Category: Music Review

Pinegrove – Marigold – indie rock

Indie rock band Pinegrove has a mesmerizing sound, and their latest album, Marigold, is a prime example of this captivating sound. Featuring various influences across several decades, Marigold has a wonderfully eclectic feel. Each track on the album takes an honest tone, as lead singer Evan Stephens uses everyday language to create lyrics that are unique to Pinegrove. The fifth track on the album, “Moment”, is outstanding. The band does an amazing job of letting the song breathe, all while sharing a story of everyday anxieties. The lyrics match the music perfectly, and they work together to create a true work of art. Another song on the album that stands out is “Dotted Line”. In this song, Pinegrove creates a great introduction to the album. The music starts off simply, but smoothly builds to a sound that features the band’s power. These songs are just two examples of Marigold‘s greatness – each song on the album is incredible. Give Pinegrove‘s Marigold a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (2/24-2/29): Pinegrove, Younger Hunger”

Àsgeir – Bury The Moon – folk

Àsgeir is here to give listeners a little taste of Iceland with Bury The Moon. The album is a stunning folk homage from beginning to end, as Àsgeir gracefully unites traditional folk influences with modern, electronic folk influences. His pure voice and poetic lyrics shine in each song, enhancing the album’s beauty. The first track on Bury The Moon, “Pictures”, stands out among the rest (although, they’re all incredible). Beginning with simple piano, brushes, acoustic and electric guitar, Àsgeir establishes a cold musical scene that sets up his incredible lyrics perfectly. Although the track takes a darker tone, it features wise lyrics that assert a positive message of unity. The lyrics of “Until Daybreak” offset “Pictures” in a pleasing way; they work to tell a more concrete image about uncertain love. The track also features eclectic contemporary sounds that give the song a cool, modern edge. In short, Àsgeir is an extremely talented artist with an amazing album. Give Bury The Moon a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (2/17-2/22): Àsgeir, flor”

Papooz – Night Sketches – indie rock

This new album by indie rock duo Papooz, is a great mellow new find to add to your music collection. The upbeat arrangement which is reminiscent of Supertramp, and has smooth breathy vocals which add a certain unique quality that only this duo could provide. My personal favorite is  “Good for Nothing” which is somewhere in-between soft rock and something coming out of the indie-lofi scene. The clear understanding of production and space by these two is something to be heralded and adds so much to what may fall flat if left in the hands of lesser artists. Papooz is blowing up all over and becoming a fast favorite so give them a listen below and check out their new album Night Sketches!

 

 

Mapache – Life On Fire [single] – folk rock

 

This folk rock duo Mapache just released their newest single “Life On Fire”, and these two take you back to a time where 8 track was king, denim on denim,  and long hair was the style. This ambitious duo with a throw back sound bring the best of the 70s folk rock movement into the modern age. Though their sound may be from forty years ago but the lyrics certainly reflect the modern age, and don’t spare any gory details.  The warmth of this track is perfect to keep you company all winter long, and is a great song overall! This track is light and fun, with a Allman Brothers-esque vocal style that is sure to have you singing along! Give “Life On Fire”by Mapache a listen below!

 

 

Marcus King – El Dorado – rock

New comer Marcus King from Greenville, South Carolina brings classic country inspired rock into the modern age with El Dorado. Produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, and is easily the newest jewel to come out of Easy Eye Sound, Marcus King brings a 70s inspired  heavy but gentle sound into the 2020. King’s vocal style is raspy and warm, and when paired with a gritty distorted guitar and warm tapey acoustic it completes the entire sonic imagine that is so reminiscent of classic country mixed with modern blues rock. The songwriting of Marcus King is masterful and well restrained proving his mastery of his craft. The entire album is a collection of gems and is a fantastic album to kick off the new year! This album is already #1 on the Top New Artist charts, and multiple others, so if you haven’t checked El Dorado out yet, give it a listen below!

 

 

Nathaniel Rateliff – And It’s Still Alright [single] – americana

 

 

The newest single by americana artist Nathaniel Rateliff  reflects the true nature of modern folk songwriting with his title track off his upcoming album  “And It’s Still Alright”.  Nathaniel is obviously inspired by the soft acoustic nature of 70s country and brings in the contemporary flare of modern lyric writing and production to his music. This track is reflective and melancholy with a level of songwriting that only comes with the wisdom of age and the lessons learned along the way. Recently performing this tune on Fallon, Its safe to say that Nathaniel Rateliff will be the next big thing in Americana and Folk music and we’re all excited to see how high he can go! His new album “And It’s Still Alright” come out February 14th but you can listen to his single below!

 

 

Bombay Bicycle Club – Everything Else Has Gone Wrong – indie rock

Bombay Bicycle Club is back from its hiatus, and the indie rock group is better than ever. The band has returned with a glorious reintroduction and album, Everything Else Has Gone Wrong. The album features lovable indie grooves and a current sound with synths, loops, relatable lyrics, and even some tambourine. Simply put, the album has a sleek modern sound with something for everyone, and the lyrics stand toe-to-toe with the album’s sound. The title track of the album reflects the importance of music in unsettling times. It’s a very self-aware song, and Bombay Bicycle Club‘s writing definitely stands out against the background of today’s sound. The sixth track on the album, “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)”, also does a great job of highlighting the band’s incredible writing. In less than four minutes, the group uses untraditional song forms and distinct lyrics to create a work of art that is both intriguing and exciting. Overall, Everything Else Has Gone Wrong is exhilarating from beginning to end – there really is no group quite like Bombay Bicycle Club. Be sure to give them a warm welcome back to the world of music and give Everything Else Has Gone Wrong a listen!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (2/3-2/8): Bombay Bicycle Club, Transviolet”

Bag Raiders – Horizons – electronic

Bag Raiders‘ album Horizons is a bold and modern development in the world of electronic music. The Australian duo’s latest release smoothly blends pop and house, acoustic and electronic. Tracks like “I Need You” illustrate Bag Raiders‘ eclectic influences, as layered harmonies float over an electronic beat, acoustic guitar, and synths. Aside from featuring various musical techniques and styles, Horizons also does an amazing job of highlighting different moods throughout. While tracks like “Back To Myself” take a slightly darker and edgier tone, tracks like “Lightning” contrast with a cheerful, major sound. Overall, Horizons is overflowing with creativity, and it’s quite an exciting find for listeners. Give it a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (1/20-1/24): Bag Raiders, José James”

Wye Oak – “Fortune” [single] – indie rock

Indie rock duo Wye Oak are here to shake up the indie rock genre with their latest single “Fortune”. Jenn Wasner’s captivating vocals and catchy bass lines matched with Andy Stack’s unfaltering drum grooves give the track a mysterious feel. The lyrics further establish the mystery of “Fortune”, as they take a dark and enigmatic tone. Wye Oak did an outstanding job of creating a sound that transcends the typical indie rock borders; “Fortune” is alluring in every aspect, and listeners are bound to sing along. Simply put, it’s a great song from a great band. Check out Wye Oak‘s “Fortune” below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (12/23-12/28): Wye Oak, Ollie”

Little Monarch‘s EP Grains is lighthearted and lovable. With strong indie and pop influences, Grains takes a relaxed tone that’s easy to enjoy. The album starts off with the song “Got Me Good”, a carefree and content love song. The track is full of smooth melodies, claps, and snaps that give the song a laid-back West Coast vibe. Being the first track on Grains, “Got Me Good” sets the tone for the EP, and tracks like “See You” and “Bloom” solidify the sound that Little Monarch so carefully creates. One of the features that stands out on “See You” is the vocal harmonies. They are extremely well-written, as they bring listeners ears to new heights and fill out the sound of the chorus. While “Got Me Good” and “See You” are slightly more upbeat, Little Monarch creates a contrast with their slower-paced conclusion to the album, “Bloom”. Catchy electric guitar loops are the name of the game in “Bloom”, as they form a steady baseline for the lead vocalist’s voice to shine. The combination of electric beats, guitars, and synths give the track an ethereal sound that contrast with the more focused sound of the vocals.

Little Monarch made a great contribution to the indie genre with Grains. The EP is full of upbeat lyrics and catchy melodies that create a fresh and optimistic sound. In short, Grains is a great listen for fans of any genre. Kick back, relax, and enjoy Little Monarch’s Grains below!