Category: Blog

“Heavy Heavy” – Young Fathers: A Review

Post author By DJ Southpaw
Post date February 18, 2023

Young Fathers is a Scottish indie rock trio that I’ve been following for a bit now. Their newly released album, “Heavy Heavy” is exemplary of the group’s creative spirit, and it’s one of the more unique projects I’ve heard so far in 2023. Despite the name, the album tries to bring with it uplifting energy encouraging dance and a celebration of life.

Scottish band Young Fathers at the Melt! 2015 in Ferropolis/Germany. Photo Courtesy of Stefan Bollmann, under Creative Commons. — Young Fathers at the Melt! 2015 in Ferropolis/Germany. Photo Courtesy of Stefan Bollmann, under Creative Commons.

“Rice”

Take a look at album opener “Rice” for example. The percussive groove on the track alone is enough to get your body moving. Towards the end of the song, the ensemble of voices chanting the chorus feels like a concert with everybody invested in ramping the energy up towards its climax.

By far the most powerful segment of the song, though, is the chant “these hands can heal”. You can’t help but join in the power of this phrase, and I think there was a missed opportunity to bring this chant back at the end of the track. Instead, the chant on the back end of the track calls listeners to “see the turning tide”. This feels less powerful, though it does more cleanly fit with the theme of sticking through the rough patches of life.

I need to eat more rice
It’ll take some time
Gonna take some time
Gotta bide my time
Lyrics from “Rice” by Young Fathers.

“I Saw”

The second track on the album is where Young Fathers seems to get into some thematic consistency. “I Saw” doubles down on the message of waiting out the rough times to get to better ones. At least here, they actually get into the source of these bad patches: abuse, especially parental abuse. Wordplay is improved considerably here, even if the music itself is more repetitive and harder to really get into.

“I Saw” also foreshadows one of “Heavy Heavy”‘s biggest flaws: not knowing how to end. Again, the track ends with a chant that feels like it goes on a bit too long given the dynamic nature of the rest of the song. Here, it’s not a big deal, but on later tracks like “Sink or Swim” the energy dies off without feeling like an emotional resolution has been reached yet.

Music video of “I Saw” by Young Fathers.

The rest of the album

While there are still great tracks left on “Heavy Heavy” the first half of the album–especially the first three tracks–is far more powerful than the latter half. A track like “Tell Somebody”, while it has a good message, has little uniqueness or clarity. It feels too direct, especially compared to the other tracks mentioned above.

“Ululation” is a pleasant embrace of two of the members’ West African histories, but it doesn’t blend all that well with the rest of the album tonally, not just linguistically. It’s an elongated interlude trying to be its own track. “Sink Or Swim”, meanwhile, feels derivative of the prior tracks on the album, as if the song was created after the album’s singles came out. It sounds shallower and more cheaply produced. “Holy Moly” sounds like a track off of a JPEGMAFIA album as opposed to Young Fathers’ own style.

Concluding Thoughts

There’s a lot to like about “Heavy Heavy”. The great songs on the album are on repeat all the time on my playlists. However, the rest of the album feels incomplete and rushed. Some songs on the album did not need to be nearly as long as they were. Others either failed to recreate the celebratory sound of “Rice” or failed to create a rich, darker sound that compliments its lyrics.

Rating: 6/10

–DJ Cashew

Tags Heavy Heavy, WKNC 88.1, young fathers

Weekly Charts

Top Charts 2/14

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date February 14, 2023

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	SOFIE ROYER	Harlequin	Stones Throw
2	MAMALARKY	Pocket Fantasy	Fire Talk
3	BETCOVER	Tamago 卵	Self-Released
4	DELLA ZYR	모호함 속의 너 Nebulous You	Longinus
5	ANNA TIVEL	Outsiders	Mama Bird
6	DARKSOFT	Beigeification	Look Up
7	DIFFERENT JANE	Rooms	Self-Released
8	STELLA DONNELLY	Flood	Secretly Canadian/Secretly Group
9	AKAI SOLO	Spirit Roaming	Backwoodz
10	070 SHAKE	You Can’t Kill Me	G.O.O.D./Def Jam
11	DIZ	Ultra.Violet	Self-Released
12	ERNESTO BIRMINGHAM	“MOST TODAY/cold world” [Single]	A LONG LIL’ WHILE
13	JEAN DAWSON	CHAOS NOW	Handwritten
14	KENNY MASON	Ruffs	RCA
15	NILUFER YANYA	PAINLESS	ATO
16	REDVEIL	learn 2 swim	Self-Released
17	SHY HIGH	Goodbye Delicious [EP]	Self-Released
18	THEY HATE CHANGE	Finally, New	Jagjaguwar/Secretly Group
19	TOMMY RICHMAN	Alligator	Boom
20	ALEX G	God Save The Animals	Domino
21	GIRLPUPPY	When I’m Alone	Royal Mountain
22	ILLUMINATI HOTTIES	“Sandwich Sharer” [Single]	Snack Shack Tracks/Hopeless
23	LAVA LA RUE	Hi-Fidelity [EP]	Marathon
24	LUCY DACUS	Spotify Singles [EP]	Matador
25	MAVI	Laughing So Hard, It Hurts	Mavi 4 Mayor
26	PERRY MAYSUN	Painting Naked [EP]	Self-Released
27	PRETTY SICK	Makes Me Sick Makes Me Smile	Dirty Hit
28	ROBERT GLASPER	Black Radio III: Supreme Edition	Loma Vista/Concord
29	STATUS/NON-STATUS	Surely Travel	You’ve Changed
30	ADULT	Becoming Undone	Dais

Top Adds

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	PARANNOUL	After The Magic	Topshelf
2	HAMMOCK	Love In The Void	Self-Released
3	JULY TALK	Remember Never Before	Six Shooter
4	AJJ	“Disposable Everything” b/w “Dissonance” [Single]	Hopeless
5	BLOOD ESTATE	Virtue	Self-Released
6	PEOPLE I LOVE	FISH PEOPLE [EP]	Self-Released
7	SEDONA	“Quicksand” [Single]	Self-Released
8	TANUKICHAN	“Thin Air” [Single]	Company
9	WEDNESDAY	“Chosen To Deserve” [Single]	Dead Oceans
10	YVES TUMOR	“Echoalia” [Single]	Warp

Tags NACC Weekly Charts, Top Charts, WKNC 88.1

Weekly Charts

Afterhours Charts 2/14

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date February 14, 2023

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	MAGDALENA BAY	Mercurial World Deluxe	Luminelle
2	HALISCA	Elseware OR: Eating The Snack Fantastic	PLEASE AND THANK YOU
3	LYZZA	Mosquito	Big Dada
4	ALICE GLASS	PREY//IV	Eating Glass
5	JOCKSTRAP	I Love You Jennifer B	Rough Trade
6	NANORAY	Toybox	Self-Released
7	DIVINO NINO	Last Spa On Earth	Winspear
8	I JORDAN	“Always Been” b/w “First Time Back” [Single]	Ninja Tune
9	CULPRATE	Number Four	Open Outlets
10	LOGIC1000	“Can’t Stop Thinking About” [Single]	Because

Afterhours Adds

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	KINOTEKI	Dawn of the Final Hour	Tabula Rasa
2	PSYCHOANGEL	psychosis:angelic [DEMO]	Self-Released
3	BURIAL GRID	Music For No Tomorrow	Werra Foxma
4	CULT48	Intricate Cyphers	Self-Released
5	NOSAJ THING	Continua	LuckyMe

Tags Afterhours, NACC Weekly Charts, WKNC 88.1

Classic Album Review

Chainsaw Charts 2/14

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date February 14, 2023

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	GIF FROM GOD	“A Kiss For Every Hornet” [Single]	Prosthetic
2	JUDICIARY	“Engulfed” [Single]	Closed Casket Activities
3	SUMMONING THE LICH	“The Forest Feasts” [Single]	Prosthetic
4	CHILDREN OF THE REPTILE	Heavy Is The Head	Self-Released
5	HUMAN RACE IS FILTH, THE	Cognitive Dissonance	Self-Released
6	VISITANT	“Dematerialization” [Single]	Self-Released
7	DREAMS OF GRAY	The World After [EP]	Self-Released
8	AND OCEANS	As In Gardens, So In Tombs	Season Of Mist
9	FORETOKEN	“Demon Queller” [Single]	Prosthetic
10	OBITUARY	Dying Of Everything	Relapse

Chainsaw Adds

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	DISTANT	Heritage	Century Media

Tags chainsaw, NACC Weekly Charts, WKNC 88.1

Concert Review

Best of Double Barrel Benefit 19: A Recap

Post author By DJ Southpaw
Post date February 14, 2023

As many of you may be aware, Double Barrel Benefit 19, a WKNC fundraiser, happened recently. Each of the two nights featured four local artists playing their hearts out to a packed venue at Kings Raleigh. The energy in the place was incredibly lively, and the whole concert was just a great time. I want to showcase some of the best acts from both nights here that I believe deserve more support and a larger fanbase.

Chainletter

Chainletter performing at DBB19. Photo courtesy of Alena Lewis Photography.

Night one premiered with techno act Chainletter, who brought the initially stagnant, uninterested crowd to an energetic boil. This silent DJ didn’t need to interrupt their set to bring the crowd back to their music. They knew how to keep adding on more and more depth to their sound, ramping up the intensity over time.

Juxton Roy

Jess Ray of Juxton Roy performing at DBB19. Photo courtesy of Lizzy Novelli.

Juxton Roy closed out night one of DBB19 as its headliner with the most dynamic set of any artist that night. This queer, emo rock group kept up much of the energy from previous act Fading Signal while infusing a richer emotional core. They swerved from crowd-pleasers like “The Road” to trauma-dump session “Elephant” with ease.

Teens in Trouble

Lizzie Killian of Teens in Trouble performing at DBB19. Photo courtesy of William Flathmann.

Night two featured artists such as Teens in Trouble, whose set felt most familiar to other indie rock artists . Their music felt perfectly crafted for a party setting with a lively on-stage performance contrasting lead vocalist Lizzie Killian’s shoegaze singing. Although their lyrics can get quite melancholic, their sound never failed to keep the crowd engaged and moving.

Khx05

Khx05 performing at DBB19. Photo courtesy of William Flathmann.

Khx05 (pronounced “chaos”) might have been my favorite act across all of DBB19. This black, trans artist from night two put on by far the most invigorating on-stage performance of any artist through their dance. With music emphasizing sexuality and power, their dance felt like a really well choreographed thirst trap in the best possible way.

Although seeing any artist live tends to be a more enjoyable experience than listening to them online or through radio, Khx05 was incredible to see in-person in a way that can’t be appreciated otherwise. Additional help was provided by WKNC’s own Plover, who did DJ work during the set.

Concluding Thoughts

Double Barrel Benefit 19 was an absolutely fantastic experience to share with everyone who came out for it. I wish the artists I’ve mentioned here, as well as the others who performed, all the best in their future careers. There’s so much good music in local music scenes, so support local artists when you can.

Tags Chainletter, Double Barrel Benefit, juxton roy, Khx05, Teens in Trouble, WKNC 88.1

Miscellaneous

Omori: Soundtrack Review

Post author By Michelangelo
Post date February 10, 2023

"Omori Pt.1" cover art by Omori developers OMOcat

Omori is an astounding visual and listening experience. Released in 2020 after over six years of development, this sweet and dark role-playing video game quickly won the hearts of players.

The game follows the story of a young boy named Sunny and his dreamworld counterpart Omori. Throughout the game it reveals childhood memories between him and his friends, and the dark histories that lead them to the current day.

This game presents its story with elegance and care with a stunning and diverse soundtrack to match.

Game Overview and Themes

The game opens up in the world of whitespace– the divide between Sunny and Omori’s worlds. Blank and isolated, whitespace gives the player a moment of reflection and pause before entering and reentering the story.

The player is then introduced to the world of Omori. Which is bright, colorful and surrounded by loving friends and cute enemies. Throughout this side of the game, Omori faces his greatest fears with his friends by his side.

Omori’s soundtrack is light, airy and playful. It really leans into childhood nostalgia and curiosity.

Meanwhile Sunny’s world is grim, lonely, and lost. In the real world the divide between his friends is great. This side of the game is spent trying to mend the connections between him and his friends before Sunny moves away from his childhood home in three days.

Sunny’s soundtrack is mundane and grey. Both the sound and graphic design in this world captures emotions of uncertainty, fear, and regret unlike any other content I have experienced.

Went growing up, there is often times a wish to go back to the simpler days of childhood. Omori is a game that captures this unspoken emotion beautifully.

The juxtaposition between Sunny in the current world and Omori in a childhood state is the foundation of the game– the soundtrack follows suit with explorative, dynamic contrast.

A Deep Dive into the Soundtrack

Starting off with the opening track “White Space”, this is a simple, clean start to the experience. It gives no clues to the musical themes to come. It takes on a very classic 8-bit videogame sound. I think this track is a great, simple start to such a complex web of themes and experiences in Omori.

Dreamworld Soundtrack

Looking at some of the tracks in Omori’s dream world, some of my favorites include “By Your Side.”, “Three Bar Logos” and “Chaos Assembly”.

“By Your Side.” is a sweet, delicate tune played when interacting with Omori’s sister Mari. Without flare or complexity, this song captures emotions of comfort and security.

It is easy to hear and see how much detail and care went into the production of this game. Each track has a purpose and emotion tied to it. The soundtrack holds such a complex variety of feelings in relatively simple sounds.

Another great example of this is “Three Bar Logos”. This one is played in special combat sequences and really captures feelings of fun and teamwork.

Most of the combat in the game is done in a team of four: Omori and his three friends Hero, Aubrey and Kel.

The player has to utilized each of their unique abilities to juggle between three emotion types: happy, sad and angry. I think all of the combat tracks do a great job of making combat interesting and support the theme of teamwork immensely.

“Chaos Assembly” is another great example of this. It ties in themes of upbeat teamwork with the underlying fear of combat. It pulls background from some of the darker tracks in the album that I will discuss more below.

Real World Soundtrack

Taking a look at some of the tracks in Sunny’s Realm, some of my distinct favorites are “Where We Used to Play”, “I Prefer My Pizza 90% Grease” and “Just Leave Me Alone”.

I am simply in love with “Where We Used to Play”. This track plays when walking around the hometown and childhood park of Sunny.

Although this track is just simple piano and delicate recorder, I think it is one of the best tracks on the soundtrack because it brings innate nostalgia to the listener. Especially in the context of Sunny’s world, this track is perfect.

“I Prefer My Pizza 90% Grease” is a joyful pocket in the midst of Sunny’s world. This track plays in Kel’s favorite pizza restaurant. It is a refreshing upbeat tune in the overarching uncertainty of Sunny’s world.

“Just Leave Me Alone” is one of the must distinct on the album.

I would define this 40 second track as a fusion of metal, hard rock and electronic grunge. It is loud and boisterous. It evokes feelings of unbridled frustration and chaotic fear, which is perfect for the context in the game. I won’t go into the context because it contains a minor spoiler, but this is a moment where the soundtrack truly shines. It makes a great moment in the story into something spectacular.

Alone Soundtrack

There are moments in the game where Omori is completely isolated from his friends, whitespace, dreamworld and real world. These moments are when he is confronting great fears or making a profound discovery.

This is where the soundtrack really shines.

“Acrophobia”, “Arachnophobia” and “Fade” are indescribably eerie. All three use simple sound techniques to build an inescapable atmosphere of isolation and fear.

They are each so distinct from any of the other tracks in the game and they appear at unexcepted moments throughout the experience.

These soundtracks are so desolate and dark that it innately makes the player miss the sounds and sights in both the dreamworld and real world.

Conclusion

Omori is an extraordinary video game experience with thoughtful creation and deliberate soundtrack.

In this blog I only mentioned a handful of the extraordinary work and dedication that went into making this soundtrack– They created a total of 179 unique tracks totally in at 3 hours and 45 minutes of listening.

In this blog I only discussed on tracks in part one of the Omori soundtrack. If you would like to listen to tracks off part two and part three, you can find them here.

Another component I really appreciated is there are many endings the player can have. It gives decisions made in the game gravity and an incentive to replay once completed.

Also, there is a wide variety of side quests within the game that add a lot of body and diversity to the game play. Omori has so much content and enriching character.

If you are interested in playing Omori, it is available for both the Nintendo Switch and desktop via Steam.

Tags Omori, Video Game Soundtrack

Blog

Dear WKNC listeners

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date February 10, 2023

On Feb. 7, 2023 WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2 made the decision to discontinue regular DJ shifts by non-NC State students. As part of NC State Student Media, the departmental Academic Progress Policy (PDF) originally adopted in January 2003 and last amended in January 2010, specifically outlines that all paid and volunteer “employees (including, but not limited to, reporter, photographer, designer, DJ, sales staff member) of the Student Media … shall be full-time students at NC State University.” WKNC has been in violation of this policy since it was first enacted, at times allowing 10 or more non-students to DJ for WKNC. Additionally, University Regulation 11.55.07 covering membership in both Registered and Recognized Student Organizations states “membership in Student Organizations is limited to students enrolled for at least one semester hour of credit at NC State. Faculty, staff, alumni and others may participate in the activities and programs of student organizations as guests. Guests may not vote and may not have the same privileges as members.” This regulation was first issued in January 2007 and last revised in October 2021.

As no other Student Media outlet allows for regular contributions by non-NC State students and WKNC receives more than a third of its annual budget from NC State student fees, WKNC has decided to adhere to the departmental policy and University regulation by placing its focus solely on student staff. WKNC will also be discontinuing its informal practice of allowing spring graduates to stay on the air for the subsequent summer semester. With respect for the five current non-student DJs on staff, this change will be effective on May 8, 2023 at the conclusion of the spring 2023 semester.

While this decision may be upsetting to some long-time listeners, WKNC believes it is in the best interest of the radio station to retain a focus on student programming. As a student-run radio station, WKNC is proud to offer educational opportunities for more than 120 NC State students in radio broadcasting, content creation and station operations. WKNC also wants to thank its non-student DJs for their many years of service to the station.

Band/Artist Profile Miscellaneous

Compelling Composers: Storytelling in Soundtracks

Post author By Michelangelo
Post date February 10, 2023

Graphic made by author.

The storytelling ability of movie and video game soundtracks is astonishing.

This goes without saying, but there are so many outstanding stories to be told, and music provides us with a conduit for expressing overwise indescribable emotions.

For folks that have experiences tabletop role playing games, soundtracks extend beyond the story they were originally tailored for. Music becomes a backdrop for new stories to be built and new characters to be born.

I have fallen deeply in love with storytelling through music. Entire worlds, atmospheres and moments are fabricated through thoughtful sound design and music.

This care, consideration, and devotion within musical storytelling is demonstrated beautifully through fantasy composers. To highlight some of my favorite stories and soundtracks, I have compiled favorite tracks from three different composers.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Original Soundtrack Recording)” cover art by Gareth Coker

Gareth Coker

Gareth Coker has truly mastered the art of soundscapes. Using mystical strings, woodwinds, piano and vocals he invigorates and redefines video game and fantasy soundtracks.

His music is simply smoothing, pensive and mystical.

Some of his projects include Halo Infinity, ARK Genesis and the Ori series. However, the context of these projects is not necessary to appreciate the peaceful ambiance and atmosphere Gareth Coker creates.

I particularly love his work in the Ori albums. These albums are simply musical bliss.

Moody orchestral lines are the backbone of the project. Combined with angelic vocals by Aeralie Brighton, the soundtrack is dynamic and pensive.

“Ori, Lost In the Storm” is a lovely example of the atmospheres he is able to construct.

“Darkwood (Original Video Game Soundtrack)” cover art by Arthur Kordas

Arthur Kordas

Arthur Kordas is the co-developer and composer of Darkwood, a survival horror video game released in 2020.

Although his discography is limited, his work builds an isolated and eerie world like no other.

His work defined by his command of subtly. The soundtrack creates an ambiance rooted in emotions of loneness and fear, making a perfect backdrop for Darkwood.

A lot of soundtracks attempt to make music that is monumental in sound, however Arthur Kordas recognizes the beauty in ambiance.

“Intro” uses sounds found in nature to bring the listener into the world of Darkwood. The subtle rustling of trees fades into deep rhythmic motions shrouded in an unknown tone. Long, building line are prominent throughout his work.

“Piotrek” and “New Dawn” are an excellent example of the power within stillness. Long orchestral beats bring a sense of caution and fear to the listener. As if scared to make the next move, each line is intentional in the path it takes slowly building to tenser moments.

The stillness, patience and atmosphere heard in Darkwood is unlike the work of any other composer.

“MADE IN ABYSS ORGINAL SOUNDTRACK” cover art by Kevin Penkin

Kevin Penkin

Kevin Pankin is the composer of Made in Abyss series. This is a composer that creates monumental sound with a compelling, abstract approach.

He combines heavy, roaring sounds with delicate lightness. The juxtaposition within his discography is distinct.

He provides the listener with a true experience without the context of Made in Abyss. The personalities and childlike curiosity of the characters are evident within the tracks.

The use of orchestral elements is also very unique in his work. Through thoughtful dynamics, placement and composition, Kevin Penkin turns an orchestral piece into an experiential collage.

“Made in Abyss” and “The First Layer” are excellent introductions to his discography. Light and childlike, these gentle tracks subtlety allude to approaching challenges.

Kevin Penkin loves the use of sudden dynamic leaps. “Encounter the Umbra Hands” makes dynamic movements beautifully. Elegant strings are contrasted by big roaring sounds.

In even bolder tracks Kevin Penkin begins to meld vocals into the composition. “The Rumble of Scienitic Triumph” is characterized by its chant like choral melody with a dynamic, thoughtful backing.

The variety of orchestral movements Kevin Penkin makes is astounding. His work exceeds his genre and becomes a musical collage triumph.

Band/Artist Profile

Full Body 2: Band Profile

Post author By Michelangelo
Post date February 9, 2023

"Demo 01" cover art by Full Body 2

Full Body 2 an explorative band from Rochester, N.Y. have found their niche tapping into a bold blend of digital rock, shoegaze, and curated electronic chaos.

Composed of Cassidy Rose Hammond, Dylan Vaisey, and Jack Chaffer, this trio created Full Body 2 in 2020 as a one-off project from their former indie-rock band Full Body.

Full Body 2 provides us with music that encourages creativity. It is motivating and refreshing. They are defined by their unique use of sound collage and abstract vocal work. Full Body 2 is positive, energetic, and undeniably loud.

Upon the release of “Demo 01” in 2020, their explosive, curated sound took root and the band quickly shifted gears from Full Body into Full Body 2– the once ephemeral project taking ownership of its permanence.

“EPCOT” cover art by Full Body 2

Just a year later, they released the EP “EPCOT” on Nov. 14 2021. In this release they adopted a new identity in both their sound and in the form of the album art. The cover art on “EPCOT” is confident and chaotic, defined by bright neons, digital collage, and dreamlike visuals. This visual intensity supports the renewed boldness within the music.

Opening track “Diamond Dallas Page” is fragmented, grungy, and loud– setting the foundation for this unique release. The vocals are distinctly distorted and confident.

Controlled distortion is a true talent of Full Body 2. They have truly mastered the art of collaging sounds without the composition turning muddy.

This skill is demonstrated remarkably in track two, “ador // ation”. The track is wavelike, morphing back and forth between distant vocals and heavy musical madness. Although chaotic and distinctly loud, this band has complete control over their track composition.

What I love most about this band is they provide listeners with a platform for unbridled creativity.

Their music motivates unlike any other in their genre. When I first heard their newest release “demo 02”, I almost immediately felt an urge to create and draw. Although this motivating energy may not be felt by everyone, it was extremely potent in my scenario.

“demo 02” cover art by Full Body 2

This energy I showcased best in their newest release, “demo 02”–which succeeds in being a fitting evolution from “Demo 01”.

Opening track, “2g ether” is a perfect example of their growth from “Demo 01”. There is more confidence behind every component of this piece.

The entire EP is engulfed in radiant positivity. It is easy to tell they love making their music in every song off this track.

Track two, “mirror spirit” is one of my favorites. I adore their use of vocals. They have evolved from lyrics and carrying the melody to using vocals as a means of building a complex, stunning background to their undeniably strong percussion. The amount of production and layering that went into this entire EP is astounding.

Full Body 2 is fabricating a musical realm of its own with each and every release.

Especially in “dancer’s theme” off of “demo 02”, they are curating a dreamlike, otherworldly energy that is similar in tone to a video game or movie soundtrack.

They are transforming music from simple songs to a true listening experience.

Tags Band Profile, full body 2

New Album Review

“ABSOLUTE HEARTBREAK” by khai dreams Album Review

Post author By Michelangelo
Post date February 8, 2023

"ABSOLUTE HEARTBREAK" cover art by khai dreams

In my 2010s listening experience— khai dreams has solidified herself as one of the founding fathers of the lofi genre.

Their discography is filled to the brim with lofi hits including “Sunkissed”, “Lost in You”, and “Through and Through”. Her musical presence, for better or for worse, ignited the worldwide phenomenon of soft voices, relaxed beats, and acoustic ukulele that is the lofi genre.

However, this blog is not about their lofi accomplishments, their newest album “ABSOLUTE HEARTBREAK” dropped Jan. 2023 and is diverging from her past sound with a mix of success and failures.

This album is undeniably a great step for khai dreams. She is finally breaking out of the restraints of one genre and is dipping into a new energy. “ABSOLUTE HEARTBREAK” is refreshing regardless of its faults. Khai dreams is breaking out of the soft-ukulele-lofi energy and is honing a matured, bold, and blended sound.

Every song on the album had good and bad elements.

Below is a breakdown of each track in the order presented in the album:

“Bugs”

This song is a fun start to the album. It’s high energy and outlines some of the techniques heard throughout the tracks to come.

They have a melancholier approach to their vocal work, which is a nice contrast from the hopeful and loving tone used in her previous releases. This slight transition is a nice change and sets the stage for the bigger musical steps later on.

She is moving away from the lofi energy and moving towards something unique– this song is the departure.

“Rats”

This is one of the darker tracks and provides a little bit of a differnt tone to the album after “Bugs”.

The backing drums are nice but too simple. One gripe I have with this album is some of the backing tracks are too simple to the point they feel additive or excessive. This song is an example of that.

I enjoy the lyricism, but it doesn’t capture the listener due to the weak backing track. I enjoyed the use of different vocal tones in the bridges.

As seen in the next track, I sincerely hope khai dreams lets go of high-pitched vocal harmonies and turns to lower, darker alternatives heard in “Rats”.

“Panic Attack”

I sincerely dislike the high vocals harmonizing throughout the entire track. This song would have been beautiful without that addition.

The addition of the high-pitched vocals turns otherwise elegant lyrics and clean background into something excessive.

When focusing on khai dream’s main vocals, her tone, emotion, and subtle lyrics have so much potential. The addition is trying to be light and fairy-like but just comes off as annoying.

“May”

I want to see more of this energy from khai dreams in the future. The vocals are slightly grungy which is very new in respect to their existing discography.

Looking at the background, the drums could have had more flare but I’m just happy they are as prominent as they are.

“Not Enough”

This track is one of my favorites off the album. Although the lyrics are weaker than other tracks off this album, this song is such an excellent blend of all of khai dream’s past work and moving towards the new.

Thematically, khai has really capitalized on songs about falling in love or being in a great relationship– this song finally breaks away from this unwavering theme and introduces the opposite end of the spectrum: self-doubt, mistrust, and heartbreak.

“No Company”

This song might have been more memorable if it was placed differently in the context of the album.

The low energy in this track really interrupts the overarching composition of the album. It doesn’t take any new steps and is a continuation of “Not Enough” by pushing a sadder theme into their discography.

“Overall”

This track is short and sweet. The sound it achieves is extremely reminiscent of work by fellow heart-broken artist Joji.

“Flowers”

Released in 2021, this track is not new and does not provide anything compositional to the album. To be honest, it reminded me of a song written and produced by the Disney Channel. It’s high energy but isn’t bold– it’s generic khai dreams with a higher bpm.

“Heartbreaker”

This track saves the end of the album. It is confident, a little grungy, and does not sound like the average khai dreams track. It is refreshing.

This is a great example of what additional vocals can truly add to the overall song. The strained vocals in chorus amplifies the lyrics and provides a bolder energy to the song without sounding extra.

“Heartbreaker” truly holds the name of the album proudly. It is a great staple of the album— overall a nice blend of hurt and happy.

“Good Advice”

This final track is the acoustic version of a 2020 release. Although I think the original version is more successful, I don’t believe this track was intended to give anything new to the listeners.

It is simply a public reflection of what khai dreams used to be and what she is becoming. It’s a reflection of genre, the power of subtly, and the humble beginnings of khai dreams.

“I can’t be myself when everyone is needing me to change”– although written three years ago this line perfectly captures the message of this album and subtly highlights all that has changed in khai dream’s music and personal life.

Although I wish this album ended with more of a bold stroke, this is an anticipated acoustic transition by khai dreams and a sweet end to this melancholy album.

Tags khai dreams