The Cost of Our Future According to Absolutely Free
I would like to use this space to rectify the blurb I wrote about Costa Rican musician and producer Jorge Elbrecht when I gushed over No Joy’s Motherhood last year. The passage where I intended to give him his due feels now like I was trying desperately to sound aloof, not wanting to admit that this person actually has a ton of clout beyond his … Continue reading The Cost of Our Future According to Absolutely Free
Mega Ran is Balling
Whatever happened to Elizabeth Warren’s favorite HBO half-hour dramedy, Ballers? Just kidding, a quick Google reveals that it was canceled unceremoniously in 2020, leaving a respectable legacy of five seasons. The title of the show is a double-entendre, of course, literally referring to the fact that the characters are or interact with athletes, and in a more colloquial sense, that they are absolute fucking powerhouses. … Continue reading Mega Ran is Balling
Freezing Time on Losing Light
Oh, the irony of my writing this on the first day of Daylight Saving Time. Back in November, to coincide with the autumn time change, The Antlers released Losing Light, a four-track sister EP to their 2021 full-length, Green to Gold. The LP came out nearly a year ago, but represented much more to the Brooklyn duo than simply a shift of the clocks. It … Continue reading Freezing Time on Losing Light
Lomond Campbell Employs the Whims of the Machine
How much can intention affect an outcome? No, I am not speaking philosophically, though I’m sure there are plenty of term papers written on the dilemma. Rather, I am referring to the miracle that is LŪP by Lomond Campbell. Obviously the music does not happen spontaneously, but how it behaves is dependent, not upon the accuracy of an instrument and its player, but rather the … Continue reading Lomond Campbell Employs the Whims of the Machine
Tama Gucci is on the Cusp of Everything
As a music journalist, I’ve perpetually disappointed friends by not knowing who is the Next Big Thing. I don’t even know what the “in” genres are anymore, though I know from countless essays that hyperpop is having a moment in the limelight. The concept is a style I’ve been fascinated by for ages, but never had a word for. The movement that began with arrhythmic, … Continue reading Tama Gucci is on the Cusp of Everything
Glass Gallery, Ideal for Projection
We open on a pastel, multi-color fortress. The sea buffets its stone foundation from the west, while a forest shrouds the eastern entrance. The structure itself is entirely glass with not a blemish on any part of its façade, glowing from within to give the illusion of color on every translucent wall. From the wrong angle, the fortress may appear invisible, and with poor lighting, … Continue reading Glass Gallery, Ideal for Projection
Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 2)
Alice Phoebe Lou – Glow The first of two records released by Alice Phoebe Lou in 2021, Glow is filled with yearning. The South African artist discusses matters of the heart among cool, sparse soft rock. Vocals on the title track have a sassy lilt that embraces the guitar progression, all of which amounts to Lou’s brand of psych rock. There is much beauty in simplicity, … Continue reading Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 2)
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos & Spooky Season with “La Maldita Bruja” by Nancy Sanchez
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. It’s spooky season, and while you prepare an elaborate Halloween costume, give a listen to the haunting melodies of Nancy Sanchez. The LA-via-Mexico singer/songwriter is known for her rich blend of musical styles, culminating in a genre which she has coined Mexican-American art pop. Her latest single is more a dirge compared to her notable high tempo tracks, and it … Continue reading Celebrate Dia de los Muertos & Spooky Season with “La Maldita Bruja” by Nancy Sanchez
Ambar Lucid Reveals More of Herself in ‘Mixto’ X Spotify Singles
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Everyone is falling in line behind the passionate artistry of Ambar Lucid. With support from YouTube Music, television syncs, and the folks who sold out her forthcoming Troubadour show, her star is just beginning to shine at maximum lumens. The Mexican-Dominican musician released Get Lost in the Music EP earlier this year and, more recently, has revealed two exclusive singles … Continue reading Ambar Lucid Reveals More of Herself in ‘Mixto’ X Spotify Singles
Will Jay Loses His Sense of Time and Self in Bright Indie Single “Was It Even Real?”
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Will Jay is not the only one who has lost track of time. Since 2019 still feels like “last year,” Will Jay must be riding high from the release of his debut album which came out last summer. Perfectionist indicated a new direction for the local artist’s career, one that is paved with happy and innovative indie pop. Now he … Continue reading Will Jay Loses His Sense of Time and Self in Bright Indie Single “Was It Even Real?”
Sawdust & Gin 