Alternative/indie/pop-rock trailblazer Liz Phair has returned with her first album of new material since 2010. And it was worth the wait, as these songs shine and deliver fans a “dose” of classic Phair: specific and sincere songwriting on a variety … Continued
June is here. Compared to last summer, there seems to be child like wonder attached to this one. The excitement of reconnecting with friends, going to see live music, or just socializing in general after a year of isolation has … Continued
Sunny, funky, good-time rock just in time for the summer. Enjoyable flow both in the sung and spoken verses, with lyrics detailing the varieties of ways to turn up, all with a healthy dose of self-empowerment. The tracks move along … Continued
There’s a warmth, there’s a relaxing vibe. The vocals and backing vocals are well constructed, creating a welcoming ambience. Stylistic cues come from the best of Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, but the sound feels more at home in a … Continued
“Life is about expanding and contracting. Every experience has a lesson, and every breath is a gift.” Ashlee Alpha Shrimp mediates in a whimsical and philosophical way. Is this daydreaming, is this a therapy session, or is this an improv … Continued
The Godawful Small Affairs are one of my favorite Chicago bands, and this release offers two more great songs. The first time I saw them play, it reminded me of the first time I saw Beach Bunny. A few dozen … Continued
There’s a lot going on here. Maybe this is an experimental goth-punk album? Maybe it’s a weird electro trip that detoured into the decent parts of numetal. No Longer Human starts with a nice bass line and a vibe reminiscent … Continued
As the title suggests, this really is an album for the heart. In the space of ten minutes, Kara Jackson takes you on a ride through the ups and downs of love in four affecting tracks. The instrumentals here consist … Continued
Sometimes I find it difficult to write about music I really like. This is one such case. The songs here shine lyrically, speaking to a myriad of experiences relating to coming of age and everything that entails. Style-wise there is … Continued
This is a dang good downer. The newish release from Able Baker features 5 pleasantly sad songs that mix together aspects of slow-core, emo, and aughts indie rock. Characteristics of Superchunk show up, as well as a similarity to VoirVoir … Continued