Some music is so specific to one's interests that flaws in its execution and roughness at its edges cease to matter. That said, there are some legitimately catchy songs here.
A beautiful, bittersweet, yet uplifting album. The title track is easily the best song here, though the rest of the track list doesn't slouch. This album feels like a ray of sunshine in a blooming meadow making it an easy choice when in need of some auditory comfort.
There's a sub-genre of indie pop/rock that I call "Apocalypse Therapy" in which the artist publicly unpacks their very personal misgivings about the state and direction of the world we all live in. Rosenstock maligns our current status-quo where: we are powerless to express our humanity, have our voices heard, and keep our needs met. Cathartic punk vocals and driving guitars serve as our attorney pleading our collective case to the Universe.
If we all scream together, will our voices be heard?
Crass and earnest, technical and raw, energetic and tranquil, the dualities of KNOWER are what make the group so exciting. Those dualities are on full display in KNOWER FOREVER.
Louis Cole's drumming is snappy and infectious. If you're not moving your body during Nightmare or The Abyss, then I doubt your humanity.
A beautifully sweet and playful album whose twirling melodies and twinkling production communicate precisely the feeling of mutual emphatic love. In Meanwhile, avi & surasshu explore their bond which has only grown stronger with the passing of years and the development of a family. If that sounds saccharine to you, that's because it is, and unapologetically so.
I have pined ever since the release of The Black Box. After the decade long wait that followed, I am pleased to say they are back.
An organic, messy, diamond in the rough. Beautiful in it's simplicity, this track presents a cozy world that I wish would continue on past it's boundaries. Please make more!
greenhouse's first project for Halley Labs is immaculately produced, and wonderfully structured. It feels tactile, colorful, and crunchy like a kale salad with nuts and sweet poppyseed dressing. Honestly, it's hard to turn off. I find myself listening all the way through quite often.
Back in my high school days, my friend asked me "If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, which album would you choose?" My answer at the time had been one by C418.
That probably doesn't remain true today, but it would certainly be a great starting point. Rosenfeld imbues each track with a distinct poignant loneliness which consistently aids my mind in isolating itself from the world and focusing on the task at hand.
A tragic tale of heroism told through Progressive Metal. The lyricism and story themselves feel as timeless and ancient as the Hero's Journey. Tasty angular prog metal riffs give the album some real backbone.
Casey Lee Williams gives her best performance yet. In particular, the vocals of The Mountain, the climax of the story, approach tear-jerking territory.
Vylet Pony is unapologetically herself in a really inspiring way on this LP. While it may lack the narrative structure that makes Carousel so fun to listen to, it keeps the production finesse, and makes up for it with sheer earnestness.
The wide variety of styles is here, though the album is more focused on mixing pop sub-genres
to create a thick and moody atmosphere.
A wonderful sonic journey, complete with an optimistic beginning, a dramatic climax, and a contemplative conclusion. A wide variety of interesting styles and sounds, as well as an extremely compelling vocal performance make this one a joy to listen to every time.
I had thought that psych was a dead genre. That any exploration of the genre would have to be backwards looking. Then along came Psycada with Hiking Lung, a now prized piece of my collection. Here's hoping that it serves as a bridge to new discoveries for me.
