Music Review – The BIRN

Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (5/10-5/15): Gleemer, The Sweeplings

Gleemer – “Down Through” [single] – rock

In preparation for their upcoming album, Down Through, rock band Gleemer has released a single by the same name. If the single is any indication, Down Through is going to be amazing. Gleemer has a full sound that commands attention and falls somewhere between alt and indie rock, and their music holds a certain weight that is enticing to listen to. Their song “Down Through” shows off these features, with thick layers of guitars, powerful drums, and vocals that are reminiscent of singers like Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie. All of these parts give the track a captivating strength and presence and show Gleemer’s talent and unified sound. Give “Down Through” a listen below!

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Saya’s Album of the Week: Summer Camp by Adam Melchor

Recorded at home, rising singer-songwriter Adam Melchor’s latest EP Summer Camp is a gem of today’s indie-folk. If you haven’t Melchor’s name yet, you probably will soon–he’s already gained lots of popularity through singles and short EPs within the past few years, and his songs are being added to numerous top Spotify playlists.

Showing colors of both modern and classic influences alike, Melchor has developed his own niche production style in Summer Camp–combining soft layered vocals (comparable to familiar favorites like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes) with some experimental effects, such as reversed vocals in the intro of “Jewel”. Although these subtle sounds are often sprinkled in the background, they’re part of what makes Melchor’s music a cinematic-like experience. His songs feel like different movie scenes, telling us the story of the character he has created in Summer Camp. When you listen closely, you’ll hear how heartfelt Melchor’s lyrics are, and come from a very genuine place.

“I Choose You” and “Jewel” are upbeat, romantic tunes that perfectly recreate the feeling of infatuation–and will easily put you in a cheerful mood. “Help Yourself” features the incredible indie producer/artist Ethan Gruska, and is a beautiful blend of the two artists’ sounds. Stylistically, the guitar chords and melody recreate the essence you’d find in a Gruska album–while the production fits into the mold of Summer Camp. The words seem like a fifty-fifty crossover, conversational lines sounding like Melchor, and the unique word choices (like “hungry and hollow”, “telepathic”) reminiscent of Gruska’s. It’s exciting to see two upcoming artists of eclectic styles come together, and the song adds an interesting angle to the EP.

Most songs on Summer Camp are built on the foundation of acoustic guitar, but “30 Minutes” contrastingly features a catchy piano melody. The tune is a melancholy one–marking the EP’s transition from blissful in the beginning, to bittersweet by the end with “Buzzer Beater”. Melchor’s melodies, especially in the last few songs of Summer Camp prove themselves to be warm and memorable, echoing similarities with more old-timey folk artists like Simon & Garfunkel and Nick Drake.

Adam Melchor is a talented storyteller, and clearly skilled at creating concepts for lengthier works of music. Hopefully, he’ll gift us with an album sometime in the near future…but in the meantime, be sure to give Summer Camp a listen:

Ryan’s Prime Slices Of The Week (5/3-5/8): Sophia St. Helen, Courtney Marie Andrews

Sophia St. Helen – The Wiser – singer songwriter

Sophia St. Helen is a hidden gem amongst piles of new emerging music. Bordering on rock, her most recent release The Wiser is an intensely deep and haunting album. Starting off her album with a stripped tracked charmingly named “Honey.” This track starts as barebones as possible and builds to something intense and somber production that becomes its own ambient little world that Sophia invites you into. The overall tone of the album is a dreary and dreaming with a hint of nostalgia, and the haunting melodic singling style creates a unique atmosphere to her sound. Sophia’s lyrics are deeply visual and get your mind painting a picture of all that she describes and is perfectly aware she’s taking you on a trip. A song that perfectly reflects her special sound is her single “Like A Fog” that builds and is almost a masterpiece of this album. This album just came out and deserves all the recognition Im sure it will receive! Listen below!

Courtney Marie Andrews – Burlap Strings [single]- americana

Leaning toward the country roots of modern Americana music, Courtney Marie Andrews takes the listener on adventure through an unrealized love story and the regrets that follow. The prominent acoustic guitar hacking out chords plays second fiddle to Andrews vocals that sound like they’re being played at a honky tonk in some small town bar with the smell of beer and peanut shells scattered on the floor. This rough around the edges production brings the listener into a different state mind but the message is still clear, that an unrequited love is at hand and you feel that in Courtney’s somber vocal styling. This song is beautiful and I’m sure Courtney Marie Andrews has a successful career ahead of her, so give it a listen below!

Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (5/3-5/8): Sylvan Esso, Sis

Sylvan Esso – WITH – indie pop

Duo Sylvan Esso did something very exciting this week; they released an album called WITH. This release is more than just an album though – it’s also a full concert film. From beginning to end, WITH is an incredible project. Each song has been reworked and given new life for live performance, featuring unique instrumentation and form compared to the original recorded versions. One of Sylvan Esso’s biggest hits, “Die Young”, really stands out for its unique character. Featuring a reworked intro, brass, live harmonies, and a (great) sax solo, this performance of “Die Young” is an exciting, unexpected, and refreshing take to an already wonderful song. Sylvan Esso showcases all of their big hits in the concert, including “Coffee”, which really pulls you into the feel of the show. Audience members sing along and shout enthusiastically throughout the song, which really makes album listeners feel like they are a part of this special performance. It’s such a wonderfully unique experience as a listener.

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Ryan’s Prime Slices of the Week (4/26-5/1): Zelma Stone, Dizzy

Zelma Stone – Dreamland – indie rock

Indie rock has a new rising star, and her name is Zelma Stone. In her most recent release Dreamland, Zelma tackles the morose topics of death, grieving and the guilt that follows. The track that most defines this is “Fly”, a melancholy farewell to those who have passed on. Stone incorporates a laid back and lazy feeling track to stage her beautiful and sensitive lyrics that all of us can relate too. This album is almost a salute to all of those who have passed on and Zelma sings to the pain and grief in all of us. With other notable tracks such as the title track “Dreamland” and “Body Talk” her sound develops into an iconic melding of surf rock and more traditional indie rock. Dreamland is a heartfelt and cathartic album and leaves the listener reflecting on past experiences and feelings, which is something I can’t say about most albums. You’ll want to listen to this album front to back and revisit it often. Zelma Stone is a name you’re going to want to know pretty soon, so give it a listen below.

Dizzy – “Magician” [single] – indie rock

On a lighter note, coming from Ontario, Canada, Dizzy is a one of the newer bands to blend contemporary aspects of pop and put it in a rock context. “Magician” is a soft, mellow song about a break up and moving on, wishing you could just make your past partner disappear from your mind. This song is catchy, playful with its imagery and a catchy chorus that will get stuck in your head almost instantly. This song is somber yet hopeful and lead singer Kate Munshaw lets you know exactly what’s on her mind with a beautifully raw and powerful voice. The release of the music video was its own feat, with current social isolation rules in place they had to halt production and ended up putting together the video at home with the help of video editor Marty McPherson to create this wonderful music video. This single is coming off their soon to be released album The Sun and Her scotch coming out July 13st, 2020. Give Dizzy a listen below!

Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (4/26-5/1): Dan Croll, Jonah Mutono

Dan Croll – “Grand Plan” [single] – indie pop

English artist Dan Croll’s single “Grand Plan” recounts a tale that is all too familiar to today’s world. As the title may suggest, “Grand Plan” is a wonderfully simple song about seeing people your age who seem to have their life together, while still not having a plan for your own life. The lyrics and examples are honest and relatable, and Croll’s guitar accompaniment sets the tone perfectly. Every little detail comes together to create a very pure and authentic tune that reminds us that we are all on our own timeline, and not to give up on ourselves. Dan Croll has always been a talented songwriter, and “Grand Plan” is by no means an exception to his skill. Check out his live video for the song below, and stay tuned for his album, Grand Plan, to be released on August 21st!

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Ryan’s Prime Slices Of The Week (4/19-4/24): Kyndal Inskeep, St. South

Kyndal Inskeep – “Ghost Town” [single] – americana

This dark acoustic tune from the artistic powerhouse that is Kyndal Inskeep is the newest single to grace the charts. This song incorporates an ambient display of somber finger picking blended with haunting harmonies only to be sliced through by the buttery smooth vocal stylings of Kyndal. This songs backing track is reminiscent of some of Adele’s earlier works, but don’t get it twisted, Kyndal is no copy cat, and brings her own unique styling to her work. This melancholy tune reflects eerily on what the current world has become in the last few months, and as well touches on the changing culture of youth and the neglect they face from political channels. Kyndal Inskeep is a prolific songwriter, and keeps producing great songs like a machine, If you haven’t listened yet, now is the perfect time!

Listen Below!

St. South – “Does Your Brain Ever Get This Loud” [single] – bedroom pop

Lofi bedroom pop is starting to change the game everywhere right now, and St. South is really taking the lead and showing artists how it’s done. This track is dreamy and ambient and will take you on a vacation from reality for three minutes and thirty seconds. The only way to describe this group is soulful electro, and their debut album that came out in march is full of killer tunes just like this one. “Does Your Brain Ever Get This Loud” is a tired call for reassurance of an anxious mind and a busy life, but takes that anxiety and turns it into something so beautiful and relaxing, that is so unique to St. South. St. South’s arrangement is unique, and I am hesitant to compare it too much to Lofi Hiphop, but it definitely carries the same vibe and emotion behind this tune.Honestly, this is a track that really needs to be heard and to be given some more recognition.

Give a listen below!

Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (4/19-4/24): Other Lives, mxmtoon

Other Lives – “Lost Day” [single] – indie rock

Indie rock and folk are alive and well in Other Lives’ single “Lost Day”. The track is incredibly full with thick harmonies, smooth strings, punchy brass, flavorful percussion and so much more; the end result of these rich combinations is a symphony of sound with a psychedelic (and almost hypnotic) flair. Other Lives’ music takes such an authentic and artistic tone, as “Lost Day” illustrates. All of the unique techniques and styles that the band explores paints a vivid sonic palette for listeners to enjoy, and each song is captivating from beginning to end.

A week from today, on April 24th, Other Lives will release their album For Their Love, featuring this great song along with several others. Check out “Lost Day” below and mark your calendar for For Their Love!

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (4/12-4/17): Vlossom, Robotaki

Vlossom – My Friend – electronic

Australian duo Vlossom is a new formation in the music industry, and their debut EP My Friend is a strong introduction. The duo has put itself on the map with a sound that blurs the lines between the pop, electronic, and indie worlds. There are a total of six tracks on My Friend, and each one is new and unfamiliar in the best way possible. Two of my personal favorite songs are “Gotta Prepare For This” and “Missing You”. A chill beat, Seinfeld-like bass, and ethereal vocals make “Gotta Prepare For This” stand out, and an eye-catching video for the song is an added bonus (be sure to check it out below). Following right after “Gotta Prepare For This” is “Missing You”, which falls more on Vlossom’s pop side. A catchy chorus, full harmonies, and light synths give the track a more cheerful tone. Be sure to give these tracks (and the remaining four) a listen! Check out My Friend below!

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Saya’s Album of the Week: Between Skies by The Still Tide

A dreamy blend of ambient guitar riffs, swelling pads and a fearless expression of vulnerability, Anna Morsett’s authenticity shines best through her project The Still Tide. Her latest EP Between Skies is an introspective indie rock piece that takes us through her travels, both worldwide and in her life.

Mixed with perfection by Brian Joseph (Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens), the steady drumbeats and beautiful arrangements of chorus guitar perfectly recreate the emptiness you might feel while you’re alone on a long drive, or stuck indoors on a rainy day. Filling the spaces in between, Morsett’s vocals are soothing yet powerful, and comforting to listen to in times of chaos. My personal favorite is “Memorized Lines”, a metaphor for the facade we easily play for others to blend in. Lyrics like “You rearrange your truth just to fit and make it more convenient“ and “where can your real life begin if you’re just pretending?” feel stingingly truthful, resonating with just about anybody. The phrasing of her lines and guitar strums are comparable to alternative rock band Paramore, especially with Morsett’s vocals–but more mellow and passive, not drawing much attention to itself.

Between Skies is an album that’s just there for you–whether you’re paying attention to the words or not, the music doesn’t need to do much talking for you to feel it. I’m excited to hear more from The Still Tide in years to come; Anna Morsett has lots more wisdom to share.