Get it? Because they’re pandas! Also, the music is incredible. I know what I’ll be listening to going into the weekend, but what about you?
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Apostille – Choose Life
The solo electro project of Michael Kasparis is an interesting mix of emo, ’80s minimal wave, and straight up dark pop. The lyrics are a huge stand out on this one. Very self-reflective and touching on so many levels.
Favorite tracks: “Feel Bad” & “Choose Life”
Snail Mail – Lush
This is the dreamy full-length singer/songwriter debut for Lindsey Jordan, but it’s years ahead in terms of quality. It’s confessional, it’s guitar focused, and it’s easy to love while at the same time being heart-breaking.
Favorite tracks: “Let’s Find An Out” & “Stick”
Howlin Rain – The Alligator Bride
If you’re looking for another album like their last from 2015, back away slowly. This isn’t it. But if you’re looking for some bluesy swamp water rock ‘n’ roll, full of electric guitars and foot-stompin’ tunes, you have arrived. It’s also got some slow jams that’ll bring a good time from start to finish.
Favorite tracks: “Missouri” & “Coming Down”
Claptone – Fantast
Wow. With thirteen tracks and eleven artists, this is a beast of an album with enough variation to make anyone happy. It’s poppy, it’s danceable, and it’s jam-packed with talent. What more could you ask for?
Favorite tracks: “A Waiting Game” & “Animal”
Tomb Mold – Manor of Infinite Forms
If you’re looking for some new death metal, this is what you want to put on. It’s heavy as you can get, dark as you can imagine, and the lead singer has a growl that comes directly out of the depths of hell.
Favorite tracks: “Chamber of Sacred Oootheca” & “Blood Mirror”
Dance Gavin Dance – Artificial Selection
Favorite album of the week goes to these guys. It’s an incredible mix from the most abrasive screaming to the sweetest vocals you can get across almost an hour of tunes. And don’t get me started on the musicianship, it’s on another level. This will take me into the weekend and beyond.
Favorite tracks: “Care” & “Shelf Life”
Kiefer – Happysad
Mmm… this is the new age of jazzy/R&B electro piano, and, if you’re looking for some tracks to just chill out to, this feels so right. No lyrics are needed to make this one hit you in the feels either, happy AND sad.
Favorite tracks: “What a Day” & “Socially Awkward”
Kadhja Bonet – Childqueen
The second album from Bonet, with a sound fusing string, synths, and spacey funk that’s out of this world. You can’t help but bob your head to tracks that feel effortless yet insanely complex.
Favorite tracks: “Wings” & “Mother Maybe”
Zeal & Ardor – Stranger Fruit
If death metal, ’90s grunge, blues, and electronic music somehow got together and had a musical love child, it would be this album. It’s hard to describe without using the word eclectic. It’s dark, it’s scary, but at times, it’s almost poppy. Incredible mix.
Favorite tracks: “Row Row” & “You Ain’t Coming Back”
BONUS EP! The Get Up Kids – Kicker
It’s four songs, thirteen minutes, and exactly what I was looking for. The production quality has gone up since their last album in 2011, but nothing’s changed with their emo/punk mastery. I only wish there were more than four tracks.
Favorite track: “My Own Reflection”
See you in a week!
