Some new adds reviewed by our volunteers specially for you, and a goodbye and farewell from this ol’ music director!
2charm – star scum city
Move aside Troye Sivan (who nabs a songwriting credit on chateau), there’s a new generation of gay, Australian pop stars here. Try to keep your pants on while listening to these pioneers of “indie techno sleaze gooner pop” lay down catchy hooks over euro beats with a modern electronic twist coming at you from Ninajirachi’s production. – Andy
Sella – Well I Mean
While I am a big emo fan, I’ve never been much into the front bottoms besides their top hits. I’ve always loved the singers voice but I never felt the need to dig deeper into their discography. I really liked this album though, and think this style fits the vocals well. I’ve gotten some push back on saying this but it really sounds like an early REM album to me, which is a plus. – Timo
Heavenly – Highway to Heavenly
WELCOME BACK HEAVENLY!!!!! After a 30 year hiatus following the death of their drummer, beloved indie band and international twee sweethearts Heavenly have come back to us! This album is a triumphant return to their classical sound, but it’s not tired or dragging! You can definitely feel the influence of the virality that P.U.N.K. Girl has gained over the last 3-4 years, but i think that’s a forgivable crime, all things considered. It makes sense that their lyrics and tone are a bit toothless, as they are 60 now. Welcome home my heavenly bodies <333 – Rebecca
Samba Jean-Baptiste – +3
This album is so good. This blend of bedroom pop and alternative R&B keeps every song fresh by adding various weird and interesting production/instrumentation. Throughout the album SJB shifts from a string arrangement, to glitchy electronic, to acoustic strumming, to dreamy synths. It is very reminiscent of Roy Blair, Choker, and especially Kevin Abstract’s ARIZONA BABY. The vocals are a bit lacking at points and, in theory, more hooks would have helped out the track list, but overall the listening experience is great.
Favorite Tracks: Forced Perspective, Peppermint, +3 – Blake
Various Artists – HELP(2)
HELP(2) is a charity record composed of 23 tracks featuring artists such as Artic Monkeys, Damon Albarn (Blur and Gorillaz), Depeche Mode, Cameron Winter (Geese), and Olivia Rodrigo. The star-studded tracklist was assembled by the organization War Child, and the funds from the album go to their efforts in helping children living through war. War Child was founded by Bill Leeson, David Wilson, and Willemijn Verloop. It is based in the UK, the Netherlands, and Canada. In the past, War Child has collaborated with Brian Eno, David Bowie, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Oasis, and Radiohead.
Help(2) was recorded over a one-week period at Abbey Road Studios in London and is roughly 1 hour and 26 minutes in length. The album has received overwhelmingly positive critical attention, with one critic remarking that HELP(2) has “something here for everyone” (DIY). The album was also praised by Rolling Stone and Under the Radar.
I found the album to be surprisingly cohesive, which I believe is mostly due to the influence of the UK post-rock groups featured on this record. Black Country, New Road, The Last Dinner Party, English Teacher, and Fontaines D.C. define the sound of this album in many ways. However, this album completely avoids just sounding like a record made by one of these groups. Rather, there are heartfelt ballads throughout HELP(2) along with covers of classic songs that diversify the album’s sound. Artists such as Depeche Mode, Big Thief, Sampha, and Olivia Rodrigo add a nice twist, departing from the Brit-rock and post-punk sound.
I have so many favorite songs on this album it’s hard to just pick one. “Let’s Do It Again” stands out immediately as a passionate anthem with catchy melodies and great multi-phase instrumentation. It possesses the tongue-in-cheek qualities of a theatrical kick line mixed with feminist power-punk. English Teacher’s “Parasite” packs a similar punch. Arlo Parks’ “Nothing I Could Hide” has a tragic relaxation about it that is both comforting and heart-renching. Beabadoobee’s cover of Say Yes absolutely nails Elliott Smith’s softness and sensitivity with a bit of twang added in. Finally, both Cameron Winter and Olivia Rodrigo shine as singer-songwriters, backed by gorgeous instrumentals.
If you have been listening to music in the last five years and/or simply care about the suffering of other human beings, this album is for you. – Blake
Ratboys – Singin’ To An Empty Chair
This album is an awesome blend of indie rock and some very cool country inspired melodies from a midwestern band. The songs flow in and out of those two genres. I loved “Anywhere” which reminded me a lot of New Zealand’s The Beths album Jump Rope Gazers, with high energy group vocals throughout.
But the album really stands out when it leans into the calmer, cooler, country side, with the lyrics of “Penny in the Lake” getting very close to traditional, observational country storytelling.
The cool lyrics and smooth country instrumentation of this album make it very good. – Thurston
Thank you for an amazing 3 years as music director, best job I could’ve ever asked for. I loved this place, see you all sometime! – Luke