Category: Blog

“DEPART” by Origami Angel Review

Post author By Michelangelo
Post date October 18, 2022

Cover art of "DEPART" by Origami Angel

Origami Angel is a emo-rock duo out of Washington, DC. Lead Vocalist and guitarist, Ryland Heagy, and drummer, Pat Doherty, have released perhaps their must ambitious release to date.

“DEPART” unlike their past discography, is entirely heavy rock and screamo. This fast paced, three track release is nothing but exhilarating.

The three tracks, “JUDGE”, “FAWN” and “FOE” are compact. Each falling just under two minutes, this set is a ridiculously big step for Origami Angel in such an unaburdly short duration.

This release could give someone whiplash from how different it is from the rest of their discography. There have always been dabbles of rusticity and grunge throughout the duo’s predominately emo sound.

It is refreshing and exciting to hear a band delve into a new genre with so much confidence.

I think many bands and musicians fear taking steps into new genres; many stay within their most familiar box. There are so many avenues and platforms of criticism that artists face through social media, it makes sense why many choose to stay within one genre their whole career.

I commend Origami Angel for taking the leap.

Tags New Album Review, Origami Angel

“Slowing Down” by The Backseat Lovers

Post author By Michelangelo
Post date October 17, 2022

Cover art for upcoming album by The Backseat Lovers

The Backseat Lovers have grown into quite the success in the past few years. Their 2019 album, “When We Were Friends” skyrocketed their popularity with tracks “Kilby Girl”, “Pool House”, “Maple Syrup”, and “Watch Your Mouth”.

Especially at NC State, this indie rock band grew into a fan favorite after their performance at 2022 Wolfstock at the end of last semester.

This band has a lot on the horizon as they prepare to release another album, “Waiting to Spill” on Friday, Oct. 28 2022. In preparation they have been releasing a series of singles throughout the last few weeks.

The Backseat Lovers’ most recent single, “Slowing Down” caught my attention.

If you have listened to “When We Were Friends”, you know that the key to their musical success it their ability to hit emotional and musical cues with such unanticipated power.

Opening track, “Watch Your Month”, is a prime example of this. They build intensity and groove through this track with an almost stairstep approach. They wait for the right moments to add more to each track and chose to retreat at the perfect moments to compliment.

“Slowing Down” builds upon this technique with a refreshing approach. They are taking a more subdued and relaxed identity, letting the overlapping waves of instrumentals build the intensity rather than increasing the volume of the vocals.

This track shows a lot of the confidence they have acquired over the years. It no longer sound like they are trying to prove themselves– they know they have a successful sound and are now comfortably exploring it.

The Backseat Lovers have such a talent for crafting lyrics for the listeners. It’s very easy to connect to their songs. Especially in this track the lines felt deeply genuine, as if he is speaking to you:

“The sound of laughter
Echoes from a few doors down
The sound of pressure
Is getting louder
Whisper in my ear
That you need me”

I honestly was not expecting much from their album after listening to the other singles “Close Your Eyes” and “Growing/Dying”. However, the complexity and tones in track speaks promise for the upcoming album.

I have high hopes for “Waiting to Spill”. I hope The Backseat Lovers continue to explore this more subdued tone. I’ll be looking forward to all they will be releasing Oct.28

Tags the backseat lovers

Playlists

September ’22 New Music Releases

Post author By Rachel Laminack
Post date October 16, 2022

If you are like me and live in constant fear of someone asking “What music are you listening to?” while listening to normie trash, then this playlist is perfect for you. Here are a few of the best Indie and Underground tracks released in September.

Note: Some songs on this playlist contain explicit lyrics.

Up first is “Jesus Freak Lighter” off of Blood Orange’s new EP “Four Songs“. The track is largely instrumental, and the synths on this song are incredibly groovy. While Blood Orange has been making a lot of music with other artists lately, including a personal favorite of mine “We Will Always Love You” by The Avalanches and Blood Orange, this is their first solo music release in over three years.

Loyle Carner is a jazz rap artist from the UK, and this playlist features his newest single, “Nobody Knows (Ladas Road)“. The samples, mixing, lyrics, and flow of this single are all perfect. This song is the third single off of his upcoming album ‘Hugo’, releasing on Oct. 21.

“SHELL” is off of Kenny Mason’s new album, “RUFFS“. Kenny Mason makes experimental hip-hop with metal and alternative influences. Other highlights off this album include “HALOS“, “333 / ATOM“, and “NOSEDIVE (feat. Jean Dawson)”.

“Yellow Brick Road” by Sudan Archives is a perfect example of new genre-bending music, with influences of R&B and electronic music. This song is off of her new album, “Natural Brown Prom Queen“.

“Greatest Hits” by Jockstrap is another mostly instrumental song, which is very experimental-electronica sounding. This track is from their debut album, “I Love You Jennifer B“. If you enjoy this track, I would recommend listening to one of Jockstrap’s first singles released – “Acid“.

“cracked screen” by blackwave. and Lute, as well as “Griffith Park” by Carter Ace are two alternative hip-hop songs that are very upbeat and groovy.

If you enjoy abstract hip-hop, you will enjoy ‘hollow’ by Medhane and JUNIE., and “ROSECOLORED” by justicexavier and Diz.

“SICK OF IT*” is the latest single for Jean Dawson’s upcoming album “CHAOS NOW*”. The album is scheduled to release on Oct. 7. Jean Dawson’s music is hard to define, falling under either alternative-pop or indie-rock. This track is a very upbeat alternative-style song.

“daydream” is an instrumental track by Luna Li off her new EP “jams 2“. The EP is only six minutes long and features six amazing tracks.

“Ghost (Injury Reserve Remix)” by Body Meat and Injury Reserve is a bit more of an obscure track and falls under the glitch-hop genre, but has incredible visualization. Injury Reserve is one of those artists that the more I listen to the more I find in their music to enjoy. There are so many little intricate details that at first listen seem odd or out of place but simultaneously blend in perfectly.

Here is a link to the Spotify playlist. Note: Some songs on this playlist contain explicit lyrics.

Hope you enjoy!

Rachel L.

Tags Indie, New Music, Playlist, Underground

New Album Review

“The Last Spa On Earth” by Divino Niño – Album Review

Post author By DMC Woodstock
Post date October 15, 2022

You’re trudging through a crumbling wastescape, your legs dragging you forward step by step. Every muscle in your body is sore beyond belief. You’re tired and hopeless. In the distance, below the biting wind, you hear the sound of moving water. You move towards the sound, parting some bushes and peer into a clearing. You’ve found it. Among the wreckage that litters the rest of the world, a world merely getting by, there is still a place dedicated to pleasure. The keys are yours. Have fun. That’s how “The Last Spa On Earth” feels.

Divino Niño’s previous work has stayed within the dream-pop-psych-rock realm (think Mild High Club), but with their latest release they’ve leaned much harder into the dreampop side of things, sprinkling a smattering of other influences into their music as well.

You don’t have to listen very far to hear the electronic influences presenting themselves. Fast drum break samples build up on “Tu Tonto.” Elements of bass are mixed into “Ecstasy,” sandwiched between an electro-house groove. “Miami” cheekily references the Will Smith track of the same name while backed by a club sound. “I Am Nobody” ends with a quick techno beat, while “Especial” has more of a house-y finish.

In terms of lyrical substance, it’s pretty hard for me to gauge. Most of the lyrics are in Spanish, and unfortunately, my rudimentary high school Spanish chops aren’t cutting it. From what I can gather, the lyrics are casual comments on love and lust, but I can’t say for sure.

Each song flows nicely into the next, never breaking the train of bliss from track to track, but the crowning achievement here is the variety in each track. When it comes to the variety in a song, there is a fine balancing act between novelty and coherence. Throw too many new ideas at the listener, and it becomes too easy to get lost. Don’t introduce enough ideas, and the song gets too stale.

Every track on “The Last Spa On Earth” manages to carry out this balancing act with grace. Let’s take the song “Ecstasy” for example, which starts out with a peppy four-on-the floor dance beat and ends with a slowed chorus of bittersweet guitars and spacey synths. The ending of “XO” enters full reggae territory after two and a half minutes of dream pop. These changes aren’t abrupt though. They bleed enough elements into each other to sound natural.

When you go to a spa, you aren’t just getting your back rubbed the whole time. That would be silly. At the spa, they’re gonna slather you with mud, put hot stones on you, guide you to the sauna, and perhaps perform a microdermabrasion or two. You’re getting relaxed and spoiled in a variety of different ways, and that’s exactly what you can expect going into this album.

Divino Niño has done the impressive; making an album that is extremely accessible without sacrificing depth. It’s a treat for the ears. All of my chips are on this album.

I give Divino Niño’s “The Last Spa On Earth” a strong ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆. Great album.

Tags divino niño

Classic Album Review

The World of “My Elegant Breaking Point” by Perry Maysun

Post author By eapratt
Post date October 15, 2022

Perry Maysun is a 20-year-old alternative rapper and producer that has made a name for themselves in the underground scene through raw and vulnerable music. Earlier this year Perry Maysun released their album “My Elegant Breaking Point”.

When I asked Perry Maysun to describe their music to someone that might not have heard it, they said “My music is my mental health and my day-to-day struggles put into art … the purest form of expression”.

My Elegant Breaking Point

“My Elegant Breaking Point” is an album that brings a dark, cinematic and moody experience. The title captures the mood of the album perfectly. Perry Maysun pours his heart out rapping elegantly about pain, addiction and the struggles that independent artists face when trying to be taken seriously.

The production of this album alone will capture your attention for the whole 36-minute run time, with swelling intros and intricate outros that seamlessly transition to each song. This coupled with the well-worded raps delivered by Perry gives the album a captivating narrative.

Stand Out Tracks

For my favorite tracks on this album, I have to start with “Melissa’s”. Standing alone this song is catchy, addictive and full of energy. But this is all made amplified when in the context of this full album, where the two previous songs build the tension that is finally broken by this song’s drop.

Note: This song contains explicit language

Other standouts include “Bugs”, “Lo Mein” and “Duality” which is a self-destructive masterpiece that really drives home the themes of the album.

The Perry Maysun Universe

One thing that Perry Maysun does well is creating worlds in his albums. Alongside “My Elegant Breaking Point” Perry Maysun also released MyElegantBreakingPoint.com. This website includes many extras such as a collection of poems that correspond to each song, a visual gallery and more.

When I spoke to Perry Maysun about this he said:

“My whole concept was what if you could look up Yeezus.com and see where Kanye’s mind was when he made that and everything he was doing, and the looks, and the ideas, and concepts, and stories behind the songs. Let me make a virtual exhibit of my music and where my mind was when I made this project so its always there.”
Perry Maysun

Closing Thoughts

Perry Maysun manages to create intimate and rich stories through his album “My Elegant Breaking Point” which leaves me excited to hear more of his music. His uncompromising and driven mindset toward creating music has made me eager to see him get the recognition he deserves.

Note: Some songs on this album contain explicit language

E. Pratt aka. DJ Off Belay

Tags Album Review, Alternative Hip-Hop, Perry Maysun, Underground, WKNC

Concert Preview

Mother Mother Inside Tour 2022 Concert Preview

Post author By Hüttemeister
Post date October 14, 2022

Off their latest release, “Inside”, alt-rock sensation Mother Mother is touring with Vundabar and Transviolet across the globe. They are visiting Raleigh’s own The Ritz on October 18, 2022.

This is the first time Mother Mother has made their way to the triangle in almost ten years, since 2013. The opportunity to hear songs such as “Hayloft”, “Verbatim” and “Infinitesimal” live is an opportunity fans will not want to pass up.

On top of that, with openers like Vundabar and Transviolet, it is shaping up to be quite the show.

Mother Mother

Mother Mother has been releasing music for almost 15 years at this point, with eight studio albums under their belts. While their newer releases have been split among audiences, their early releases have energy that can’t be found in many other bands.

Fans can expect the set to open with “Verbatim”, one of their most popular songs. They will play music from all reaches of their discography, with acoustic versions thrown in and even a cover of “Creep” by Radiohead. The set will wrap up with “Hayloft” into “Hayloft II”. Fans can also expect an encore.

The Openers

Fans of the electronic indie band Vundbar can expect to hear a variety of songs from their earlier alums. They will be playing many of their most popular hits including “Alien Blues”, “Oulala” and “Chop” all from their album “Gawk”. Fans should not expect to hear many tracks from their three newest albums.

Pop band Transviolet will start the Mother Mother show with their song, “Bloodstream”. Fans can expect songs from all over their discography to be played, especially “Girls Your Age”.

With all this in mind, fans of Mother Mother should expect an excellent show with great openers. Tickets are being sold by Ticketmaster and are still available for the Raleigh show.

Setlist information provided by setlist.fm

Tags concert preview, Mother Mother, WKNC

Playlists

Five Songs for October

Post author By Michelangelo
Post date October 14, 2022

image by author

The long-awaited fall season has officially arrived.

As we enter October we enter into a new state of mind, pacing of schoolwork and new music. To celebrate the arrival of the season, I have compiles five new releases that fit the refreshing, crisp atmosphere of fall beautifully.

I find my music feed fills with folk and folk adjacent genres when fall arrives. The five songs I have selected are primarily folk, with a dabble of indie rock and indie folk

“A Lifetime to Find” by Trampled by Turtles

Trampled by Turtles have continued to make a name for themselves in the folk and bluegrass world with each and every release. They have been releases a series of singles throughout the past months, and this track happened to come out Sept. 30.

This track simply has just a pleasant sound. It is clear in discography that these guys are extremely talented on the strings, it’s nice to hear them slow down their complex musical lines and really make the vocals thrive.

There are few things more fitting for fall then a refreshing folk release; I hope you all enjoy their new releases as much as I do.

“Nullify” by MILLY

Milly is an excellent indie rock duo who just released their second album of 2022, “Eternal Ring” Sept 30.

The entire album is just a nice solid indie rock album for the season. This track in particularly stuck out to me due to the revolving theme of routine.

Especially for college students, around this time it is easy to feel like classes and daily routines are our entire life– it’s important to break this routine state of mind every once in a while to reflect on and do the things you love. This song highlights exactly that.

“Me and My Shadow” by The Ghost of Paul Revere

I discovered The Ghost of Paul Revere while hunting down songs for my radio show, Saloon Tunes, last semester. If you are looking for a solid folk and bluegrass band, this is the one for you.

I quickly fell in love with their unity. These gentlemen harmonize beautiful together. It is easy to hear how much they enjoy making music together.

They released a new album, “Goodbye”, Sept. 2. It is by far their most moody collection of songs. I think this album has some really excellent highlights, but it felt a little disheveled compared to their previous releases.

The richness of the vocals in this track is incredible, I honestly wish the background backed off more to let the vocals shine.

Nevertheless, I felt this band fit the fall energy quite well. Fall is often a time of reflection, and this song really embodies self reflection and growth.

“francis” by Origami Angel

I was very excited to see new releases from Origami Angel. Origami Angel is an emo-rock duo from Washington, DC.

They released not one, but two sets of singles Sept. 30. This one is off their more relaxed indie rock set, “re: turn”. Their juxtaposing set, “DEPART” is three screamo tracks. Expect a seperate blog reviewing “DEPART” in the near future.

This track is such a nice change of pace for Origami Angel, who historically have been tapping into emo and emo-adjencent genres. Lead vocalist, Ryland Heagy, transforms his voice into such a gentle sound. The sound he achieves here is very reminiscent of the early releases of Turnover.

The evolution that is embodied within this track and their newest singles truly fits the transformation of fall.

“Hell Time One” by Brittle Brian

I have only recently started listening to Brittle Brian, who just released their first album, “Biodiesel” Sept. 15 of this year.

Her voice is simply enchanting in this track. I selected this one due to it’s melecony undertone and decomposing composition that is very reminiscent of the season. As the song processes it seems to dissolve into a free flowing structure, the vocals fading into the building backtrack.

Her voice really reminded me of one of my favorite singers, Adrianne Lenker. Fans of Big Thief and Adrianne will certainly enjoy this upcoming solo female artist.

Tags fall, fall playlist, October

Concert Preview

Seven October Shows in the Triangle

Post author By Hüttemeister
Post date October 11, 2022

October is in full swing and there are tons of shows going on in the Triangle this month. October is one of the best months to go to a concert, the weather is perfect for it. The best way to celebrate fall is to get out into your community and go to see a show.

The triangle is lucky to see some awesome artists this month from Watchhouse at the North Carolina Museum of Art to Panchiko at Cat’s Cradle. I personally am looking forward to the Mother Mother show at The Ritz later in the month and hope to see some of you there as well.

Here are seven shows in the triangle worth checking out:

Caroline Rose – Sunday, October 9 @ 8 p.m. – Cat’s Cradle
- Opener: Tōth
Mother Mother – Tuesday, October 18 @ 7 p.m. – The Ritz
- Opener: Vundabar and Transviolet
Hippo Campus – Friday, October 21 @ 7 p.m. – The Ritz
- Opener: CHAI
Panchiko – Sunday, October 23 @ 8 p.m. – Cat’s Cradle
- Opener: Computerwife
Whitney – Tuesday, October 25 @ 7 p.m. – Cat’s Cradle
- Opener: twen
Watchhouse – Friday, October 28 @ 8 p.m. – North Carolina Museum of Art
- Opener: Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves
MICHELLE – Monday, October 31 @ 8 p.m. – Motorco Music Hall

If you want to go see a show but can’t decide who to see from this list, here are some recommendations. Whitney is a great artist to see live, speaking from personal experience. They have a calm, nice energy that really matches their music and makes for a great show. If you want to go to a cool, outdoor venue to enjoy the autumn weather, you could go see Watchhouse (previously known as Mandolin Orange) at the NCMA.

Even if it’s not a traditional fall activity, I always try to get out and go see a show during the fall season. There are some great concerts in the triangle this month at some amazing venues. If you have the time, I would definitely go check them out.

Tags concert preview, triangle, WKNC

Weekly Charts

Chainsaw Charts 10/11

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date October 11, 2022

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	CABAL	Exit Wound [EP]	Nuclear Blast
2	FROMJOY	it lingers	Self-Released
3	SCARS OF THE FLESH	“The Hooded One” [Single]	Bonespill
4	BOTCH	“One Twenty Two” [Single]	Sargent House
5	OBSIDIAN SKIES	Saturnian [EP]	Self-Released
6	KUBLAI KHAN	Lowest Form Of Animal [EP]	Pure Noise
7	SPY	Habitual Offender [EP]	To Live A Lie
8	SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL	“1984” [Single]	Sumerian
9	CALLOUS DAOBOYS,THE	Celebrity Therapist	eOne Rock
10	UPON YOUR GRAVE	Gold & Decay	Self-Released

Chainsaw Adds

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	GAEREA	Mirage	Season of Mist
2	IRON KINGDOM	“In The Grip Of Nightmares” [Single]	Self-Released
3	BLACK ROYAL	“13th Moon” [Single]	M-Theory
4	BLACK ROYAL	“Earthbound” [Single]	M-Theory
5	CASKET ROBBERY	“Worm Food” [Single]	Blood Blast

Tags Chainsaw Charts, NACC Weekly Charts, WKNC 88.1

Weekly Charts

Top Charts 10/11

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date October 11, 2022

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	LAVA LA RUE	Hi-Fidelity [EP]	Marathon
2	070 SHAKE	You Can’t Kill Me	G.O.O.D./Def Jam
3	FLY ANAKIN	Frank	Lex
4	DENZEL CURRY	Melt My Eyez See Your Future	Loma Vista/Concord
5	JPEGMAFIA	LP!	EQT
6	SCUBADIVER	Godspeed To	Self-Released
7	SHY HIGH	Goodbye Delicious [EP]	Self-Released
8	PARANOYDS, THE	Talk, Talk, Talk	Third Man
9	YOUNG WABO	Mirage [EP]	New College
10	ALEX G	God Save The Animals	Domino
11	ARMAND HAMMER	Haram	Backwoodz Studioz
12	AUDREY NUNA	a liquid breakfast DELUXE	Arista
13	MAVI	“Baking Soda” [Single]	Self-Released
14	PRETTY SICK	Makes Me Sick Makes Me Smile	Dirty Hit
15	REDVEIL	learn 2 swim	Self-Released
16	SAMM HENSHAW	Untidy Soul	Dorm Seven/AWAL
17	BLACK MIDI	Hellfire	Rough Trade
18	DIZ	Ultra.Violet	Self-Released
19	FLYING LOTUS	The Protest	Self-Released
20	HIATUS KAIYOTE	Mood Variant (The Remixes)	Brainfeeder
21	IDLES	Crawler	Partisan
22	INJURY RESERVE	Superman That	Self-Released
23	JEAN DAWSON	CHAOS NOW*	Handwritten/Varick St.
24	MCKINLEY DIXON	For My Mama And Anyone Who Look Like Her	Self-Released
25	QUELLE CHRIS	DEATHFAME	Mello
26	REPTALIENS	Multiverse	Captured Tracks
27	SHYGIRL	Nymph	Because
28	SKIIFALL	“Bloodclarrt Business” [Single]	XL
29	THEY HATE CHANGE	Finally, New	Jagjaguwar/Secretly Group
30	VINCE STAPLES	Ramona Park Broke My Heart	Blacksmith/Motown

Daytime Adds

#	Artist	Record	Label
1	PRETTY SICK	Makes Me Sick Makes Me Smile	Dirty Hit
2	ALEX G	God Save The Animals	Domino
3	PIXIES	Doggerel	BMG
4	SURF CURSE	Magic Hour	Atlantic
5	THICK	Happy Now	Epitaph

Tags NACC Weekly Charts, Top Charts, WKNC 88.1