Releases that give us whiplash
We say whiplash in the best way.
LOCAL
Fertile Crescent - You Don’t Have To Worry
The Fertile Crescent? Releasing an absolute BOP? It’s more likely than you think. With a horn section that just keeps getting bigger and better and straight-to-the-point vocals, we are utterly unsurprised by how much “You Don’t Have To Worry” grooves.
Hardwood Heart - Sail My Sins EP
Garage band meets folk meets almost punk on “Sail My Sins.” We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: there isn’t a single song that doesn’t get better when you add a banjo. Hardwood Heart is tough as nails, but don’t let the rocky exterior fool you, this EP is a sweet love letter.
ALBUMS
Lawn - Johnny
“Johnny” is what you recommend to any manic pixie dream girl when you want to look cool. Lawn follows so many different music formulas that each song is a surprise. Grinding guitar and cool East Coast energy make this album something to dance around in your Docs to.
Theo Alexander - Animadversions
We never want to hear someone say that listening to instrumental music is boring ever again. Theo Alexander takes us on a trip of self-actualization as he remasters old piano compositions that didn’t quite make the cut the first go-around, into timeless tracks.
Peter Bibby - Marge
Listening to Peter Bibby feels like being punched in the face and then kissed on the forehead less than thirty seconds later. By most definitions, “Marge” shouldn’t make sense. It’s volatile, yet comforting, with Bibby’s grinding and halting vocals and guitar paving the way for enjoyable confusion.
SINGLES
SZA - Hit Different
Just because SZA releases new music doesn’t mean you should text your ex, okay? Trust us on this one, stay in your feelings in private. SZA is one of those artists that we constantly miss, and any new release is a gift. We’re glad this lives up to the hype, melding energetic drum beats with vocal range and smooth production.
Neil Frances - Tuesday
We don’t know about y’all, but if a track can make us dance in our seat without us even realizing it, it’s a good track. “Tuesday” is fun and fresh, electronic beats driving the track while repetitive, simple vocals ground it out.
Ane Brun - Lose My Way
Are you updating your “songs to cry to” playlist? Let us add this track to it. Ane Brun’s voice is haunting. The extraordinarily simple piano backing gives all of the power to Brun’s heartbreaking lyrics. It hurts, but it’s worth it.
Assembled by music director Meghan Jonas.