Authors: Allison Shephard
Reviews: Small Black – Real People EP
Imaginative, youthful and perfectly synthesized, Small Black gives us a shining example of how the chillwave and lo-fi genres are supposed to sound. While Real People offers us only a small taste of their delightfully nostalgic romance, it’s dense enough that you can keep listening to it and find something new each time. … read more
Reviews: Porcelain Raft – Permanent Signal
On the surface, Porcelain Raft may not seem like much, but this one-man act manages to combine solemn ambiance with high-pitched vocals in a manner that is anything but generic. … read more
Reviews: Sleeping States/Holopaw – Split 12
In celebration of LGBT Pride Month, Bristol’s Sleeping States and Florida’s Holopaw—both of which feature openly gay frontmen—collaborated to create this 12’’ split, which is actually two EPs rolled into one. Side A consists of Sleeping States’ Old vs. New, which is a collection of their older songs that have been revamped for a modern context. … read more
Reviews: Lovers – A Friend in the World
It’s been a while since I’ve heard an album with this kind of superior lyrical quality. Backed by electro-pop instrumentation while fusing themes of love, intimacy and a dash of feminism, A Friend in the World is truly a rare find. … read more
Review: Zola Jesus – Taiga
Zola Jesus = Sia x Chelsea Wolfe + Austra / Rihanna … read more
Review: Yelle – Complètement Fou
Yelle = Uffie x La Roux + Little Boots … read more
Review: Young Ejecta – The Planet
Young Ejecta = Neon Indian x Porcelain Raft + I Break Horses … read more
Review: Via Tania – Via Tania and the Tomorrow Music...
Via Tania = Mazzy Star x Frou Frou … read more
Review: William Fitzsimmons – Lions
Musically minimal and delicate, juxtaposed with dense lyrics, William Fitzsimmons manages to create an album that is both contemplative and intense without being dull or impenetrable. It is clean without being overproduced, emotional without being cliché and is personal while still being relatable. … read more
Review: Twin Forks – Self-Titled
Twin Forks = Dashboard Confessional + Mighty Oaks … read more