Graphic by Chris Jang
By Matt Reinstein
Managing Editor of Arts
It’s time for another list. So far, I’ve lived to my promise of putting out an article about great music every two months. As I said before, however, I may not be so dependable in the future. These articles are fun for me, nonetheless.
Sure, I may say that the purpose of these articles is to alleviate the pain of the dreaded “dry music spell” I know many of you have experienced, but that would be a lie. In all honesty, I write these articles not because I actually care about you; rather, it’s because I care about my opinion too much and have an unnecessary desire for people to read it.
Anyway, here are some musical projects that have come out in the past months that I have enjoyed quite a bit and recommend. Both of the lists are in alphabetical order. Enjoy.
5 Great Albums (This time it’s 4)
“Dogrel” by Fontaines D.C.
These Irish punks crank it on their debut. They get loud and they stay loud, shouting their names for everyone to hear. They imbed humor and liveliness into their songs, all the while presenting dry, brittle rage-fueled punk that sounds classic, yet resonates modernly.
“Empath” by Devin Townsend
I haven’t said this about an album I’ve spoken about on Denebola, but Devin Townsend’s “Empath” is a perfect album. Townsend’s mastercraft beauty comes from the natural strangeness pressed through the listeners ear. Empath provides a kaleidoscope of sounds, emphasizing the pep that is found within the unknown. I don’t want to say much more, because the fun of this came from the mystique.
“Gold in a Brass Age” by David Gray
David Gray pushes for a blended genre in his latest. Perhaps his delivery may be more nuanced than his previous work, as his storytelling is at times slow. Regardless, it is just as ambitious. The soulful drum loops alongside the folky melodies result in fairly stunning sound.
“Morbid Stuff” by PUP
Pop Punk group PUP tames down a little bit on their latest, allowing for catchier grooves and more tender songcraft. The band is tight, and the production is very well done. It feels more inviting than their previous work. The songs are quick and succinct, but don’t end before getting the PUP strains that I like.
10 Great Songs
“bad guy” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish benefits from a quick tempo, as her ASMR style puts me asleep if the bpm is too slow. Luckily, this track is quick, cutting edge, and spooky. It showcases Eilish at her best: restrained yet completely indulgent.
(Alternative Pop)
“Bird Box” by CupcakKe
CupcakKe is relentless. Perhaps that’s the appeal to her because her sound isn’t anything completely new. Yet her passion is nothing short of tangible on her latest. Bars on bars on bars.
(Rap)
“Heart Like a Kite” by John Paul White
From his newest LP, The Hurting Kind, this song works as an ode to dreary barroom country. It’s reassuring to hear this style revamped again, needless to say painful, as the lyrics work sorrowful magic.
(Country)
“Koruna and Lime” by Injury Reserve
The newest single from Arizona rap trio Injury Reserve works with weighty, industrial production. The cut reels with a tone of hostility and mischief from the ever-growing chemistry between Ritchie and Groggs.
(Experimental Rap)
“Planet B” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
It’s just wild-untamed. I can’t say anything else. Sheesh.
(Rock)
“Seasons” by Baroness
Georgia sludge rockers Baroness strive for even more melodic progression in their newest track. The guitars are mixed in well, and there’s even a blast beat halfway through. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform this for the first time live, too.
(Hard Rock)
“Sucker” by The Jonas Brothers
If you didn’t know you wanted a summer pop smash, then now you do. I assure you this will be one of the songs of the summer. It’s just way too damn catchy.
(Pop)
“This Life” by Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend’s newest is light, airy, but still gorgeously written and arranged. The songwriting is the group’s best and the arrangement allows for a camp that juxtaposes the creative, but tough lyrics. The light shines brightest on this one, friends.
(Alternative Rock)
“Watch the Flies” by Bibio
Stephen Wilkinson’s newest album envelops top-notch lo-fi instrumentation and an intricate blend of folk and electronic visions. No song exemplifies this pair better than this song, which plows through formulaic boundaries of each respective genre.
(Alternative Folk)
“Westward Bound” by Emily Scott Robinson
It’s pure americana at the heart, but poses as feel good folk-pop exteriorly. The versatility of this track sneaks up on you towards the end, once you truly realize the easiness of the sound, but complexity of how it makes you feel.
(Folk)
