on vocals.

Following the breakthrough record, Highway to Hell, AC/DC was prepared to hit the studio again to record their next record. However, in February of 1980 Bon Scott was found dead of alcohol poisoning. Rather than disband, the remaining members – Angus Young (lead guitar), Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Cliff Williams (bass and backing vocals) and Phil Rudd (drums) – decided (on March 29) to hire Johnson and continue on. None of Scott’s lyrics were used on Back in Black, because the band did not want it to seem they were profiting off his death. The album’s all black cover was a sign of morning for Scott.

Back in Black is, literally, an unprecedented album. It has sold more than 50 million copies, making it one of the best-selling albums in music history. Typical of the era, over half the songs on the record concern sex, written in innuendos, metaphors, and/or double entendres:

“Shoot to Thrill”; “What do You do for Money Honey”; “Given the Dog a Bone”; Let Me put My Love Into You”; “You Shook Me All Night Long” ; “Shake a Leg.”

One of the best songs offered is about drinkin’!! – “Have a Drink on Me”

“Hell’s Bells” is a reference to all the storms passing over the island during recording. The title track is a celebratory bop of the bands return, and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” is purely self-explanatory.

Favorite Songs: Given the Dog a Bone; Have a Drink on Me; Back in Black

Rating: 10/10!!

*Special Note* In 2014 Malcolm Young was diagnosed with Dementia and, on November 18, 2017 died from the disease at the age of 64.

What is your favorite song off of Back in Black?

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
Playlists

Friday Favorites (5/1)

Hi everyone, hope you’re all doing well despite everything going on these days! Here are some of the songs that have been inspiring for me 

Nightrider (ft. Yussef Dayes & Freddie Gibbs) – Tom Misch 

I love the jazziness of this song paired with verses of two artists I really like. Both Yussef Dayes and Freddie Gibbs have some of the most unique voices in hip-hop right now. I love this track and find it such a good one to drive around to. 

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – (I Love You Baby) – Ms. Lauryn Hill 

This is one of my favorite songs of all time and also one of the best versions of this song there is. It’s a sweet, mushy love song but Lauryn brings a cool beat and gorgeous vocals to really set it over the top. 

Hngover – AG Club 

This new album from AG Club is really interesting, but this song in particular stood out to me. This song reminds me of a Chance song, but has a little more of an indie influence. I really liked it and recommend the album if you haven’t heard it yet. 

Poison (ft. Take A Daytrip, Obongjayar, Santi) – Octavian 

I’ve previously reviewed an Obongjayar for the blog, and I think was one of the best up-and-coming British rappers. This song reminds me of an EDM track and easily got stuck in my head. I really like it and think it’s a unique mix of British rap, electronic, and pop music. 

Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games – of Montreal 

This was the song that first introduced me to of Montreal and I’ve gotten back into listening to their older music lately. I highly recommend it. This song and album really reminds me of something by Talking Heads and I just love the chill vibe it gives off. 

Hope you guys are having another great week while social distancing, and I’m wishing everyone good luck on their finals! Check out these songs and more on my Friday Favorites playlist on the WKNC Spotify account! 

– Miranda 

Categories
Playlists

Heavy Metal Holiblaze

^^ I just think this meme is funny so I wanted to share it.

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s ya girl, your Master Butcher, The Saw and I am back with another fun playlist for you to jam out to this month! Two important holidays have passed and we should keep the celebration alive by jamming a holiday themed playlist! This playlist will have some Christian metal bands to contribute to the Easter portion (e.g. For Today). The other set of bands will contribute to the other holiday this month that most of you have already guessed. If you need a hint, one of the bands in this playlist is called Cannabis Corpse. So, sit back, relax and enjoy these fresh tunes!

Here are some of my favorite songs in this playlist:

·      Lamb of God – Redneck

·      Demon Hunter – On My Side

·      Becoming the Archetype – How Great Thou Art

·      Living Sacrifice – Flatline

·      August Burns Red – White Washed

·      As I Lay Dying – Nothing Left

·      Impending Doom – Murderer

·      For Today – Break The Cycle

·      Bong Rips For Jesus – Jesus Has Resin

·      Cannabis Corpse – The 420th Crusade

·      Cypress Hill – Hits From the Bong

·      Black Sabbath – Sweet Leaf

·      Weedeater – Wizard Fight

·      Bongzilla – Weedthumb

·      Six Feet Under – 4:20

·      Bongripper – Reefer Sutherland

Link to Spotify playlist

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
Playlists

30-Song Challenge

Almost all of my friends have been bombarding their Instagram stories with daily updates to their 30-Day Song Challenge. I love this challenge and thought it would be cool to try to list them out myself for you guys to check out. Let’s get into it! 

1 – A song you like with a color in the title 

Off White by Global Dan 

2 – A song you like with a number in the title 

9 (ft. SZA) by WILLOW

3 – A song that reminds you of summertime 

Marathon by Tennis

4 – A song that reminds you of someone you’d rather forget 

Without U by corbin  

5 – A song that needs to be played loud 

All Day by Kanye West 

6 – A song that makes you want to dance 

BOOGIE by BROCKHAMPTON

7 – A song to drive to 

Rapp Snitch Knishes by MF DOOM

8 – A song about drugs or alcohol 

High (ft. Danny Brown) by Freddie Gibbs 

9 – A song that makes you happy 

Wavey (ft. Spooky Black) by Allan Kingdom 

10 – A song that makes you sad 

Fourth of July by Sufjan Stevens 

11 – A song you never get tired of 

Sleepyhead by Passion Pit 

12 – A song from your preteen years 

19-2000 by Gorillaz

13 – A song you like from the 70’s 

Cecilia by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles  

14 – A song you’d love to be played at your wedding 

lovers’ carvings by Bibio

15 – A song you like that’s a cover by another artist 

Cut Your Bangs by Girlpool 

16 – A song that’s a classic favorite 

You and Me by Penny & the Quarters

17 – A song you’d sing a duet with someone on karaoke 

Time After Time by Iron & Wine 

18 – A song from the year you were born 

Orange Moon by Erykah Badu 

19 – A song that makes you think about life 

Liability by Lorde 

20 – A song that has many meanings to you 

This Is Home by Cavetown 

21 – A song you like with a person’s name in the title 

Bobby by (Sandy) Alex G 

22 – A song that moves you forward 

Sad Machine by Porter Robinson 

23 – A song you think everybody should listen to 

Mama by Annette Pointdexter & Pieces of Peace

24 – A song by a band you wish were still together 

Cemetery Drive by My Chemical Romance 

25 – A song you like by an artist no longer living 

Stay by Mac Miller

26 – A song that makes you want to fall in love 

Real Thing ft. SZA by A$AP Ferg 

27 – A song that breaks your heart 

You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are by Keaton Henson 

28 – A song written by an artist whose voice you love 

Tell Him by Lauryn Hill

29 – A song you remember from your childhood 

And She Was by Talking Heads

30 – A song that reminds you of yourself 

My Girls by Animal Collective 

I had a great time putting this list together and tried to include multiple genres and a variety of different artists. Hope you enjoyed, and would love to hear your 30 songs! 

– Miranda

Categories
New Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW: Elvis Depressedly – Depressedelica

ALBUM REVIEW: Elvis Depressedly – Depressedelica

BEST TRACKS: Who Can Be Loved In This World?, Let’s Break Up The Band, New Love In The Summertime

FCC violations: Who Can Be Loved In This World?, Let’s Break Up The Band

This experimental pop band hails from Asheville, North Carolina! You might have heard of Elvis Depressedly from their most popular song ‘Weird Honey’, from the album Holo Pleasures / California Dreamin’. This band is characterized by their soft, cloudy, sad boy hours aura.

Depressedelica sounds fuzzy, muted, and autotuned. It sounds like grittier, anxious dreampop. Like shoegaze if shoegaze was pushed down a flight of 20 stairs and then told that its dog was being held hostage. That’s okay because I always like my music burnt with a side of dinge. I prefer the less-autotuned, more acoustic-sounding tracks on the album such as ‘Who Can Be Loved In This World’ and ‘Let’s Break Up The Band’ because Mathew Lee Cothran ’s unfettred voice feels so genuine and vulnerable. These non-autotuned songs feel more heartfelt and personal to me than the more autotune-clounded songs on this album such as ‘Jane, Don’t You Know Me?’

I was drawn to this album because I’ve been feeling pretty low lately and wanted some music to wallow with. Depressedelica is perfect because even though I can’t make out the lyrics for half the songs unless I concentrate really hard, the music itself and Cothran’s quavering voice make this album effortlessly heartbreaking. I can, however, understand the lyrics of my favorite track on the album, Let’s Break Up The Band. This song is, obviously, about breaking up the band and moving onto life’s next adventure, but the underlying theme here is how lost you feel after trying so desperately hard to make something important work out and having it crumble apart in your hands anyway.  It resonates so deeply with me.

I reccomended this album to you if you like teen suicide, dandelion hands, Starry Cat, or any other bleak-mood band that sounds like the singer put a sock over the microphone.