# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | CLUB ANGEL | 6AM [EP] | Astral People/PIAS |
2 | DEATHS DYNAMIC SHROUD | Darklife | Self-Released |
3 | NANORAY | Toybox | Self-Released |
4 | DIVINO NINO | Last Spa On Earth | Winspear |
5 | MAGDALENA BAY | Mercurial World Deluxe | Luminelle |
6 | DE LUX | Do You Need A Release? | Innovative Leisure |
7 | LYZZA | Mosquito | Big Dada |
8 | TENNYSON | Rot | Counter |
9 | WHATEVER THE WEATHER | Whatever The Weather | Ghostly International |
10 | SHYGIRL | Nymph | Because |
Category: Blog
Top Charts 11/29
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | MAMALARKY | Pocket Fantasy | Fire Talk |
2 | PRETTY SICK | Makes Me Sick Makes Me Smile | Dirty Hit |
3 | FLY ANAKIN | Frank | Lex |
4 | ALVVAYS | Blue Rev | Polyvinyl |
5 | SOFIE ROYER | Harlequin | Stones Throw |
6 | JPEGMAFIA | Offline! [EP] | Peggy |
7 | LAVA LA RUE | Hi-Fidelity [EP] | Marathon |
8 | PARANNOUL AND ASIAN GLOW | Paraglow [EP] | Poclands |
9 | SCUBADIVER | Godspeed To | Self-Released |
10 | SHY HIGH | HOGWASH [EP] | MUSH |
11 | SHYGIRL | Nymph | Because |
12 | ALEX G | God Save The Animals | Domino |
13 | ARMAND HAMMER | Haram | Backwoodz Studioz |
14 | AUDREY NUNA | a liquid breakfast DELUXE | Arista |
15 | AVIAD | Believe [EP] | Self-Released |
16 | LITTLE SIMZ | Sometimes I Might Be Introvert | AWAL Recordings |
17 | MIKE | Disco! | 10k |
18 | NILUFER YANYA | PAINLESS | ATO |
19 | SAMM HENSHAW | Untidy Soul | Dorm Seven/AWAL |
20 | THEY HATE CHANGE | Finally, New | Jagjaguwar/Secretly Group |
21 | BUILT TO SPILL | When The Wind Forgets Your Name | Sub Pop |
22 | KENNY MASON | Ruffs | RCA |
23 | KNIFEPLAY | Animal Drowning | Topshelf |
24 | KWAMZAY | Mountain [EP] | Off-Center |
25 | MAVI | “Baking Soda” [Single] | Self-Released |
26 | MCKINLEY DIXON | For My Mama And Anyone Who Look Like Her | Self-Released |
27 | REDVEIL | learn 2 swim | Self-Released |
28 | STELLA DONNELLY | Flood | Secretly Canadian/Secretly Group |
29 | WAVEFORM | Last Room | Run For Cover |
30 | 070 SHAKE | You Can’t Kill Me | G.O.O.D./Def Jam |
As you all may or may not know, I co-host a country, bluegrass, and folk show from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. While I’ve always been a folk guy, not so long ago I barely listened to either country or bluegrass.
The reason for this is that my introduction to country was through my parents, who mostly listened to commercial or stadium country: Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, etc. I think for many in my generation, this is unfortunately what we know country music to be.
Authenticity is what defines country music and these artists just do not come off as authentic through their music. However, a couple of years ago, I was introduced to Tyler Childers’ 2017 album “Purgatory”. It shocked me how authentic this record was, despite its popularity.
Since listening to that record, country has become one of my favorite genres. I have become a fan of so many excellent, true-to-their-core country artists that I want to share with those of you who might be interested in the genre but don’t know where to start.
These artists are all modern country artists (all started releasing music in 2010s) and they are also are quite popular. However, I think that these artists all show that great country music is still being made and provide a variety of different sounds within the genre.
Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers is a guitar player, singer and fiddler from Kentucky. Starting his career in 2011, Childers had his breakthrough release in 2017 with “Purgatory”, which was produced by Sturgill Simpson, another artist on this list.
I would recommend starting out with “Purgatory” if you want somewhere to get starter with Tyler Childers. After that, his first album, “Bottles and Bibles” is also good, but you could truly listen to anything by him after you check out “Purgatory”.
Colter Wall
Colter Wall known for his gruff, deep vocals and his guitar playing. From Saskatchewan, Canada, Wall released his first EP in 2015 after he left college. He has released five studio albums since then, the last one being released in 2020.
All of Colter Wall’s work is so solid, I don’t think there’s a stand-out album to listen to first. I’d check out his discography in the order which he released in, so you can see how his sound has developed over time.
Sturgill Simpson
Sturgill Simpson is a guitar player and singer from Kentucky. Starting his solo career in 2013, he released “High Top Mountain”, which is my favorite record by him. He has released seven albums since starting his solo career. His last album, “The Ballad of Dood & Juanita”, is a story album and another one of my favorites.
If you want a story about a gunfighter, then you should check out his latest album. However, if you just want some good country music, I’d start at the beginning of his discography. Simpson is another artist that you cannot go wrong with, all his music is consistently great.
In 2002, Boards of Canada became a part of the G.O.A.T conversation for electronic artists. Their work in the tail-end of the 90’s left them with loads of widespread critical acclaim. They already made one of the greatest electronic music albums there is. They didn’t have to do it again, but they chose to anyways.
You can read a hundred reviews for “Geogaddi”, but this is a track by track review for the entire album in reverse. The reversed instrumentation, as well as the numerous hidden messages littered throughout the album suggest that the album was meant to be heard in reverse, so I intend to hear it this way.
THE END
The thick waves on “Corsair” start the album by grazing the coastline of your mind, inviting you to wade into the foamy folds of dark nostalgia presented on this album. It’s an incredible opening track, walling you off from the outside world, leaving nothing but you and whatever you used to be.
What’s incredible is that the tracks on here unfold in similar ways to their straightforward counterparts. Throughout each song, sounds are added in a symmetrical pyramid rather than a slope. Many songs contain unique portions at the beginning and end with a common element connecting them, making them cohesive even when reversed.
The transition from “You Could Feel The Sky” to “Diving Station” is almost seamless, as the sudden sound of the rubber band stretching leaves behind faint industrial oscillations. A feeling of being stuck takes over, suppressed by forces mechanical or otherwise. There is a light somewhere up there, but you know you’ll never be able to reach it.
The serine bells on “Over The Horizon Radar” are another excellent highlight. It sounds exactly like closing your eyes in a garden, feeling the wind pass over your skin, and letting the last of the days sunlight touch you as the sun lowers behind the trees.
This track fades into a repeated message: “We love you all,” a message made unsettling by television static and vocal distortion before being followed up with a far more uncanny message: “If you go down in the woods today, you’d better not go alone.”
Danger looms over this album. Everyone has felt scared before, and Boards of Canada knows this.
“Alpha and Omega” opens with an incredible synth and static combination, slowly introducing flute patterns, while a bubbly beat rages on in the foreground. The static subsides, and is replaced by a sea of of synth harmonies.
The wind, flutes, and whispers of “Opening The Mouth,” suggest the presence of something otherworldly- something that wants you to know it’s watching, but means no harm. Maybe its just your imagination.
Each “mini” track woven into Geogaddi is a microcosm for the overall feeling that the album explores. Each one a new angle examining the intersection of innocence and evil, of curiosity and regret, of youth and what it leaves behind. Everything you need to know about Geogaddi is right there on the cover: the pure happiness of a child becoming kaleidoscopically refracted and tinged until it’s something cold, sterile, and geometric.
“In The Annex” is a good example of this. It doesn’t need to be played forward for this to be conveyed either. It’s all in the music. It’s terrifying.
The main weakness of “Geogaddi” as a reversed album is the percussive elements. Every drum melts into a squashy squibble, losing entrancement along the way. The drums should be grimy and grainy. This is noticeable on tracks like “Dawn Chorus”, “Alpha And Omega,” and especially “Julie And Candy,” which has one of the strongest openings of any reversed track until the drums enter the mix.
There are also vocal sections that don’t work well backwards, like the “Energy Warning” segment that becomes unintelligible garble. It doesn’t help that it’s followed up by the most vocal intensive track on the album, “1969.”
In one case though, the backwards drums and vocals did make for an interesting addition. The track “Sunshine Recorder” has a slightly off-kilter rhythm when played forward, but backwards it’s even more bizarre. When this comes together with “ecalp lufituaeb A,” you can stand on the sky and watch the cars pass by on the road above you. Walking along the clouds brings you to “Dandelion,” a beautiful piece on the synth.
You were meant to hear “Dandelion” backwards.
The penultimate track “Music Is Math” slowly unfurls and furls its bright electric coat before concluding with “Ready Let’s Go,” a track that functions far better as a starting track than an ending track. We’re left with a single snuffed out buzz.
THE BEGINNING
Is it as good as “Geogaddi” forwards? No. There’s a reason they didn’t release it this way. Does it still convey the same abstract feelings as “Geogaddi” forwards? Absolutely, and how many albums can claim the same?
As the holiday season quickly approaches, for many it’s time to start thinking about gathering gifts and presents for friends and loved ones.
As a little background, I grew up in Cary, NC and my parents have been living in Cary since the early nineties.
The Triangle Area has gone through a ton of changes in the last few decades. This includes an increased population, more housing developments, tech industries entering the area and more stores.
The rise of online shopping has also severely increased.
These developments have in many ways overshadowed and threatened the existence of locally owned small businesses throughout the area.
If you are looking for some great locally owned stores, I have highlighted some of my favorites in the Raliegh and Cary area. Hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday season.
Unlikely Professionals / Edge of Urge
Location: 212 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604
If you are looking for gifts that are unique, modern and well made– this duo is perfect when shopping for that person you are unsure what they would like. These stores truly have something for everyone.
This family-owned business has a wide collection of clothing, jewelry, beauty products and oddities. In Unlikely Professionals they also make a collection of handmade leather goods.
They are located right across the street from one another, and their collections complement each other beautifully.
Not to mention, the stores are absolutely stunning. Great decor and friendly staff make the shopping experience that much more enjoyable.
They also have a great online store where you can look at their products in the comfort of your own home.
So & So Books
Location: 719 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Located right next to the Unlikely Professionals, this lovely little bookstore is a great place for some peaceful reading and shopping.
Airy and open, this store is a breath of fresh air in the shopping experience.
Although it has a relatively small collection of books in-store it has a great range of genres including fantasy, cookbooks, children’s books and poetry.
City Garden Design
Location: 117 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511
Nestled in the heart of downtown Cary this plant shop has a great assortment of greenery, pots and accessories for indoor house plants.
I have yet to find a plant shop that is as beautiful and diverse as this one. They have a great selection of plants, from airplants to succulents to large leafy plants.
The other element I love about this shop is that all the plants are very healthy.
A brief disclaimer, I do not have the biggest green thumb. However, I have brought many different types of plants from this shop and all of them have been healthy, happy and have survived for years.
Sometimes you can buy plants that are unknowing already dying and have been mistreated, but that is not the case at this shop.
The shop is run by a mother and son duo– the son has a degree in Horitculture from the University of Georgia. It is clear upon entering this store that the owners deeply care about growing great plants and sharing their passion.
Cary Gallery of Artists
Location: 200 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
Also located in downtown Cary, this gallery space is a great opportunity to admire and purchase locally made art and crafts.
Every time I go here, I have been greeted by the sweetest staff. It is a pleasant experience to look at the galleries even if you are not looking to purchase.
They support and showcase dozens of local artists; this shop is yet another unique experience.
Science Safari
Location: 1255 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511
Last but certainly not least, has been one of my favorite shops as a kid. This toy story and science education center has been in Cary for decades.
Defined by their friendly staff, science classes and unique toys, this shop is great for finding gifts for the younger relatives and siblings.
They also have live animals in store, including an iguana, chinchilla, turtles, frogs and fish. This shop is extremely unique.
They also offer free giftwrapping and offer personalized shopping closer to the holiday season.
Chainsaw Charts 11/22
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | FELETH | Divine Blight | Rob Mules |
2 | OBITUARY | “The Wrong Time” [Single] | Relapse |
3 | ABBEY, THE | “A Thousand Dead Witches” [Single] | Season Of Mist |
4 | SHOW ME THE BODY | Trouble The Water | Loma Vista/Concord |
5 | LAMB OF GOD | Omens | Epic |
6 | ALIENATOR | “Blood Red Blood” [Single] | Self-Released |
7 | STORMRULER | Sacred Rites & Black Magick | Napalm |
8 | CABAL | “Exsaguination” [Single] | Nuclear Blast |
9 | SUNAMI | “2022 Promotional Tape” [Single] | DAZE |
10 | BOUNDARIES | Burying Brightness | 3DOT |
Chainsaw Adds
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | LORNA SHORE | Pain Remains | Century Media |
2 | SCATTERED STORM | In This Dying Sun [EP] | Blood Blast |
Afterhours Charts 11/22
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | O’FLYNN AND FRAZER RAY | Shimmer | Technicolour |
2 | RANGE, THE | Mercury | Domino |
3 | MAGDALENA BAY | Mercurial World Deluxe | Luminelle |
4 | ARCA | KICK ii | XL |
5 | VTSS | Projections [EP] | Technicolour |
6 | WORKING MEN’S CLUB | Fear Fear | Heavenly/PIAS |
7 | TDJ | TDJ123 | Disques Durs |
8 | PENDANT | Harp | Saddle Creek |
9 | FLUME | Palaces | Future Classic |
10 | CLUB ANGEL | 6AM [EP] | Astral People/PIAS |
Afterhours Adds
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | HALISCA | Elseware OR: Eating The Snack Fantastic | PLEASE AND THANK YOU |
2 | NANORAY | Toybox | Self-Released |
3 | O’FLYNN AND FRAZER RAY | Shimmer | Technicolour |
4 | GOLD PANDA | The Work | City Slang |
Underground Charts 11/22
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | PERRY MAYSUN | Painting Naked [EP] | Self-Released |
2 | THE BLACKHEARTS | Horn of the Lamb | Self-Released |
3 | CITIES AVIV | Working title for the album secret water | D.O.T. |
4 | TOMMY RICHMAN | Alligator | Boom |
5 | AKAI SOLO | Spirit Roaming | Backwoodz |
6 | ERNESTO BIRMINGHAM | At a Catalyst [EP] | Self-Released |
7 | SEFU | How to Cry | GAZO |
8 | SAEKYI | Angels dont call me | Two Faced |
9 | BILLY WOODS | Church | Backwoodz Studioz |
10 | SHY HIGH | HOGWASH [EP] | MUSH |
Underground Adds
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | CITIES AVIV | Working title for the album secret water | D.O.T. |
2 | THE BLACKHEARTS | Horn of the Lamb | Self-Released |
3 | SEFU | How to Cry | GAZO |
4 | SHY HIGH | HOGWASH [EP] | MUSH |
Top Charts 11/22
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | KNIFEPLAY | Animal Drowning | Topshelf |
2 | ALEX G | God Save The Animals | Domino |
3 | ANZ | “Inna Circle” [Single] | Ninja Tune |
4 | CADENCE WEAPON | Parallel World | MNRK |
5 | CARRTOONS | HOMEGROWN | Wichita |
6 | CONWAY THE MACHINE | God Don’t Make Mistakes | Shady/Interscope |
7 | DIFFERENT JANE | Rooms | Self-Released |
8 | DIFFERENT JANE | “Let’s Get A Drink” (Clean Radio Edit) [Single] | Self-Released |
9 | IDK | “Taco” [Single] | Warner |
10 | JEAN DAWSON | CHAOS NOW | Handwritten |
11 | JIMMY EDGAR | LIQUIDS HEAVEN | Innovative Leisure |
12 | JPEGMAFIA | Offline! [EP] | Peggy |
13 | KHI INFINITE | “Missed Calls” [Single] | Artist Partner Group |
14 | LANCEDAYUNGIN | “Slide” [Single] | Trap Illustrated |
15 | LIDI. | “Recklessly” [Single] | Westwood |
16 | LUCY DACUS | Spotify Singles [EP] | Matador |
17 | MAC IRV | Excuse My French | Pilot Life Entertainment |
18 | MAMALARKY | Pocket Fantasy | Fire Talk |
19 | PARANNOUL AND ASIAN GLOW | Paraglow [EP] | Poclands |
20 | PRETTY SICK | Makes Me Sick Makes Me Smile | Dirty Hit |
21 | SKULLCRUSHER | Quiet The Room | Secretly Canadian/Secretly Group |
22 | SOFIE ROYER | Harlequin | Stones Throw |
23 | STELLA DONNELLY | Flood | Secretly Canadian/Secretly Group |
24 | SURF CURSE | Magic Hour | Atlantic |
25 | BLACK ANGELS, THE | Wilderness Of Mirrors | Partisan |
26 | TRACY LAMONT | Tracy Lamont – EP | PHC |
27 | VEGYN | Don’t Follow Me Because I’m Lost Too | PLZ Make It Ruins |
28 | VINCE STAPLES | Ramona Park Broke My Heart | Blacksmith/Motown |
29 | PARK HYE JIN | “Y DONT U” feat. Clams Casino & Take A Daytrip [Single] | Ninja Tune |
30 | 070 SHAKE | You Can’t Kill Me | G.O.O.D./Def Jam |
Daytime Adds
# | Artist | Record | Label |
1 | LUCY DACUS | Spotify Singles [EP] | Matador |
2 | STELLA DONNELLY | Flood | Secretly Canadian/Secretly Group |
3 | DIFFERENT JANE | Rooms | Self-Released |
4 | PALM | Nicks And Grazes | Saddle Creek |
5 | DE LUX | Do You Need A Release? | Innovative Leisure |
6 | ALICIA CLARA | Velveteen [EP] | Hot Tramp |
Chai and Hippo Campus at the Ritz
By: Leksie Fetrow
Hippos on campus? The probability is low, but never zero. Though it may not have been directly here on NC State’s campus, Hippo Campus and CHAI performed nearby at The Ritz, a venue I have become increasingly familiar with during my time here in Raleigh, on Friday, Oct. 21.
I was fortunate enough to receive a photo pass to this show, and ended up with photos (both digital and film) that I am very excited to share from both artists’ sets, and want to give a huge thanks to the awesome staff at The Ritz for this.
Hippo Campus is an indie rock band from St. Paul, Minnesota, comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Luppen, bassist Zach Sutton, lead guitarist Nathan Stocker, drummer Whistler Allen, and trumpeter DeCarlo Jackson.
CHAI, composed of members Yuuki, Yuna, and twin sisters Mana and Kana, opened the show up with nothing short of an incredible performance, coming on stage in crochet cat balaclavas for their song “No More Cake”. The members of the group alternated between choreography, live mixing, and playing various instruments throughout the show, bringing an astounding amount of energy to the venue.
The Japanese electro-pop group’s stage presence was so entrancing I very nearly forgot I was there for photographs for a moment. Their set was primarily made up of songs off of their latest album, “WINK”, including “ACTION”, which is one of my favorite songs by the group! I thoroughly enjoyed the entirety of their set, and believe if you get a chance you should check them out. CHAI has a very unique style of music, and I felt that their opening of the show set up a nice contrast for Hippo Campus to follow up to.
I will admit prior to continuing about headliners Hippo Campus that I have not personally listened to their new album, so I was unsure of what to expect from their portion of the show. Another photographer there had also told me that in previous years, their sets were near impossible to shoot due to the low lighting, so I was also admittedly a little worried at first from a photography standpoint.
However, I was very pleasantly surprised by their high contrast lighting and the well executed set design. Considering that I also have not listened to them since high school, I found their newer songs much more mature in the afterglow of their prior soft boy-centric indie era. Despite this, they gave a wonderfully pleasant performance and a part of my 15 year-old self was certainly satisfied with seeing them live.
Their live vocals were impressive, sounding virtually the same as their recordings (Jake Luppen has indeed been eating CDs for breakfast!!), and the incorporation of brass instruments was a touch that I always love to see in live shows. As this show was rescheduled from a previous date as a part of their tour promoting their newest album, “LP3”, their setlist was primarily made up of these new releases, such as “2 Young 2 Die” and “Semipro.”
Though I spent a vast majority of the show running around The Ritz like a chicken with my head cut off to find angles and swap out rolls of film, I had an absolutely awesome time at this show, and it was definitely fun to take a step back and observe the flow of the crowd and the band from an exterior perspective as a photographer.
And once again, I just want to give a major shout out to the wonderful staff of The Ritz for providing this opportunity to shoot some sick pics for WKNC (we love y’all, sorry for nearly missing my cue to leave the front of barricade I got a little too invested in the flix).