Category: Blog

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New Album Review

Justin’s Favorite Album of 2017

Colin Stetson’s All This I Do For Glory

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Odd, chilling, and trance-like, this album gives additional height to the distinguished instrumentalist Colin Stetson. I like this album because its theme is clear, yet riddled with questions. Each track has a looped melody, but the listener gets to hear all of the intricacies and imperfections of a wind player in what would normally be pre-programmed. The heavily distorted, slow sounds of the baritone saxophone are integrated with melodic jumps, making the slightest change hardly noticeable.

Stetson tries to answer where the saxophone belongs in the age of electronic music. The saxophone, for the most part, has struggled to coexist with the synthesizer, electric guitar, and keyboard, and has yet to find a solidified part amongst the biggest players. Though electronic ensembles such as Syrinx, GRiZ, and Moon Hooch have made their contributions to incorporating the saxophone into electronic music, Colin Stetson seems to bridge the sonic barrier between the fundamental differences between the synthesizer and the saxophone. With his creative use of extended technique, he transforms his sound into something that could be played alongside the computer musicians of today.

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Music News and Interviews

The Local Beat: Vacant Company

The always heavy VACANT COMPANY grace the studios to talk shop and play some cuts from their upcoming LP BLOK.

Listen here.

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DJ Highlights

Goldi’s Best Music of 2017 Thus Far

Now that half the year is over people are looking forward to the end of it. But, as important it is to look forward, it’s also important to reflect. So with that idea in mind here are (in my opinion) the best albums of 2017 thus far…

1. Ctrl by SZA

2. PEAK by Choker

3. Saturation by BROCKHAMPTON

4. Process by Sampha

5. Drunk by Thundercat

6. Faye Webster  by Faye Webster

7. This Old Dog by Mac DeMarco

8. Ecosystem by Courtney John 

9. DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar

10. Steve Lacy’s Demo EP – Steve Lacy

Honorable Mentions:

  • Crawl Space by Tei Shi 
  • Big Fish Theory by Vince Staples
  • Yours Conditionally by Tennis
Categories
Non-Music News

Oak City Move 14: Polarity Showcase

Sarah and Jenaye sit down with the organizers of the Polarity Showcase. The showcase will explore the dichotomy between the synthetic and organic, and will be open July 7-9 at the Assembly Downtown.

Listen to Episode 14 here.

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Music News and Interviews

Sparrow and Whatsherface get into it with Paper Dolls.

Listen here.

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DJ Highlights

FKA Angel’s Top 3 Albums of 2017, so far!

Life Will See You Now by Jens Lekman

I was waiting for this release for a long time. I was first introduced to Lekman with the album I Know What Love Isn’t in 2012. There’s something very novel and special about living the hype of a new release along with more experienced fans, but I wasn’t particularly enthralled by this album. In sneaking through his back catalog, I found my heart swept away by Night Falls Over Kortedala, released in 2007. Lekman himself acknowledges his departure from his more pop-minded sounds between Kortedala and I Know What Love Isn’t, and it feels like he’s brought it all back with Life Will See You Now. I kept this album on rotation for a solid two months. Soon enough I knew every word and could hum along to every horn and strum in the most obnoxious onomatopoetic way possible.

I’m not a music writer, just a homely DJ, so, I give Life Will See You Now a “This Is A Perfect Album” out of 10.

Favorite tracks: “Evening Prayer”, “Wedding in Finistère", & “How We Met, The Long Version”

Dust by Laurel Halo

This album literally came out less than a week ago and is exactly what I needed to guide me through this particularly melancholy summer. I’ve just moved back home with my mother and am less than inclined to involve myself with the humidity outside. That being said, I have been cramming new music down my throat day in and day out alongside allergy-and-Benadryl-fueled MST3K marathons. So, there I was, on Twitter, not expecting any new music to be released on a TUESDAY (WHAT IS THIS, 2014?) but lo and behold Halo dropped her entire album on Soundcloud, free of charge—a streamer’s paradise! I blew through the whole thing in one sitting, sweating my ass off in my childhood bedroom with no AC, and traveled to a place I hadn’t been since Halo’s Quarantine. What I adore about her, and this album, is she never confines herself to a particular style and is always evolving and expanding. It’s sexy and squishy and sweet. Like me!

FKA Angel gives Dust a “This Is A Good Album To Sweat To” out of 10!

Favorite tracks: “Jelly”, “Koinos”, and “Syzygy”

Lake by Blois

Remember orange sherbet Push-Ups®? They were disgusting. Lake is an album that encompasses spring-to-summer transitory emotions and nostalgia in a way that Push-Ups® never could. I want to reach my fist into cold mud every time I listen to this album. It is quiet and sweetly slow, almost saccharine, but never too much that you can’t listen to it four or five times through in one sitting. Slide through this entire album on a drive to the pool and then revisit some old Blois hits, like “Henry” and “Kidneys”. Listen to it all! The Blois are back in town!

I give this album an Icee® out of Push-Up®!

Favorite tracks: All of them!

Categories
DJ Highlights

WKNC Gets Warped: Warped Tour ’17 Preview

Since 2011, I have attended Warped Tour every year it has come to Charlotte, North Carolina (except for one time due to a family vacation last year). This year, Warped Tour really and truly switched things up on the state of North Carolina, adding a second date in Wilmington, North Carolina. Needless to say, I was excited to return to Warped Tour after a year off and at a new location, the beach. This year’s lineup pleased me with the focus on older hardcore bands from the 80s-90s that I have grown to enjoy as I have aged (more on them later). However, yesterday came as a shock to all those attending Warped Tour as the city of Wilmington blind-sided the organizers of Warped Tour, cancelling the the traveling festival a mere 5-6 days before the planned event on July 4th, thus destroying many young fans plans and one day of the summer where they could see many of their favorite bands. The City of Wilmington (mind you, the same city that has had contaminated water for quite some time now) has not handled this situation very well, angering many for ruined traveling plans. With the cancellation of the event, it seems I will be returning to my old stomping grounds of Charlotte, NC to enjoy the blistering heat of my favorite music festival growing up.

 The Music

 Sick of It All

 

These hardcore veterans who have played many Warped Tours in the 90s will be making a return to the tour after many years and are sure to impress with their fast paced hardcore meets punk crossover. Hopefully we’ll get some of the downright in-your-face NYHC of their first Self Titled EP from 1987. Hopefully…

 Hatebreed

 

When one thinks of brutal, beatdown hardcore from the 1990’s, Hatebreed has to be near the top of the list. Since then, they’ve switched paths to a more metal-focused sound but still have the same genuine intensity. Their set is sure to be tight, consistent and bringing the mosh from start to finish as they play a set expanding one of the larger discographies of hardcore. These are hardcore stalwarts not to miss.

 Knocked Loose

 

Not everyone is a veteran. This up-and-coming hardcore band out of Kentucky is one of the heaviest bands in the Warped Tour scene right now. Their music can best be described as a very strong person hitting you over the head with a madball that weighs more than you. It’s pummeling, destructive, and pretty catchy. Despite playing the smallest stage, Full Sail, there will be a large gathering of kids singing every word and going quite wild proving they are on their way to a pretty long career.

 CKY

 If you were like me, growing up was filled with watching episodes of Jackass and Viva La Bam, and changing the channel very quickly when your mom walked in. Coming with the territory were a lot of bands played during the show. CKY, featuring Jess Margera, brother of Bam, was one of these bands. Recently just releasing a new album and hitting the touring circuit again, this is a band that played hard rock right. Groovy riffs, great melodies, and strong choruses that stay in your head days after.

 GWAR

If GWAR is playing, how can you not see the most famous band from Outer Space. Replete with fast paced hardcore punk and costumes like no one else, this is the band to not miss as they will take us from the humid heat of North Carolina deep into the galaxy.

 War on Women

 

Heads turned when this band was announced for Warped Tour. They are a co-ed feminist punk band hailing from Baltimore, Maryland that makes heart-pumping, direct punk rock rallying against the times. Lyrical topics range from women’s rights to anti-sexism and racism in the world. Warped Tour has faced valid criticism for having artists who create an unsafe space for young concert goers (see Front Porch Step), and War on Women are a great band to help combat this with creating a group to tour along with them this Warped Tour called Safer Space. This group is focused on creating a more inclusive venue that combats misogyny, racism and homophobia to create a safe space that means so much to so many. This is a band and group that is a definite must-see.

Final Note: With that bands such as the Dickies have absolutely no place on the Warped Tour after their long, misogynistic tirade at a recent date on the tour. Being sexist is not punk rock, their actions were uncalled for. Despite the occasional sexist hiccup, this tour has been a place for many young people to spend a day away from everything and enjoy some of their favorite artists. It was fundamental for me in growing up and I am looking forward to returning again.

 -jamie h 

Categories
DJ Highlights

DJ Casserole’s Top Albums of 2017 (So Far)

Mid-Year Music: Best of 2017 Thus Far by DJ Casserole

Though 2017 has had its ups and downs, the music this wild year has brought us is some of the best.

Yours Conditionally – Tennis

  • Tennis is comprised of a husband-and-wife duo that takes to the sea for months to write their music. Each time, they emerge with something comfortable and warm. This album makes me want to live by the sea and fall in love with a fisher.

DAMN. – Kendrick Lamar

  • Arguably one of the most talented artists of our generation, Kendrick Lamar weaves together complex, poignant storytelling with powerful anthems.

Gone Now – Bleachers

  • “Gone Now” was produced in Jack Antonoff’s bedroom in New Jersey, which is exactly where I feel like I am when I listen to this album. His sophomore album is more experimental and vulnerable, yet still keeps its pop charm.

Melodrama – Lorde

  • Lorde’s first heartbreak is the backbone of this album, revealing a sadness that a person of any age can relate to. Since the release of her first album, “Pure Heroine”, she has matured as an artist and a person, but still does not lose the sense of adventure PH possessed.

Burgeoning – RGB

  • Between the French cooing of vocalist Laura Vetil and RGB’s smart and gentle samples, this album feels like wading through the shallow waters of your life.

Rocket – (Sandy) Alex G

  • Under his new name, (Sandy) Alex G draws inspiration from twangy, classic country… until the track, “Brick”, in which I have the sudden urge to set buildings aflame.

No Shape – Perfume Genius

  • Perfume Genius is one of my favorite LGBT artists, and with this album, he opens up about the strange and unprecedented world of post-recovery and contentment, “I’m here, how weird”.

I Used to Spend So Much Time Alone – Chastity Belt

  • Chastity Belt’s most cynical album is a stark contrast from hit tracks like “Cool Slut” and “Seattle Party”. Rather, this album focuses on the dark reaches of depression, a headspace that was only hinted at in previous works.

A Hairshirt of Purpose – Pile

  • I wear my Pile t-shirt so much it has collected quite a few stains, but for good reason. The band never disappoints, especially when creating the perfect balance of singer-songwriter and post-hardcore.

Apocalipstick – Cherry Glazerr

  • This album simply demands to be listened to, covering topics every young person is concerned about, from everyday life to the doom of the planet, all wrapped up with powerful guitar and vocals.

Locket – Crumb

  • This is a four song EP I wished I had more of. Soft and smooth, “Locket” feels like hugging my best friend.

Thelma – Thelma

  • Ever since seeing Thelma perform live, I became obsessed. The band is named after the late grandmother of lead singer and guitarist Natasha Jacobs, who she lovingly describes on the track with the same name. Jacobs’ voice literally sounds like a dream.

Powerplant – Girlpool

  • The duo adds percussion to their latest album, but it is still recognizable and as uniquely Girlpool. Yearning vocals and punctual guitar and bass intertwine.

Categories
DJ Highlights

Top 2017 Tunes: Big Brother’s Picks!! (Thus Far)

If you like a mixture of reggae, punk, and rock, you’ll love these songs released in 2017. Give these bands a listen and you might find a band you really like 🙂

  1. Something Strange – Sticky Fingers

  2. Home Soon – Dope Lemon

  3. Mary – Dune Rats

  4. Joker – The Vanns

  5. Overgrown – Ocean Alley

  6. Rough as Guts – Peach Fur

  7. Soaking It All In – Skegss

  8. The Truth – HOAX

  9. Jetblack – Rambutan Jam Band

  10. With You – Bootleg Rascal

Categories
DJ Highlights Local Music

Double Duchess’s TOP HITS OF 2017 SO FAR!!!!

We’re halfway through 2017 and so far the newest music has been tasty, and that’s coming from someone who almost exclusively listens to old The Front Bottoms albums on repeat day in and day out. Check out this sick list of all of my favorite music from 2017 thus far.

Machinist // Japanese Breakfast

I’ve only recently begun listening to Japanese Breakfast, however the electro-pop hit, Machinist is sure to satisfy any summer playlist. Check her out on Spotify!

The Glow // Sylvan Esso

One of my top favorite local artists, Sylvan Esso, just released a fun music video for The Glow featuring admittedly cringe-worthy imagery of a “typical night” in Brooklyn. Maybe I’m just hypocritical because I’ve never had that much fun sputting around town. However, seeing them perform it live this year was crazy good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KyLzOmiq6o

Ur Movin // Astro Cowboy

If you caught me at this year’s DBB, you would have seen me crying my eyes out to Astro Cowboy’s last set… ever. They played Ur Movin and many of us indie kids cradled each other as we celebrated the end of an era. Ur Movin is a goodbye song for the band, and a perfect way to wrap up the life of the band. https://quintonsfunrecords.bandcamp.com/album/we-have-astro-cowboy-and-youre-never-going-to-see-them-again

High School Angel // Ryan Sanchez-Webb

Never have I thought a song was written about ME before but maybe I’m just crazy and also a Leo who thinks everything is about herself. Anyway, Ryan brings to the table a sweet track about young love and spontaneous beach trips. This is the first upbeat and happy song the artist has ever performed, and I’m a HUGE fan. Check him out at https://16yii.bandcamp.com/

Get Numb // The Front Bottoms

*Cracks Knuckles* So I had to put down the newest single from my fav band ever. TBH I haven’t listened to it a whole lot since it was only released for a short time on bandcamp, and I was stupid and didn’t grab it when I could. However I think it pays more homage to the older albums where the whiny voice of Brian pulls on my heart strings and it feels less polished, which is what I love about their older music. The song speaks about immigration and was born out of the band’s frustrations surrounding immigration reform, speaking of taking drugs in the past to get numb, but now’s not the time for that, rather it’s time to take action. All proceeds for the song and shirts they made went to Make The Road New Jersey, a community-based org aiming to “build the power of immigrant and working class communities in New Jersey to achieve dignity and justice through community organizing, legal and support services, transformative education and policy innovation.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STLHRECIti4

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP HITS??? REBLOG AND COMMENT BELOW!

-Double Duchess xoxo