So much rain this month. Insert a quip about a parade here. But for every inch of rain we seemingly endured here in the Capital Region, we were also gifted a stunning song from a local artist. The proof is below, serving as a great soundtrack while we wait for sunnier days.
Reviews by TJ Foster
Julia Alsarraf - “Anti-Narcissist Anthem”
A little something different here from Julia Alsarraf, in the form of a fierce, pop-punk tinged takedown. "Does it bother you that I don't kiss up to you like everyone else does?" has lived rent-free in my head since the beginning of the month when this track was released. Honestly? It's a hit and I hope to hear more in this vein from Julia soon.
Gozer - “Sun Seeker”
The latest single from local hard-rockers Gozer chugs along at a moderate pace and effective dynamics. Most enjoyably, it features dual vocalists complementing each other perfectly. There's even a whispered refrain in there if you really want to travel back in time to the late '90s---impressive work, gents.
Drank the Gold - “The Song of Wandering Aengus”
Impeccable harmonies as always from the Celtic folk duo Drank the Gold, and that fiddle is just pure serenity. Some additional fun context: this song is an interpretation of a W.B. Yeats poem. 10/10, no notes.
Camtron5000 - “I’m Sorry”
Cam is next level; anyone who saw his performance at this year's Eddie's Awards knows this. "I'm Sorry" once again showcases his immaculate flow and his ability to turn a phrase with some pretty hilarious lyrics as well.
Boss Crowley - “Red Dog Rock”
I love a well-placed harmonica. "Red Dog Rock" kicks off with this very thing, paving the way for a fun, loose folk-rock bop. There's even a goddamn vibraslap -- what more could you want?
Vatalune - “Funtimez”
For something a little different, give Vatalune's latest a gander. "Funtimez" is an instrumental slice of electronic music that belongs in a video game. Fans of the genre should have a lot of fun with this one... which I assume is the intent, based on the title.
Millington - “Fade Out”
Millington is doing the ska lord's work with every new single they release. "Fade Out" is no exception, a catchy-as-hell romp that takes me back to summers in my teenage years, trekking up to the closest Warped Tour date possible, friends and burned demo CDs in tow. Now we just need some nice weather to match.
B. Austin - “Empire”
Well-produced seems like an understatement here; B. Austin's latest single makes the case for our local hip hop scene in just over two minutes. Not to mention, he barely takes a breath while doing it. "Empire" is a must-add to your summer playlists.
Ab The Audicrat, The Bad Seed, Shyste Chronkye, Xkwisit, Mista Pigz - “Acropolis”
So much good hip-hop this month. A who's-who of local artists team up on the Ab The Audicrat-produced "Acropolis" which took me back to discovering the genre in middle school, swapping CDs on the bus ride to school. Great, now I feel old.
Service Industry - “better visit”
I've yet to hear Service Industry, but with "better visit" I'm instantly a fan. Feels like listening to early Front Bottoms. Looking forward to seeing this emo-adjacent band make their mark on the local scene -- with songs like this, they're well-poised to.
Girl Love - “Midwest Sweetheart (Live)”
Anyone who's ever been to a LUNA Series performance at Mount Ida Preservation Hall knows the natural reverb is something magical. This is captured wonderfully on "Midwest Sweetheart", one of a handful of songs Girl Love recorded during her session earlier this year. Live recordings are always special, offering an intimate, unaltered window into a song you don't often find on more fleshed out studio recordings. Truly lovely performance here.