The Power of Rocks shows a band that is willing to create whatever they want regardless of whatever is popular. All the pop sensibilities are there, and they are there in spades, but the band decides to take these sensibilities to create music with a bounce in their step, and it infects the listener to have the same sort of bounce.
More Than Anything, the trio’s latest EP, is in line with their previous releases, but this time around, they keep the songs shorter, sweeter, and embedded with a tried-and-true, upbeat indie energy. Theo Hartlett’s vocals and songwriting may be what’s most remarkable here, as there’s a natural progression in his approach that entices.
Their much-anticipated return overcomes impossible standards by doubling down on a new sound. Dream Weapon, Genghis Tron’s third LP, exceeds any expectations set by the furious strength of their 2008 release.. Much of this is due to the introduction of drummer Nick Yacyshyn and new vocalist Tony Wolski.
Casual Use is brimming with musical references to soft-rock antiheroes, which sounds like a hilarious oxymoron—Montague is obviously in thrall to artists like Andrew Gold, Randy Newman, and, of course, his personal idol, Harry Nilsson. Casual Use also proves that, in the right hands, ornate, hi-fi pop rock can still sound novel
Drawing you in is the little moments, where ambient music shines. Maybe it’s the way one note is sustained and lingers in the air; maybe it could be the hint of cello and viola that is interdependent through the record. All that matters is that the music maintains a spell over you, rendering the outside world nonexistent for a little while.
The howl of an air-raid siren introduces Stockholm’s Spelljammer on their fourth release, Abyssal Trip, as guitars land like paratroopers and the album’s lumbering first riff begins to take shape. When the drums finally fall into place, we’re off into the sludge on a path well trodden by bands like Sleep and Windhand.
Postponed due to the pandemic, these songs were recorded in April 2020 before anyone could have known of its importance in DOOM’s catalogue. This isn’t some mish-mash of left-over verses stitched together in a cash grab, this is one of the last things he got to work on. It’s good, light-hearted fun between friends.
Beyond the skyline, across the galaxy, a fermented sun sets on Omeed & The Natural Scene's Pickled Dawn. An album of abstract and cataclysmic beauty, looming heavily on the horizon, one need only reflect on themselves before entering. Forests, flora, fauna, songs of rock and stone, oceanic wonder - humans.
Head of the Household ultimately feels like a feast of free jazz horns, no wave spunk and stylish semantics. Much like a Michelin-starred chef, Carlberg leads a brigade of highly skilled artists down their superbly sequenced path to perfection. The resulting product feels just as indebted to tradition as it is to Carlberg’s vision.
This split from Algae Dust and Hennen, otherwise known as Alison Setili (Frankie Valet) and Hannah Rainey (Shady Bug), respectively, shows off a different side from both of these St. Louis artists. The songs are full of haunting and sprightly bedroom pop that will find wide appeal from its two rather distinct offerings and stylistic differences.
Sharkula connects again with Max Allison’s ever-glitched Mukqs moniker for Take Caution On The Beach, the most lurid and fruitful Sharkula collaboration yet. Wharton’s meandering verses wallow and wedge into Allison’s rhythmic nooks and cornerless crannies, the fluid beats mirroring the MC’s signature, hot-off-the-cuff delivery.
Partnering with American Dreams, Rousay’s latest, a softer focus, is a subtle new leaf. All the usual elements of her previous recordings are still here, albeit with greater spaciousness; Rousay’s partnership with a handful of chamber collaborators are a key element in that, imparting her songs their own dusk-tinged shadows.
On Sour Widows’ second LP, Crossing Over, there is a departure from the alt pop-infused sound of their debut, instead deriving their power from a place of sheer tenderness and meditation. Despite being recorded remotely due to the pandemic, the Bay Area trio has managed to create a harmonious and expansive atmosphere.
