Peter McPoland – PIGGY – August 11, 2023
In April of this year, Peter McPoland released the first single from what would become his first official LP, PIGGY. This single, “Digital Silence,” not only gained a lot of use on TikTok, with over 33,000 videos made to it, but it also marked a stark contrast when compared to his previous work. Whereas McPoland’s earlier discography could be classified as upbeat indie pop with occasional somber folk elements, “Digital Silence” leaned into a new post-punk sound, with jarring distortion, synths, and a beat that is reminiscent of something made with an 80s drum machine.
A month later, Peter McPoland released “Blue,” which continued exploring this deeper side of his music. This new single features a chugging distorted guitar with a lead part that sounds like an homage to “Where Is My Mind,” by the Pixies. These two singles, along with two more released in June and July, were a good way of preparing a fanbase that was used to a completely different sound for what was coming.
The full album, which consists of 11 total tracks (the four singles and seven unreleased tracks) feels like a completion of what the four singles were trying to convey, arranged in an order that feels like a story and a rollercoaster of emotions. The best example of what I mean is shown in the contrast between track six - “Dog” - and track seven - “Were You There?”. “Dog” instrumentally sounds like it could be the child of Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth and Food for Worms by Shame, and lyrically conveys a feeling of regret and remorse. “Were You There?” sounds and feels more like a church camp song run through a distorted microphone and played on a full drumkit, and the juxtaposition of this song with the prior track provides a feeling of rebirth or clarity – like waking up from a bad dream.
The rest of the album is a blend of deep introspection and distortion that will make you dance, cry, and dance while crying.
Favorite tracks: “Blue” ; “Dog” ; “Ceiling Fan/Piggy” ; “Find Me Out”
-Adrian Klein
The Front Bottoms - You Are Who You Hang Out With - August 4, 2023
With the release of their eighth studio album, The Front Bottoms answer the question that has haunted artists for decades: how does a band maintain its signature sound while staying current? You Are Who You Hang Out With does just that, finding a way to morph familiar sounds with innovative twists. It’s clear that the band has seen a thing or two in their almost twenty years of experience; in a way, the album sounds like a conglomeration of the alternative scene over these two decades. However, though nostalgic, the album’s production never feels dated. Opening track “Emotional” explores heavy autotune with an early ‘00s punk-rock flare, while “Paris” is the Weezer/The 1975/orchestral fusion we never knew we needed. The experimental production is perfectly complemented by the album’s simple, yet poignant lyricism. Brian Sella’s voice may not be everyone’s cup of tea (as he playfully points out on “Batman”), but it gives the album a personalized, conversational touch. All in all, You Are Who You Hang Out With is an entertaining next step for The Front Bottoms, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Favorite Tracks: “Not Joking” ; “Batman” ; “Clear Path”
- Lauren Alexander
Green Gardens - This Is Not Your Fault - August 18, 2023
Leeds-based quartet Green Gardens have, after years of releasing singles and playing local venues, have finally arrived with their debut album, and it was well worth the wait. The art-and-soft rock savants huddle tightly and quietly together, evoking imagery of a dreary and vulnerable set in an intimidatingly large room, much too big for such a band. The twinkling riffs and pleasant melodies occupy plenty of attention on first listen, as the group gets the most out of their clean, slightly reverbed guitar tones and occasional horn or string section. I keep coming back to this record, however, for the sentiments and lyrical ethos. Few times, if ever, have I heard a collection of songs encompass the emotional struggles of guilt and reconciliation. As small as the band is, information about the group is largely limited at the moment, but appearing in the notes of the bandcamp page is says, "Green Gardens are four friends who strive to bring inaccessible feelings into a shared band setting." Needless to say they nailed it.
Favorite Tracks: "This Is My Fault" ; "Akin To Sap" ; "A Cradling"
- Will Lewis
Dana and Alden – Quiet Music For Young People
Dana and Alden are reimagining jazz for a new generation. The duo, along with some other jazz musicians, create a new jazz sound with indie tendencies. They started their journey in 2021 with a steady release of singles before debuting their first EP, Brothers. Their first album, Quiet Music For Young People, released on August 4th. The album started getting buzz as their song “Let’s Go to Trader Joe’s” went viral on TikTok. The album is exactly what you would expect from the title. Songs like “Glock” and “Stanley” are somber and the perfect music for winding down. Dana uses his unique voice to sing on “Fried Banana Girl” and the aforementioned “Let’s Go to Trader Joe’s.” Cinya Khan duets Dana on that song and has backing vocals on “Baja.” There are some more bombastic tracks, like “It Moves Like a Snake” and “Umi Goes to the Garden”, the latter which uses some synths. It all comes together in the album’s final song, “Dragonfly.” The track starts off slow and quiet before erupting into a triumphant and peaceful end. The album has a great vibe and Dana and Alden do a great job at making each song sound different. It’s a quick listen with 11 songs over 35 minutes. A perfect album to throw on while studying, writing a paper, or cooking dinner.
Favorite Tracks: “Dragonfly” ; “When We Met” ; “Let’s Go to Trader Joe’s” ; “It Moves Like a Snake” ; “Baja”
- Logan Hurston
