Spiral XP – I Wish I Was A Rat
I Wish I Was a Rat by Spiral XP is, for the most part, a very relaxed album. The instrumentals are usually pretty soft but some of the lyrics can be intense at times. If you’re into Alex G, this album might be for you, but to love this album you’ve got to be in it for the instrumentals, as the vocals are sometimes barely audible.
A Place to Bury Strangers – Synthesizer
Synthesizer by A Place to Bury Strangers is a post punk inspired noise rock LP, released on October 4th, 2024. It features droning vocals and abrasive instrumentals which set an anxious tone that nearly encapsulates the listener. Similarly to other works by A Place to Bury Strangers, Synthesizer achieves this mainly through guitars that are highly distorted by effect pedals. Synthesizer’s lyrics explore isolation, human emotion, and interpersonal relationships.
Christo Graham – Music for Horses
I really loved this album! This folky, acoustic album with a bit of country twang felt like it was from a different time–it brings a 60’s nostalgia for the folk genre. I loved Graham’s clear layered vocals–I felt they were perfectly suited for the overall tone of the album. I enjoyed the string instruments and the piano, and the softer sounding instrumentals as a contrast to something more ambient. Graham’s lyrics are spectacular–the feeling of being lonely in such a small place is exactly what country is all about to me. This was the perfect album for an overcast, slow day.
Tess Parks – Pomegranate
Pomegranate by Tess Parks is full of experimental and psychedelic elements with some creepy yet intriguing vocals. If you’re trying to wake up for the day, maybe don’t start with this album, as the light instrumentals and vocals make for a relaxing listen.
Soccer Mommy – Evergreen
I adored this album. Soccer Mommy is one of my favorite artists, and this album is one of my favorites of hers. This album feels more consistent with her older work and departs from an edgier direction in her last album (Sometimes, Forever, with the exception of one song). This album is a bit slower–it feels more raw and vulnerable, with Soccer Mommy’s yearning taking center stage. Queerness also feels very centered in this album compared to previous ones, with the majority of songs with explicit pronouns using she/her ones. Her vocals are beautiful and clear, lacking the vocal effects and distortions of the previous album (I prefer the vocals of this album). I love the return of the acoustic guitar.
Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness
Cartoon Darkness by Amyl and The Sniffers is a great album if you’re looking for something good to scream in a field. Most of the songs are pretty motivating, so if you’re in the market for some sad alternative, you’re out of luck this time. This album is what I envision Kat from 10 Things I Hate About You listening to.
Reviews by our volunteers Emily, Georgia, & Perrin